Knowledgebase
Urban orchard Minneapolis #924618
Asked February 15, 2026, 10:30 PM EST
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hello, Aaron.
As you proceed with the urban orchard in Minneapolis, I encourage you to consider a few things.
The hardiness zone for your area is currently at 5a. The trees you are considering are suitable for zones 5-12, so they'd be just in the range for your area.
Though you want to grow bing and Rainier cherries, sour cherry varieties (self-fruitful) have traditionally grown better in your area. Sweet cherries (self-unfruitful) need another variety for cross-pollination, so you if you go that route, you might want even three varieties. The University of Minnesota has developed Meteor and North Star for the northern climate. Mesabi is variety to consider as a cross between a sour and sweet cherry. For maximum success, you might want to choose and purchase varieties that are grown locally. Plants that are grown where they are going to reside tend to be more fruitful.
You can certainly try the Gisela 3 dwarf rootstock. For sweet cherries, Mazzard is the standard rootstock. For sour cherries, Mahaleb is the standard rootstock choice.
As you design your orchard space, pay attention to the available sunlight to the area and consider a soil test through the U of M's Soil Testing Lab. Both of these things will help guide the choices you make for planting location and soil care.
Resources:
https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-stone-fruits-home-garden
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/growing-cherries-home-garden
https://extension.illinois.edu/fruit-trees/cherries
Sincerely,
Julie
You have an impressive variety of cherries, Aaron.
Though I have not grown any, I've read about people who've had success with Gold and Kristin varieties. Though it's not as sweet as other varieties, I've also read about the Sweet Cherry Pie variety, and it can sometimes be found locally.
I hope this helps.
Julie