One of Hungary’s favorites, this self-fertile tart cherry is one of our hardiest (ever so slightly less hardy than Meteor, though). For those on the colder half of zone 4 (zone 4a) that don’t want to risk it with Gold cherry, go with Danube. It’s tartness is not as strong as Montmorency as the juicy, glossy dark-red fruits have a bursting sweet-tart flavor. With a spreading growth habit, Danube cherries are very heavy bearing and make for better quality pies than Montmorency.

These trees are 5-7 ft. tall and grafted onto full-size mazzard rootstock

Image Courtesy of Gina Dittmer under CC 2.0.