Black Tartarian Cherry Tree

The Black Tartarian is a full-sun sweet cherry suited to USDA zones 5–8. It grows to about 15 ft. tall and 10 ft. wide, so it is an in-ground tree for most gardeners — give it an open, sunny spot with room for its upright canopy.

Planting

1. Choose a site in full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily) with good air circulation and deep, well-draining soil; cherries resent wet feet.
2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, loosening the sides so roots can spread.
3. Set the tree so the graft union sits 2–3 inches above the soil line — never bury the graft, and avoid planting too deep.
4. Backfill with native soil, firm gently to remove air pockets, and water in thoroughly to settle the roots.
5. Apply 2–3 inches of mulch over the root zone to hold moisture, but pull it back several inches from the trunk to prevent rot.

Care & maintenance

• Water. Keep the soil evenly moist during the first two growing seasons; once established, water deeply during dry spells and as fruit swells, but avoid waterlogged ground.
• Feed. Apply a balanced fruit-tree fertilizer in early spring before growth begins; avoid heavy nitrogen late in the season, which pushes soft growth at the expense of fruit.
• Light & temperature. Full sun is essential for sweetness. The tree is hardy in zones 5–8 and needs a winter chill period to set fruit; protect early blossoms from late frosts where possible.
• Prune. Prune in late summer or in dry winter weather to maintain an open vase or central-leader shape; remove dead, crossing, or crowded wood and keep the center open to light and air. Avoid pruning in wet weather to reduce disease risk.
• Pollinate. Black Tartarian is not self-fertile — plant a compatible second sweet cherry variety nearby (such as Bing, Stella, or Rainier) for good fruit set. It is itself an excellent pollinator for other sweet cherries.
• Pests & disease. Watch for birds (the main competitor at harvest), cherry fruit fly, aphids, and fungal issues like brown rot and bacterial canker; good airflow, clean-up of fallen fruit, and dry-weather pruning go a long way.
• Harvest. Fruit ripens in June. Pick when cherries are fully dark, glossy, and sweet — taste-test rather than rushing, as cherries do not sweeten further once picked.

How does the Black Tartarian taste?

It is a dark, richly sweet cherry with firm, juicy flesh and a deep, almost wine-like flavor. The near-black fruit is excellent eaten fresh and equally good in pies, preserves, and liqueurs. Many growers consider it one of the most flavorful classic sweet cherries.

Do I need a second tree to get fruit?

Yes. Black Tartarian is not self-fertile, so it needs a compatible sweet cherry variety blooming nearby to set a good crop. Bing, Stella, Rainier, and other mid-season sweet cherries make good partners — and Black Tartarian returns the favor as a strong pollinator for them.

How soon will it bear fruit?

Sweet cherries typically begin bearing a few years after planting, with fuller crops as the tree matures. Giving it full sun, steady early-years watering, and a compatible pollinator nearby will help it reach reliable, heavy June harvests sooner.

Can I grow it in a cold climate?

It is hardy outdoors in USDA zones 5 through 8, so it handles genuine winters. The main risk in cold regions is a late spring frost damaging the early blossoms — siting the tree where it gets good air drainage and isn't in a frost pocket helps protect the bloom.

Why is my cherry tree dropping fruit or losing leaves?

A light natural drop after bloom is normal as the tree sheds what it can't support. Heavier fruit drop often points to inadequate pollination (no compatible partner nearby) or inconsistent watering. Sudden leaf or limb dieback can signal bacterial canker or brown rot — prune in dry weather, clear fallen fruit, and improve airflow to reduce disease pressure.

When and how do I harvest?

Cherries ripen in June. Pick when they are fully colored, deep purple-black, glossy, and taste sweet — they will not continue to ripen after picking. Harvest gently with the stems attached to extend shelf life, and net the tree ahead of ripening if birds are a problem in your area.