Sam Cherry Tree
The Sam Cherry Tree is very similar to the Bing cherry with dark, shiny, medium sized fruit but it is a little more tart than its sweet cousin. The tree bears heavy and is resistant to cracking.
Latin Name: Prunus avium
Site and Soil: Cherries like 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
RootstockDescription: Colt is considered a semi-dwarf rootstock which produces trees about 80% of standard size. Colt is adapted to most soils and is hardy, vigorous, productive, and forms a well-branched tree. Sweet Cherries on Colt rootstock can grow to 12-15 ft. in height.
Pollination Requirements: Sam Cherry Tree needs a pollinator and we suggest Bing, Royal Ann, and Lambert
Hardiness: Sam Cherry Tree is hardy to about minus 20 degrees F.
Bearing Age: 2 – 3 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: 12-15 ft. in height.
Bloom Time: Early April
Ripening Time: 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: 5
Sunset Western Zone: 2, 6-9,14, 15
Sunset Northeast Zone: Varies