Rated as one of the most flavorful cherries, Black Tartarian bears great crops of very dark red, juicy, sweet fruit. As a testimony to its happiness in our region, a Black Tartarian tree that was planted in Eugene, Oregon in 1860 is still alive and thriving. It may be the oldest and largest Sweet Cherry tree in the US and has been honored as a Heritage Tree.

Latin Name: Prunus avium

Class: Heirloom Cherries

Size at Maturity: We graft our Cherries on semi-dwarf Colt rootstock which is hardy, vigorous, productive and forms a well-branched tree. Sweet Cherries on Colt rootstock can grow to 12-15 ft. in height. Compact Stella, Hungarian and Pie Cherries will be smaller.

Rootstock Description: Colt is considered a semi-dwarf rootstock which produces trees about 80% of standard size. Colt is adapted to most soils and is hardy, vigorous, productive, and forms a well-branched tree. Sweet Cherries on Colt rootstock can grow to 12-15 ft. in height.

Pollination: Black Tartarian requires another variety for pollination.

Pests & Diseases: In the Northwest, with our wet winter climate, many stone fruits, including cherries, suffer from bacterial canker. Symptoms of bacterial canker are dead branches and bronze colored exudation on branches or trunk. We recommend a fall and winter copper spray to help prevent damage from this disease. Birds greatly enjoy cherries. If they become a problem, you can cover your trees with netting or use flash tape to scare them away. See our Bird Scare Flash tape and Bird Netting in the Supplies section.

Hardiness: Most Sweet Cherries are hardy to about minus 20Ý F. USDA Zone 5.

Bearing Age: 2 - 3 years after planting.

Bloom Time: Early April

Ripening Time: July

Yield: 50+ lbs.

Culinary Uses: Sweet Cherries are great for fresh eating and can be frozen for delicious winter snacks. They also make tasty juice and are high in anthocyanins and other antioxidants.

USDA Zone: 5

Sunset Western Zone: 2, 6-9,14, 15

Sunset Northeast Zone: Varies

Native Area: Europe to Asia Minor