higan cherry

Higan cherries should be watered deeply and thoroughly every 5-7 days, giving the root zone of the plant a good soaking. As this is a fast-growing plant, it may need more water when growing vigorously (in summer) and less when dormant (in winter). It is important to note that the soil must be allowed to dry between waterings, as overwatering can cause stress and eventually harm the plant. If the area has been getting a lot of rain or you are frequently misting the leaves, you may not need to water as often. When water is applied, the soil should be moistened to a depth of 6-12 inches for the best results.

Higan cherry (Prunus subhirtella) prefers full sun to partial shade, with up to 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day during the growing season. During the late spring and early summer, it may require more sun to promote flowering and fruit production. It is important to be mindful of providing adequate shade to the plant during the hottest part of the day in the summertime. Tomatoes, peppers, beans, and melons will appreciate the additional sun, while more shade-tolerant crops such as lettuce and spinach may be better suited for the more shaded parts of the garden.

Higan cherry pruning should be done in early spring before the plant begins to bud. As a general rule, light pruning should be done every season to maintain the shape of the tree. Begin by removing any dead, diseased or damaged branches, then thin out branches that are crossing or growing in towards the tree's center. Also, remove any branches growing significantly lower than the rest of the canopy. When pruning, remove no more than a third of the tree's total branches and be sure not to remove all of the branches from 1 side of the tree. This is important to maintain the tree's natural balanced shape.