Black Tartarian Cherry Tree

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

15 Feet

Mature Spread

10 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

Black Tartarian Cherry Tree is an heirloom sweet cherry valued for early harvests and rich, dark fruit that tastes best right off the branch. Prunus avium 'Black Tartarian' produces large purplish-black cherries from mid-June to early July, with sweet, juicy flesh that also works well for preserves, juice, and baking. This pyramidal tree matures about 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide, depending on pruning. We often like it for mixed cherry plantings because it is one of the best pollination partners for dark sweet cherries and provides a generous crop with the right companion tree.

Black Tartarian Cherry Tree Care

Plant Black Tartarian Cherry Tree in fall or early spring while the tree is dormant, spacing each tree 10 feet apart. Choose full sun with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light, loamy or sandy soil with a pH near 6.0 to 7.0, and good drainage, since sweet cherries dislike soggy roots. This variety requires a compatible pollinator such as Bing, Stella, Rainier, or Lapins nearby. Prune annually in late winter to remove crossing wood and open the canopy.

Growing Black Tartarian Cherry Tree

Black Tartarian Cherry Tree typically bears fruit in about 3 to 5 years, with cherries ripening in early summer once the fruit turns deep red to nearly black and releases easily from the stem. It needs about 700 to 900 chill hours and grows best outdoors in zones 5 to 8, where winter cold supports good flowering. Do not grow it indoors because it needs full outdoor sun, winter chill, airflow, and a second compatible cherry for fruit set.

Growing Black Tartarian Cherry Tree in Containers

This semi-dwarf tree can be grown in a 20- to 25-gallon container for several years with careful pruning and steady watering. Repot or root-prune before growth stalls, and use the tree as the sole specimen rather than packing plants around the trunk. Plant Black Tartarian Cherry Tree in the landscape with irises or phlox to bring pollinators near the spring bloom without crowding the cherry roots.

Watering Black Tartarian Cherry Tree

Water deeply once a week during the first growing season, increasing during hot, dry weather so moisture reaches the full root zone. Established trees tolerate short dry spells, but small fruit, wilting leaves, or early drop are signs the tree needs more consistent watering.

Feeding Black Tartarian Cherry Tree

Feed Black Tartarian Cherry Tree in early spring with a balanced fruit-tree fertilizer before new growth begins. Keep fertilizer several inches away from the trunk, and avoid late-season feeding because tender new growth can be damaged by winter cold.

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