{"product_id":"cherry-fruiting-meteor-sock-pot","title":"Cherry, Fruiting, Meteor (Sock Pot)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eTree Care:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlanting:\u003cbr\u003eLocation: Thrives in full sun with well-draining soil. It is more tolerant of different soil types than sweet cherries but still requires good drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProcess: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Since it is a dwarf variety, it is perfect for large containers or tight garden spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatering:\u003cbr\u003eEarly Growth: Keep the soil consistently moist for the first year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruiting: Sour cherries like 'Meteor' have a high water content. Ensure the tree gets deep soakings during the summer to prevent the fruit from shriveling before it ripens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFertilizing:\u003cbr\u003eTiming: Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring before new growth starts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDosage: Be careful not to over-fertilize young trees; a light touch is better to avoid burning the shallow root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePruning:\u003cbr\u003eMethod: Use the \"Open Center\" method. Sour cherries fruit on one-year-old wood, so keeping the canopy thin allows sunlight to stimulate new growth for next year's crop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTiming: Prune in late winter while the tree is dormant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePest and Disease Control:\u003cbr\u003eResistance: 'Meteor' is notably resistant to leaf spot, a common fungal issue for cherries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWildlife: Like all cherries, birds will be your biggest competition. Since the tree is small, it is very easy to cover with bird netting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinter Care:\u003cbr\u003eHardiness: This tree is a \"polar bear\"—it is extremely cold-hardy (down to Zone 4).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMulching: Apply a thick layer of wood chips around the base in late fall to regulate soil temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTree Description:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAppearance:\u003cbr\u003eFlowers: Masses of small, bright white flowers appear in mid-to-late spring, usually late enough to avoid most frost damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruit: Large, bright red, glowing fruit that hangs in heavy clusters. The juice inside is clear, which is a hallmark of the \"Amarelle\" type sour cherry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFoliage:\u003cbr\u003eLeaves: Finely serrated, dark green leaves that are slightly smaller and more delicate-looking than those of sweet cherry trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShape and Growth:\u003cbr\u003eHabit: A genetic dwarf with an upright, compact, and rounded crown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: Stays naturally small, usually reaching only 10–14 feet at maturity, making harvest a breeze without a ladder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSelf-Fertility: It is 100% self-fertile; you only need one tree to get a full crop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruit Characteristics:\u003cbr\u003eFlavor: Tart and acidic when eaten fresh, but it develops a rich, complex sweetness when cooked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsage: Widely considered the gold standard for cherry pies, preserves, and juices. The pits are relatively small, giving you more \"meat\" per cherry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdaptability:\u003cbr\u003eClimate: Specifically designed for the Upper Midwest and Northern climates, though it performs well anywhere that meets its 800+ chill hour requirement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLandscape Use:\u003cbr\u003eVersatility: Because of its small stature and beautiful spring bloom, it works perfectly as a border tree, a patio specimen, or even a hedge. It provides the beauty of an ornamental cherry with the bonus of a massive harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Freedom Tree Farms","offers":[{"title":"5G","offer_id":52264617771291,"sku":"C00001094","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/freedomtreefarms.com\/products\/cherry-fruiting-meteor-sock-pot","provider":"Freedom Tree Farms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}