How to Grow Montmorency Cherry
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Montmorency Cherry
Prunus cerasus 'Montmorency'
treeMontmorency is a tart or sour cherry cultivar prized for its bright red fruit and exceptional flavor in cooking and preservation. This self-fertile deciduous tree reaches 20-30 feet tall and produces abundant crops of medium-sized cherries with a distinctive bright red color. It is the most widely grown sour cherry variety in North America and is renowned for its culinary versatility.
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Example Montmorency Cherry timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Montmorency 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 Montmorency Cherry
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Montmorency Cherry dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-7; cold hardy to zone 3
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Establishment (Years 1-2)
2 yearsYoung tree develops root system and branch structure; minimal flowering and fruiting expected
Remove all flowers and developing fruit the first two years to direct energy to growth. Prune to establish strong scaffold branches. Water consistently during dry periods. Apply light fertilizer in spring.
Early Production (Years 3-4)
2 yearsTree begins flowering and setting fruit; canopy fills out and becomes more robust
Thin fruit if set is excessive (1 cherry per inch of branch). Prune to maintain open vase shape for air circulation and light penetration. Continue balanced fertilization.
Full Bloom (Early Spring)
2-3 weeksAbundant white to pale pink blossoms cover the tree in early spring, typically mid-April in northern zones
Monitor for late frosts that can damage blossoms and reduce yield. Tree is self-fertile but cross-pollination with another cherry variety increases fruit set. Avoid pruning during bloom.
Fruit Development (Late Spring-Early Summer)
6-8 weeksSmall green cherries develop and gradually enlarge; tree expends significant energy on fruit growth
Water consistently; irregular watering causes fruit cracking. Thin fruit to 3-4 inches apart for larger individual fruits. Monitor for pests and diseases. Apply balanced fertilizer mid-season if needed.
Harvest (Mid-Late June)
2-3 weeksCherries reach full size and bright red color; ready for picking when fully colored and slightly soft to touch
Harvest by gently twisting and pulling or use pruning shears to avoid branch damage. Pick in cool morning hours. Handle carefully to avoid bruising. Store harvested fruit in cool conditions.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Yellow sticky traps, bagging developing fruit, sanitation of fallen fruit, insecticidal spray at petal fall stage
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Hand-picking in early morning, traps away from tree, neem oil spray, beneficial nematodes in soil
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Remove egg masses in winter, physically remove tents, Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray, pruning out infested branches
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Miticide spray, strong water spray to dislodge, horticultural oil in dormant season
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Prune out infected branches 12 inches below knot, destroy prunings, fungicide spray if widespread
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Improve air circulation through pruning, remove mummified fruit and cankers, fungicide spray at bloom and fruit development stages
Uses
Pie and Preserves
CulinaryMontmorency cherries are the gold standard for cherry pie, jam, and preserves due to their bright color, balanced tart-sweet flavor, and excellent pectin content. The fruit's firmness and moderate juice content make it ideal for preserving without excessive cooking. [source]
Juice and Beverages
CulinaryTart cherry juice is popular for both fresh juice and fermented beverages. Montmorency provides excellent juice with natural acidity and deep color without excessive sugar content. [source]
Anti-inflammatory and Recovery
MedicinalMontmorency cherries contain anthocyanins and other polyphenols with documented anti-inflammatory properties. Studies suggest consumption may reduce muscle soreness, support joint health, and aid post-exercise recovery. [source]
Dried Fruit and Culinary Use
HouseholdMontmorency cherries dry exceptionally well, creating a shelf-stable product suitable for baking, granola, and trail mix. Dried cherries concentrate the tart flavor and are rich in antioxidants. [source]
Pollinator and Bird Support
WildlifeThe abundant spring blossoms attract bees and other pollinators, while summer fruit provides food for birds and wildlife. Established trees support diverse ecosystems. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Montmorency cherries are ready to harvest in mid to late June in most zones when fully red and slightly soft to touch. Gently twist and pull individual cherries or use pruning shears to minimize branch damage. Harvest in cool morning hours and handle carefully to avoid bruising. All fruit on the tree typically ripens within 2-3 weeks. Leave fruit on tree as long as possible for maximum sweetness. Birds are attracted to ripe fruit, so consider netting if bird predation is a problem. Store harvested cherries in refrigerator at 32-35°F for up to 2 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Montmorency is named after Montmorency, France, where it was extensively cultivated. It has been a leading sour cherry variety in North America since the 1800s and accounts for over 90% of U.S. tart cherry production.
- 🌱 Montmorency is self-fertile, meaning a single tree can produce fruit without a pollinator partner—unlike many sweet cherry varieties that require cross-pollination. However, cross-pollination with another cherry variety increases yields.
- 🌱 The fruit reaches full ripeness in mid-late June and has a very narrow harvest window of 2-3 weeks. The bright red color and slight softness indicate peak ripeness, with both flavor and juice content at their maximum.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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