Mountmorency Sour Cherry

Meet America’s most popular tart cherry for pies and preserves. The Montmorency cherry tree is a cold-hardy hybrid species that ripens early in the season. The medium-large, bright red fruit has a firm yellow flesh; clear juice; and a rich, tart flavor that bakers and jam makers love. This tree is self-fertile, but planting two or more trees will ensure the best crop. Ideally, cherry trees should get at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Cherry trees do best in deep, well-draining soil that has a pH of 6.0-7.0. Space sweet cherries 35 to 40 feet apart; dwarfs, 5 to 10 feet apart. Space tart cherries 20 to 25 feet apart; dwarfs, 8 to 10 feet apart.