{"product_id":"cherry-fruiting-gold-sock-pot","title":"Cherry, Fruiting, Gold (Sock Pot)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eTree Care:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlanting:\u003cbr\u003eChoose a full sun location that receives at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily to maximize fruit production and sugar content.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDig a hole twice the width of the root ball and to the same depth. Prefers deep, loamy, well-draining soil; cherries have zero tolerance for waterlogged roots. Ensure a compatible sweet cherry variety is planted nearby, as it requires a cross-pollinator to set fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatering:\u003cbr\u003eWater newly planted trees deeply 1–2 times a week to establish a resilient root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablished trees require moderate, regular irrigation, especially during the summer fruiting period. Provide deep, consistent soakings during extended dry spells rather than frequent, shallow watering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFertilizing:\u003cbr\u003eApply a balanced, slow-release fruit tree fertilizer or top-dress with organic compost in early spring before buds break.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid heavy nitrogen applications, which prompt rapid, weak branch growth that is highly vulnerable to disease and can reduce fruit yield.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePruning:\u003cbr\u003ePrune in late winter or early spring while dormant to shape the tree and remove dead, damaged, or crossing limbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerform light thinning in mid-to-late summer to increase airflow and sunlight penetration into the canopy, which helps keep the fruit-producing spurs healthy and dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePest and Disease Control:\u003cbr\u003eMonitor for common cherry issues such as bacterial canker, brown rot, and cherry leaf spot. Avoid heavy pruning during wet, rainy weather to reduce the risk of bacterial infection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile its unique yellow color makes it naturally less appealing to birds, watch for insect pests like aphids or cherry fruit flies and treat promptly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinter Care:\u003cbr\u003eApply a 3-inch layer of organic mulch over the root zone in late autumn to insulate the roots, ensuring the mulch stays a few inches away from the trunk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite being one of the most cold-hardy sweet cherries available, young trunks benefit from a commercial tree wrap to guard against winter sunscald and rodent damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTree Description:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAppearance:\u003cbr\u003eErupts in early spring with a stunning, fragrant display of snow-white flower clusters that coat the bare branches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowed in mid-to-late summer by heavy crops of small-to-medium, brilliant golden-yellow cherries with clear, firm flesh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFoliage:\u003cbr\u003ePointed, ovate dark green leaves form a lush, dense canopy throughout the growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFoliage transitions to a clean, bright golden-yellow color in the late autumn before dropping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShape and Growth:\u003cbr\u003eFeatures a vigorous, upright growth habit that naturally rounds out at maturity into a handsome crown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTypically matures at 12–15 feet tall and wide on common semi-dwarf rootstocks, or up to 20 feet on standard rootstocks. It is a self-incompatible variety that requires a companion pollinator tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruit Characteristics:\u003cbr\u003eProduces highly flavorful, firm, and succulent fruit with a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe unique golden-yellow skin is highly resistant to rain-induced cracking. Crucially, because birds primarily search for red fruit, they tend to leave these yellow cherries completely alone, resulting in a much higher harvest yield for the grower.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdaptability:\u003cbr\u003eCelebrated as one of the single most cold-hardy sweet cherry cultivars in existence, safely surviving extreme winter temperatures down to -30°F. Thrives across USDA Zones 4–7.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLandscape Use:\u003cbr\u003eAn exceptional double-duty tree for home orchards, large yards, and edible landscapes. Its brilliant spring blooms provide massive ornamental appeal, while its extreme cold resilience and bird-resistant fruit make it a highly rewarding, low-stress food source.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Freedom Tree Farms","offers":[{"title":"5G","offer_id":52268316000539,"sku":"C00002187","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/freedomtreefarms.com\/products\/cherry-fruiting-gold-sock-pot","provider":"Freedom Tree Farms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}