Black Tartarian Cherry Tree

Black Tartarian is the kind of heirloom cherry that gives a home orchard instant old-fashioned character. Its medium-to-large, heart-shaped cherries mature to a dramatic deep purplish black, hiding soft, exceptionally juicy flesh with an intense honeyed sweetness. The fruit is especially memorable eaten fresh in the garden, when its tender texture and aromatic flavor are at their best. Because the crop ripens early, Black Tartarian can open the sweet-cherry season before many later favorites are ready.

The tree is equally appealing in spring, covering its branches with white blossoms that draw bees and brighten the landscape. Vigorous growth and dependable bloom have also made this variety a valued pollinizer in mixed cherry plantings. Gardeners who appreciate historic fruit, lush flavor, and an orchard tree with both beauty and practical partnership value will find plenty to love here.

Give Black Tartarian full sun, well-drained soil, and good airflow. Maxma 14 rootstock provides a manageable semi-dwarf framework while retaining productive vigor. The tender fruit is best picked promptly when fully colored, and netting may be useful where birds are active.

Black Tartarian is not self-fruitful and should bloom with another compatible sweet cherry. The confirmed sheet notes any other compatible sweet cherry; Bing, Rainier, Stella, Lapins, or Van are useful choices from this collection.

Black Tartarian Cherry Tree Details

• Fruit: Medium-to-large, heart-shaped cherries that mature deep purplish black
• Flavor and texture: Very sweet, aromatic, soft, and exceptionally juicy
• Best uses: Best for fresh eating; also excellent for preserves and desserts
• Harvest: Mid- to late May, with timing varying by region and season
• USDA zones: 5–7
• Chill hours: About 700–800 hours
• Tree size: Semi-dwarf on Maxma 14 rootstock
• Pollination: Requires another compatible sweet cherry
• Recommended pollinizers or companions: Bing, Rainier, Stella, Lapins, or Van
• Special care: Full sun, well-drained soil, balanced pruning, and prompt harvest of tender ripe fruit
• Something Special: Black Tartarian was known in Europe as Circassian Black before nurseries adopted the Black Tartarian name in English-speaking markets.

Orchard Planning Resources

• Bare Root Tree Selection Guide
• How to Plant Bare Root Trees
• Fruit and Nut Tree Characteristics
• Tree Rootstock Characteristics Chart