Romeo cherry tree likely doesn’t need fertilizer

Original article BY GERALD FILIPSKI, EDMONTONJOURNAL.COM JULY 16, 2012

Forwarded with a note by Kevin Irvin: For what it is worth, please do remember these are considered ‘trial’ her,e and our South Central temp swings can wreak havoc on plants. It is exciting to trial new fruits though isn’t it?


Unlike many cherry trees, the Romeo is hardy enough to withstand our [Edmonton] cold winters, and shouldn’t even need fertilizer.

Photograph by: Supplied , edmontonjournal.com

Q: I’m writing regarding a hardy Romeo cherry tree (Prunus x Kerrasis) my mother purchased this spring. What type of fertilizer is best to use and when should it be applied? What is the best method of protecting it over the winter?

A: In 2004, the University of Saskatchewan Romance series of dwarf sour cherries was made available to the public. The series included Juliet, Romeo, Cupid and Crimson Passion. Romeo cherries are excellent for fresh eating as well as for canning. They are one of the best for making juice. They grow moderately, making them easy to contain with few suckers.

These dwarf sour cherries were bred in Zone 2b to survive temperatures in the -40C range, so winter protection is not really needed. If the cherry is in an area exposed to winter winds, you might erect a burlap screen in front of it to offer protection while it is young.

Water the tree well for the first three years until established. Fertilizer is probably not needed — the U of S warns that these trees should not be fertilized unless a soil test indicates a deficiency. Adding compost when planting or using compost or manure tea will work well. Compost or manure tea is made by adding compost to water and allowing it to steep until the water colours. Use the tea to water any and all of your plants.