Sakura tree

[Amy1022]

Hello all,
I have just received a sakura ( Yoshino cherry blossom) tree, about 6 or 7 inches tall, in the mail. It arrived with leaves and appears healthy. I mean to let it grow until it is about 1 foot and half to 2 feet in height, before I transport it to the ground. What do I need to do to care for it in the meantime, (when can I transfer to a bigger pot?) and is my plan ok? Fertilizer? Can I make this into a bonsai as well?

 

[Meadowlark]

Welcome @Amy1022

I would suggest not waiting to transplant rather put it in the ground now as soon as possible.

Summer is fast approaching and that plant needs every day in the ground to establish roots that can carry it through summer.

Transplanting to a bigger pot followed by transplanting to the ground is doubling the shock trauma of the plant not to mention significantly inhibiting root growth that is critical prior to summer heat...in my opinion. A risky approach.

Also, suggest no fertilizer until fall/winter timeframe.

p.s. I deleted your duplicate thread

 

[Sluggy]

I would not go down the bonsai route. They need a lot of care and attention and a neighbour to look after it if you go on a long holiday although there are bonsai nurseries you can leave them with would you believe. I would go along with Meadowlark’s suggestion.

 

[Amy1022]

I have a bonsai,a Brazilian rosewood that I grew from seed. It is about 5.5 inches tall, minus the fern-like leaves. Keeping it in a small ceramic pot, and so far it's doing okay, but I need to fertilize it soon. I don't think I will make the Sakura a bonsai, but I am almost tempted to. I will be planting this sakura outdoors soon. I just don;t know what kind of soil it needs.

 

[Amy1022]

Welcome @Amy1022

I would suggest not waiting to transplant rather put it in the ground now as soon as possible.

Summer is fast approaching and that plant needs every day in the ground to establish roots that can carry it through summer.

Transplanting to a bigger pot followed by transplanting to the ground is doubling the shock trauma of the plant not to mention significantly inhibiting root growth that is critical prior to summer heat...in my opinion. A risky approach.

Also, suggest no fertilizer until fall/winter timeframe.

p.s. I deleted your duplicate thread

Thanks. I will do that as soon as I can, looking for the right spot in my back yard. The soil in the backyard is clayish, and I am not sure what to add to it for planting.

 

[Meadowlark]

... The soil in the backyard is clayish, and I am not sure what to add to it for planting.

That tree prefers a loamy well-draining soil with ph about 6.

The clay you mention could inhibit its growth depending on how "heavy". Amending the immediate area including the hole with compost would really help. If you just amend the hole, it can have a bathtub effect on drainage and that is not desirable for that tree that needs well-draining soil.