Cherry (Sour)

Sunset

Zones A2, A3, 1-9, 14-17, 33-43

Full

Moderate

Sour Cherry
Rosaceae
Deciduous, Edible fruit, Trees

Also known as pie cherry, this species is of uncertain origin. These are spreading trees to 20 ft. tall. They are self-fruitful, but poor pollenizers for sweet cherries. There are far fewer types of sour cherries than sweet cherries; those listed here are the most widely grown. The category name notwithstanding, a few varieties listed here are sweet enough to enjoy fresh.

‘Early Richmond‘. Small, bright red fruit is soft, juicy, and sweet-tart. Early.

‘English Morello‘. Darker, tarter fruit than that of ‘Early Richmond‘. Red juice. Late.

‘Kansas Sweet‘ (‘Hansen‘). Large, semisweet red fruit. Late.

‘Meteor‘. Fruit similar to that of ‘Early Richmond‘, but tree is smaller. Late.

‘Montmorency‘. Like ‘Early Richmond‘. Midseason to late.

‘North Star‘. Red to dark red skin and sour yellow flesh. Small, very hardy tree. Midseason.

‘Surefire‘. Bright red skin and flesh; sweet flavor. Late.