Soil — How to Grow
Sweet cherries are vigorous trees on standard rootstocks — choose Gisela 5 (dwarfing) for smaller gardens. Many varieties need a pollinator; 'Stella' and 'Sunburst' are self-fertile. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Net with fine mesh to protect the crop from birds — this is the single most important task. Acid cherries (Morello) will fruit in partial shade and are excellent fan-trained on a north-facing wall. Prune in summer to reduce disease risk.
Space plants 400cm apart
Watch Out For
Companion Planting
Grows well with
Garlic
Regional Growing Guides
Uk
Sow
Nov, Dec
Harvest
Jun, Jul
Smoke — In the Kitchen
Cherries offer a vibrant burst of flavour that balances sweetness with a hint of tartness. When grilled or cooked over fire, their natural sugars caramelise beautifully, adding depth and a subtle smoky undertone that elevates their fresh, juicy character. This transformation makes cherries a versatile ingredient in BBQ cooking, whether incorporated into glazes, chutneys, or served alongside rich meats and cheeses to cut through fattiness with a touch of brightness. In terms of handling, cherries hold up well to gentle heat but can become soft quickly if overcooked. For best results, grill them briefly on a medium-hot grate or skewer them to prevent them from falling through. Their skins add a slight chewiness that contrasts nicely with the tender flesh inside. When buying cherries, look for firm, plump fruit with a deep colour and intact stems. Avoid any that are bruised or overly soft as these will not fare well on the BBQ. Storage is straightforward: keep cherries refrigerated in a breathable container and consume within a few days for optimal freshness. Washing them only before use helps prevent premature spoilage. If you have an abundance, cherries can be frozen whole or pitted for later use in sauces or desserts. Their season in the UK is short but well worth the wait, bringing a fresh, seasonal element to your fire-cooked dishes.
Prep
Remove stones before cooking in parcels. Leave whole for charring on skewers.
Cook
Foil parcel or cast iron pan over direct heat: 5–8 minutes until burst. Cherries intensify dramatically with heat. Brilliant warm over pork, duck, and blue cheese. On skewers: direct heat 2–3 minutes until blistered.
On the Grill
Cherry wood is one of the great BBQ smoking woods — sweet, fruity, and producing the iconic deep red-mahogany smoke ring in pork and beef. Cherry wood chunks added to charcoal are a classic for ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. Fresh cherries can also be grilled: halved, stone removed, cooked on a cast iron pan until caramelised — serve alongside duck, venison, or pork belly.
