Recommended Varieties of Cherries

No sweet cherry varieties have proved hardy in Southcentral. There are individual trees in Southeast, however. Sour or tart (pie) cherries are considerably hardier and will survive through Zone 3. Tart cherries do best on a well-drained, sandy loam soil. The three varieties most available (Meteor, North Star and Montmorency) are all self-fertile and productive. Maheleb is the rootstock most commonly used to propagate them.

North Star Dwarf — Tree is genetic dwarf, grows about 6 to 8 feet high at maturity. Fruit is dark red with yellowish flesh, meaty, juicy, with good flavor for pies and fresh eating. Fruit ripens late July to early August in Anchorage and is about 15 to 20 millimeters diameter; keeps about two weeks.

Meteor — Tree is 8 to 10 feet tall when mature and is slightly more cold-hardy than North Star Dwarf.

Fruit is bright red with yellowish flesh, medium firm, medium juicy, with freestone pit. Good for pies and fresh eating; ripens about the same time as North Star Dwarf. Fruit slightly larger than North Star Dwarf. Montmorency — The standard commercial pie cherry. Hardy to Zone 4, possibly Zone 3, but not as hardy as North Star Dwarf or Meteor. Fruit is brilliant red, excellent for pies and preserves. Tree is larger than Meteor.