Prunus cerasus Early Rivers - Tart Cherry Tree

The 'Early River' Cherry Tree is a self-fertile variety of sour cherry with early flowering and early harvest. It is an excellent pollinator and can be planted either alone or with other varieties. The fruits are quite large, with tender and sweet flesh. This cherry, or sour cherry, is not only a good table fruit but also a great choice for making delicious jams and tasty clafoutis.

Sour cherries have a sweet flavour like sweet cherries and have softer flesh. The 'Early River' cherries are round with a dark red skin, almost black when ripe, and have tender, even soft, flavourful and sweet flesh. They bloom early in the season and can be harvested around mid-June. The tree is perfectly hardy and remains of moderate size, with low branches that make harvesting easier. It will reach a height of 4 to 5 metres (13 to 16 feet) with a spread of around 3.5 metres (11 feet).

The 'Early River' cherry tree can withstand the harshest winters but may suffer in the hottest summers. It is a self-fertile variety, which is convenient for small gardens, but it will bear more fruit if planted near a sweet cherry variety such as 'Burlat', 'Reverchon', 'Marmotte' or 'Napoléon'. Pollinating bees don't care about fences, so a tree planted in a neighbouring garden will work just fine.

Having a cherry tree in your garden is truly a source of happiness in every season. In spring, the buzzing flowering is a delight for the eyes and ears. Then comes the pleasure of picking and enjoying the delicious fruits on-site and in the kitchen, loved by everyone, young and old. In autumn, sour cherry trees display beautiful vibrant colors.