Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Sour Cherry — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Prunus cerasus |
|---|---|
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 1095–1825 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 304.8–457.2 |
| Mature height (cm) | 304.8–457.2 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 304.8–457.2 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 4–6 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Transplant |
Growing directions
Sour (tart) cherries such as Montmorency are self-fertile, reliably productive, and significantly hardier than sweet cherries, making them the better choice for zones 4–6. They require 1000–1200 chill hours and tolerate heavier soils than sweet cherries do. Thin lightly to maintain canopy airflow and prune in early summer to manage brown rot pressure in humid climates. Harvest when fruit is fully red and slightly soft — tart cherries rarely sweeten on the tree and are best for cooking, preserving, or juice.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0