Can I eat cherries that have spots?

If the spot is just on the skin and the fruit is firm, you can cut it away. If the fruit is soft or has mold, it is best to discard it.

Will these spots kill my tree?

Most fungal spots are cosmetic or affect the fruit, but severe cases of brown rot can weaken the tree over time. Proper pruning usually keeps the tree healthy.

Sweet Cherry: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the fruit for fuzzy gray or brown mold.
Look for small holes in the leaves.
Check if the blossoms turned brown and shriveled.

Likely causes

Brown Rot
Most likely
How to tell: You will see blossoms wilting and turning brown, followed by fruit decaying while still on the tree.
What to do: Remove and destroy all infected fruit and blossoms immediately. Apply a copper based fungicide during the dormant season or early spring to prevent spores from spreading.
Shot Hole Disease
Possible
How to tell: Small red spots appear on leaves that eventually fall out, leaving behind a hole that looks like a bullet hole.
What to do: Prune away infected branches to improve airflow through the canopy. Keep the area under the tree clean of fallen leaves to reduce fungal buildup.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your sweet cherry

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the spots are spreading rapidly to the fruit, you risk losing your entire harvest. A few spots on older leaves late in the season are usually harmless.

Stopping it coming back

Prune your tree annually to keep the center open for sunlight and air circulation. Always rake up and dispose of fallen leaves and fruit in the autumn.

Sweet Cherry: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sweet cherry and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I eat cherries that have spots?: If the spot is just on the skin and the fruit is firm, you can cut it away. If the fruit is soft or has mold, it is best to discard it.
Will these spots kill my tree?: Most fungal spots are cosmetic or affect the fruit, but severe cases of brown rot can weaken the tree over time. Proper pruning usually keeps the tree healthy.

Guides to these causes

Shot Hole Disease

Why are there spots on my sweet cherry tree leaves?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your sweet cherry?