Regina Cherries: A Guide to Growing and Caring for These Sweet-Tart Delights
Introduction
Regina cherries are a variety of cherry tree that produces luscious, sweet-tart cherries with an attractive, bright red color. These trees were introduced to the United States from Germany in 1998 and are suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 7.
Growing Regina Cherries
- Planting: The best time to plant Regina cherry trees is in late fall or early spring. Choose a planting spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. Plant the tree in moist but well-drained soil, avoiding areas that are soggy or where water puddles after rainfall.
- Pollination: Regina cherry trees need at least two or three pollination partners nearby, and at least one should bloom around the same time. Good pollination partners include Celeste, Amber Heart, Stardust, Sunburst, Morello, and Sweetheart cherry trees.
Regina Cherry Tree Care
- Mulching: Mulch around Regina cherry trees generously to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature, which can help prevent cherry fruit split.
- Watering: Provide Regina cherry trees with about an inch of water every couple of weeks, soaking the tree deeply at the base. Avoid overwatering, as too much moisture can drown the roots.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize Regina cherry trees lightly every spring with a low-nitrogen fertilizer until the tree is mature enough to bear fruit. Once the tree is mature, fertilize annually after harvesting.
- Pruning: Prune cherry trees in late winter. Remove dead or damaged branches, as well as branches that rub or cross other branches. Thin the middle of the tree to improve air circulation and light penetration. Remove suckers as they appear by pulling them straight out of the ground, as they can rob the tree of moisture and nutrients.
Regina Cherry Harvesting
Regina cherry harvesting typically takes place in late June. The cherries store well for about five weeks.
Additional Tips
- To enhance the sweetness of Regina cherries, harvest them when they are a fully ripe shade of deep purple.
- Control weeds around Regina cherry trees to prevent competition for moisture and nutrients.
- Regina cherry trees are susceptible to pests and diseases, so it’s important to monitor them regularly and take appropriate control measures if necessary.
- With proper care, Regina cherry trees can produce abundant harvests of delicious, sweet-tart cherries for many years to come.