Sour Cherry Tree Description

Cherry trees produce an abundance of white flowers in the spring.

Sour cherry trees (Prunus cerasus) produce fruits that are used to make pies, preserves, jellies and other foods. Sour cherries were created by cross-pollinating sweet cherry trees and Nanking cherry trees. The fruit of this tree stands up to high cooking temperatures, making it edible both fresh and cooked.

Cultivation

The most commonly grown sour cherry tree is the "Montmorency." The sour cherry tree originated in Iran and Turkmenistan but was introduced to the United States by Europeans in the 1800s. As of 2010, 27 countries worldwide harvest sour cherry trees, with Russia being the top producer. The United States is the ninth producer of sour cherries. Within the United States, 213 million lb. sour cherries are produced annually, with 99 percent of those cherries being grown from "Montmorency" sour cherry trees.

Climate

"Montmorency" sour cherry trees grow well in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 through 7, which makes them appropriate for all but America's hot and humid southern climates. This tree thrives in well-drained, sandy and loamy soils. For the best results, plant sour cherry trees where they will receive direct sunlight.

Growth

Sour cherry trees are round in shape and grow at a medium growth rate of 13 to 24 inches annually. At maturity, sour cherry trees are 8 to 15 feet tall and 10 to 20 feet wide. Standard trees grow to the high end of this height range, while dwarf varieties remain in the lower end of this height range.

Fruit

In the spring, sour cherry trees produce clusters of two to four white flowers each. Two months after the flowers of the sour cherry tree bloom, the fruits are ripe. When ripe, the fruit from this tree is bright-red and firm to the touch. The juice of the fruit runs clear but the taste is both tart and tangy. Each "Montmorency" cherry tree yields 36 to 44 pints of cherry fruits annually. Sour cherry trees ripen later in the year compared to sweet cherry trees.

Problems

Sour cherry trees produce fruits that are attractive to wildlife as well as people. Birds and mammals can threaten the harvest of these trees by consuming a large quantity of the fruits produced. Prevent wildlife from eating ripened fruits by draping the tree with nylon or cheesecloth. This method will protect the fruits from birds and mammals until the fruits are ready for harvest.

References

• University of Georgia: Cherries, Prunus avium, Prunus cerasus
• Arbor Day Foundation: Montmorency Cherry