Nanking Cherry (Bundle of 3) | Spring 2027

We rate Nanking Cherry hardy to zone 2, which means winters down to about -50°F. Our ratings come from real winters at our two Montana sites and from trusted growers across the North, not from a catalog average.

About 400 hours of winter chill (we count hours at or below 45°F), likely somewhere between 200 and 700. Published figures run about 200 to 600 hours, so treat that as a middle estimate. That low chill need is why Nanking blooms so early, often before the leaves. Plant it where cold air drains away so frost doesn't take the flowers. Our chill hours guide has a calculator for your winters, and our research page lists the sources.

Our top use scores for Nanking Cherry are jams and jellies (8/10), juice and sweet cider (8/10), ornamental value (8/10), fresh eating (7/10). Anything scored 8 or higher makes our Best Of lists.

Not really. It holds up moderately well against black knot. It's prone to brown rot. Our cherry disease resistance chart has every rating, the notes and the sources.

Sometimes. Deer browse Nanking Cherry now and then, so protect young plants where deer pressure is high.

A dormant bare root plant, roots wrapped in moist sawdust with a vapor barrier, shipped or picked up in Missoula in spring. Sizes offered: 2-3 ft. We guarantee our plants bud out. Stone fruits can be slow, so if one still has not budded out by August 15, write to us and we credit you for the following spring.