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How to Grow Lambert Cherry

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Lambert Cherry

Prunus avium 'Lambert'

tree

Lambert cherry is a sweet cherry cultivar known for its large, dark red to black fruits and reliable production. It is a vigorous, upright tree that reaches 25-35 feet tall and produces abundant harvests in mid-to-late summer. The variety is particularly valued for fresh eating and is a good pollinator for other cherry varieties.

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Example Lambert Cherry timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Lambert Cherry

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Lambert Cherry

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lambert Cherry dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum (8+ hours preferred)
💧
Water: Moderate and consistent moisture; deep watering during establishment (first 2-3 years) and during dry spells in fruiting season. Avoid waterlogging. Mature trees are somewhat drought-tolerant once established.
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Spacing: 240 inches
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Days to maturity: 2880-3650 (3-4 years from planting for first significant harvest; full production by year 5-6)
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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; ensure graft union is 2-3 inches above soil line

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy loam soil
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost or aged manure at planting Mulch to retain moisture and regulate temperature Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 5-8, with best performance in zones 5-7

5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

First year

Young tree developing root system and framework; initial height 3-6 feet at planting

Water deeply and regularly; provide stake support if needed; avoid heavy pruning; remove competing growth; apply mulch 2-3 inches deep around base

2

Vegetative Growth

Years 2-3

Tree grows vigorously, developing main scaffold branches and canopy structure; minimal to no fruiting

Prune to establish open vase or central leader form; remove low branches (3-4 feet minimum clearance); thin competing branches; continue consistent watering

3

Early Flowering & Fruiting

Years 3-4

First spring flower buds appear; modest crop develops; tree may need thinning

Allow some fruiting but thin heavily if needed to prevent branch breakage; remove diseased or damaged flowers; continue structural pruning; fertilize lightly with balanced formula

4

Peak Fruiting

Years 5 and beyond; occurs annually

Full canopy with abundant white spring flowers (April-May); heavy crop of large dark red cherries matures mid-to-late summer (June-July)

Thin fruits early (4-6 inches apart) for larger fruit size; monitor for pests and diseases; prune only to maintain shape and remove dead wood; water during fruit development; use netting if birds are problematic

5

Dormancy

November-March

Tree loses leaves in fall; wood hardens and buds develop; period of winter rest

Prune in late dormancy (late February to early March) before spring growth; remove diseased, crossing, or inward-growing branches; thin canopy for air circulation; do not prune in fall

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Bing cherry Black Tartarian cherry Rainier cherry Stella cherry Lapins cherry Flowering plum Serviceberry Crabapple

Avoid planting near:

Black walnut (produces toxic juglone) Sour cherry trees at very close distances Heavily cultivated vegetable gardens near root zones

Common Pests

  • Use yellow sticky traps; apply kaolin clay spray; remove fallen fruit promptly; use spinosad or other approved insecticides during fruit development

  • Spray forcefully with water to dislodge; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; use spinosad for severe infestations

  • Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators (ladybugs, lacewings); use reflective mulches

  • Increase humidity; spray with water; apply sulfur or miticide if severe; encourage predatory mites

  • Remove infected blossoms and fruit; improve air circulation through pruning; apply fungicide in spring; avoid overhead watering

  • Remove infected leaves; apply copper or sulfur fungicide in spring; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage

  • Prune out affected branches; sterilize tools between cuts; apply copper bactericide; improve tree vigor with proper care

Uses

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Fresh Eating & Desserts

Culinary

Lambert cherries are prized for fresh consumption due to their large size, dark color, and sweet flavor. They are excellent for eating out-of-hand, adding to fruit salads, and using as garnishes for desserts. [source]

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Jams & Preserves

Culinary

The firm flesh and good flavor make Lambert cherries ideal for making preserves, jams, and cherry compotes. High pectin content supports natural gel formation. [source]

🍳

Baking & Cooking

Culinary

Large, flavorful fruits work well in pies, tarts, baked goods, and cooked dishes. Their sweetness reduces the need for added sugar in many recipes. [source]

💊

Anti-Inflammatory & Sleep Support

Medicinal

Cherries contain anthocyanins and melatonin, compounds studied for anti-inflammatory effects and potential benefits for sleep quality. Fresh and dried cherries are used in traditional wellness practices. [source]

🦋

Pollinator & Wildlife Food Source

Wildlife

Cherry blossoms attract bees and other pollinators in spring. Mature fruits provide food for birds and wildlife, making the tree valuable for ecological gardens. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cherries ripen in late June to early July, depending on climate zone. Fruit is ready when deep dark red to nearly black, fully colored, and fully sweet (taste test). Pick by gently twisting and lifting, or cut with pruners to avoid branch damage. Harvest in cool morning hours for best quality. Lambert cherries are typically picked firm-ripe and continue to improve slightly in flavor if refrigerated for a few days. Fruits do not ripen after harvest.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Lambert cherry was developed in California in the 1880s and is named after its originator. It became one of the most commercially important sweet cherry varieties in North America.
  • 🌱 The large, firm fruits can weigh up to 1 gram each and remain on the tree longer than many other varieties, extending the harvest window by several weeks.
  • 🌱 Lambert cherry trees are excellent cross-pollinators for other sweet cherry varieties; nearby compatible trees (such as Bing or Black Tartarian) significantly increase fruit set and yield.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Full Sun Mulch Thinning
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