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Cherry Montmorency
Prunus cerasus 'Montmorency'
treeMontmorency is a classic tart (sour) cherry cultivar renowned for its bright red fruit and excellent flavor profile. This medium-sized, hardy deciduous tree produces abundant crops of medium-sized cherries ideal for baking, preserves, and juice. It's one of the most commercially important sour cherry varieties in North America.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-7, with best performance in zones 5-6
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Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
12 monthsYoung grafted tree develops root system and establishes canopy framework with vigorous new growth
Water regularly, stake if needed, remove competing branches to establish a strong central leader or open vase shape. Protect from harsh wind. Avoid heavy fertilizer.
Development (Years 2-3)
24 monthsTree grows substantially, branching structure fills out, and lateral branches begin to mature
Continue shaping and pruning to maintain structure. Remove any low-hanging branches. Thin competing central leaders. Apply dormant oil spray in late winter to control overwintering pests.
Early Flowering (Year 3-4)
4-6 weeks in springTree begins producing white flower clusters in early spring before leaf-out
Allow some flowering to occur but remove excess flower buds the first year or two to encourage root and canopy development. Monitor for late frosts that can damage buds.
Fruiting & Harvest (Year 4+)
8-12 weeks from flowering to full harvestEstablished trees produce abundant clusters of bright red medium-sized tart cherries in early summer (June-July in most regions)
Thin fruit if overcrowded to improve size and reduce branch breakage. Water consistently during fruit development. Monitor for cherry fruit fly and other pests. Support heavy branches with props if needed.
Post-Harvest & Dormancy
6-7 monthsTree finishes fruiting, foliage remains green through fall, then leaves drop in winter for dormancy period
Summer prune to remove crossing/rubbing branches and maintain shape. Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilizer. Prepare tree for winter. Late winter dormant pruning shapes canopy for next season.
Common Pests
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Yellow sticky traps, bagging fruit clusters, removal of infested fruit, spinosad sprays timed to adult emergence
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Handpick early morning, neem oil sprays, row covers on young trees, milky spore for soil larvae
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Prune and destroy infected branches in winter or early spring before bud break, sterilize pruning tools between cuts
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Strong water spray to dislodge, insecticidal soap, neem oil, or spinosad during pest season
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Remove webs by hand, Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) sprays, prune affected branches
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Remove mummified fruit and branches, improve air circulation through pruning, sulfur or copper fungicide sprays during bloom and fruit development
Uses
Baking & Pastries
CulinaryMontmorency cherries are the premier choice for cherry pies, tarts, and baked goods due to their bright flavor and moderate acidity. The tart profile balances sweetness in desserts perfectly. [source]
Preserves & Juice
CulinaryHigh pectin and acid content make Montmorency ideal for making jam, preserves, syrup, and juice. The distinctive tart flavor is prized in beverages and condiments. [source]
Anti-inflammatory & Sleep Support
MedicinalMontmorency cherry juice contains anthocyanins and melatonin, compounds that may reduce inflammation and support better sleep quality. Many studies focus on tart cherry juice benefits. [source]
Food Preservation
HouseholdFresh Montmorency cherries can be frozen, canned, dried, or made into syrup for year-round storage and use in cooking and beverages. [source]
Wildlife Food Source
WildlifeThe abundant fruit provides food for birds and beneficial pollinators, making the tree valuable for supporting biodiversity in home landscapes. [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 ripen in early to mid-summer (typically late June to early July depending on climate). Pick when fully red and firm; they do not continue to ripen after harvest. Use cherry pitter or small knife to remove stem and pit. Harvest in morning when cool for best flavor. Eat fresh, freeze, or process immediately for best quality. Can harvest by hand or with catch cloths if yield is large.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Montmorency is named after a region in France and has been cultivated since the 17th century, making it one of the oldest documented sour cherry cultivars still in commercial production.
- 🌱 A single Montmorency cherry tree can produce 30-50 pounds of fruit per year at maturity, though this varies by climate, care, and age.
- 🌱 Unlike sweet cherries, Montmorency and other sour cherries are largely self-fertile, meaning you typically need only one tree for fruit production, making them more practical for home gardeners.
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