Cherry (Tart)
Can I Grow Montmorency?
Montmorency is America's tart cherry — the bright red pie cherry that makes up 95% of US sour cherry production. Self-fertile and cold-hardy, it's easier to grow than sweet cherries.
Growing Requirements
Chill Hours
700
Hardiness Zones
4-5-6-7-8-9
Harvest
Late June to July
Results
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About Montmorency
Montmorency is America's tart cherry — the bright red pie cherry that makes up 95% of US sour cherry production. Self-fertile and cold-hardy, it's easier to grow than sweet cherries.
Montmorency requires 700 chill hours — the number of hours between 32°F and 45°F during winter dormancy. Without enough chill, the tree may fail to flower properly or produce poor fruit.
⚠️ Common Challenges
Tart cherries are for cooking, not fresh eating; prone to cherry leaf spot in humid climates.
❌ Common Misconception
Can I grow Montmorency in Zone 10 or warmer?
No. While Montmorency is listed for zones 4-9, it requires 700 chill hours to produce fruit. Warm zones like 10+ typically receive only 200-400 chill hours. The tree may survive but will not fruit reliably. Consider low-chill alternatives like Anna apple (200h) or Tropic Snow peach (200h) instead.
If you plant it, write it down.
Variety, rootstock, planting date — and every pruning and harvest after that. Future you will thank you.
Free for up to 30 plants. No card needed.
Chill hour data from Open-Meteo Historical Weather API. Variety information compiled from university extension services.