pinterest-circle facebook-circle twitter-circle instagram-circle ss-standard-direct-right ss-standard-cart ss-standard-close ss-standard-exit ss-standard-notebook ss-standard-redirect ss-standard-rows ss-standard-search ss-standard-user delivery-truckarrow-right-line
orders cart log in search
Donate

Tree Guide

More in the Tree Guide
print Print

Early Richmond CherryPrunus cerasus ‘Early Ric

  • Early Richmond Cherry - Prunus cerasus
  • Early Richmond Cherry
This sturdy, upright, compact tart cherry tree is a hardy, heavy-producing tree. Its flavorful, tart, juicy fruit makes great pies and preserves. And since early Richmond cherries ripen a week earlier than other pie cherries, you can start baking and canning that much sooner!

While the early Richmond cherry tree is self-fertile, planting more than one tree will help ensure a better crop.

price Pricing Information

Hardiness Zones

The early richmond cherry can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 4–8. View Map

Tree Type

Mature Size

The standard early Richmond cherry typically grows to a height of about 18' and a spread about 30' at maturity. The dwarf variety grows to a height of about 8' with a spread of about 12–15'.

Growth Speed Medium Growth Rate

This tree grows at a medium rate, with height increases of 13–24" per year.

Sun Preference

Full sun is the ideal condition for this tree, meaning it should get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.

Soil Preference

The early Richmond cherry prefers well-drained, sandy and loamy soil. It has some drought tolerance.

Attributes

This tree:
  • Should be staked (if dwarf variety) to ensure its ability to bear the weight of the fruit and protect against leaning.
  • Produces bright red, medium-sized, juicy fruit with a thin light red skin and tart flavor -- ideal for pies and preserves.
  • Requires more pruning than sweet cherry trees.
  • Ripens in June, a week earlier than other pie cherries.
  • Is hardier in cold climates and more tolerant of drought, humidity and rainy conditions than sweet cherries.
  • Grows in a rounded shape.
  • Begins to bear fruit 3–5 years (standard tree).
  • Blooms in late spring, with clusters of white flowers.
  • Is available in standard and dwarf sizes. Our standard early Richmond seedlings are budded onto Prunus mahalb, and our dwarf seedlings are grafted to Prunus besseyi (sand cherry).
  • Is self-fertile, but planting 2 or more varieties is recommended for a better crop.
  • Has a chill hours (CU) requirement of 700. (Chill hours are the average hours of air temperature between 32° and 45° F in a typical winter season.)
  • Features leathery, elliptic leaves with acute tips that are smooth and dark green on top, measure 3" long and are double-toothed on the margin.

Wildlife Value

The fruit is eaten by many birds and mammals. The foliage is browsed. Flocks of birds are the greatest threat to the trees. They will eat the cherries at the first sign of ripeness. Nylon or cheesecloth netting draped over the trees as the fruits begin to ripen is an effective deterrent. This technique can be very practical if the trees are kept to a reasonable height by pruning.

History/Lore

The origin is unknown, but it was planted in England in the early 1500s. It was brought to the United States with English settlers. The terms tart or pie cherry are preferred over sour since this connotes bad flavor.