Now that you’re considering investing in fruit trees, knowing when to plant cherry trees is an important first step. Next, is knowing what kind of cherry trees are good for your hardiness zone and taste preferences.

Cherry trees are a popular choice for home gardens and commercial orchards alike, thanks to their beautiful spring blossoms and the sweet or tart fruits they produce. Knowing the right time to plant cherry trees is crucial to their survival and productivity.

Next, we cover the best time to plant cherry trees by the USDA Hardiness Zone. However, the timing may also depend on the specific variety.

Planting Cherry Trees by Hardiness Zones

If you live in mid to colder climates, you may want to check out our article on cold hardy cherry trees.

Zones 2-4:

These zones represent some of the coldest regions, where winter temperatures can plummet below -50°F. Cherry trees, especially the sour varieties, are hardy, but they still need protection from the extreme cold. The optimal planting period in these zones is late spring, just after the ground thaws and the danger of frost has passed, to give the trees a full growing season before the next winter.

Zones 5-6

With minimum average temperatures between -20°F to -10°F, these zones offer a moderate climate for cherry trees. Planting can be done in early spring, as soon as the soil is workable. If you miss the spring, early fall is also acceptable, allowing the roots to establish before the ground freezes.

Zones 7-8

These zones experience milder winters, with temperatures rarely dropping below 0°F. In these regions, cherry trees can be planted in late fall or early spring. Fall planting allows the roots to develop during the winter, while spring planting should be done before bud-break.

Zones 9-10

Characterized by mild winters and hot summers, these zones are suitable for cherry varieties that require fewer chill hours. Plant in late fall or early winter when the weather is cooler, to reduce transplant shock and ensure root development before the heat of summer.

Zones 11-13

These zones face tropical to subtropical conditions. Most cherry varieties struggle here due to the lack of chill hours. However, low-chill or tropical varieties are available and can be planted during the cooler, drier season, which varies depending on the specific region’s climate.

When to Plant Cherry Trees by Zones and States

2-4: When to Plant Cherry Trees in States in Zones 2-4

Alaska	Minnesota	Montana
North Dakota	South Dakota	Wisconsin
Wyoming

The best time to plant cherry trees in these states is late spring, after the ground thaws and the threat of the last frost has passed. This timing gives the trees a full growing season to establish themselves before the harsh winter.

5-6: When to Plant Cherry Trees by States in Zones 5-6

Colorado	Connecticut	Idaho
Illinois	Indiana	Iowa
Kansas	Maine	Massachusetts
Michigan	Missouri	Nebraska
Nevada	New Hampshire	New York
Ohio	Oregon	Pennsylvania
Rhode Island	Utah	Vermont
Washington	West Virginia

The best time to plant cherry trees in these states is early spring, as soon as the soil is workable, to give them plenty of time to establish a robust root system before winter. Early fall is also an option, but the roots need time to develop before the ground freezes.

7-8: Planting Cherry Trees by States in Zones 7-8

Arkansas	Delaware	Georgia
Kentucky	Maryland	New Jersey
New Mexico	North Carolina	Oklahoma
South Carolina	Tennessee	Texas
Virginia

In these zones, cherry trees can be planted in late fall or early spring. Planting in the fall allows the tree’s roots to grow during the winter, while spring planting should occur before the buds begin to break.

You may enjoy our article about cold hardy citrus trees. We also love growing dwarf Meyer lemon trees, which we bring indoors in winter.

9-10: Planting Cherry Trees by States in Zones 9-10

Arizona	California	Florida
Louisiana	Mississippi	Alabama
Hawaii

For these warmer zones, late fall or early winter is the ideal time for planting cherry trees. This timing takes advantage of cooler weather, which eases the trees into their new environment and promotes root development before the hot summer season.

11-13: When to Plant Cherry Trees by States in Zones 11-13

Puerto Rico	U.S. Virgin Islands
Guam	American Samoa
Northern Mariana Islands

These tropical zones require special cherry varieties that can handle the heat and humidity. The best time to plant cherry trees in these states is during the cooler, drier season, which varies depending on the specific regional climate.

Local Businesses and Resources

Remember, these are general guidelines, and local climate conditions as well as type of cherry tree can significantly impact the best planting times.

Find more on popular cold hardy cherry trees here.

If you have access to a local nursery, we always favor supporting local businesses. Beyond that, they’re one of the best resources for information on growing plants and trees in your region. The other is the local agricultural extension services, who are usually glad to share whatever they can to help you.