Cherry (Sweet), Black Tartarian, Bare Root

Cherry, Sweet 'Black Tartarian' (Prunus avium 'Black Tartarian') 

‘Black Tartarian’ is a classic heirloom sweet cherry prized for its early ripening, deep purple-black fruit, and rich, complex flavor. One of the earliest sweet cherry cultivars to mature each season, it’s perfect for fresh eating right off the tree. Though not ideal for shipping due to its soft flesh, it remains a favorite for home orchards, permaculture fruit systems, and food forests thanks to its fast growth, productivity, and ability to attract pollinators and birds. Requires a compatible pollination partner to set fruit.

Key Characteristics

• Early-ripening sweet cherry with rich flavor
  ‘Black Tartarian’ produces medium to large, heart-shaped cherries with dark purple skin and juicy, sweet flesh. The flavor is intense and complex—perfect for fresh eating, baking, and juicing.
• Attracts pollinators and birds
  Fragrant white blossoms in early spring provide a valuable nectar source for native bees and pollinators. The ripe fruit is also a favorite of songbirds and small mammals, adding biodiversity value to food forests and wildlife-friendly orchards.
• Fast-growing and productive tree
  This variety grows quickly and begins producing fruit within 3–5 years of planting. With good care, trees are long-lived and bear heavy crops annually once established.
• Requires a pollination partner
  ‘Black Tartarian’ is not self-fertile and needs another compatible sweet cherry variety for cross-pollination. Good partners include ‘Rainier’, ‘Stella’, ‘Bing’, or ‘Van’.
• Best in well-drained soil and full sun
  Like most sweet cherries, it thrives in medium, well-drained soils with full sun and good airflow. Avoid areas with heavy clay or standing water, and consider mulching to retain moisture and build soil.

Product Details

• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Medium, well-drained
• Bloom Time: Early to mid-season (March–April)
• Bloom Color: White
• Fruit Qualities: Sweet, rich, juicy, soft-fleshed, deep purple-black skin
• Fruit Uses: Fresh eating, baking, juicing
• Fruit Ripening Month: Early June
• Required Chill Hours: Approx. 800 hours
• Pollination Requirements: Not self-fertile; requires a second sweet cherry
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–8
• Mature Height: 15–25 feet (depending on rootstock and pruning)

‘Black Tartarian’ is an heirloom favorite for a reason—early harvest, bold flavor, and high pollinator value make it a worthy addition to any home orchard or permaculture system.