Cherry, Black Tartarian

Black Tartarian Cherry

Prunus avium ‘Black Tartarian’ (Black Tartarian Cherry)
A historic and highly valued sweet cherry cultivar known for its very large, dark purplish-black fruit with rich, sweet flavor and juicy texture. Originating from Europe in the 19th century, Black Tartarian is prized both for fresh eating and culinary use, and its abundant white blossoms in spring add ornamental appeal to home orchards and landscapes.

Size:



Width: ~15–20 ft (standard fruit tree)



Height: ~15–20 ft (standard fruit tree)



Zones: 5–8

Light: Full sun (6 + hours per day)

Soil: Moist, well-drained soils

Features:



Fruit: Large, deep purplish-black sweet cherries — rich flavor, juicy, excellent for fresh eating and desserts



Flowers: White spring blossoms that attract pollinators



Form: Upright to broadly spreading standard fruit tree with a balanced canopy



Reliable seasonal yields when well-established



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

Uses:
Home orchards, edible landscapes, backyard fruit production

Notes:
• Black Tartarian is not self-fertile and requires a compatible sweet cherry pollinizer (e.g., Bing, Rainier, Regina, Stella) planted nearby for good fruit set.
• Regular pruning to maintain canopy airflow and structure improves fruit quality and tree health.

Plant type

Fruit Tree

Height

12-15'

Width

6-8'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Orange Red, Yellow

Attracts

Bees, Birds

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Fruit

Shape

Broad Upright

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No