Early Richmond Cherry Tree is a heavy-yielding fruit tree with ornamental qualities. Use one as a specimen tree for your yard, fruit tree for your garden or even as a pretty shade tree to relax under during those hot summer afternoons. There’s nothing like having your very own cherry
tree. A profuse bloom of abundant white flowers in the spring will
welcome summer like no other tree in your yard. The glossy dark-green
foliage will fill out your tree, and soon a sumptuous feast of succulent,
sun-warmed cherries will be within your reach. Again, there is simply
nothing like it! Your Early Richmond Cherry Tree ripens a week
earlier than other cherries, so you won’t have to wait to partake of its
delicious bounty. In fact, it’s the first sour cherry available in late
spring. The round, bright red cherry has a delicious tart
flavor that is perfect for pies, cobblers, dessert sauces, preserves, and
jams. If you choose to leave the fruit on the tree, your songbirds will
be sure to thank you for the special treat. Early Richmond Cherry is a hardy, rounded tree
that will produces prolifically for many years. It grows only 15' tall
with a span of 10'-20', so won’t take up much space in your yard. In
fact, it can be held to almost any height with summer pruning. * Delicious, early maturity
fruit * Spring flowers * Wildlife interest * Hardy Hardiness ZonesThe Early Richmond cherry can be expected to grow in Hardiness
Zones 4–8. Tree TypeThis is a fruit tree, grown primarily for the edible fruit it
produces. Mature SizeThe standard early Richmond cherry typically grows to a height
of about 18' and a spread about 30' at maturity. The dwarf variety grows to a
height of about 8' with a spread of about 12–15'. Growth RateThis tree grows at a medium rate, with height
increases of 13–24" per year. Sun PreferenceFull sun is the ideal condition for this tree, meaning it should
get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. Soil PreferenceThe early Richmond cherry prefers well-drained, sandy and loamy
soil. It has some drought tolerance. AttributesThis tree:
- Should be staked to ensure its
ability to bear the weight of the fruit and protect against leaning.
- Produces bright red, medium-sized, juicy fruit
with a thin light red skin and tart flavor--ideal for pies and preserves.
- Requires more pruning than sweet cherry trees.
- Ripens in June, a week earlier than other pie
cherries.
- Is hardier in cold climates and more tolerant of
drought, humidity and rainy conditions than sweet cherries.
- Grows in a rounded shape.
- Begins to bear fruit 3–5 years (standard tree).
- Blooms in late spring, with clusters of white
flowers.
- Is available in standard.
- Is self-fertile, but planting 2 or more varieties
is recommended for a better crop.
- Has a chill hours (CU) requirement of 700. (Chill
hours are the average hours of air temperature between 32° and 45° F in a
typical winter season.)
- Features leathery, elliptic leaves with acute
tips that are smooth and dark green on top, measure 3" long and are
double-toothed on the margin.
Wildlife Value
The fruit is eaten by many birds and mammals. The foliage is
browsed. Flocks of birds are the greatest threat to the trees. They will eat
the cherries at the first sign of ripeness. Nylon or cheesecloth netting draped
over the trees as the fruits begin to ripen is an effective deterrent. This
technique can be very practical if the trees are kept to a reasonable height by
pruning. |