Montmorency Cherry Tree – Tart Cherries for Pies, Jams, and More 🍒🌳

The Montmorency Cherry Tree is one of the most popular varieties for home orchards, known for its tart cherries that are perfect for a wide range of culinary uses. As the best-known sour cherry variety, Montmorency cherries are ideal for making pies, jams, and preserves. Growing your own cherries provides the benefit of chemical-free fruit and saves you money by reducing your reliance on store-bought produce. Whether you’re baking fresh pies, making a savory sauce, or enjoying the fruit in drinks, the Montmorency cherry tree is a must-have for any backyard gardener or small orchard. This tree not only offers delicious fruit, but it also brings beauty to your garden with its stunning white blooms in the spring.

USDA Growing Zones and Chill Hours

Thrives in USDA Zones 5-8
Requires 800-900 chill hours, perfect for regions with cold winters ❄️

Pollination & Fruit Production

Pollination: Montmorency cherries are self-pollinating, meaning you don’t need another tree for fruit production. However, planting additional trees can improve fruit quality and yield.
Recommended Varieties: While self-pollinating, planting Montmorency alongside Bing or Tartarian varieties will help increase pollination and provide a larger harvest.
Fruit Description: The Montmorency cherry is a bright red tart cherry that is smaller in size compared to sweet cherries but packs a punch with its sharp, tangy flavor.
Taste: The cherries are known for their distinct tartness and juicy flesh, making them perfect for baking, canning, and making tart beverages.
Ripening Time: The Montmorency cherries ripen in mid to late summer, typically around July, giving you an early season harvest of sour cherries.

How to Plant & Grow Montmorency Cherry Trees

Sun Requirements 🌞: Full sun, with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, is essential for strong growth and fruit production.
Soil Requirements 🌿: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0) that is well-draining and rich in organic matter.
Spacing 🌳: Space trees 10-15 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
Mature Size 🌳: The Montmorency cherry tree typically grows to a mature height of 12-15 feet, making it an excellent choice for small orchards or backyard gardens.

Step-by-Step Planting Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Soil 🧑‍🌾: Choose a sunny location with rich, well-draining soil. Amend with compost to improve fertility and ensure healthy growth.
2️⃣ Dig a Hole 🕳️: Dig a hole that is at least twice the size of the root ball to give the roots plenty of room to grow.
3️⃣ Position the Plant 🌿: Place the tree in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
4️⃣ Backfill & Water 💧: Fill the hole with soil, press it gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle the roots in place.
5️⃣ Mulch Around the Base 🌱: Apply mulch or Weed Pro Weed Mats to retain moisture and keep weeds from competing for nutrients.

Ongoing Care & Maintenance

Watering 💧: Keep the soil consistently moist during the first year of planting, making sure the soil drains well. Once the tree is established, water deeply once a week during dry spells.
Pruning ✂️: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and to encourage better air circulation and sunlight penetration.
Fertilizing 🍃: Apply Nutra-Pro 1st Year Fertilizer Paks to support the tree’s initial growth. After the first year, use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to support fruit production.
Protection 🛡️: Use Max Growth Tree Shelters to protect young trees from pests and extreme weather conditions 🌳🛡️.

Ripening Time, Taste & Uses

Ripens in mid to late summer, typically around July, for a tart and juicy harvest.
Sweet, tart cherries 🍒 with a firm texture and juicy, tangy flavor, making them perfect for a wide range of culinary uses.
Perfect for eating fresh, making cherry pies, jams, jellies, or using in savory dishes like cherry-glazed meats 🍒🍯.

Delicious Recipes

Cherry Clafoutis 🍒🍰

Ingredients:

2 cups Montmorency cherries (pitted and halved)
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1 cup milk
3 eggs

Instructions:

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) 🔥.
2️⃣ Spread the cherries in a greased baking dish and sprinkle with sugar 🍒.
3️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together flour, milk, and eggs, then pour over the cherries.
4️⃣ Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until set and golden brown 🍒🍰.

Cherry Sauce 🍒🍯

Ingredients:

2 cups Montmorency cherries (pitted and chopped)
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice 🍋

Instructions:

1️⃣ Combine cherries, sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan 🍒🍋.
2️⃣ Simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
3️⃣ Pour over pancakes, waffles, or use as a topping for ice cream 🍯🍒.

Cherry Sorbet 🍒🍧

Ingredients:

6 cups Montmorency cherries (pitted and frozen)
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice 🍋
1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1️⃣ Blend cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and water until smooth 🍒🍋.
2️⃣ Pour into a shallow pan and freeze for 4-5 hours until firm.
3️⃣ Scoop into bowls and serve as a refreshing summer dessert 🍧🍒.

Essential Products for Maximum Growth

✅ Max Growth Tree Shelters – Protects young trees from pests and extreme weather 🌳🛡️.
✅ Nutra-Pro 1st Year Fertilizer Paks – Provides essential nutrients for healthy growth and fruit production 🌿.
✅ Soil Moist Transplant Mix – Helps retain moisture and reduce transplant shock 💧.
✅ Weed Pro Weed Mats – Prevents weed growth and conserves moisture 🌱.

Why Buy from Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC?

✅ Large Selection 🌳 – Choose from a wide variety of healthy, high-quality plants
✅ Best Prices 🏷️ – High-quality plants at unbeatable prices
✅ Fastest Shipping 🚚 – Quick and reliable shipping
✅ Free One-Year Plantsurance Guarantee 🛡️ – Store credit if your plant doesn’t survive its first year

🌿 Start growing your own cherries today! Order from Ty Ty Plant Nursery and enjoy a sweet harvest year after year! 🌳🍒