Montmorency Cherry Tree (Prunus cerasus ‘Montmorency’)

Sun Needs:

• Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
• Requires good air circulation and well-drained soil to prevent disease

Bloom Time:

• Mid to late spring (typically May)
• Fruit ripens mid to late June

Size:

Height: 15 to 18 feet (standard). 8 to 12 feet (on dwarf rootstock).
Width: 12 to 20 feet

Attributes:

• Light red skin with yellow flesh
• Strongly tart flavor, ideal for cooking and baking
• Self-pollinating, but yields improve with another sour cherry nearby
• Upright, spreading growth habit
• Hardy in USDA Zones 4–7
• Long-lived and productive

Care Tips:

• Plant in sandy loam or well-draining, fertile soil (pH 6.0–7.0)
• Water regularly, especially during dry spells and fruit development
• 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
• Protect fruit from birds with netting

Pest Watch:

• Susceptible to cherry leaf spot, brown rot, and aphids
• Avoid planting in areas with poor drainage to prevent root rot
• All parts of the tree (except the fruit) contain cyanogenic compounds—keep away from pets and livestock