10 Early Richmond Cherry Seeds - Cold Hardy Sour Cherry Tree

Early Richmond cherry is a classic sour cherry variety prized for its tart fruit and cold hardiness. The trees produce small to medium-sized, bright red cherries that are excellent for pies, preserves, and juices. Early Richmond is known for its reliability in cooler climates and its early ripening season, making it a favorite among home growers.

These seeds offer the opportunity to grow your own cold-hardy sour cherry tree. With proper care, you can enjoy beautiful spring blossoms and a harvest of tangy cherries in just a few years. Early Richmond is self-fertile, so a single tree can produce fruit.

Plant Features

• Cold hardy sour cherry variety
• Produces tart, red cherries ideal for cooking and baking
• Self-fertile, no pollinator required
• Early ripening season
• Attractive spring flowers

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Prunus cerasus
• Plant Type: Deciduous fruit tree
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil moist but not waterlogged
• Growth Habit: Upright spreading
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
• Bloom Season: Spring
• Mature Height: 12-18 feet
• Germination Requirements: Cold stratification needed; sow in fall or stratify for 90-120 days
• Spacing: 15-20 feet apart

Planting & Care

To grow Early Richmond cherry from seed, cold stratification is essential. You can simulate winter by placing seeds in a moist medium in the refrigerator for 90-120 days. After stratification, sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide warmth (around 70°F) for germination. Once seedlings have several sets of true leaves, transplant them into larger pots or a nursery bed. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil for final planting. Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system. Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead wood.

What's Included

10 Early Richmond Cherry Seeds