Imagine growing a garden full of delicious cherries that you can pick and eat all summer long.
You can have sweet Bing cherries in mid-summer and tart Montmorency cherries in early fall. This is possible if you choose the right cherry varieties for your garden.
To have a great cherry harvest, you need to pick the best varieties for your space and climate.
There are many types of cherries to choose from, including big trees and small dwarf trees.
By selecting the right ones, you can enjoy a yummy and fruitful summer harvest.
Bing Cherry
Bing cherries are one of the most popular cherry varieties, known for their sweet, juicy flavor and vibrant dark red to purplish-black skin. They typically ripen in late spring to early summer, making them a favorite for summer harvests. These cherries are not only delicious when eaten fresh but are also excellent for baking and cooking due to their rich taste. Bing cherries are nutritious, packed with vitamins, and are a delightful addition to any summer fruit collection.
Rainier Cherry
Rainier cherries are a premium variety known for their striking golden-yellow skin blushed with a red hue. This sweet cherry, originating from Washington State, is prized for its exceptional flavor that balances sweetness with a hint of tartness. With a firm texture and juicy flesh, Rainier cherries are perfect for fresh eating, baking, or adding to salads. Harvested in late summer, these cherries not only stand out for their taste but also for their vibrant appearance, making them a favorite among consumers and chefs alike.
Tartarian Cherry
The Tartarian cherry, known for its vibrant red color and robust flavor, is a popular choice for summer harvesting. This variety thrives in temperate regions and produces large, sweet-tart fruits ideal for fresh eating, baking, or preserving. Tartarian cherries typically ripen in late spring to early summer, making them a delightful addition to seasonal dishes. Their sturdy tree structure also provides ornamental value, showcasing beautiful blossoms in the spring before bearing fruit.
Montmorency Cherry
Montmorency cherries are a popular sour cherry variety known for their bright red color and tart flavor. Primarily used in cooking and baking, these cherries are perfect for making pies, jams, and jellies. They thrive in temperate climates and are typically harvested in mid-summer. Montmorency cherries are also recognized for their health benefits, being rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, making them a great addition to a healthy diet.
Stella Cherry
Stella cherry is a popular self-pollinating variety known for its rich, sweet flavor and large, dark red fruit. Ideal for home gardens, this mid-season cherry ripens in early summer, producing high yields. The tree is hardy and adaptable, thriving in well-drained soil and full sun. Stella cherries are excellent for fresh eating, baking, and preserving, making them a versatile choice for any cherry enthusiast looking to enjoy a summer harvest.
Black Tartarian Cherry
The Black Tartarian cherry is renowned for its rich, sweet flavor and deep, dark red to almost black hue. This variety is a favorite among cherry enthusiasts for its juicy, firm flesh and excellent eating quality. Typically ripening in mid-summer, the Black Tartarian tree is not only productive but also self-pollinating, making it a great choice for home orchards. Its beautiful blossoms in spring add aesthetic appeal, while its fruit is perfect for fresh eating, baking, or preserving.
Lambert Cherry
The Lambert cherry is a popular summer variety known for its sweet, full-bodied flavor and vibrant red color. Originating in the late 19th century, these cherries are medium to large in size and have a firm, juicy texture. They are ideal for fresh eating, baking, or making preserves. Lambert cherries ripen in late June to early July and are prized for their excellent transportability, making them a favorite among growers and consumers alike.
Sweetheart Cherry
The Sweetheart cherry is a popular summer variety known for its exceptional sweetness and distinct heart shape. Ripening in mid to late summer, these cherries boast a deep red hue and firm flesh, making them perfect for fresh eating, baking, or preserving. Their crisp texture and high sugar content offer a delightful flavor experience, appealing to cherry lovers everywhere. Additionally, Sweetheart cherries have a good shelf life, allowing for extended enjoyment after harvest.
Early Richmond Cherry
The Early Richmond Cherry is a popular tart cherry variety known for its vigorous growth and early harvest. Typically ready for picking in late June to early July, these cherries possess a vibrant red hue and a tangy flavor that makes them perfect for pies, jams, and preserves. Their hardiness and adaptability make them suitable for various climates, while their self-pollinating nature guarantees a reliable fruit set, making them a favorite among home gardeners.
King Edward Cherry
The King Edward Cherry is a popular variety known for its sweet, juicy flavor and vibrant red hue. This medium to large cherry is perfect for fresh eating, thanks to its firm texture and rich taste. Ripening in mid-summer, the King Edward Cherry thrives in well-drained, loamy soil and requires plenty of sunlight. It’s also a favorite among home gardeners due to its high yield and resistance to common pests and diseases. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for summer harvests.
Hudson Cherry
The Hudson Cherry is a delightful summer variety known for its sweet, juicy flavor and vibrant red color. Typically harvested in mid-summer, these cherries are perfect for fresh eating, baking, and preserving. The tree itself is vigorous and adaptable, thriving in a range of soil types. With its attractive foliage and abundant fruit production, the Hudson Cherry is a favorite among both home gardeners and commercial growers, adding beauty and bounty to any landscape.
Royal Ann Cherry
Royal Ann cherries are a classic variety known for their distinctive yellowish-pink color and sweet flavor profile. Typically harvested in late spring to early summer, these cherries are prized not only for fresh eating but also for canning and baking due to their firm texture and excellent sweetness. Royal Ann cherries are often used in desserts, jams, and even in cocktails, making them a versatile favorite among cherry enthusiasts. Their vibrant color and delightful taste make them a standout in any summer harvest.
Newport Cherry
The Newport Cherry is a popular variety known for its sweet, juicy flavor and vibrant red color. This mid-season cherry ripens in late June to early July, making it a perfect choice for summer harvests. With its firm texture, Newport cherries are ideal for fresh eating, baking, or making preserves. Additionally, these trees are relatively easy to grow and thrive in well-drained soil, providing a bountiful harvest for gardeners and cherry enthusiasts alike.
Emperor Francis Cherry
The Emperor Francis Cherry is known for its exceptional flavor and large, sweet fruit. This variety boasts a vibrant red hue with a firm texture, making it perfect for fresh eating or use in desserts. Thriving in a warm climate, the Emperor Francis is typically harvested in mid-summer. Its prolific yield and resistance to disease make it a favorite among home gardeners and commercial growers alike, ensuring a delightful summer harvest.
Dwarf Cherry Varieties
Dwarf cherry varieties are perfect for gardeners with limited space. These compact trees typically grow between 4 to 8 feet tall, making them ideal for small backyards or container gardening. Despite their size, dwarf cherries produce delicious, full-sized fruits, often maturing in summer. Varieties like ‘Stella’ and ‘North Star’ offer sweet or tart options, while also providing beautiful spring blossoms. Their manageable size and productivity make them a favorite for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.
Lapins Cherry
Lapins Cherry is a remarkable variety known for its sweet, dark red fruit and self-pollinating capabilities. Developed in Canada, these cherries mature in mid to late summer, making them a great option for summer harvests. The fruit is juicy and flavorful, perfect for fresh eating, desserts, or preserves. Lapins Cherry trees are also valued for their hardy nature and resistance to diseases, making them an excellent choice for home gardeners and commercial orchards alike.
North Star Cherry
The North Star cherry is a delightful and versatile variety known for its exceptional tartness and juicy flavor. This hardy, self-pollinating tree produces medium-sized, bright red fruit that ripens in mid-summer. Ideal for regions with cold winters, the North Star cherry is both disease-resistant and easy to care for, making it a favorite among home gardeners. It’s perfect for fresh eating, baking, and canning, adding a burst of flavor to summer treats.
Conclusion
As you plan your cherry garden, think of it as composing a symphony; each variety adds its own unique note to create a harmonious harvest. Just like a maestro guarantees every instrument shines, you’ll want to choose diverse types to maximize flavors and yields. With proper care, from sun exposure to soil quality, your cherry trees will not just produce fruit, but create a delicious orchestra of sweetness and tartness—perfect for any summer occasion.
