How to Grow Lapin Cherry
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Lapin Cherry
Prunus avium 'Lapin'
treeLapin is a sweet cherry cultivar known for its large, dark red to black fruit and excellent flavor. It is a vigorous, self-fertile tree that produces heavy yields and is resistant to cracking, making it popular for both home and commercial orchards. The tree blooms in spring with white flowers before producing fruit in early to mid-summer.
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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 →Zones 5-8 are ideal; cold hardy to zone 4b with winter protection
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Establishment
1-2 yearsYoung tree developing root system and branch structure with minimal fruiting
Water deeply twice weekly. Prune to establish open vase or central leader form. Remove flowers first 2 years to focus growth. Stake for support in windy areas.
Flowering
2-3 weeksDense clusters of white flowers appear on spurs in spring, before leaves fully emerge
Do not prune during bloom. Monitor for frost damage to flower buds. Ensure adequate pollinator activity (bees) for fruit set. Light pest management for spider mites.
Fruit Development
6-8 weeksSmall green fruits develop rapidly from flowers, enlarging and gradually changing color to dark red/black
Thin fruit to 4-6 inches apart for larger individual cherries. Water consistently to prevent cracking. Monitor for bird damage and apply netting if needed. Check for pests like cherry fruit flies.
Ripening & Harvest
1-2 weeksFruits reach full dark red or black color and develop peak sweetness and flavor
Harvest when fully colored and firm (taste test a few). Pick with stems attached when possible. Cherries do not continue to ripen off tree. Continue watering to prevent splitting.
Post-Harvest & Dormancy
6-8 monthsTree enters dormancy after fruit drop, preparing for winter rest and next year's growth
Remove any diseased branches. Apply dormant oil spray in late winter to prevent pest overwintering. Prune lightly after harvest to shape tree and remove crossing branches. Reduce watering in fall/winter.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Yellow sticky traps in early summer; remove infested fruit promptly; sanitation of fallen fruit; spinosad or kaolin spray in late spring
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Strong water spray to dislodge; sulfur or neem oil spray; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Hand-pick early morning; use pheromone traps away from trees; neem oil if population is high; avoid insecticides that harm pollinators
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Remove infected branches immediately; improve air circulation through pruning; apply copper fungicide in early spring; sanitation of fallen leaves
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Bird netting 2-3 weeks before ripening; reflective tape or scare devices; harvest early if possible
Uses
Fresh eating and desserts
CulinaryLapin cherries are sweet, flavorful cherries excellent eaten fresh from the tree or used in desserts, jams, and preserves. Their firm flesh and resistance to cracking make them ideal for both home consumption and culinary applications. [source]
Anti-inflammatory and sleep support
MedicinalTart and sweet cherries contain anthocyanins and melatonin, compounds studied for reducing inflammation, supporting joint health, and promoting restful sleep. Fresh or dried cherries can be consumed to potentially benefit these areas. [source]
Juice, wine, and preservation
HouseholdCherry juice is nutrient-dense and can be made fresh from ripe fruit or used in fermented beverages. Cherries are excellent candidates for freezing, canning, or making cordials and liqueurs for long-term storage and enjoyment. [source]
Food source for birds and pollinators
WildlifeCherry trees provide spring nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems. While some fruit may be lost to bird predation, this helps sustain wild bird populations during breeding season. [source]
Wood and ornamental value
CraftCherry wood is valued by craftspeople and woodworkers for fine furniture and decorative items. The tree itself is ornamental in spring when in full bloom, adding landscape beauty to gardens and orchards. [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 when fully dark red or black and firm to the touch, ideally in cool morning hours. Harvest with stems attached by gently twisting and lifting. Cherries do not ripen further after picking, so wait until fully mature. For fresh eating, harvest at peak ripeness; for processing, can pick slightly earlier. Use pruning shears if stems are difficult to remove. Handle gently to avoid bruising.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Lapin cherry is self-fertile, meaning it can produce fruit without cross-pollination, unlike many other sweet cherry varieties. However, planting compatible pollinizers like Bing or Stella nearby increases yield and fruit size.
- 🌱 The name 'Lapin' comes from the French word for 'rabbit,' named after the breeder's nickname, and the variety originated in France in the 1970s as a cross between Napoleon and Stella cherries.
- 🌱 Lapin cherries are prized for their crack resistance due to their thick skin, making them ideal in wet climates where rain can cause fruit splitting in other cherry varieties.
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