Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
240 inches
Width
240 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Prefers low humidity during ripening
Lifespan
Medium
Native To
Europe, Western Asia
Toxicity
Stems, leaves, and seeds are toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Prunus avium, the sweet cherry, is a deciduous fruit tree native to Europe and western Asia. It is beloved for its beautiful display of white spring blossoms and delicious, sweet fruit. 'Bing' is one of the most famous and widely grown sweet cherry cultivars in North America. It produces large, heart-shaped, deep mahogany-red cherries with a firm texture and exceptionally sweet, rich flavor.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil.
- Ensure a compatible pollinator variety is planted within 50 feet.
- Dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the roots without bending them.
- Plant the tree so the graft union is 2-3 inches above the soil line.
- Water deeply after planting and create a watering basin.
- Prune annually in late winter to develop an open, vase-like structure.
Pro Tip
'Bing' requires a pollinator. Plant another compatible sweet cherry variety like 'Black Tartarian', 'Van', or 'Stella' nearby for fruit production.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide consistent water, especially during fruit development.
- Protect blossoms from late spring frosts.
- Net the tree as fruit ripens to protect it from birds.
Don't
- Don't plant in heavy, poorly drained soil.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which encourages weak growth.
- Don't allow grass and weeds to compete at the base of the tree.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spray |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Bing Cherry questions
What zones can Bing Cherry grow in?
Bing Cherry is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Bing Cherry deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Bing Cherry, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Bing Cherry bloom?
Bing Cherry typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Bing Cherry need full sun?
Bing Cherry does best in full sun (6+ hours).
More Prunus to compare
Black Cherry
Prunus serotina
Sugar Plum
Prunus domestica 'Sugar Plum'
Japanese Flowering Cherry
Prunus serrulata
Feiching Tao White Peach
Prunus persica 'Feiching Tao White'
Sweet Cherry
Prunus avium 'Mix'
Hale Haven Peach
Prunus persica 'Hale Haven'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Bing Cherry with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
