
Black Tartarian Cherry
Prunus 'Black Tartarian'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
180 inches
Width
180 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Medium
Humidity
Prefers lower humidity
Lifespan
Medium-lived tree (20-30 years)
Native To
Europe, Western Asia
Toxicity
Pits, leaves, and stems are toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Prunus avium, the sweet cherry, is a deciduous tree grown for its beautiful spring blossoms and delicious summer fruit. It requires well-drained soil and good air circulation. 'Black Tartarian' is an antique, heirloom variety dating back to the 1700s. It is prized for its vigorous growth and large, heart-shaped, purplish-black cherries with a very rich, sweet flavor.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with full sun and excellent air circulation.
- Ensure the soil is deep, fertile, and very well-drained.
- Dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the roots without bending.
- Plant the tree so the graft union is 2-3 inches above the soil line.
- Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly.
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Prune sweet cherries in late summer after fruiting to minimize the risk of bacterial canker, which is more prevalent with winter pruning.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant a compatible pollinator nearby (e.g., 'Bing', 'Stella', 'Van').
- Protect the trunk of young trees from sunscald and rodents.
- Provide consistent water, especially during fruit development.
- Net the tree before fruit ripens to protect it from birds.
- Follow a regular spray schedule to manage pests and diseases.
Don't
- Don't plant in a low-lying frost pocket.
- Avoid planting in heavy, wet, or poorly drained soil.
- Do not prune in winter when disease risk is high.
- Don't allow weeds or grass to compete with the tree's root zone.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| 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
Black Tartarian Cherry questions
What zones can Black Tartarian Cherry grow in?
Black Tartarian 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 Black Tartarian Cherry deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Black Tartarian Cherry, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Black Tartarian Cherry bloom?
Black Tartarian Cherry typically blooms in mid-spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Black Tartarian Cherry need full sun?
Black Tartarian Cherry does best in full sun (6+ hours).
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