Prunus avium 'Black Tartarian'
This beautiful and productive cherry tree is prized for its flavorful fruit, showy blooms, and reliable harvests. It produces heart-shaped cherries about 1" in diameter, usually purplish-black in color—though occasionally red, depending on the site. The fruit has dark red, juicy, and tender flesh with a smooth, easy-to-remove stone, making it perfect for fresh eating and preserves.
Mid-June to early July harvest, depending on location
Fruit should remain on the tree until fully ripe for best flavor
Begins bearing fruit 3–4 years after planting and continues to produce for decades
At maturity, one tree can yield 3–4 bushels of cherries
Blooms in early spring with clusters of fragrant white flowers
Available in both standard and dwarf sizes
Grows in a pyramidal shape with attractive, waxy dark green foliage
Chill requirement: 700–800 hours (32°F–45°F)
Requires consistent watering during dry periods
Pollination Info:
This tree requires cross-pollination with a compatible variety that blooms at the same time and is planted within 100' (standard) or 20' (dwarf). Recommended pollinators include:
Black Republican, Sam, Bing, Schmidt, Cavalier, Stella, Gold, Van, Heidelfingen, Vega, Montmorency, Vista, Rainier, and Windsor.
Notably, this variety is also an excellent pollinator for other dark, sweet cherry trees, making it a great addition to any orchard or backyard planting.