How to Grow Sweet Tart Cherry
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Sweet Tart Cherry
Prunus avium × Prunus cerasus
treeSweet Tart is a hybrid cherry tree that combines the sweetness of sweet cherries with the tartness of sour cherries, producing dual-purpose fruit ideal for fresh eating and cooking. This semi-dwarf to dwarf cultivar grows 15-25 feet tall and is self-fertile, eliminating the need for a pollinator. The tree produces abundant clusters of dark red cherries that ripen in mid-summer.
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Example Sweet Tart Cherry timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Sweet Tart 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 Sweet Tart Cherry
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Sweet Tart Cherry dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-8; hardy to zone 4 with protection
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Get my Sweet Tart Cherry timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
1-2 yearsYoung tree focuses on root and branch development with minimal fruiting
Water deeply and regularly. Stake for support. Remove any flower buds first year to direct energy to growth. Mulch with 2-3 inches of wood chips.
Vegetative Growth
2-4 yearsTree develops strong branch structure with glossy green leaves and increasing height
Prune in late winter to establish open vase shape. Remove crossing or inward-growing branches. Apply balanced fertilizer in spring. Monitor for pests.
Flowering
2-3 weeks (March-April)Abundant clusters of white-pink blossoms appear in early spring before leaf-out
Protect flowers from late frosts if possible. Do not fertilize heavily; excess nitrogen reduces fruit set. Ensure adequate chilling hours (800-1200) have been met.
Fruit Development
6-8 weeksSmall green fruits develop from flower clusters and gradually enlarge and change color to dark red
Thin fruits to 6 inches apart if overcrowded to improve size. Water consistently to prevent cracking. Begin monitoring for pests like cherry fruit flies.
Ripening & Harvest
2-3 weeks (June-July)Cherries develop full dark red color and sweet-tart flavor; sugars increase significantly
Harvest when fully colored but slightly firm for better storage. Pick with stems intact. Provide netting if birds are a problem. Water regularly to prevent fruit splitting in rain.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Deploy yellow sticky traps in late May; use row covers on young fruit; apply spinosad if infestation occurs; maintain sanitation by removing dropped fruit
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Hand-pick in early morning; use beetle traps away from tree; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators
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Prune out infected branches 12 inches below knot during dormancy; destroy prunings; improve air circulation; apply copper fungicide if needed
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Spray with water to dislodge; apply miticide if severe; maintain adequate humidity; encourage predatory mites
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Remove egg masses from branches in winter; prune out tents in early spring; spray Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if caterpillars appear
Uses
Fresh eating and desserts
CulinarySweet Tart cherries are excellent eaten fresh due to their balanced sweet-tart flavor. The dual nature makes them ideal for pies, jams, sauces, and cobbler where the tartness prevents excessive sweetness. [source]
Anti-inflammatory properties
MedicinalCherry fruit contains anthocyanins and other polyphenols with proven anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Studies show cherry consumption may reduce gout symptoms and muscle soreness from exercise. [source]
Preserves and beverages
CulinaryThe balance of sweet and tart makes Sweet Tart ideal for preserving—jams, jellies, and compotes achieve superior flavor complexity. The juice can be fermented into wine or mixed with other juices. [source]
Pollinator and wildlife support
WildlifeCherry blossoms attract bees and other pollinators in spring. The abundant fruit provides food for birds and wildlife throughout summer and early fall. [source]
Natural dye source
HouseholdCherry juice produces pink to red dyes that have been used historically for fabric and paper dyeing. The tannins in wood and leaves also contribute to dye production. [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 in mid-to-late June or early July when cherries are fully dark red and slightly soft to pressure. Pick with stems to extend shelf life and reduce damage. Harvest in cool morning hours. Ripe cherries store 1-2 weeks in refrigeration. For cooking, slightly earlier harvest (less ripe) provides more structure.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Sweet Tart cherry is self-fertile, making it one of the few cherry varieties that can produce fruit without a pollinator—a major advantage for home gardeners with limited space.
- 🌱 The 'dual-purpose' nature of this hybrid allows it to transition between markets: ripe cherries for fresh eating command premium prices, while slightly less ripe fruit is perfect for canning and baking where structure matters.
- 🌱 Cherry trees have been cultivated for over 2,000 years; ancient Romans spread cherry cultivation throughout Europe by establishing it as a 'prestige fruit' fit for the wealthy.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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