Cherry tree pot size

Eddy_woodward

Hi

I've just bought myself my first fruit tree, it's a dwarf variety suitable for a pot. Still learning and hoping someone can help!

I have bought a large pot, that completely dwarfs the sapling currently. Is it ok to plant it straight in to such a large pot, or will I need to use smaller pots a build up to the large pot over a few years?

On searching and reading online, it seems to be that people increase pot size gradually - i.e. not plant directly in to ultimate sized pot. I don't understand why this is any different to planting in to open ground/bed?

Thanks!

BobTheGardener

One reason for gradually building-up pot sizes for trees is so that you can do a bit of root pruning/training when you pot them on.  Trees tend to naturally send roots down to the bottom of a pot which then curl around and around and this can eventually block the drainage holes.  For the same reason, if you do decide to plant it straight into the large pot, make sure the pot is raised off of the ground by an inch or so otherwise the cherry roots will soon go straight through into the ground below and, again, eventually block the drainage holes.

Eddy_woodward

Ah, that makes sense. That did always confuse me (though I've never trimmed roots when repotting... Oops!). So if I did plant straight into a big pot, would it be best if I dig it up, trim the roots and replant every couple of years? 

Thanks for your help!

BobTheGardener

No, if planting straight into the big pot then just leave it to it's own devices as digging it up will cause more harm than good.  Use a John Innes #3 compost which is a mix especially designed for permanent plantings.