Early Richmond Pie Cherry
Early Richmond Pie Cherry is a heavy-producing, widely adapted tree that is vigorous and healthy in many climates and soils. Grows to 15-18′ tall. Early-ripening, flavorful, juicy, bright red fruit used primarily for cooking and canning and sometimes eaten fresh when fully ripe. The origin of this varietal is unknown but was planted in England in the early 1500s.
Latin Name: Prunus cerasus
Site and Soil: Early Richmond Pie Cherry Tree like full to 1/2 day sun and well-drained soil.
Rootstock Description: Mazzard is a standard rootstock for sweet cherries. Vigorous, more tolerant of wet soils than Mahaleb (but good drainage still required). Resistant to root-knot nematodes and oak-root fungus.
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile
Hardiness: Hardy to minus 40°F.
Bearing Age: 2 – 3 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: 15-18 ft. in height.
Taste: Tart, juicy, flavorful
Fruit Skin: Bright red
Bloom Time: Early April
Ripening Time: July-August
Yield: 50+ lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Bacterial Canker can damage Cherry trees. Symptoms of bacterial canker are dead branches and bronze colored exudation on branches or trunk. Apply a fall and winter copper spray to help prevent damage from this disease. To repel birds, you can cover your trees with netting or use flash tape to scare them away.
USDA Zone: 3-9