Most Sweet Cherries don’t grow well in cold climates like Garrett County. Of course, the chain stores would be more than happy to sell you a Sweet Cherry tree because you would have long ago lost your receipt before the tree had matured enough for you to figure out you aren’t going to get any cherries on it. Yes, Sweet Cherries grow in Zone 5, and we are technically in Zone 5… on paper. But….it just isn’t likely you will see much success with typical Sweet Cherries here.
Oh, but we found one! It’s called Kristen, and believe it or not, it isn’t a new cultivar. It was developed in the 1940’s by Cornell University. However, it wasn’t marketed until the last few decades. Kristen will grow in zone 4. And not only will it grow in zone 4, but it has been found to be a consistent producer of great tasting sweet cherries in cold climates.
It has large black fruit that is firm with a red flesh, and a sweet taste. It is resistant to cracking and bacterial spot. This tree is grafted onto a rootstock that is drought tolerant. It resists Bacterial Canker and is moderately resistant to crown gall and root-lesion nematode. Look for this tree to grow to be about 15′ to 18′.
Kristen is not self-fertile, so it will need a pollinator.
Pollinate with Montmorency or Stardust. For maximum yields it is recommended to plant both a Montmorency and a Stardust in close proximity, as bloom time isn’t exact among the three, but with all three they will overlap well. If you only have space for one pollinator, Stardust will be the best one. Tree will grow to be 15′ to 18′ at maturity. Will do well in any soil type as long as it is not overly wet. Will be free standing at maturity. Will handle wind a little better than this year’s Stardust cherry. Ripens in July.
