Cherry trees are loved for their beautiful spring blossoms and delicious fruit, but many gardeners assume they can only thrive in warm climates. The good news is that with the right techniques and cherry varieties, it’s entirely possible to grow cherries successfully even in colder regions. In fact, many cherry trees require a certain amount of winter chill to produce fruit.
If you live in an area with harsh winters or late frosts, you can still enjoy homegrown cherries—both sweet and sour—by choosing the right cultivars and following a few key growing practices. Here’s everything you need to know about growing cherries in cold climates.
Understanding Chill Hours and Cold Hardiness
Chill hours refer to the number of hours a tree experiences temperatures between 32°F and 45°F (0°C to 7°C) during the dormant season. Cherry trees rely on these chilling periods to break dormancy and set fruit. However, too much cold or late frosts can damage buds and reduce yields.
Key considerations:
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Sweet cherries generally need 700–1,200 chill hours and prefer milder winters.
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Sour cherries, such as ‘Montmorency’ or ‘North Star,’ are more cold-hardy and require fewer chill hours.
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Know your USDA Hardiness Zone or equivalent local climate classification to choose the best varieties for your region.
Best Cherry Varieties for Cold Climates
When selecting cherry trees for colder areas, opt for varieties that are cold-hardy and resilient to frost.
Sour (Tart) Cherry Varieties:
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‘Montmorency’ – One of the most popular sour cherries. Cold hardy down to Zone 4 and reliable in short summers.
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‘North Star’ – A dwarf, self-pollinating tree ideal for small spaces and cold winters. Hardy to Zone 4.
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‘Meteor’ – Hardy and productive, this semi-dwarf tree is suitable for Zones 4–5.
Cold-Tolerant Sweet Cherry Varieties:
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‘Stella’ – A self-fertile sweet cherry that tolerates cooler temperatures. Hardy to Zone 5.
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‘Kristin’ – Developed for cold climates and known to perform in Zone 4 with protection.
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‘BlackGold’ – Cold-hardy and disease-resistant, ideal for northern climates.
When possible, choose self-pollinating varieties or plant multiple trees with overlapping bloom times for successful cross-pollination.
Site Selection and Planting Tips
Planting your cherry tree in the right spot is crucial in cold climates. Protection from wind and late frost, along with full sun exposure, gives the tree the best chance to thrive.
Ideal location:
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Choose a south-facing slope or wall for extra warmth and sun exposure.
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Ensure the site is well-draining—cherry roots dislike soggy soil.
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Avoid frost pockets or low-lying areas where cold air settles.
Planting tips:
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Plant in early spring after the ground has thawed.
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Dig a wide, shallow hole and amend the soil with compost.
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Space trees 12–20 feet apart depending on size and rootstock.
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Water well after planting and mulch to retain moisture and insulate roots.
Protecting Cherries from Cold Weather Damage
Cold weather can damage flower buds, bark, and young wood. Protect your tree during winter and early spring with these strategies:
1. Mulch and Insulate
Apply a thick layer of mulch (straw, shredded bark, or compost) around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches from the trunk. This insulates the roots and reduces freeze-thaw cycles.
2. Use Tree Wraps or Guards
Wrap the trunk with burlap or tree wrap to prevent sunscald and frost cracks, especially in young trees.
3. Delay Pruning
Avoid pruning in fall or early winter. Wait until late winter or early spring when the threat of extreme cold has passed. This prevents exposing tender tissue to freeze damage.
4. Protect Buds from Late Frosts
Cover the tree with frost cloth or a light tarp on nights when frost is expected during blooming. Remove the cover during the day to avoid overheating.
Caring for Cherry Trees in Cold Climates
Once established, cold-hardy cherry trees need regular care to ensure healthy growth and fruiting.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during dry spells, especially in the first few years. Avoid overwatering in late fall to help the tree harden off.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid late-season fertilization, which can lead to tender new growth vulnerable to frost.
Pruning: Maintain an open canopy to improve air circulation and reduce disease risk. Focus on removing dead or damaged branches in spring.
Disease prevention: Cold climates can still encourage fungal problems, especially in wet springs. Use organic fungicides if needed, and maintain proper spacing and airflow.
Final Thoughts
Growing cherries in cold climates is not only possible—it can be highly rewarding with the right approach. By choosing cold-hardy varieties, planting in protected locations, and providing winter care, you can enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms and the taste of homegrown fruit even in northern gardens.
With a little planning and attention, your cherry trees will not only survive but thrive—delivering springtime blooms and summer sweetness year after year.
