{"title":"Best Cherries for Jams \u0026 Jellies","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 8 varieties in our catalog that scored 8 or higher out of 10 for jams and jellies. Scored on natural pectin and acid, on set, and on how the flavor and color come through the sugar.\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":"chokecherry-bundle-of-5","title":"Chokecherry (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eThis Montana native tree is one of our favorites. From its uniquely cone-like white flowers in the spring (which attract tons of pollinators) to its berries—important both for wildlife and in the kitchen—Chokecherry is a must-have for any cold-climate fruit grower.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eIn the Kitchen\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eOur favorite way to use the berries is for chokecherry syrup, since they’re a bit astringent when eaten fresh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eTough and Hardy\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003eHardy to zone 2—possibly even surviving temps in the -50s°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\" data-rte-preserve-empty=\"true\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e2nd photo courtesy of Matt Lavin.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #cfcfcf;border-left:4px solid #8a1c1c;background:#faf7f6;padding:14px 18px;margin-top:28px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping restrictions — state quarantine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eEffective September 2025, Alaska issued a statewide quarantine order prohibiting the importation, transport, and sale of chokecherry (\u003cem\u003ePrunus virginiana\u003c\/em\u003e) and mayday tree (\u003cem\u003ePrunus padus\u003c\/em\u003e). We \u003cstrong\u003ecannot ship this plant to Alaska\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease also note:\u003c\/strong\u003e chokecherry is a host for X-disease (Western X phytoplasma). Michigan restricts planting chokecherry within 500 feet of a peach or cherry orchard and within 1,000 feet of nursery stock. If you live near commercial stone-fruit production, check local siting rules before planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:0.9em;color:#555;\"\u003eOrders placed to a prohibited state will be cancelled and refunded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42535318650946,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/chokecherry-fruit-on-branch.webp?v=1789019775"},{"product_id":"evans-bali-tart-cherry-bundle-of-3-3l736","title":"Evan's Bali Tart Cherry","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"75\" data-end=\"93\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"94\" data-end=\"288\"\u003ePerhaps the most cold hardy of all tart cherries, Evan’s Bali is a prolific bearer of decently sized (roughly 1” diameter) cherries that are sweeter than most of the other tart cherry varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"290\" data-end=\"314\"\u003eCold Hardiness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"315\" data-end=\"499\"\u003eHardy to zone 2 because of their ability to withstand -42F temps near Bozeman, although surely these have survived colder temps on the Canadian prairie’s where the tree was discovered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"501\" data-end=\"522\"\u003ePropagation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"523\" data-end=\"627\"\u003eThese Evan’s Bali’s are clonally propagated from root suckers and are therefore identical to the parent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"629\" data-end=\"653\"\u003eNotable Traits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"654\" data-end=\"886\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eNoted for their ability to withstand long, advective frost events including polar high pressure systems that affect the region for days on end, their flower buds’ hardiness, the prolific bearing nature of the tree, and their flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"3-5 ft.","offer_id":42499065741378,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/evans-bali-tart-cherry-fruit.webp?v=1789020066"},{"product_id":"zf4qf8i1gfb0z6oqnwi98olhs7w0kc","title":"Ian White Nanking Cherry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"84\" data-end=\"98\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"99\" data-end=\"429\"\u003eIan, similar to Jules, is also very sweet—possibly even sweeter than the red Nankings. Be sure to read the description on Jules for details about their impressive frost tolerance. During the winter of 2022, we left them outside in pots with roots fully exposed—and they still came through strong. Very cold hardy. Hardy to Zone 2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"431\" data-end=\"461\"\u003ePlant Size \u0026amp; Root System\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"462\" data-end=\"557\"\u003eThese Ian Nankings are 6–18\" tall and have lots of fine root hairs, ready to establish quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"559\" data-end=\"581\"\u003ePollination Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"582\" data-end=\"630\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003ePlant with Red Nanking or Jules for pollination.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"6-18\"","offer_id":42499257892930,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/ian-white-nanking-cherry-fruit.webp?v=1789020347"},{"product_id":"jules-nanking-cherry-bundle-of-2","title":"Jules Nanking Cherry (Bundle of 2)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJules is the sweetest of all the Nankings. Interestingly enough, it seems to be just as cold hardy—if not more so—than the red Nanking. Some of these were left out in pots all winter long with no root protection whatsoever. Only native trees or trees we’ve specifically bred to handle frozen roots can withstand that kind of treatment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRemarkable Cold Tolerance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe White Nanking seemed to come back even stronger, with no noticeable frost damage to the root tissue. Jules is hardy to Zone 2 and shows serious resilience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination Info\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant with Ian or Red Nanking for good cross-pollination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2027 Plant Sizes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 2027, these Jules Nankings come in 6-18\" and have really nice root systems with lots of fine root hairs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"6-18\"","offer_id":42499692953666,"sku":null,"price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/jules-nanking-cherry-fruit.webp?v=1789020384"},{"product_id":"montmorency-tart-cherry","title":"Montmorency Tart Cherry","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"4953\" data-end=\"4967\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4968\" data-end=\"5348\"\u003eOne of the most famous tart cherries and most widely grown in the US, Montmorency is thought to have originated in the Montmorency Valley just north of Paris, where it was named after a noble family that had grown it since the 13th century. French settlers moving up the St. Lawrence River Valley toward the Great Lakes brought it to the New World around 1760, or perhaps earlier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5350\" data-end=\"5901\"\u003eAlthough the literature on Montmorency does not indicate why Montmorency was imported from Europe over other cultivars, we suspect it was because of its cold hardiness. Given how much more temperate Europe is generally speaking than Canada, around the Great Lakes, and other northern areas where Montmorency was first grown, it is likely that many of the other tart cherry cultivars did not survive harsher winters. Meanwhile, we have seen Montmorency growing in cuspy zone 3\/4 areas. Still not as hardy as meteor, and certainly not as hardy as Evan's Bali or the dwarf cherries, though, for Montana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"5903\" data-end=\"5923\"\u003eFlavor and Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5924\" data-end=\"6249\"\u003eThe Montmorency fruit sweetens as it ripens, but remains fairly tart for most people to eat out of hand. However, its flavor and tartness makes for spectacular dried cherries. Plant in conjunction with Danube, which is less tart (albeit still a tart cherry), and complements the Montmorency in terms of uses. Hardy to zone 3\/4, or roughly -35F (possibly -40F in protected sites).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Mahaleb Semi-Standard: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":42500893442114,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Mahaleb Semi-Standard: 5-7 ft. (Larger \u0026 More Branching) Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping","offer_id":42500893474882,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/montmorency-tart-cherry-on-tree.webp?v=1789020640"},{"product_id":"nanking-cherry-sszj3","title":"Nanking Cherry (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of our all-time favorites, Nanking cherry is a must-have in any edible landscape. Hardy down to Zone 2, this small tree\/large shrub produces excellent-tasting cherries—not quite tart, not quite sweet. They’ve got a flavor all their own and are great for fresh eating, but also shine when used for juicing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEarly Harvest \u0026amp; Long Hanging Fruit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the first fruits to come on in the summer, Nankings stay on the tree for a long time, giving you a nice, extended harvest window throughout the growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEasy Maintenance \u0026amp; Long-Term Care\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey do require renewal pruning to maintain vigor and prevent disease—usually around 10 years after planting. Hopefully by then we’ll have a video up showing what that process looks like!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardy to Zone 2 (-40°F or more).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShrubs are 2-3 ft. tall\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"2-3 ft.","offer_id":42535097139266,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/nanking-cherry-fruit-on-bush.webp?v=1789020641"},{"product_id":"sandcherry-bundle-of-2","title":"Sand Cherry (Bundle of 3)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eA small tree native to the Northern Great Plains, Sand Cherry is very cold-hardy and produces tart, dark purple to black edible fruits. These fruits can be eaten fresh (best when left on the tree a little longer), dried, or made into jams and pies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eVersatile Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eWe’ve heard that Sand Cherries are excellent for juicing, though we don’t have direct experience with it. According to Les McCartney of Bozeman, “Sandcherries make for a mean syrup that puts chokecherry syrup to shame. Also great in pies.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardy and Adaptable\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eHardy to zone 2, or possibly even zone 1.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" style=\"white-space: pre-wrap;\"\u003eTrees are 2-3 ft.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"2-3 ft.","offer_id":45155306831938,"sku":null,"price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/sand-cherry-fruit-on-branch.webp?v=1789021038"},{"product_id":"balaton-tart-cherry","title":"Balaton Tart Cherry","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNew for Spring 2027! These are the best pie cherries we have ever had! \u003c\/strong\u003eBalaton (Újfehértói Fürtös) is a Hungarian dark tart cherry, and it is one of the clonal landrace pie cherries out of Hungary, the same group as Danube and Erde Jubileum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe had grown both Danube and Erde Jubileum and thought highly of them, but we had not tried Balaton until this year. Balaton may take the cake. These cherries have real size and real flavor, and the flesh is a deep burgundy rather than the pale flesh of a Montmorency. They made the best cherry pie we have had, and the best looking one, too. Hardy to zone 3b (to about -35F).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFuller description coming soon.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montana Fruit Trees","offers":[{"title":"Mazzard Full Size: 5-7 ft. (Pruned to 5 ft. for Shipping)","offer_id":45191724171330,"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":45191724204098,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0626\/5687\/2514\/files\/BalatonTartCherry.jpg?v=1789173522"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.montanafruittrees.com\/collections\/best-cherries-for-jams-jellies.oembed","provider":"Montana Fruit Trees","version":"1.0","type":"link"}