Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas) is a small tree or large shrub that is known for its beautiful yellow flowers in early spring and its tart, cherry-like fruit in late summer. When it comes to the speed of growth, there are a few factors to consider.
Firstly, it’s important to note that Cornelian Cherries can be grown from either seed or grafting. While both methods can result in healthy plants, grafted Cornelian Cherries tend to reach maturity more quickly compared to those grown from seed.
When grown from seed, Cornelian Cherries typically take 3-5 years to start flowering and can take 6-10 years to bear fruit. This is because seed-grown plants need more time to establish their root systems, develop strong branches, and reach a mature size before they can focus on reproducing. While some gardeners enjoy the process of growing plants from seed and watching them develop over time, it does require more patience and longer waiting periods for the plant to start producing flowers and fruit.
On the other hand, grafted Cornelian Cherries usually start fruiting within 1-2 years after being transplanted. Grafting involves joining the desired variety of Cornelian Cherry (known as the scion) onto a rootstock of a different Cornus species. This technique allows for the plant to inherit the desirable traits of the scion, such as early fruiting, while benefiting from the established root system of the rootstock. Grafted plants have already gone through the early growth stages and have a head start in terms of maturity and fruit production.
In my personal experience, I have grown both seed-grown and grafted Cornelian Cherries in my garden. While the seed-grown plants took several years to start flowering and even longer to bear fruit, the grafted varieties started producing fruit within just a couple of years. This allowed me to enjoy the beauty of the flowers and taste the delicious fruit much sooner.
It’s worth noting that the growth rate of Cornelian Cherries can also be influenced by various environmental factors. Factors such as soil quality, sunlight exposure, water availability, and pruning techniques can all impact the growth rate of the plant. Providing optimal growing conditions, including well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade, regular watering, and proper pruning, can help promote healthy and vigorous growth.
While Cornelian Cherries can be grown from seed, grafted varieties tend to reach maturity more quickly. Seed-grown plants may take several years to start flowering and even longer to bear fruit, while grafted plants usually start fruiting within 1-2 years after transplanting. However, it’s important to consider that the growth rate can vary depending on environmental conditions and proper care practices.
