Black Tartarian Cherry Tree

The semi dwarf Black Tartarian cherry tree, also known as the Large Black Heart, is a prized heirloom variety renowned for its dark sweet fruit and vigorous growth. Introduced to the West in the late 1700s, this heritage cultivar produces purplish black cherries with juicy, dark red flesh and a sprightly, full-bodied flavor—perfect for fresh eating, preserves, or juice. Ideal for USDA zones 5–9, the tree thrives in drained soil, enjoys full sun, and offers one of the earliest cherry harvests of the season.

Like all premium fruit trees, proper planting, watering, and pruning will ensure a healthy tree and an abundant harvest for years to come.

Key Features

• Fruit: Medium-sized, heart-shaped cherries; dark red to nearly black skin with rich, juicy flesh
• Flavor: Bold, sweet, and slightly tart—preferred by many over the Bing cherry
• Type: Semi dwarf on Maxma rootstock—perfect for smaller spaces or home orchards
• Chill Hours: Requires 800–900 chill hours for optimal yield
• Harvest Time: Early season—typically from May 10 to May 30

Pollination & Cross Compatibility

• The Black Tartarian cherry tree is not self-pollinating and requires cross pollination with other sweet cherry trees
• Excellent pollinizer for other cherry varieties like Bing or Craig’s Crimson
• For best fruit set, refer to a reliable Black Tartarian cherry tree pollination chart when choosing companions

Growing & Care Guidelines

• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH
• Sunlight: Full sun exposure is essential for strong growth and fruiting
• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during the first 2–3 years—avoid overwatering
• Fertilization: Apply balanced organic fertilizer in early spring to encourage growth and fruit production
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to remove deadwood and improve airflow—key for preventing diseases like bacterial canker

Historical Significance & Uses

• A historically significant cultivar, the Prunus avium Black Tartarian may be a parent of the Black Republican cherry
• Once the leading commercial sweet cherry in the U.S., this Tartarian cherry tree remains a classic among old-world cherry trees
• Excellent for fresh eating, juicing, baking, and making preserves

Why Buy From Us?

Our bare root tree selection includes only high-quality, disease-resistant stock suitable for both small gardens and large orchards. The Black Tartarian cherry is a must-have for growers seeking early season, dark sweet cherries with rich history, bold flavor, and dependable pollination performance.

Explore our full range of bare root cherry trees to find the perfect match for your landscape or orchard.

Visit our Fruit Tree Central for a listing of all our fruit tree videos and articles.

Visit Tree Characteristics for a listing of all our fruit & nut tree growing characteristics.

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