Balaton Cherry Tree (Prunus cerasus ‘Balaton’)

Sun Needs:

• Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
• Avoid planting in frost-prone low areas, as early blooms can be damaged by spring frosts

Bloom Time:

• Mid to late spring
• Fruit ripens in late summer (later than most tart cherries)

Size:

Height: 12 to 15 feet (standard). 8 to 12 feet (on dwarfing rootstock like Gisela 5).
Width: 10 to 15 feet

Attributes:

• Deep burgundy skin and flesh
• Firm, juicy, sweet-tart cherries ideal for pies, preserves, and fresh eating
• Mostly self-fertile, but yields improve with another tart cherry nearby (e.g., Montmorency)
• Resistant to rain cracking, moderately resistant to cherry leaf spot and brown rot
• Upright, vigorous growth habit
• Hardy in USDA Zones 4–8

Care Tips:

• Plant in well-drained, loamy soil with good air circulation
• Water regularly during dry periods, especially in the first few years
• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fruit tree fertilizer
• Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead or diseased wood

Pest Watch:

• Monitor for cherry leaf spot, aphids, and brown rot
• Netting may be needed to protect ripening fruit from birds
• Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot