Cherry Trees in France: One-Hectare Plot Establishment and Work Schedule

Quick read / The essentials about cherry trees (Planting and managing a 1 hectare plot)

Establishing a cherry tree plot requires careful soil preparation, strategic variety selection, and rigorous pollination management. Before planting, a soil analysis is essential to adjust its pH (ideally between 6.5 and 7.5) and identify amendment needs. Deep plowing followed by the addition of composted manure helps optimize soil structure. Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry tree plants , offers plants selected for successful planting and optimized production.

Buying cherry plants also involves taking into account the planting density , which varies depending on the rootstock chosen: between 400 and 800 trees/ha with a spacing of 5 to 6 meters between rows and 3 to 4 meters within the row. Cross-pollination is necessary for certain varieties such as Cœur de Pigeon , which must be associated with compatible pollinators such as Burlat, Napoléon or Van. As a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants , we advise you on the best varietal combinations to ensure abundant and regular production.

Installing a drip irrigation system is highly recommended to ensure precise and efficient water delivery. Installing bird netting before harvest and monitoring plant health are essential to limit losses. Purchasing cherry plants from a specialist guarantees optimal plant quality and personalized support, from variety selection to full production.


Typical Planting for a One Hectare Cherry Tree Plot in France

Successful planting requires careful attention to soil preparation, drainage, planting density, and pollination. Here's a step-by-step approach:

1. Soil analysis

  • Perform a complete soil analysis to determine the pH (ideally between 6.5 and 7.5).

2. Soil work

  • Carry out deep plowing to loosen the soil.

3. Amendment

  • Adding organic matter: Use composted manure.

4. Drainage

  • Ensure good soil drainage.

5. Planting

  • Planting density: 400 to 800 trees/ha depending on the rootstock.
  • Spacing: 5-6 m between rows, 3-4 m in the row.
  • Install a drip irrigation system.

6. Pollinators

  • Cross-pollination: Necessary for the Pigeon Heart Cherry tree. It should be planted near compatible varieties such as Burlat, Napoleon, Hedelfingen, or Van.
  • Schneider's Late Cherry: Non-sterile, it can produce cherries on its own, but better production is obtained by placing it alongside another pollinating cherry, such as Napoleon or Early Rivers.


10-Year Work Schedule for a Cherry Tree Plot

Here is a detailed technical calendar of the work to be carried out year by year for the professional cultivation of cherry trees in France.

Note: Exact dates and quantities may vary depending on region, local climate conditions, varieties grown, and specific farm practices.


Year 0 (Preparation and planting)

Autumn

  • Soil analysis and amendments if necessary (ideal pH between 6.5 and 7.5).

November-February

  • Planting trees (outside of frost periods).
  • Planting density: 400 to 800 trees/ha depending on the rootstock.
  • Spacing: 5-6 m between rows, 3-4 m in the row.
  • Installation of the irrigation system (drip recommended).


Year 1

March

  • Formative pruning (removal of low branches, selection of 3-4 main branches).

April-August

  • Regular watering (30-50 L/tree/week).

May-July

  • Mechanical or chemical weeding (1 m strip on each side of the row).

August

  • Fertilization (20-30 g of nitrogen/tree).
  • Apply organic mulch (straw, wood chips) in a radius of 50-60 cm around the trunk, with a thickness of 10-15 cm.


Year 2

FEBRUARY

  • Formative pruning (thinning out the center, shortening the framework by 1/3).

March-August

  • Watering (50-70 L/tree/week).

May-July

  • Weeding.

August

  • Fertilization (40-50 g of nitrogen/tree).
  • Renew the organic mulch over a radius of 80-100 cm, with a thickness of 15-20 cm.


Year 3

FEBRUARY

  • Light fruiting size.

March-August

  • Watering (70-100 L/tree/week).

May

  • First harvest possible (1-2 kg/tree).

August

  • Fertilization (60-80 g of nitrogen/tree).
  • Sow green manure between the rows to compete with weeds.


Year 4

FEBRUARY

  • Fruiting size.

March-August

  • Watering (100-150 L/tree/week).

May-June

  • Harvest (3-5 kg/tree).

August

  • Fertilization (80-100 g of nitrogen/tree).


Years 5-7

FEBRUARY

  • Fruiting size.

March-August

  • Watering (150-200 L/tree/week).

May-June

  • Harvest (gradual increase up to 15-20 kg/tree).

August

  • Fertilization (100-150 g of nitrogen/tree).
  • Apply a pre-emergence herbicide registered for cherry trees within 1.5 m of the trunk.


Years 8 and later (full production)

FEBRUARY

  • Fruiting and renewal pruning.

March-August

  • Watering (200-250 L/tree/week).

May-June

  • Harvest (20-50 kg/tree depending on the variety).

August

  • Fertilization (150-200 g of nitrogen/tree).
  • Mow or mulch the grass between the rows 2-3 times during the season.


Annual recurring operations

  • Winter treatment with Bordeaux mixture (3-4 kg/hL) in February.
  • Phytosanitary treatments according to production specifications.
  • Monitoring of pests (cherry fruit fly, Drosophila suzukii) and diseases (brown spot, cylindrosporiosis).
  • Installation of anti-bird netting 3-4 weeks before harvest.


Harvesting techniques

  • Hand harvesting remains widely used, particularly for cherries intended for the fresh market.
  • Mechanical harvesting is increasingly adopted, particularly for large farms and cherries intended for processing.


Additional Advice

Weed management

  • Apply organic mulch (straw, wood chips) in a radius of 50-60 cm around the trunk.

Trellising

  • Training allows you to control the height and shape of trees.

Climate

  • The Pigeon Heart Cherry tree is able to withstand winter temperatures down to -20°C.

Regular monitoring

  • Inspect trees regularly for signs of disease or pests.


Expected Returns

  • Sweet cherries at full production capacity can yield an average of 4 to 10 tonnes per hectare.
  • Sour cherries can produce up to 9.5 tonnes per hectare.


To summarize: planting and managing a plot of cherry trees

Successfully establishing a cherry orchard relies on thorough soil cultivation , effective drainage , appropriate fertilization , and controlled pollination . A well-thought-out planting, with optimal spacing and an efficient irrigation system, promotes good tree growth and regular production. As a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry trees , Arboriverse supports you every step of the way to ensure optimal yield.

From the first year, formative pruning is essential to structure the tree. Regular watering and mechanical weeding contribute to good root development. Pollination, a key factor for fruiting, must be ensured by combining several compatible varieties. Buying cherry plants from an expert allows you to access the best varieties adapted to French conditions and optimize yields.

From the third year, the first harvests begin, with a gradual increase in power until reaching 20 to 50 kg of cherries per tree in full production. Balanced fertilization and regular fruiting pruning help maintain stable production. Manual harvesting remains the norm for the fresh market, while large farms can opt for mechanical harvesting . As a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants , Arboriverse guarantees you robust plants adapted to your production objectives, with professional support to maximize the profitability of your orchard.