The Sweet Southern Cherry Tree thrives in warm, humid climates and is best suited for USDA Zones 9–11. It can tolerate brief drops in temperature but should be protected from frost. In Zones 4–8, it grows well in containers and can be brought indoors during winter months. Its fast growth, disease resistance, and long fruiting season make it a great option for tropical or subtropical gardeners, or anyone looking to grow high-vitamin C fruit at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW BIG DOES THE SWEET SOUTHERN CHERRY TREE GET?

At maturity, this tree usually reaches:
• 8 to 12 feet tall
• 6 to 10 feet wide

With regular pruning, it can be maintained as a compact shrub or patio tree. It’s well-suited to container growing if space is limited or you live in a colder climate.

HOW FAST DOES THE SWEET SOUTHERN CHERRY TREE GROW?

The Sweet Southern Cherry tree has a moderate to fast growth rate, typically growing 12–24 inches per year under ideal conditions.

Growth is fastest with:
• Full sun
• Regular watering
• Warm temperatures
• Monthly feeding during the growing season

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO PLANT THE SWEET SOUTHERN CHERRY TREE?

Choose a warm, sunny location with protection from cold and wind.

Ideal planting conditions:
• Sunlight: Full sun—at least 6–8 hours daily
• Soil: Well-draining soil; slightly acidic to neutral pH
• Spacing: Allow 8–10 feet of space from other trees or structures
• Shelter: Protect from cold drafts and strong winds
• In colder zones, plant in a large container to bring indoors during winter

IS THE SWEET SOUTHERN CHERRY TREE SELF-POLLINATING?

Yes, the Sweet Southern Cherry tree is partially self-pollinating, meaning it can produce some fruit on its own.
• However, planting a second tree nearby greatly improves pollination and leads to heavier fruit yields
• Outdoor pollinators like bees also help improve productivity

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR THE SWEET SOUTHERN CHERRY TREE TO BEAR FRUIT?

Most Sweet Southern Cherry trees start bearing fruit within 1 to 2 years after planting—often sooner if purchased as a more mature tree.
• Fruit production can occur multiple times per year, especially in warm, frost-free climates
• Blooming often happens after rainfall or consistent watering

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY SWEET SOUTHERN CHERRY TREE?

Here’s what it needs:
• Sunlight: 6–8 hours of full sun daily
• Water: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy
• Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0)
• Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season
• Pruning: Light shaping and thinning in late winter or early spring
• Protection: Sensitive to frost—bring indoors or cover when temps drop near freezing

With the right care, this tree will reward you with glossy green foliage, pink flowers, and tart-sweet fruit multiple times a year.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WATER MY SWEET SOUTHERN CHERRY TREE?

Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry.
• In-ground trees: Water deeply about once a week, more often in hot or dry weather.
• Container trees: Check soil every few days and water thoroughly when dry. Make sure the container has good drainage.

Avoid soggy soil—this tree prefers moist, well-draining soil but doesn’t tolerate standing water.

HOW COLD CAN THE SWEET SOUTHERN CHERRY TREE TOLERATE?

This tropical/subtropical tree is sensitive to cold and generally tolerates temperatures down to 30°F briefly, but suffers damage below 28°F.
• Young trees are especially vulnerable and should be protected or moved indoors during cold spells.
• In colder zones, plant in a container so it can be overwintered indoors or in a greenhouse.

WHEN SHOULD I PRUNE MY SWEET SOUTHERN CHERRY TREE?

Prune your Sweet Southern Cherry tree in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins.

Pruning tips:
• Remove dead, damaged, or weak branches
• Thin dense areas to improve airflow and sunlight exposure
• Shape lightly—this tree responds well to pruning and can be maintained as a shrub or small tree
• Avoid pruning in fall, as it may encourage new growth that’s sensitive to cold

WHY ISN'T MY SWEET SOUTHERN CHERRY TREE FRUITING?

Sweet Southern Cherry trees usually begin producing fruit within 1 to 2 years after planting, especially in warm climates.

If your tree isn’t fruiting, possible reasons include:
• Tree Age: Very young trees may need more time to mature.
• Sunlight: These trees require 6–8 hours of full sun daily to produce flowers and fruit.
• Pollination: While partially self-pollinating, having another tree nearby can significantly increase fruit yield.
• Watering Issues: Overwatering or letting the soil dry out completely can reduce flowering.
• Lack of Nutrients: Use a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy blooms and fruiting.
• Environmental Stress: Transplant shock, cold temps, or strong winds can delay fruit production temporarily.

More Details

*Shipping Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EW1diW_16Dg

Learn more about our Shipping Policy: https://simplytrees.com/policies/shipping-policy

1 Year Guarantee

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms (https://simplytrees.com/pages/1-year-guarantee). We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more: https://simplytrees.com/pages/1-year-guarantee

Shipping To California? Here's What To Know

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?