{"title":"Best Cherries for Fresh Eating","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 8 varieties in our catalog that scored 8 or higher out of 10 for eating out of hand. Scored on flavor, texture and how well the fruit holds its quality, drawing on published tastings, extension trials and the historical pomologies.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn 8 is Very good on the adapted Beach (1905) grade, a 9 is Very good to best and a 10 is Best. Varieties that scored 6 or 7 are genuinely good at this too, and you will find them under the matching Shop by Use group.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery score in this list is sourced. Nothing is here because it is popular, and nothing is here on our word alone. The full evidence, including what each variety scored for every other use and why, is in the use guide.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"black-gold-cherry-1","title":"Black Gold Sweet Cherry","description":"\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eBlack Gold is one of the most cold-hardy sweet cherries, having survived temperatures as low as -33°F. We used to rank Black Gold third in cold hardiness amongst sweet cherries, only behind Gold and White Gold, but we've found that Lapins actually surpasses Black Gold and White Gold in terms of winter survival. Still Black Gold has fared well in the cold compared to many other varieties of sweet cherries we've grown in MT.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFlavor Profile and Ideal Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThis cherry variety delivers a distinct sweet cherry flavor with notes of honey and a delightful splash of tanginess. It’s perfect for fresh eating and adds a delicious topping to ice cream. Black Gold typically ripens in July, making it a great summer treat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eSelf-Fertility and Pollination Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eBlack Gold is a self-fertile variety, meaning it doesn’t require another cherry tree for pollination. However, it is also an excellent pollenizer for other sweet cherry varieties, earning the reputation of being a \"universal\" pollenizer. Its bloom time overlaps with many other sweet cherries, making it a valuable addition to any orchard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eLate Blooming and Cold Climate Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eOne of the key advantages of Black Gold is its late blooming nature. This helps protect the tree from late spring frosts that can damage early-blooming varieties, making it ideal for colder climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eDisease Resistance and Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eThe fruit of Black Gold shows resistance to cracking, and the tree itself exhibits significant tolerance to canker, a common issue in cherry orchards. This makes Black Gold a must-have for anyone planting a Montana sweet cherry orchard. It is hardy to USDA Zone 4a\/3b in protected sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eGrafting Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003eFor Spring 2027, our Black Gold cherries are grafted onto two full-size rootstocks, Mazzard and Mahaleb. Both come in a regular grade and a larger, more branched grade (all 5-7 ft. and pruned to 5 ft. for shipping).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" class=\"\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eImage courtesy of Hans Braxmeier under CC 2.0.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft for Shipping)","offer_id":42617082314818,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft for Shipping)","offer_id":42617082347586,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mahaleb Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45152004767810,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mahaleb Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft for Shipping)","offer_id":45152004800578,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/black-gold-sweet-cherry-on-tree.webp?v=1789019220"},{"product_id":"lapins-cherry","title":"Lapins Sweet Cherry","description":"\u003ch2 data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"98\"\u003eLapins Sweet Cherry\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"98\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"99\" data-end=\"600\"\u003eLapins Cherry is perhaps second only to Gold in terms of cold hardiness. While many sources don't list it among the hardiest sweet cherries, we’ve updated our assessment based on years of experience and observations from growers in extreme conditions. After seeing one of our growers in Cowley, Wyoming, report no damage to his Lapins trees after experiencing temperatures as low as -33°F, and noting the performance of mature trees in the Bitterroot Valley, we consider Lapins to be hardy to Zone 3b, that can possibly even make it with some winter injury in zone 3a.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"602\" data-end=\"650\"\u003eCold Hardiness and Exceptional Performance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"651\" data-end=\"1147\"\u003eWe previously ranked Gold, White Gold, and Black Gold as the hardiest sweet cherries, but after firsthand experience, we’ve found that Lapins has performed better than Black Gold in extreme cold, and may either be just as hardy as White Gold, or even hardier. We've observed mature Lapins trees in the Bitterroot (one in Lolo, over 20 years old, and two others in Stevensville, over 30 years old) that have survived temperatures below -30°F, possibly even colder. This makes Lapins an excellent choice for fairly cold climates, where other varieties might be at risk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1149\" data-end=\"1181\"\u003eThe Flathead Cherry Legacy\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1182\" data-end=\"1579\"\u003eLapins is considered one of the main cherries grown in the Flathead region of northwest Montana, especially around beautiful Flathead Lake. Developed in British Columbia as a cross between Van and Stella, Lapins has become a staple in the region. After the devastating winter of 1988–1989, Flathead cherry growers wisely replanted Bing cherries with Lapins, and the variety has thrived ever since.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1581\" data-end=\"1625\"\u003eFruit Characteristics and Improvements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1626\" data-end=\"1875\"\u003eLapins produces a dark, sweet cherry that is often compared to Bing, but with several notable improvements. The cherries are firmer and more resistant to splitting, making them easier to handle and less prone to damage during harvest or bad weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1877\" data-end=\"1904\"\u003ePollination and Yield\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1905\" data-end=\"2172\"\u003eWhile Lapins is partially self-fertile due to its Stella parentage, it will benefit from cross-pollination with another cherry variety. For optimal results, plant Lapins with another compatible pollenizer such as Rainier, Van, Gold, White Gold, Black Gold, or Stella.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2174\" data-end=\"2208\"\u003eRootstock and Cold Tolerance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2209\" data-end=\"2394\"\u003eThese Lapins trees are grafted onto Mazzard full-size rootstock, which is hardy to -40°F in our experience seeing Lapins grafted onto Mazzard and surviving into the -30Fs, and surviving as a stand alone at -35F is Kalispell off of Rose Xing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2396\" data-end=\"2565\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eLapins is hardy to Zone 3b, withstanding temperatures as low as those recorded in the Bitterroot Valley. This makes it an excellent choice for growers in fairly cold regions. That said, still exercise caution when siting the tree, avoiding depressions and areas where frost can pool. If your area reliably sees temps below -35F, then either you could possibly try Gold (has survived -38F), or just stick with the dwarf cherries, although these are on the sweeter side of the tart cherry spectrum, but certainly not sweet cherries.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539685314626,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539688460354,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mahaleb Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":45152014794818,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mahaleb Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":45152014827586,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/lapins-sweet-cherry-on-tree.webp?v=1789020421"},{"product_id":"rainier-cherry","title":"Rainier Sweet Cherry","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRainier Cherry, a cross between Bing and Van, is arguably the most famous yellow (or yellowish) cherry. Known for its rich, zesty flavor, Rainier is a favorite among cherry lovers. However, it has a reputation for being challenging to grow, especially in climates with frequent rainfall, as it is prone to cracking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eFruit Characteristics and Flavor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRainier cherries produce large, firm fruits with a distinct yellow hue. They are prized for their sweet yet tangy flavor, making them ideal for fresh eating and other culinary uses. While Washington growers appreciate the taste, they often struggle with the cherry's susceptibility to rain-induced cracking. Fortunately, the dry climate of most of Montana makes growing Rainier cherries much easier, except in the colder parts of the state.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRainier Cherry is relatively cold-hardy, and we rank it alongside Stella as the 5th most cold-hardy sweet cherry, following varieties like Gold, Lapins, Black Gold, and White Gold. This variety is hardy to temperatures as low as -30°F (and perhaps even slightly colder), which is comparable to the cold tolerance of other top-performing cherries in the region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRootstock and Growth\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eThese Rainier cherries are grafted onto Maxma 14 rootstock. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eMaxMa 14 is a semi-dwarfing cherry rootstock that produces trees roughly 70–75% the size of a standard Mahaleb tree and about 65–80% the size of a standard Mazzard tree. It is an interspecific hybrid of \u003cem\u003ePrunus mahaleb\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003ePrunus avium\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Its moderate vigor makes it a good choice where somewhat smaller trees and closer orchard spacing are desired. Maxma 14 is at least hardy as Rainier, which means that hardiness of the rootstock won't be the limiting factor if Rainier is grafted onto it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eRainier cherries are hardy to -30°F, making them suitable for colder climates where temperatures can dip significantly, but not to where extremes reach colder than these temps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eImage courtesy of Stephen’s Farm.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Maxma 14 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42503626031170,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Maxma 14 Semi-Dwarf: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 more branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42503626063938,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/rainier-sweet-cherry-on-tree.webp?v=1789020871"},{"product_id":"skeena-cherry","title":"Skeena Sweet Cherry","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSkeena Cherry, another sweet cherry grown around Flathead Lake, is known for its late ripening. It typically ripens a couple of weeks after Bing, making it a great addition to extend the harvest season. Skeena is a cross from the Summerland Research Center in British Columbia, resulting from a combination of a Van\/Stella hybrid and a Bing\/Stella hybrid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eFlavor Profile and Parentage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSkeena’s flavor is undoubtedly influenced by its Stella parentage, imparting a rich, sweet flavor that is highly praised. The cherries we’ve grown around Flathead Lake have excellent flavor (no hyperbole) with a perfect balance of sweetness and a slight bit a tart kick. They almost had a tropical fruit flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHowever, the hardiness Skeena inherits from its Van parent may be slightly tempered by the reduced cold tolerance of its Bing side. While it offers perhaps the best flavor of the sweet cherries, Skeena is likely the least hardy sweet cherry variety we grow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eCold Hardiness and Growing Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSkeena is best suited for warmer microclimates, such as those found around Missoula, Flathead Lake, and a few other protected spots in Montana. In terms of hardiness, it may not be the best choice for colder areas. However, like all sweet cherries, the key to successful growth in colder climates depends less on zone hardiness and more on factors like temperature drops below 0°F before December 1st, soil saturation, and the tree's ability to harden off in the fall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eRootstock and Growth\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThese Skeena trees are grafted onto Mazzard rootstock, which provides good growth, strong stability, and disease resistance, helping the trees thrive in a range of conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eSkeena\u003cspan\u003e is best suited for USDA Zones 5-6 or warmer microclimates, making it ideal for areas like \u003c\/span\u003eMissoula\u003cspan\u003e and around \u003c\/span\u003eFlathead Lake\u003cspan\u003e in Montana, but less suitable for colder regions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42504614903874,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 more branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42504614936642,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/skeena-sweet-cherry-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021077"},{"product_id":"juliet-dwarf-cherry","title":"Juliet Dwarf Cherry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 data-end=\"248\" data-start=\"227\"\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Breeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"630\" data-start=\"249\"\u003eJuliet Dwarf Cherry, a cross between Prunus fruticosa (Mongolian bush cherry) and Prunus cerasus (sour cherry), was developed by the University of Saskatchewan as part of the Romance Series of bush cherries, bred specifically for extreme cold climates. These cherries were selected to combine the winter hardiness of native cherry species with improved fruit size, flavor, and productivity. Juliet is one of the largest-fruited and most productive selections in the series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"650\" data-start=\"632\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"969\" data-start=\"651\"\u003eJuliet is exceptionally cold hardy and is reliably winter hardy to even −50°F. This makes it suitable for some of the coldest fruit-growing regions in North America, including much of the northern Plains, interior mountain valleys, and exposed continental sites where traditional sweet and sour cherries fail. Juliet will work in just about all of Montana apart from perhaps the absolute coldest places that can see sub -50°F temps. If you are in an area like this, Juliet and other Romance series cherries could still do well if you site them in a spot free of frost-pooling (higher up\/out of depressions on the landscape).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"993\" data-start=\"971\"\u003ePlant Form \u0026amp; Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1325\" data-start=\"994\"\u003eJuliet grows as a compact, multi-stemmed shrub rather than a standard tree. Sources online typically note Juliet reaching 6–8 feet tall and wide, although a ten year old Juliet tree we saw at the Western Ag. Research Center in Corvallis, MT is closer to 8-10 ft. The bush form eliminates the need for ladders and makes pruning, netting, and harvest straightforward. Plants are naturally dense and upright, and they fit well into small orchards, hedgerows, or mixed plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1347\" data-start=\"1327\"\u003eLeaves \u0026amp; Flowers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1612\" data-start=\"1348\"\u003eLeaves are medium-sized and deep green through the growing season, contributing to good vigor and fruit development. In spring, Juliet produces abundant white blossoms that are attractive to pollinators. Flowering is typically reliable once plants are established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1635\" data-start=\"1614\"\u003eFruit Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1925\" data-start=\"1636\"\u003eJuliet produces large, dark red cherries that are among the biggest in the bush cherry category. Fruit is borne in clusters and ripens evenly, making harvest efficient. The skin darkens significantly as the fruit reaches full maturity, and allowing cherries to fully color improves flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1944\" data-start=\"1927\"\u003eFlavor \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2300\" data-start=\"1945\"\u003eThe flavor of Juliet is balanced and rich, combining sweetness with enough acidity to keep the fruit lively. It is excellent for fresh eating when fully ripe and performs especially well for pies, preserves, juice, syrup, and drying. The higher sugar content compared to many bush cherries makes Juliet a standout for both home and small-scale processing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2318\" data-start=\"2302\"\u003eProductivity \u0026amp; Pollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2528\" data-start=\"2319\"\u003eJuliet is highly productive once established and often bears heavy crops annually, with the fruit ripening in Missoula and the Bitterroot around third week to end of July. As with other bush cherries, yield and fruit quality tend to improve as plants mature and develop a larger, better-lit canopy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2528\" data-start=\"2319\"\u003eJuliet is at least partially self-fertile, meaning you'll get fruit without the need from another variety of dwarf cherry (pollenizer), but planting it near another dwarf cherry, such as Romeo, Cutie Pie, or Wowza!, can increase fruit yield.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2566\" data-start=\"2530\"\u003eDisease Resistance \u0026amp; Reliability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2809\" data-start=\"2567\"\u003eJuliet shows good resistance to common cherry diseases when grown in cold, dry-summer climates with good airflow. The bush form also provides resilience after harsh winters, as new shoots can regenerate from the base if older wood is damaged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2828\" data-start=\"2811\"\u003eGrowing Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3127\" data-start=\"2829\"\u003eJuliet performs best in full sun with well-drained soil. Minimal pruning is required beyond removing dead or crowded stems and occasionally renewing older wood. Because of its extreme cold hardiness and manageable size, it is one of the most dependable cherries for growers in challenging climates.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42504520859714,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/juliet-dwarf-cherry-on-tree.jpg?v=1789020384"},{"product_id":"romeo-dwarf-cherry","title":"Romeo Dwarf Cherry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRomeo is a Romance Series dwarf sour cherry from the University of Saskatchewan, bred for extreme cold hardiness and high-quality, dark fruit on a compact, shrub-form plant. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRomeo was officially released in 2004 as part of the University of Saskatchewan’s Romance Series of dwarf sour cherries. (\u003ca title=\"Sour Cherries - USask Fruit Program | University of Saskatchewan\" href=\"https:\/\/research-groups.usask.ca\/fruit\/Fruit%20crops\/sour-cherries.php\"\u003eusask\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003cbr\u003eThese Romance Series cherries are interspecific hybrids derived from \u003cem\u003ePrunus cerasus\u003c\/em\u003e (sour cherry) and \u003cem\u003ePrunus fruticosa\u003c\/em\u003e (dwarf\/cherry steppe types), commonly referred to as \u003cem\u003ePrunus × kerrasis\u003c\/em\u003e in cold-climate literature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRomeo produces deep red fruit that can ripen very dark and is slightly sweeter than some other bush cherry types. Good for fresh eating and can be used in pies, jellies, and pressed for juice. Never dried them but I'm sure they would be good.\u003cbr\u003eThey have relatively high soluble solids and are sweeter than most pie cherries, although do not listen to what some places say online which claim these are sweet cherries. They are not. They are sweeter for a tart cherry but they are still very much have a good deal of acidity. That said, children tend to love them fresh, which says a lot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit \u0026amp; Spacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRomeo is grown as a compact shrub-form plant (not a standard cherry tree), and cold-climate guidance warns that training these as a single-trunk “tree form” can reduce hardiness in very cold settings (this has not been a problem here in Western MT, although people in colder parts of Eastern MT should take note of this).\u003cbr\u003eFor spacing, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/gardening.usask.ca\/gardening-advice\/gardenline-nested-pages\/food-plant-pages\/fruit\/sour-cherries.php\"\u003eUniversity of Saskatchewan gardening guidance\u003c\/a\u003e recommends dwarf sour cherries be spaced about 5–7 feet apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRomeo (like the other Romance Series bush cherries) is self-fertile, but fruit set can increase when you plant a second compatible bush cherry type nearby. Any of our other dwarf cherries we offer can cross with Romeo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRomeo is repeatedly positioned in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/research-groups.usask.ca\/fruit\/Fruit%20crops\/sour-cherries.php\"\u003eresearch\/extension material\u003c\/a\u003e as a Zone 2–class hardy, and it should be able withstand near -50F temps. Good for the vast majority of growers in MT.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42504520335426,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/romeo-dwarf-cherry-on-tree.jpg?v=1789021037"},{"product_id":"bing-cherry","title":"Bing Cherry","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"12\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"14\" data-end=\"338\"\u003eBing is one of those timeless cherry varieties, but that also has many issues. The upside is that the flavor is exceptional. Talk to anybody who has been in the cherry world for a long time and they will cite Bing as having one of the best flavors. This is why for years it was the primary cherry grown around Flathead Lake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"340\" data-end=\"363\"\u003eCold Climate Issues\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"365\" data-end=\"527\"\u003eBut after brutal winters, particularly the winter of 88–89, that saw many Bing's with extreme damage or outright death, growers have since shifted away from Bing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"529\" data-end=\"562\"\u003eWhy We Still Have These Trees\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"564\" data-end=\"847\"\u003eThe only reason we have these trees still in stock is because they were remnant trees from when we used to grow more of them (their taste was that good) and there are some Bing's surviving and doing fairly well in the Missoula Valley, although they are in very protected urban areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"849\" data-end=\"878\"\u003eThe 2020 Fall Frost Event\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"880\" data-end=\"1195\"\u003eWith that said, we lost almost all of our 1–3 year old Bing trees during the fall frost on October 25th, 2020. These ones are from some of those 1-year-old trees that had dieback all the way to just above the graft. We grew them out from those buds above the graft, retrained them, and these are the last remaining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1197\" data-end=\"1219\"\u003eFinal Availability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1221\" data-end=\"1430\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eAfter these are gone, we will no longer be growing Bing. It isn't worth the hassle for us in Montana, but if you are in an area that doesn't see below, say, –25°F—or even more conservatively –20°F—then these could work for you.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3-4 ft.","offer_id":42498825388098,"sku":null,"price":69.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"4-5 ft.","offer_id":42498825420866,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"5-6 ft","offer_id":42498825453634,"sku":null,"price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/bing-cherry-fruit-on-tree.jpg?v=1789019191"},{"product_id":"white-gold-sweet-cherry","title":"White Gold Sweet Cherry","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite Gold is a self-fertile sweet cherry selected for growers who want Rainier-style color and eating quality, but with a tree that is generally more dependable in tougher, wetter, and more disease-prone cherry climates. It’s widely regarded as one of the most broadly “all-around” light-fleshed sweet cherries: productive, good flavor, and notably tolerant of two of the biggest sweet-cherry problems in the North and Northeast—bacterial canker and cherry leaf spot. It has also been sold under the name Newfane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; History\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite Gold was developed in the Cornell\/NYSAES sweet cherry breeding program in Geneva, New York and released as NY 13688. Its documented parentage is Emperor Francis × Stella, which is why it combines classic light-fleshed sweet-cherry traits with self-fertility. It was introduced in 2001.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite Gold produces yellow fruit with a red blush and white to very pale flesh, generally in the midseason window. Fruit quality is consistently described as high, with very good sweet-cherry flavor and firm texture for fresh eating. Its tolerance to rain-induced cracking is commonly rated as intermediate—better than Rainier, not as good as the most crack-tolerant cultivars—so it’s still wise to prioritize siting, airflow, and canopy management in wet-summer locations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowth Habit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn full-size rootstock, White Gold is a vigorous sweet cherry that benefits from early training to build strong scaffold angles and maintain an open canopy. Like other sweet cherries, it performs best when managed for sunlight penetration and airflow, which supports fruit quality and helps reduce disease pressure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpacing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe offer White Gold on full size Mazzard rootstock. For Mazzard, a reliable long-term spacing is about 18–22 feet between trees, depending on soil vigor and how aggressively you plan to manage canopy size. If you want a bigger, lower-maintenance tree over time, push wider; if you plan consistent summer pruning and renewal to keep trees tighter, you can use the lower end of that range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite Gold is self-fertile, so it does not require a pollenizer to set fruit. However, additional sweet cherries nearby often improve consistency and yield. Sweet cherries to pair with White Gold include Gold, Black Gold, Stella, and Lapins. White Gold is commonly treated as a strong pollination partner because it is self-fertile and blooms in the early-to-early-mid portion of the sweet cherry bloom season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCold hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSweet cherry hardiness is not a single fixed number: it changes through winter as trees acclimate, and it can be rapidly lost during warm spells (deacclimation). This happens more readily with sweet cherries than say apples. The duration of cold also matters—brief pre-dawn lows can be survivable where many hours or days at the same temperature would cause much greater injury, especially to flower buds.\u003cbr\u003eIn our Montana experience, we used to list White Gold as the second-hardiest sweet cherry after Gold, but we have revised that over time. Based on years of experience and customer observations, we now believe Lapins is the second hardiest in our lineup, having survived down to or very close to -38°F in the Bitterroot (Stevensville, MT) on 1\/13\/24, which is about what Gold can withstand, although Gold may push even colder (potentially near -40°F) under the right conditions. White Gold was not at that same site. However, we have seen White Gold show real vulnerability to early-season cold before full dormancy: a sharp fall frost on 10\/25\/20 that reached -10°F wiped our White Golds, while some Gold trees were okay. That event is a strong reminder that timing of cold (hardening-off status) can matter as much as the absolute low.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhite Gold is notable historically as the first commercially released self-fertile light-fleshed sweet cherry in the U.S., which is a big reason it remains relevant for small orchards and home growers who only have room for one sweet cherry. On disease, the most defensible claim for White Gold is not “disease-proof,” but that it has unusually good tolerance to cherry leaf spot and bacterial canker relative to many sweet cherries, which is one of the main reasons it’s been recommended for more humid and disease-prone regions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Mahaleb Full Size: 5-7 ft. Regular Grade (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539742134338,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mahaleb Full Size: 5-7 ft. Larger \u0026 More Branching (Pruned to 5 ft. for shipping)","offer_id":42539742167106,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/white-gold-sweet-cherry-on-tree.png?v=1789021327"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/best-cherries-for-fresh-eating.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}