How to Grow Black Tartarian Cherry Trees Indoors

Select a location in the home that receives at least eight hours of direct sun daily. If direct sun is not available, install a grow light 1 to 2 feet above the cherry tree.

Mix equal parts potting soil, vermiculite and perlite. Add a small amount of water and mix well to barely moisten the planting mix.

Place a large planter onto a sturdy plant stand with casters. Fill half full with the planting mix.

Cut the sides of the grower's pot with a utility knife and remove the rootball of the dwarf Black Tartarian cherry tree. Unwind and trim any encircling roots. Nestle the rootball into the planter, carefully spreading the roots over the planting mix. Backfill, keeping the trunk at the same soil level as it was in the pot, and tamp gently.

Water thoroughly. Continue to water regularly, when the first inch of soil is dry to the touch. Fertilize your Black Tartarian cherry in early spring with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer, according to the manufacturer's directions.

Add 3 inches of mulch to the flower pot, pulling it back 4 inches from the tree trunk. Mulch helps keep the soil moist.

Prune the branches back by one-third to a pyramid, or Christmas tree, shape. Black Tartarian cherry trees naturally grow in a pyramidal shape. By pruning the tree to encourage its natural growth pattern, light from the grow light will penetrate to most of the branches, encouraging blossoms and fruiting.

Roll the Black Tartarian into a cold garage or sheltered patio in winter. Black Tartarians require between 700 and 900 hours, or 29 to 38 days, of temperatures between 32 and 45 degrees F. Without winter chilling, cherry trees will not produce fruit. However, potted trees should not be exposed to freezing temperatures.

Hand pollinate the cherry blossoms in the spring, using a small artist's paintbrush. Sweet cherry trees are not self-fertile; use blossoms from another variety of cherry tree. Obtain a fresh cherry branch with blossoms from a friend, nursery or florist's shop.