How to Grow Bing Crosby Cherry
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Bing Crosby Cherry
Prunus avium 'Bing'
treeBing is a popular sweet cherry cultivar known for its large, dark red fruits with excellent flavor. This vigorous tree produces heavy yields and is widely grown in home orchards and commercial settings. The variety is self-sterile and requires a compatible pollinator for fruit production.
When should you plant Bing Crosby Cherry in your zone?
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Example Bing Crosby Cherry timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bing Crosby Cherry
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Bing Crosby Cherry
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Bing Crosby Cherry dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; prefers moderate climates with distinct seasons
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Get my Bing Crosby Cherry timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
Year 1Young tree focuses on root and branch development with minimal flowering
Water regularly; stake for support in windy areas. Remove any early flowers to redirect energy to growth. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base.
Vegetative Growth
Years 2-3Tree develops strong scaffold branches and canopy structure
Prune to establish central leader or open-center form. Remove crossing or inward-growing branches. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring.
Flowering
2-3 weeks in springBeautiful white blossoms appear in spring before or with leaf emergence
Ensure compatible pollinator tree is nearby (Rainier, Van, or Lambert varieties work well). Monitor for late frosts that damage blossoms. Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen.
Fruit Development
6-8 weeksSmall green fruits appear after petal fall and gradually enlarge and darken to deep mahogany red
Thin fruits to 4-6 inches apart for larger, higher-quality cherries. Maintain consistent watering. Monitor for fruit cracking in wet conditions. Protect from bird damage with netting if necessary.
Harvest
Harvest typically June-July in most zonesFruits reach full dark red color, firm texture, and peak sweetness
Pick by gently twisting and lifting to avoid damaging spurs. Harvest in the cool early morning. Handle carefully to prevent bruising. Store in refrigerator at 32-35°F.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use yellow sticky traps, remove infested fruit, apply spinosad or neem oil at petal fall and 7-10 days later
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Spray with strong water stream, apply insecticidal soap, introduce ladybugs, use neem oil
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Remove affected fruit, apply spinosad or pyrethrin-based insecticides
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Increase humidity, spray with water, apply miticide if severe
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Install bird netting over fruiting branches, use reflective tape or scare devices
Uses
Fresh eating and desserts
CulinaryBing cherries are prized for their large size, sweet flavor, and firm texture, making them ideal for eating fresh, using in fruit salads, or preparing elegant desserts. The dark mahogany color and refined taste make them popular at farmers' markets and specialty grocers. [source]
Preserves and baking
CulinaryThese cherries are excellent for making jam, jelly, and compote due to their high sugar content and deep flavor. They also work well in pies, tarts, and other baked goods. [source]
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits
MedicinalCherries contain anthocyanins and other polyphenols with anti-inflammatory properties. Fresh Bing cherries and cherry juice have been studied for potential benefits in reducing gout symptoms and muscle soreness. [source]
Ornamental landscape value
HouseholdThe Bing cherry tree provides spring beauty with profuse white blossoms and attractive foliage, making it an excellent dual-purpose fruit and ornamental tree for home landscapes. [source]
Wildlife food source
WildlifeCherry trees support various pollinators during flowering and provide food for birds and other wildlife. However, protective netting may be needed to preserve your harvest. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Bing cherries are ready to harvest when fully dark red (late June to July in most regions). Pick with stems attached by gently twisting and lifting to avoid damaging the fruit spurs. Cherries do not continue to ripen after harvest. Wear gloves to avoid staining hands. For best flavor, harvest only when fully ripe. Store in refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag for up to 3 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Bing cherries were developed in the 1870s by horticulturist Seth Lewelling in Oregon and named after his Bing, a Chinese worker on his farm.
- 🌱 A single mature Bing cherry tree can produce 30-50 pounds of fruit per year under ideal conditions.
- 🌱 Bing cherries require 400-600 chill hours below 45°F during winter dormancy to produce fruit, making them unsuitable for very warm climates.
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