How to Grow Lapin Cherry
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Lapin Cherry
Prunus avium 'Lapin'
treeLapin is a self-fertile sweet cherry cultivar prized for its large, dark red fruits and exceptional flavor. This vigorous tree produces abundant crops and is an excellent pollinizer for other cherry varieties. It's a popular choice for both commercial orchards and home gardens due to its reliability and productivity.
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Example Lapin Cherry timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lapin 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 Lapin Cherry
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lapin Cherry dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-8, with best performance in zones 6-7
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Dormancy & Chilling
November-February (3-4 months)Tree is bare and dormant over winter, requiring 600-900 hours of chilling (below 45°F) to break dormancy
Ensure adequate chilling hours; avoid planting in warm regions. Monitor for frost damage in marginal zones.
Bud Break & Flowering
March-April (4-6 weeks)Buds swell and pink blossoms appear in early spring. Lapin produces abundant white flowers with pink centers.
Protect from late frosts which damage flowers and reduce fruit set. Ensure pollinator activity; bees are essential.
Fruit Set & Growth
May-June (4-6 weeks)Tiny green fruits develop after pollination. Fruits grow rapidly, reaching marble size by early summer.
Thin fruit to one cherry per cluster (2-3 inches apart) for larger fruits. Maintain consistent watering. Watch for pest damage.
Fruit Maturation
June-July (4-6 weeks)Cherries enlarge and develop color, changing from light red to deep burgundy/black. Sugar content increases.
Continue watering consistently—irregular water causes fruit cracking. Remove damaged fruits. Protect from birds with netting.
Harvest & Post-Harvest
Late June-early July (2-3 weeks peak harvest)Fully dark cherries are ready to pick when glossy and slightly soft to gentle pressure.
Harvest in early morning when cool. Pick with stem attached to reduce damage. Prune any broken branches.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Yellow sticky traps, bagging fruit, spinosad-based organic sprays, sanitation of dropped fruit
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Strong water spray, insecticidal soap, neem oil, encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Remove affected fruit and twigs, improve air circulation through pruning, fungicide applications during wet springs
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Hand-pick infected leaves, spinosad spray, encourage parasitoid wasps
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Netting over tree during ripening, scare tactics, reflective tape, companion plantings to distract birds
Uses
Fresh Eating & Desserts
CulinaryLapin cherries are excellent fresh-eating cherries with high sugar content (14-16 Brix) and rich flavor. They're perfect for fresh consumption, fruit salads, and elegant desserts. [source]
Preserving & Cooking
CulinaryLarge, firm fruits are ideal for jam, compote, and canning. Their balanced acid and sugar make them excellent for cooked preparations and preservation. [source]
Nutritional & Antioxidant Benefits
MedicinalRich in anthocyanins, vitamin C, and melatonin. Associated with anti-inflammatory properties and potential sleep support benefits. [source]
Pollinator & Bird Support
WildlifeSpring blossoms provide early season pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinators. Mature cherries feed birds and wildlife. [source]
Landscape & Ornamental Value
HouseholdBeautiful spring blossoms and attractive form make Lapin a dual-purpose tree—ornamental in spring, productive in summer. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick cherries in early morning when fully dark and slightly soft, leaving the stem attached. Harvest over 2-3 weeks as fruit ripens. Refrigerate immediately; fresh cherries store 2-3 weeks at 32-36°F. For best flavor, leave on tree until fully ripe—cherries don't ripen after picking.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Lapin is self-fertile and self-compatible, meaning a single tree can produce fruit without another cherry variety nearby—a rare trait among sweet cherries that makes it perfect for small gardens.
- 🌱 The name 'Lapin' comes from French, meaning 'rabbit,' referencing the Swiss region where this cultivar was developed.
- 🌱 Lapin cherries can produce up to 100+ pounds of fruit per mature tree in ideal conditions, making them one of the most productive cherry varieties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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