Cherry Blackgold Semidwarf

Blackgold Semidwarf Cherry

(Prunus avium ‘BlackGold’ Sweet Cherry)

Prunus avium ‘BlackGold’ (Blackgold Sweet Cherry)
A highly regarded sweet cherry tree known for its large, dark red to almost black fruit with rich, sweet flavor and firm flesh — great for fresh eating, freezing, baking, and preserves. Developed by Cornell University (a cross of Stark Gold × Stella), BlackGold blooms later than many cherries, helping it avoid spring frost damage and extend fruiting reliability in cooler climates. It is self-fertile, so it can produce fruit without a pollinator, though other cherries can boost yields.

Size:



Width: ~10–14 ft (typical semidwarf mature spread)



Height: ~12–15 ft (semidwarf mature height)



Zones: 4–8

Light: Full sun (6+ hr/day)

Soil: Moist, well-drained soils; avoid waterlogged conditions

Features:



Fruit: Large, deep red to nearly black sweet cherries with firm, juicy flesh and rich flavor



Flowers: White blossoms in spring that attract pollinators



Form: Upright, broadly spreading semidwarf fruit tree with a moderately vigorous central leader



Attracts:
Pollinators (during bloom); birds (to fruit — protective netting may be needed)

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

Notes:



Bloom & Fruit: Later blooming helps reduce frost risk; fruit ripens mid- to late season (often ~1 week after Bing).



Pollination: Self-fertile, though compatible cherries nearby can improve yields.



Care: Annual pruning for structure and airflow improves health and yield.

Plant type

Fruit Tree

Height

12-15'

Width

10-14'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Bees butterflies birds

Soil

Moist well-drained, Sandy well-drained

Landscape use

Fruit

Shape

Broad Upright, Spreading

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No