Black Cherry Tree

Black Cherry Tree is a striking native tree prized for cascading white clusters of fragrant, white flowers and deep purplish-black fruits, which are about 1/3 to 1/2 inch in diameter that offer the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. This impressive tree can soar to heights of 50 to 80 feet tall with a graceful, oval to rounded canopy, offering excellent shade and stunning dark, peeling bark and glossy leaves. Black Cherry is prized for its exceptional value as a premium hardwood timber for fine furniture and its fruit provides a vital, palatable food source for dozens of bird and wildlife species. Black Cherries are packed with antioxidants, and their deep, rich flavor is incredibly versatile in both culinary dishes and beverages.

Also Known As: Prunus Serotina, Black Cherry Tree, Wild Black Cherry, Rum Cherry, Mountain Black Cherry, Prunus Serotina, Cabinet Cherry, American Cherry, Black Cherrywood, Wild Rum Cherry, Eastern Black Cherry.

Plant Name:	Tree, Black Cherry
Latin Name:	Prunus serotina
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Days to Bloom:	1 - 3 Years
Years to Fruit:	6 - 10 Years
Plant Height:	60 - 90 Feet
Spread:	30 - 50 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	3-9
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2026

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 60 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds require warm, moist stratification followed by cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. To warm-stratify seeds, lightly moisten a mix of peat or sand and place the seeds inside a sealed plastic bag with the medium. Keep the seeds in a warm spot (around 70F-86F / 20C-30C) for 30-60 days. Check periodically to ensure the medium stays damp but not soggy. After the warm period, move the mixture to a refrigerator for the cold stratification, keeping the seeds at 35F-40F for 90-120 days. After the stratification period,sow seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and in a warm, sunny location that is at least 65F, keeping the soil moist, or directly sow outdoors in prepared soil.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: The two-step stratification process (warm followed by cold) can be attempted by sowing the seeds in late summer for natural stratification but this may result in a lower success rate than indoor stratification prior to sowing.

Planting Depth:	1 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	30-60 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	60 feet

Care During the Season:

Black Cherry Tree thrives in full sun and regular deep watering, especially during dry periods. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. Light fertilization in early spring with a balanced fertilizer or compost helps promote vigorous foliage and flowering. Prune only to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches, as heavy pruning can reduce flowering and fruiting. Monitor for common pests and diseases such as tent caterpillars or leaf spot, addressing issues early to keep the tree healthy and productive throughout the season.

Harvesting:

Harvest Black Cherries in mid to late summer when the fruit turns deep purple to nearly black and detaches easily from the stem, indicating full ripeness. Pick the cherries by hand or gently shake small branches to release ripe fruit, collecting them in a clean container. Avoid harvesting underripe red or green cherries, as they lack flavor and are not suitable for use. Once picked, remove stems and use the cherries promptly for jams, syrups, baking, or wildlife feed, or refrigerate them for short-term storage to maintain freshness.