Sour Cherry Tree

Sour Cherry Tree (Prunus cerasus)

The Sour Cherry Tree (Prunus cerasus) is a compact, fruit-bearing tree known for its tangy, deep red cherries and spring floral display. Best suited for baking, preserves, and drying, sour cherries offer rich flavor and consistent yields, especially in cooler climates. With its manageable size and seasonal beauty, Prunus cerasus is a standout focal point for edible landscapes and home orchards.

Distinctive Features

Unlike sweet cherry varieties, Prunus cerasus produces smaller, tart fruit with intense flavor and high juice content�ideal for pies, jams, and sauces. Trees bloom in early spring with masses of white flowers that attract pollinators. Most sour cherry varieties are self-pollinating and naturally grow smaller than sweet cherries, reaching 12 to 20 feet tall and wide with an upright, spreading canopy.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Type: Well-drained loamy or sandy soil
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Moderate; consistent moisture during bloom and fruiting
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8

Ideal Uses

• Home orchards and edible gardens
• Baking, preserving, and juicing
• Pollinator gardens and spring seasonal displays
• Cold-climate fruit tree option
• Ornamental edible focal point

Low Maintenance Care

• Prune annually in late winter to promote airflow and fruiting wood
• Water during dry spells, especially as fruit develops
• Apply mulch to conserve moisture and control weeds
• Fertilize with a balanced fruit tree formula in early spring
• Protect fruit from birds with netting as harvest approaches

Why Choose Sour Cherry Trees

• Intensely flavorful fruit perfect for pies and preserves
• Compact size fits small gardens and landscapes
• Early-season blooms attract pollinators
• Cold-hardy and self-pollinating in many cultivars
• Offers both ornamental charm and edible value as a focal point

Whether you're baking from scratch or just enjoying spring blossoms, Sour Cherry Trees deliver bold flavor and seasonal beauty, making them a practical and attractive focal point in edible gardens and home landscapes.