Cherry Balaton Semidwarf

Balaton Semidwarf Cherry

Prunus cerasus ‘Balaton’ (Balaton Tart Cherry / Sour Cherry)
A renowned tart (sour) cherry tree originating from Hungary, appreciated for its dark burgundy-red fruit with rich sweet-tart flavor that excels in pies, preserves, sauces, and fresh eating alike. It’s a Morello-type sour cherry with firm, crack-resistant fruit and attractive spring blossoms.

Size:



Width: 8–15 ft (standard tree) / ~8–12 ft on dwarfing rootstocks (e.g., Gisela or Krymsk)



Height: 12–15 ft (standard tree) / ~8–12 ft on dwarfing rootstocks



Zones: 4–8

Light: Full sun (6–8 hr+)

Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; avoids waterlogged conditions

Features:



Fruit: Deep burgundy-red skin and flesh; firm, juicy, rich sweet-tart flavor ideal for pies, jams, preserves, and sauces



Flowers: White blossoms in spring, attractive and decorative



Form: Upright, broadly spreading fruit tree with medium crown density



Reliable producer with moderately vigorous growth



Attracts: Pollinators during bloom, birds to fruit (may need protection)

Uses:
Home orchards, backyard fruit production, edible landscapes, mixed orchard plantings

Notes:
Balaton is typically self-fertile, but yields often improve with another tart cherry nearby. Fruit ripens mid to late summer (slightly later than many Montmorency cherries).

Plant type

Fruit Tree

Height

12-15'

Width

8-15'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Bees butterflies birds

Soil

Moist well-drained, Sandy well-drained

Landscape use

Fruit

Shape

Spreading, Upright

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No