Cherries are a good addition to deserts because they’re sweet and juicy. They can also be used in a variety of products such as jams, juices, tarts, and more. There are different varieties of cherries available around the world, among them the Surinam cherry.
Surinam cherries (Eugenia uniflora) are native to South America, from Guyana to southern Brazil and northern Uruguay. It was introduced to Bermuda as a garden tree because it produces edible fruit.
The fruits have a sweet-tart, acidic flavor with some hints of mild, earthy, and subtly bitter nuances.
A retired couple grows the cherry variety among other fruits on their farm in Bataan. Racquelita and Romeo Rabino, who used to work as bank managers and sailors and are now retired, started farming after moving to Bataan for Racquelita’s job. They became interested in farming as their retirement plan. But instead of waiting to retire, they slowly got involved in farming until it became a permanent part of their lives.
The couple said, “During one of our plant tours in Laguna, we were served Surinam cherries, and we loved how juicy and sweet they were with the tartness of the blackberries.”
To stick to their rule of planting things they want to eat or use, they bought Surinam cherry seedlings to plant on their farm.
Surinam cherries are small fruits that are round and deeply ribbed. Its skin is thin, smooth, delicate, and glossy.
The Rabinos say that the cherry variety is easy to grow because it does well in sandy or clayey soil, which is what the soil on their farm is like.
The couple also planted the cherry tree in an area that gets enough sun exposure. It is true for all fruit trees, but Surinam cherry trees bear more fruit when they get enough sunlight.
Once the trees are established, the couple only waters them in the summer because the plants like a steady light mist of water rather than being soaked and let their soil dry out.
Fertilizers are then given every four months while insecticides are sprayed on the trees only as needed.
There is a lot of vitamin A and vitamin C in Surinam cherries. Vitamin A helps keep organs healthy, and vitamin C makes the immune system stronger. Surinam cherries are also a good source of antioxidants that protects cells against free radical damage. It also contains calcium and phosphorus that strengthen bones and teeth.
The fruits are used in Central and South America as natural medicine. Essential oils are used to make a mixture that fights a common fungus called Paracoccidioidomycosis. This fungus causes a long-lasting infection that can show up on the body in a number of different ways.
Surinam cherry tree leaves are also used on the skin or spread out on floors to keep bugs away because of their strong smell.
The Rabinos grow many different kinds of plants and fruit trees on their farm. Surinam cherries are just one example. The couple enjoys growing and harvesting different types of food on their farm because, even though they are older, it gives them purpose and satisfaction while still getting things done.
Cherries may not immediately come to mind when you think of fruits commonly grown in the Philippines However, with careful selection of variety and proper care, cherries can indeed flourish in the tropical Philippine climate. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of cultivating cherries in the Philippines
Choosing the Right Cherry Variety
The key to success is selecting a type of cherry suited to warm, humid conditions. Some cherry varieties that are recommended for growing in the Philippines include:
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Sweetheart Cherries – Known for producing abundant sweet fruit and resisting disease This heat-tolerant variety is great for beginners
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Bing Cherries – The popular Bing cherry can set fruit in high temperatures. It produces large, tasty dark red cherries.
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Lapins Cherries – Does well in tropical areas. Bears small sweet fruit with bright red skin.
Focus on self-pollinating cherry cultivars that can tolerate high heat and humidity when grown in the Philippines.
Providing the Right Growing Conditions
To thrive, cherry trees need:
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Full sun – At least 6 hours of direct sun daily, ideally morning sun.
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Well-draining soil – Cherries are prone to root rot. Choose an area with soil that drains well.
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Even moisture – Consistent watering is important, especially during dry periods. Deep water 1-2 times per week.
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Protection from wind – Wind damage can ruin developing cherry crops. Site trees in a sheltered spot.
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Proper spacing – Give trees adequate space, at least 10-15 feet between trees depending on mature size.
When planting and caring for cherry trees, be sure to provide optimal growing conditions for your variety. This gives trees their best chance at producing a successful cherry crop.
Planting Cherry Trees
Follow these steps when planting young cherry trees:
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Dig a hole 2 times as wide and deep as the root ball.
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Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve drainage and nutrients.
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Carefully place the tree in the hole, keeping the root ball level with the ground.
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Backfill the hole with amended soil, leaving 1 inch around the base.
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Water deeply after planting to settle the soil.
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Stake the tree for support if needed in windy areas.
Proper planting gives cherry trees the right start. Be sure not to plant the tree too deeply.
Caring for Cherry Trees
To keep your cherry trees healthy and productive, consistent care is key:
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Watering – Deep water young trees 1-2 times per week until established. Then provide an inch of water weekly.
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Fertilizing – Feed trees annually in early spring with a balanced organic or chemical fertilizer.
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Pruning – Prune cherry trees every winter to remove dead wood, shape the canopy, and improve airflow and light penetration.
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Pest management – Monitor for and control common cherry pests like aphids, leafhoppers, and scales.
With regular care focused on the basics, cherry trees can thrive in backyard Philippine orchards. Be diligent and patient.
Harvesting Philippine Cherries
The fun part comes when your cherry tree starts bursting with ripe fruit. Harvesting tips:
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Time it right – Pick cherries when they are fully colored and firm ripe. Leave unripe fruit to mature longer on the tree.
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Pick with care – Gently twist cherries off the stems by hand to avoid bruising. Use scissors for hard to reach fruit.
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Store properly – Refrigerate harvested cherries promptly in a vented container. Enjoy fresh within a week.
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Preserve the bounty – Consider canning, freezing, or drying excess cherries so you can savor them year-round.
With the rightGrowing cherries in the Philippines takes patience and care, but the sweet reward of harvesting your own fruit makes it worthwhile. Follow these tips, and you’ll be picking homegrown cherries in time.
How to Grow Cherries, Complete Growing Guide and Harvest
FAQ
Is cherry tree can grow in the Philippines?
Can cherries grow in the tropics?
What is the name of the cherry in the Philippines?
Can cherries grow in Asia?
Can you grow a cherry tree in the Philippines?
The Philippines has a humid, tropical climate which is ideal for growing a Cherry tree. Cherry trees require a lot of sunlight and moist soil to produce an abundance of fruit. The Philippines has the perfect climate to grow a Cherry tree and provide an ample crop of delicious, juicy cherries.
Are there cherry blossom trees in the Philippines?
The Philippines is home to many beautiful cherry blossom trees, but the Palawan cherry is one of the most special. These trees produce white and pink flowers that bloom every March to April, making them a perfect destination for a springtime getaway. In addition to its lovely beaches, Palawan is a must-see for any cherry blossom lover!
Which fruit trees grow best in the Philippines?
Apricot trees are another great type of fruit tree that will thrive in the Philippines’s humidity and heat. And for those summers that get little to no rain apricots trees will continue to grow and bear lots of apricots. Apricot trees don’t get very large. Outside of Fig Trees, they are the next smallest tree on this list.
How many cherries do cherry trees produce a year?
Cherry trees are popular fruit trees that are known for their sweet or tart fruits. These trees generally start bearing fruit in their fourth year, although dwarf trees may bear fruit a year earlier. On average, a mature, standard-size cherry tree will produce 30 to 50 quarts of cherries each year, while a dwarf tree will produce 10 to 15 quarts.
Are cherry trees hardy?
Cherries are another hardy fruit. Some varieties can be grown in cold weather and some can be grown in warmer weather. Cherries produce the largest harvest out of all the fruit trees on this list. While cherry trees don’t grow as tall as other trees they can sometimes yield up to 50 pounds of fruit in a season.
Do cherry trees need a lot of Sun?
Consider your growing climate. Cherry trees need eight hours of sun every day to produce fruit. They do best in well-drained soil with a neutral pH. Cherry trees are part of the Prunus genus like peaches, nectarines, and plums. As such, they can be grown in soil without testing for toxic residue, as any residue will not make its way into the fruit.