🍒 Cornelian Cherry: Growing Guide
Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas) grows best in full sun with moderate watering, and does well at −25 to 35 °C (−13 to 95 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.5–8.0. Space plants about 500 cm (197 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Cornus mas |
|---|---|
| Category | Fruit Trees |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 500 cm (197 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | −25 to 35 °C (−13 to 95 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Height | 400–800 cm (157–315 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | Harvest | ||||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jul–Aug.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: Jul–Aug.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: Jul.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
Watering
Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 21 days in winter. Hardy once established.
Growing tips
Native to Greece! Red fruit. Early yellow flowers. Valued in cooler regions.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Frequently asked questions
Cornelian Cherry: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jul–Aug. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: Jul–Aug. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
Cornelian Cherry: how often should I water it?
Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 21 days in winter. Hardy once established.
Cornelian Cherry: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 500 cm (197 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 10 cm (3.9 in).
Cornelian Cherry: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Cornelian Cherry: which plants grow well with it?
Elderberry.
Plan your garden
Add Cornelian Cherry to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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