Types of Cherries That Grow Well in Colorado

Colorado’s diverse climate, characterized by cold winters, warm summers, and a relatively short growing season, presents certain challenges and advantages for fruit growers. Among the fruits that thrive in this environment, cherries stand out as a rewarding crop for both commercial growers and home gardeners. With the right selection of varieties suited to Colorado’s unique conditions, you can enjoy fresh, delicious cherries year after year.

In this article, we’ll explore the types of cherries that grow well in Colorado, focusing on their characteristics, growing requirements, and tips for success.

Why Grow Cherries in Colorado?

Before diving into cherry varieties, it’s important to understand why cherries are a good choice for Colorado growers:

Cold Hardy: Many cherry varieties tolerate Colorado’s cold winters and late spring frosts better than other fruit trees.
Short Growing Season Adaptation: Cherries generally have a shorter growing period compared to other fruits like apples or peaches.
Pest and Disease Resistance: Some cherry varieties naturally resist common pests and diseases found in Colorado.
Soil Compatibility: Cherries prefer well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils common in many parts of Colorado.

With these factors in mind, selecting the right cherry varieties is essential for success.

Understanding Cherry Types: Sweet vs. Tart

Cherries generally fall into two main categories:

Sweet Cherries (Prunus avium): Typically eaten fresh; examples include Bing and Rainier.
Tart (Sour) Cherries (Prunus cerasus): Often used for baking, preserves, and cooking; examples include Montmorency and Balaton.

Both types can be grown in Colorado, but tart cherries tend to be more cold-hardy and have higher success rates across the state’s varied climates. However, some sweet cherry varieties have also been successfully cultivated with proper care.

Best Sweet Cherry Varieties for Colorado

Sweet cherries are popular for fresh eating but require careful variety selection due to their sensitivity to cold winters and late frosts.

1. Lapins

Overview: Lapins cherries are a favorite among home gardeners in colder climates because they are self-fertile and relatively cold-hardy.
Fruit Characteristics: Large, firm, dark red to nearly black fruit with excellent flavor.
Pollination: Self-pollinating—no need for another variety nearby.
Growing Tips: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; plant away from frost pockets.

2. Stella

Overview: Stella is one of the first self-fertile sweet cherry varieties developed. It tolerates zones down to USDA 5.
Fruit Characteristics: Medium to large fruit with a dark red color; sweet flavor makes it ideal for fresh eating.
Pollination: Self-fertile but yields improve with another sweet cherry nearby.
Growing Tips: Requires consistent watering during dry periods and protection from late spring frost.

3. Bing

Overview: The classic sweet cherry, Bing is widely grown commercially but needs some winter protection in colder areas of Colorado.
Fruit Characteristics: Large, firm, dark red fruit with rich sweetness.
Pollination: Requires cross-pollination; pair with compatible pollinators such as Van or Rainier.
Growing Tips: Thrives in warmer microclimates within Colorado; plant on south-facing slopes if possible.

4. Rainier

Overview: Known for its striking yellow-red fruit, Rainier cherries are a premium sweet cherry variety.
Fruit Characteristics: Large fruit with exceptional sweetness and firmness.
Pollination: Requires a pollinator such as Bing or Van.
Growing Tips: Prefers cooler summer temperatures and is somewhat sensitive to sunburn; partial shade during hottest hours can help.

Best Tart Cherry Varieties for Colorado

Tart cherries are generally more forgiving in northern climates due to their superior cold hardiness and disease resistance.

1. Montmorency

Overview: The most commonly grown tart cherry variety in the U.S., Montmorency is highly adaptable to colder climates including much of Colorado.
Fruit Characteristics: Bright red fruit with a tart flavor ideal for pies, jams, and juices.
Pollination: Self-fertile but benefits from cross-pollination.
Growing Tips: Tolerates cold winters well; prefers full sun and moderately fertile soil.

2. Balaton

Overview: Balaton cherries are prized for their dark red color and rich flavor. They are an excellent alternative to Montmorency for those seeking a sweeter tart cherry.
Fruit Characteristics: Darker red fruit with a slightly sweeter taste than Montmorency.
Pollination: Self-fertile but yields increase with cross-pollination.
Growing Tips: Requires well-drained soil; avoid overly wet sites which can lead to root problems.

3. North Star

Overview: A dwarf tart cherry variety ideal for smaller spaces or container growing but still performs well in gardens across Colorado.
Fruit Characteristics: Small to medium bright red fruit with classic tart cherry flavor.
Pollination: Self-fertile.
Growing Tips: Can be grown as a standard tree or kept smaller through pruning; tolerates cold well.

Growing Tips for Cherries in Colorado

Whether you choose sweet or tart varieties, applying best practices will help ensure productive trees:

Site Selection

Choose locations with full sun exposure (at least 6 hours per day).
Plant on slopes or elevated areas if possible to reduce frost risk during spring bloom.
Ensure soil has good drainage—cherries do not tolerate waterlogged roots.

Soil Preparation

Test soil pH aiming between 6.0 – 7.0 for optimal growth.
Amend soil with organic matter if necessary to improve texture and nutrient content.

Planting Time

Early spring planting is preferred once the ground is workable—usually late March through April in most parts of Colorado.

Watering

Keep trees evenly watered during dry spells especially when fruits are developing.

Pruning

Prune annually during late winter while trees are dormant to maintain structure and promote good air circulation.

Pest and Disease Management

Common pests:
– Cherry fruit fly
– Aphids
Common diseases:
– Brown rot
– Powdery mildew

Implement integrated pest management strategies including monitoring, timely spraying if required, and maintaining tree health through proper cultural practices.

Conclusion

Growing cherries in Colorado offers the rewarding opportunity of enjoying fresh stone fruits adapted to your local climate. While tart cherries like Montmorency and Balaton tend to be more reliable due to their hardiness, several sweet cherry varieties such as Lapins and Stella also perform well when given proper care.

By selecting appropriate varieties tailored to your specific microclimate within Colorado along with attentive cultural practices, you can cultivate beautiful cherry trees that produce abundant harvests year after year. Whether you’re aiming for pies made from tangy tart cherries or snacking on freshly picked sweet cherries straight from your garden, Colorado’s unique environment can support your cherry-growing ambitions beautifully.