Cherries are often more challenging than other tree fruits to grow, but the reward of picking them from the tree in your yard makes it worth the effort required to do it.
We offer cherry trees on semi-dwarf rootstocks which will produce a 12′-15′ tree if you don’t keep them pruned to a manageable and net-able 8-10ft. height. If you have a tall cherry tree loaded with fruit, you will feed most of it to the birds, since it’s nearly impossible to put netting on a tree that’s tall. Although cherry trees are available on dwarf rootstocks, they produce trees that are very high maintenance and I don’t believe the average person is looking for that much of a challenge. Tart cherries are smaller growing trees, reaching around 12′ tall.
We do not offer the variety Bing. Even though the tree will grow in Michigan, the cherries crack with the slightest rainfall, and the fruit quickly rots. Most dark sweet cherries are sold as Bings.
The varieties of cherries offered are proven to perform well under Michigan growing conditions. They have good tolerance to rain induced cracking, and these varieties are also cold hardy.
Some of these varieties are self fertile which means you only need one tree to produce fruit, others require two different varieties for proper pollination or they will not set fruit. They are all listed as self fertile or pollinator required. Sweet cherries can only pollinate other sweet cherries. Tart cherries are self fertile and can not pollinate sweet varieties.
Space sweet cherry trees 18 – 20 feet apart, and tart cherries 12 – 15 feet apart.
ALL CHERRY TREES ARE PRICED AT $31.00 ea.
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SWEET CHERRIES
Benton – is a great, newer variety that produces very large, dark cherries with intense flavor and firm flesh. The fruit has nice long stems which make picking much easier, and has good rain induced crack resistance. This variety is becoming one of the most planted commercial varieties in Michigan for all these great attributes and their exceptional flavor. Benton is also self fertile, and a good pollinator for other sweet cherry varieties. Trees are on a semi dwarf rootstock that requires well drained ground, preferably with some slope to it. Ripens mid July. SOLD OUT
Self fertile, requires no pollinator
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Hedelfingen – this heirloom European cherry has performed very well in Michigan for decades, and is still grown by commercial orchards here. Fruit is dark red with firm, sweet flesh and has good crack resistance. Trees are strong growing, cold hardy, and begin bearing at a young age. Hedelfingen requires a pollinator, and any other sweet variety we offer will work. Ripens in mid-late July. SOLD OUT
Requires a pollinator
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Kristin – is the most cold hardy sweet cherry available. This variety has been successfully grown in Norway and Montana, so should do well anywhere in Michigan. Fruit is large, dark red-black, moderately firm, and crack resistant with a great flavor. Ripens in early-mid July. SOLD OUT
Requires a pollinator
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Rainier – is a beautiful blush (yellow with red cheek) sweet variety of exceptional size and a flavor unlike any other cherry. If you have never eaten these, plant one! Rainier is a common and expensive supermarket variety for good reason. Not a good choice for very cold parts of the state. Ripens late June-July SOLD OUT
Requires a pollinator
TART VARIETIES
Jublieum – is considered a sweet, tart cherry. Michigan State University introduced several of these varieties from Europe some years back, and they have grown exceptionally well in our Michigan climate. Fruit is bright red and very tart when it first ripens, and is used for everything Montmorency cherries are good for. If left hanging on the tree a bit longer, they develops a bit of sweetness and are excellent for fresh eating. Trees are early to begin bearing, and grow to about 12 ft. tall. Ripens late July. This rootstock for well drained soil only, preferably with a little slope. Will not pollinate sweet cherries
Self fertile, no pollinator required
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