A very popular species of sweet cherry. Large purplish-black cherry. Ripens early. (Pollinate with Bing or a different sweet cherry variety.) (zones 5–8)
Excellent for the home orchard, the Black Tartarian cherry tree produces fruit with a sweet, rich, full bodied flavor. Begins bearing fruit 3-4 years after planting and will bear long into old age. The best pollinator for dark sweet cherries.
An exceptionally productive, vigorous sweet cherry tree. It grows tall for a fruit tree maturing at 30' or more. The flowers are white, 1 1/4" in diameter borne in well distributed clusters of twos and threes. Foliage is a dark, waxy green. It bears early, ripening from mid-June to early July depending upon the location. Eventually one tree may produce 3–4 bushels of cherries. This tree prefers light, sandy soil, but will grow in other soils that are moist and well drained. If possible, plant on an elevated site with good air and soil drainage. It needs at least 6–8 hours of full sun daily and water during dry periods. The cherries should be left on the tree until mature. Sweet cherry trees require minimal pruning. Prune annually in late winter or early spring. (Pollinate with a different sweet cherry variety) (zones 5–8)
The cherries are eaten by a variety of birds and mammals. The leaves and branches are browsed.
This species was introduced from Russia to England in 1794 by Hugh Ronalds and named Ronald's Large Black Heart. It came to the United States in the early 1800s and has been popular ever since.
The standard grows to 30' and dwarf grows to 12' - 15' in height.
Standard spread grows to 30' and dwarf grows to a 12'-15' spread.
This tree requires moist, well drained soil and is not drought tolerant.
Simple, alternate, often obvate with a sharp tip, 5 1/2" long with teeth on the margin that are sharp and sometimes blunted. Thin, waxy and dark green color on top.
Heart shaped about 1" in diameter and usually purplish black, but occasionally red depending upon the site. Flesh is dark red, thick, tender, juicy and sweet with a smooth stone that separates easily.