Prunus  'Black Tartarian'
tree

Black Tartarian Cherry

Prunus 'Black Tartarian'

$136.95
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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:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesThe 'Black Tartarian' cherry tree is a beautiful ornamental in its own right, offering a cloud of pure white blossoms in mid-spring. The lush green foliage of summer gives way to attractive yellow and orange fall color, providing multi-season interest.
Practical UsesIts primary purpose is the production of delicious, high-quality sweet cherries. The fruit is excellent for eating fresh, and is also well-suited for canning, preserving, and baking. Growing your own provides access to an heirloom variety not commonly found in stores.
Ecological BenefitsThe spring blossoms are an important pollen and nectar source for bees and other early pollinators, which are essential for fruit set. The fruit, if not protected, is a favorite food source for many bird species, including robins, cedar waxwings, and orioles.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

In Stock$136.95
In Stock$138.38
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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a site with full sun and excellent air circulation.
  2. Ensure the soil is deep, fertile, and very well-drained.
  3. Dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the roots without bending.
  4. Plant the tree so the graft union is 2-3 inches above the soil line.
  5. Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly.
  6. 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

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Harvest
Plant
Prune
Spray

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Productive fruit tree for home orchardsBeautiful spring-flowering ornamentalClassic choice for an edible landscape

Companion Plants

Comfrey Chives Marigold Dandelion White Clover

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).

Keep exploring

Grow Black Tartarian 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.

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