How to Grow Lapins Cherry
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Lapins Cherry
Prunus avium 'Lapins'
treeLapins is a self-fertile sweet cherry cultivar known for producing large, dark red fruits with excellent flavor and firm texture. It was developed in Canada and is prized for both fresh eating and commercial production. The tree is vigorous, productive, and resistant to cracking, making it ideal for home gardeners and orchardists.
When should you plant Lapins Cherry in your zone?
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Example Lapins Cherry timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lapins 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 Lapins Cherry
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lapins 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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Establishment (Year 1)
First 12 months after plantingYoung tree develops root system and framework branches. Limited flowering may occur.
Focus on tree structure; prune to establish central leader or open vase form. Water deeply weekly. Stake for support if necessary. Remove any flowers in the first year to direct energy to growth.
Vegetative Growth (Years 2-3)
12-24 monthsTree develops canopy and branch structure. Increasing flower bud formation occurs.
Continue training; prune to maintain shape and increase light penetration. Water consistently. Begin light annual fertilizing in spring. Thin excessive growth.
Flowering (Spring)
2-3 weeksWhite fragrant flowers bloom in clusters, typically in April-May depending on zone. Self-fertile variety can set fruit without cross-pollination.
Protect flowers from late frosts; frost during bloom can reduce set. Ensure adequate water. Do not spray fungicides during bloom to protect pollinators.
Fruit Development (Early to Mid-Summer)
6-8 weeksGreen fruits develop rapidly. Natural fruit drop occurs 3-4 weeks after flowering. Remaining fruits enlarge and begin color change to red.
Thin fruits to 4-6 inches apart to improve size and quality. Water consistently for even development. Prevent sunscald on south-facing sides with shade cloth if needed.
Ripening and Harvest (Mid to Late Summer)
2-4 weeksFruits reach full dark red color and develop characteristic sweet flavor. Harvest begins typically in late June-July in most zones.
Pick fruits when fully colored and slightly soft to pressure. Handle gently to avoid bruising. Harvest in morning after dew dries. Taste test to confirm sweetness before commercial harvest.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Yellow sticky traps, bagging individual fruits, organic insecticides applied at petal fall and again 7-10 days later, regular monitoring
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Exclusion netting, insecticides near harvest, sanitation of fallen fruit, rapid post-harvest processing
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Hand-picking in early morning, neem oil or spinosad sprays, pheromone traps at distance from tree
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Strong water spray to dislodge, spinosad or neem oil, encouraging natural predators
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Strong water spray, horticultural oil in dormant season, insecticidal soap, ladybug attraction
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Remove infected fruit, improve air circulation, copper-sulfur fungicides at bloom and post-bloom, sanitation of tree debris
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Remove infected leaves, copper fungicides, improved drainage and air circulation, avoid overhead watering
Uses
Fresh Eating and Desserts
CulinaryLapins cherries are excellent fresh fruit with large size, dark color, and sweet flavor. They are commonly used in fruit salads, baked goods, and desserts such as pies, tarts, and compotes. [source]
Preserves and Jam
CulinaryThe firm flesh and balanced sweetness of Lapins cherries make them ideal for creating jams, preserves, and syrups. Their natural pectin content supports gel formation in preserve-making. [source]
Ornamental and Landscape Value
HouseholdLapins cherry trees provide beautiful spring blossoms and attractive summer foliage, making them valuable ornamental specimens in home landscapes. The tree reaches 20-25 feet and can serve as a focal point. [source]
Wildlife Food Source
WildlifeCherry trees support pollinators with spring flowers and provide food for birds and small wildlife. The fruit attracts various bird species, contributing to garden biodiversity. [source]
Nutritional Benefits
MedicinalCherries are rich in vitamin C, anthocyanins, and other antioxidants. They contain compounds studied for anti-inflammatory properties and potential benefits for sleep quality (through melatonin content). [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when fruit is fully dark red and yields slightly to gentle pressure. Lapins cherries do not ripen further after picking, so pick at peak ripeness. Use two-handed technique: support the branch with one hand while gently twisting the fruit with the other to avoid breaking spurs. Harvest in morning when fruit is cool and firm. Handle carefully to minimize bruising. Fruit can be refrigerated at 32°F for up to 2 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Lapins was developed in British Columbia, Canada in the 1970s and is named after the French word for rabbits ('lapins'), as it was trial number LP-53 in the breeding program.
- 🌱 Lapins is one of the few sweet cherry varieties that is reliably self-fertile, meaning a single tree can produce fruit without requiring a different variety for cross-pollination—unusual among sweet cherries.
- 🌱 The fruit is notably resistant to rain cracking, a common problem where cherries split after rainfall, making Lapins ideal for regions with unpredictable spring weather.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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