Cherry Early Richmond

Early Richmond Cherry

Prunus cerasus ‘Early Richmond’ (Early Richmond Cherry / Early Richmond Sour Cherry)
A classic tart (sour) cherry tree valued for its early-ripening bright red cherries with brisk, tart flavor — ideal for baking, preserves, sauces, and pies. This heirloom cultivar bears fruit earlier than many other pie cherries and combines reliable production with ornamental spring blossoms.

Size:



Width: ~12–15 ft (standard; pruning/rootstock can reduce size)



Height: ~8–18 ft (standard; smaller on dwarfing rootstocks or with pruning)



Zones: 4–8

Light: Full sun (6+ hrs/day)

Soil: Moist, well-drained soils; tolerates a range of soil types

Features:



Fruit: Bright red, medium-sized tart cherries with thin skin and juicy, brisk flavor — excellent for pies, jams, preserves, and sauce



Flowers: White spring blossoms that attract pollinators and add ornamental value



Form: Upright to rounded, broad fruit tree habit



Early-season harvest — typically ripening about a week earlier than many other pie cherry varieties



Attracts:
Pollinators (during bloom); birds (to fruit — protective netting recommended)

Uses:
Home orchards, edible landscapes, baking/canning gardens, mixed fruit plantings

Notes:
• Trees are self-fertile but often yield better with another tart cherry nearby.
• Regular pruning helps manage size and improve airflow.
• Performs well in both standard and dwarf/semi-dwarf forms when grafted on appropriate rootstocks.

Plant type

Fruit Tree

Height

8-18'

Width

12-15'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Soil

Loamy, Sandy well-drained

Landscape use

Fruit

Shape

Vase Shaped

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes