Cherry Rainier

• Rainier cherries were developed in Washington State, USA, and are a cross between Bing and Van cherry varieties. They're considered one of the finest dessert cherries available.
• The fruit has creamy yellow flesh with exceptional sweetness and low acidity. The delicate skin bruises easily, making these cherries rare in supermarkets and highly valued.
• Trees typically reach 4-6 metres tall and require a polliniser variety nearby for successful fruit set. Suitable pollinisers include Bing, Stella, or other sweet cherry varieties.
• Loved for their beautiful spring blossoms, delicious fruit, and the satisfaction of growing premium cherries at home. The harvest season is relatively short but intensely rewarding.

• Water deeply once or twice weekly during fruit development and warmer months, reducing in winter. Check soil moisture 10cm down before watering.
• Position in full sun with protection from strong winds which can damage blossoms and developing fruit. Northern or eastern aspects work well in most Australian gardens.
• Plant in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil enriched with compost and aged manure. Poor drainage can lead to root diseases and tree decline.
• Feed with a complete fruit tree fertiliser in early spring as buds break and again after harvest. Supplement with potassium during fruiting for better fruit quality.
• Prune in late winter to early spring before bud break, creating an open centre for light penetration. Summer pruning can help manage size and improve fruit exposure.
• Thin fruit when cherry-sized to about 7-10cm apart for larger, sweeter cherries. This prevents branch breakage and improves overall fruit quality.
• Net trees before fruit begins to colour to protect from birds. Monitor for pests and diseases throughout the growing season, especially in humid conditions.

• Plant in full sun for best fruit production and flavour development. Rainier cherries need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Water deeply and regularly during fruit development but avoid overwatering which can cause fruit splitting. Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture.
• Requires winter chill hours to set fruit properly, making it suitable for cooler Australian regions. Check your area's chill hours before planting.
• Prune in late winter to maintain an open vase shape for good air circulation. Remove crossing branches and thin fruiting wood to improve fruit size.
• Feed with a balanced fruit tree fertiliser in early spring and again after harvest. Avoid high nitrogen feeds which promote leafy growth over fruiting.

• Birds are highly attracted to the sweet fruit and can strip a tree in hours. Use bird netting before fruit ripens to protect your harvest.
• Aphids and fruit fly can be problematic during the growing season. Monitor regularly and use organic sprays or exclusion bags for fruit fly protection.
• Fungal diseases like brown rot can affect fruit and blossoms in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and remove affected fruit promptly.
• Cherry slug (pear and cherry sawfly larvae) can skeletonise leaves in summer. Hand pick or use appropriate organic controls when spotted.