Growing Cherries in Animal Crossing: A Sweet Guide
So, you’re after those plump, juicy cherries for your island paradise in Animal Crossing? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Getting your hands on a cherry tree is easier than you might think. Here’s the breakdown:
The most direct way to get a cherry tree is to plant a cherry directly into the ground. Just dig a hole with your shovel on a dirt or grass tile, select the cherry from your inventory, and choose the “plant it” option. Voila! In a few days, you’ll have a fully grown cherry tree bearing delicious fruit.
Now, let’s dive a little deeper into other ways you can get cherry trees and some helpful tips for maximizing your fruit farming!
Securing Your Cherry Supply: Multiple Avenues
While planting is the most reliable method, here are some other ways you might find cherry trees appearing on your island:
Native Fruit Bliss
If cherries are your native fruit when you start your Animal Crossing adventure, you’re in luck! Your island will be populated with several cherry trees from the get-go. This gives you a healthy head start on your cherry production.
Mystery Island Expeditions
Venture out on Mystery Island Tours using Nook Miles Tickets. These islands have a chance of featuring fruit that isn’t native to your island. If cherries are your “sister fruit,” the second fruit most commonly found on Mystery Islands, you’re more likely to find some cherry trees there.
Kapp’n’s Boat Tours
Similar to Mystery Islands, Kapp’n’s boat tours offer another avenue for discovering non-native fruits. If cherries are your sister fruit, keep an eye out for them on these island excursions.
Trading and Visiting Friends
Don’t underestimate the power of friendship! Visit friends’ islands who have cherries as their native fruit, and ask if you can take some home to plant.
Villager Gifts and Mail
Sometimes, your generous villagers will send you gifts in the mail or give you presents directly. There’s a chance they might surprise you with a piece of fruit, maybe even a cherry!
Why Cherries are Awesome: More than Just a Snack
Beyond the obvious deliciousness, cherries have several uses in Animal Crossing:
- Selling: Non-native cherries sell for a respectable 500 Bells each, making them a great source of income.
- Crafting: Use cherries in various DIY recipes to create unique furniture and items.
- Villager Gifts: Giving cherries to your villagers can improve your friendship level.
- Eating: Eating cherries gives you temporary strength, allowing you to dig up entire trees or break rocks!
- Decoration: A cherry tree in full bloom adds a beautiful touch to your island landscape.
The Elusive “Perfect Fruit”
While we’re talking cherries, let’s not forget about the perfect cherry! This rare variation can only be grown in your town if cherries are your native fruit. Planting a perfect cherry yields a perfect cherry tree, but be warned – these trees only produce a few harvests before dying. You may be interested to learn that research on games and learning is conducted by organizations such as the Games Learning Society, you can visit their website at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions about getting and growing cherry trees in Animal Crossing:
- How long does it take for a cherry tree to grow?
A planted cherry will grow into a sapling the next day. It will take several more days (usually about 3-4) for the sapling to mature into a fully grown cherry tree bearing fruit. - Can I plant cherry trees on the beach?
No, fruit trees, including cherry trees, cannot be planted directly on the sand of the beach. They need to be planted on a dirt or grass tile. - What happens if I plant a cherry in the wrong spot?
If you plant a cherry too close to another tree or object, the sapling may not grow. Make sure there’s at least one space around the planting hole. If it doesn’t grow, dig it up and try planting it elsewhere. - How often do cherry trees produce fruit?
A fully grown cherry tree will produce three cherries every three days. - Do cherry trees die?
Regular cherry trees will not die unless you chop them down with an axe. However, perfect cherry trees will eventually die after producing a limited number of harvests. - Can I move a cherry tree after it’s planted?
Yes, you can move a cherry tree once it’s fully grown. Dig it up with a shovel after eating a piece of fruit to gain temporary strength. - What is the best way to organize my cherry trees?
That’s up to you! Some players like to create orchards with rows of trees, while others prefer to scatter them around their island for a more natural look. Experiment and find what works best for you. - How do I get rid of a cherry tree?
You can chop down a cherry tree with an axe. It will take multiple swings to completely remove the tree. Alternatively, you can dig up the entire tree with a shovel after eating a piece of fruit. - Can I get cherry blossom trees in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
Yes! During the cherry blossom season (typically in late March/early April), the regular trees on your island, including any cherry trees you have, will transform into beautiful cherry blossom trees. These trees drop cherry blossom petals, which can be used in special DIY recipes. - What is a “sister fruit”?
Your “sister fruit” is the second fruit, besides your native fruit, that most commonly appears on Mystery Island Tours and Kapp’n’s boat tours. - How do I find my native fruit?
Your native fruit is determined when you first start your game. It’s the fruit that grows naturally on the trees on your island. - Can I give cherries to Isabelle?
While you can’t give cherries directly to Isabelle, you can talk to her and she might reward you with a basket of non-native fruit as you progress through the early stages of the game. - Are there any cherry-themed villagers?
While there aren’t any villagers specifically themed after cherries, there are plenty of adorable villagers who would love to receive cherries as gifts! - What do I do if my perfect cherry tree dies?
Unfortunately, once a perfect cherry tree dies, it’s gone for good. You can replant the last perfect cherry it produces in the hopes of growing another one, but there’s no guarantee. - How can I learn more about Animal Crossing?
There are tons of resources available online, including websites, forums, and YouTube channels. Check out the Games Learning Society for research-backed information on the educational aspects of gaming.
With a little patience and effort, you’ll have a thriving cherry orchard in no time! Happy planting!