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Urban orchard Minneapolis #924618

Asked February 15, 2026, 10:30 PM EST

Hello UMN master gardener. I was looking for guidance on what species would be best for an urban orchard in Minneapolis. Right now I'm looking at two Bing Cherry , two Rainier Cherry, both of them on Gisela 3 rootstock. I am looking at these trees here on this website https://raintreenursery.com/collections/sweet-cherries And looking at G3 mini dwarf rootstock only right now trying to maximize space unless you would recommend something different.

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

Julie Replied February 16, 2026, 9:11 AM EST
Hello, 

I already have two Stella cherry trees, one black pearl cherry tree, and a combination cherry tree from home Depot. There are also two North Star cherry trees in the yard. 

I also am getting bees so I'm not too worried about pollination. 

What I am worried about is having enough sweet cherries. Are there any other sweet cherry varieties that you would recommend that would work well?

I understand your point about buying locally, all the trees that I have right now are bought from local stores or roots to fruits nursery in WI. Should I be considering other trees from that nursery instead of Bing and Rainer. 

Thanks

Ab 

On Mon, Feb 16, 2026, 8:11 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied February 16, 2026, 9:50 AM EST

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

Julie Replied February 16, 2026, 3:10 PM EST

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