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Benton® Sweet Cherry
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Benton® Sweet Cherry

9 ReviewsAsk Questions
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Item #144321, Semi-Dwarf, EZ Start®. Ships 1' 6" - 3' tall with advanced root system in a 4x4x10" EZ Start® Pot. Professionally pruned for FREE!
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tree icon What tree size should I choose? Read more & determine the perfect size for your yard.
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Description

A rare self-pollinating sweet cherry! Firm, dense, garnet flesh, rich mahogany skin color and pure cherry flavor, similar to Bing — but flowers a few days later, making the profuse white blooms less susceptible to frost damage. This Stella cross bears heavy crops on a vigorous tree with an upright-spreading growth habit. Preferred by commercial growers over Bing for its self-fertility. A superior mid-season variety for both fresh eating and cobblers/pies. Ripens in mid-June and stores up to 5 weeks. Semi-freestone, easy to pit. Developed at Washington State University. May be covered under USPP #15,847 or other patents.

Characteristics

Bloom Color White
Bloom Time Mid - Late
Fruit Color Red
Fruit Size Large
Pollination Self-Pollinating
Ripens/Harvest Mid June
Shade/Sun Full Sun
Soil Composition Loamy
Soil Moisture Well Drained
Soil pH Level 6.0 - 7.0
Taste Sweet
Texture Firm
Years to Bear 4 - 7
Zone Range 5 - 8

Zone Compatibility

This Variety's Zone Range 5 - 8
My Hardiness Zone ?
The USDA hardiness zones offer a guide to varieties that will grow well in certain climates. Each zone corresponds to the minimum winter temperatures experienced in a given area. Make sure that your hardiness zone lies within the zone compatability range of this variety before ordering.

Size & Spacing

Mature Size

When your tree matures, it will be approximately 15 - 18' tall x 15 - 18' wide.

Recommended Spacing

We recommend spacing these trees 15 - 18' apart to ensure room for growth.

Pollination

This variety is self pollinating.

In many cases, you may still want to plant pollinating partners to increase the size of your crops, but with self-pollinating varieties doing so is optional. You'll get fruit with only one plant!

Tools & Supplies

Having the proper tools and supplies when growing your own can make the difference between a good harvest and a great harvest! Here's a list that our experts recommend for this variety.

Planting & Care

Learn all about how to grow cherry trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.

Read about how to grow cherry trees »

Shipping Information

Estimated Delivery Date

Get an estimated delivery date »

Arrives when it's time to plant

Your success is our priority. We work hard to make sure that your order arrives at the ideal time for planting in your location based on your local climate conditions.

Our Promise of Satisfaction

1 Year Warranty

Every order comes with our promise of satisfaction. If you aren't completely satisfied with your order, let us know within one year for a free one-time replacement or refund.

Tags

We've 'tagged' this item with specific keywords that help you find other products that share features or characteristics with this one. Select a tag below to view all the items that have that particular trait.

Questions & Answers

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Browse 11 questions Browse 11 questions and 38 answers
Why did you choose this?
Stark Bro's Store
I needed another sweet cherry tree.
Bethany B on Jul 29, 2020
I needed a dwarf sweet pollinator for the Rainier tree I bought.
Joeymama on Mar 14, 2020
I needed another sweet cherry tree.
Bethany B on Jul 29, 2020
The fruit will be good for fresh eating.
Gary K on Mar 17, 2020
I needed a dwarf sweet pollinator for the Rainier tree I bought.
Joeymama on Mar 14, 2020
self pollinating and dwarf Although I'm still waiting for my walnut trees that were put on back order and were suppose to be shipped in fall?
Karen H on Mar 9, 2020
Love dark sweet cherries.
Daniel W on Mar 3, 2020
My wife wanted sweet cherries instead of tart. She wanted a dwarf tree
JOHN D on Feb 23, 2020
Wanted a good sweet cherry -- already have one of them
Donald M on Jan 13, 2020
Wanted dwarf sweet cherry tree and this was almost the only choice.
DAVID D on Jan 7, 2020
dwarf, sweet and fits the zone.
Tamara M on Jan 2, 2020
self pollinating
Margaret D on Apr 13, 2019
My wife has been wanting a cherry tree. This one is sweet cherries and is self-pollinating. It also stated the blooms are frost resistant which is needed since the late frost keeps wiping out the blooms on my peach tree.
CHRIS P on Apr 2, 2019
Self pollinating, smaller tree will fit well in our yard. We love cherries and want to start growing more of our own food.
Karen H on Mar 24, 2019
Expensive at the grocery store
Katlyn on Mar 23, 2019
Space and taste. Looks tasty.
Niki M on Mar 22, 2019
Compatible with the Stella I currently have
Jonathan C on Mar 21, 2019
Ordered for a friend.
Shirley R on Mar 20, 2019
Just starting a fruit grove .
Genny D on Mar 19, 2019
Self pollinating and a Stella cross
David L on Mar 11, 2019
I needed a dwarf cherry tree. I like bing cherries and they say this one has flavor profile like bing. Fingers crossed
Kay H on Mar 9, 2019
We have had a Stella tree for 30 years. Very reliable, but It is way past its prime. Hoping Benton retained many good qualities of parent Stella.
DOUG VALERIE K on Mar 8, 2019
large, semi free stone cherry
CARL V on Feb 21, 2019
I was looking for a dwarf cherry tree that bears sweet fruit for fresh eating. Starting a food forest in my backyard!
Cynthia K on Feb 15, 2019
Self pollinating sweet cherry tree for a special little spot in the backyard
Michael U on Feb 11, 2019
Sweet firm flesh, dwarf growth for a small garden.
NANNETTE M on Jan 19, 2019
I love being cherries and they're so expensive in the stores that I thought that it would be easier and cheaper if I groom myself and since these ones are opted by other Growers instead of bing cherries I chose this one to start my fruit trees
Albert S on Oct 12, 2018
Self pollinating and even though it's a dwarf, it still gets a decent size.
Eric M on Aug 28, 2018
Self pollinating and later blooming
JOE D on Aug 18, 2018
The fruit will be good for fresh eating.
Gary K on Mar 17, 2020
self pollinating and dwarf Although I'm still waiting for my walnut trees that were put on back order and were suppose to be shipped in fall?
Karen H on Mar 9, 2020
How many chill hours does this tree require to bear fruit?
Gabriel M on Feb 24, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Benton has a chill hours requirement of 700-800 hours, very similar to Bing.
Is the tree 3 to 4 inches tall or feet?
donna c on Mar 14, 2020
BEST ANSWER: When shipped, regular trees are about 3-4' feet tall and/or with a 3/8" or larger trunk diameter.
Is it possible to keep this tree in a pot on full sun patio?
Beverly on Mar 23, 2020
BEST ANSWER: That is where I have mine. It???s doing well, no cherries yet, but the tree is thriving.
what root stock is tnis benton on? what rootstocks do you use for cherry trees?
Frank W on Jan 25, 2020
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. We use several different rootstocks, depending upon the desired result and what is available. For that reason, we're unable to guarantee a specific rootstock.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
A dwarf cherry tree for pies and canning ?
Robert B on Feb 11, 2019
BEST ANSWER: This is a sweet cherry; you'll want a tart cherry for pies and canning, like North Star, but be sure it's rated for your zone. If you enter your ZIP code at the following link, we'll be able to display the popular products that are available and rated for your location: //www.starkbros.com/zone-finder Also look for check marked varieties as you shop to ensure compatibility with your zone. If you have more questions regarding zone compatibility, please call Customer Support at 800.325.4180 and they would be glad to help.
Can this cherry tree be planted in a pot?
Catherine J on Dec 28, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Yes, especially the dwarf size. Here is a very informative article about growing fruit trees in containers: //www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/fruit-trees-in-containers-pt1
Will this pollinate a Rainier cherry tree?
Rachel on Nov 4, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Hi, Rachel. There should be enough overlap for Benton to pollinate Rainier. The presence of the Rainier will also help the size/yield of the Benton fruit, even though it's self-pollinating.
Will this tree still pollinate other sweet cherries even though it is self pollinating?
Olivia T on Oct 28, 2018
BEST ANSWER: It will pollinate other sweet cherries that have the same bloom period, yes. This variety is a consider a late-season bloomer, but can pollinate varieties like Bing or Van because they also bloom late.
is this a grafted tree?
Michael C on Jul 25, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Yes, most all of our trees are grafted to remain true-to-parent.
What is the best available pollinator?
Richard J on Feb 24, 2018
BEST ANSWER: BlackPearl, BurgundyPearl or Napoleon would all be very fine choices.

Customer Reviews

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3.7 / 5.0
9 Reviews
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
2 Stars
1 Star
5
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2
Amazing and Hardy Tree
I ordered two trees on February 11th and received the 16th. The trees, the Benton® Sweet Cherry Dwarf and the Starkrimson® Sweet Cherry Dwarf, straight out of the box looked healthy, pre-pruned beautifully, and looked how everyone describes the trees ordered on this site (like a big stick, first time ordering from this site). I was not worried due to all the great reviews. I took them out the box and poured 2 cups of water on the shredded newspaper and plastic bag the roots are covered in to protect the roots. I let them stay inside the bathroom in the hallway with no windows and closed the door because when I received them it was dark and freezing weather, so I could not plant. The next day in the early morning at first daybreak I went outside to plant them. I decided on the front of my house and 10ft away from my driveway and 10ft apart. I dug a hole roughly 5 feet in diameter for each tree and filled the ground since I have a clay-ish ground with some humus soil from our local Wal-Mart and Milorganite 15-10-10 to mix into the soil and mixed about 1/4th of a cup of the fertilizer into the soil. After doing this for both trees I put Hyponex Black Mulch in a 5 diameter circle and roughly 4 inches high. I didn't plant these at a great time as it was low 20's at night a week before planting and it was low 20's for the next 9 nights after planting them, i was too scared to leave them in the bathroom tub for 2 weeks before the weather warmed up and decided to take my chances. I covered them with a tarp every night right before dark and took off in the morning before going to work. There was 2 nights that it frosted on the trees that I didn't check the weather. I am happy to report after doing all this exactly a month ago today there was leaves growing on the trees and there is buds all over the tree! I recommend this site and this tree. Most trees would not survive this weather straight out of a greenhouse, they give quality trees.
March 16, 2019
Benton
I had this tree for two years theres is foiluage but still no fruit.
August 23, 2019
Purchased
 over 2 years ago
Response from Stark Bro's
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this review. Sweet cherry trees can take up to a minimum of 4 years before they are ready to bear fruit. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us. We really appreciate that you chose Stark Bro's to be your partner in growing your own fruit.
August 25, 2019
Tabitha R
My Benton Sweet Cherry
I only planted it last year, so no fruit yet. It has buds and looks really healthy.
May 2, 2019
Purchased
 over 2 years ago
Early review is hope for the future
The Benton sweet cherry has a vigurous look. It was planted to provide cross polination for 20 year old sweet cherry trees that never produced cherries. When bought 20 years ago, it was stated polination would be better with two or more trees. Now science identified.that they are "self-unfruitful." Make sure your fruit and nut trees are self fruitful or unfruitful. Stark Brothers have been a reliable and qualify source of trees for my land. (About 65)
August 4, 2019
Purchased
 over 2 years ago
Benton sweet cherry
It’s growing awesome. Can’t wait til it’s start fruiting. I don’t really known how long but I am hoping it will be soon like my peach tree I bought from starkbros. I had fruit right away even when the tree is so tiny. Love it, I do recommend starkbros
June 3, 2019
Purchased
 over 2 years ago
Shipping and care
Ordered this tree late Friday, knew it would not ship out until Monday or Tuesday. At first it showed being delivered that following Friday, 7 days not bad. That Wednesday I checked the tracking and WOW it was delivered on my door step already. That was fast shipping, so then I opened the box when I got home. Tree was wrapped in plastic nicely, and the bare roots were surrounded by damp news paper shreds to keep them moist. Going to plant this tree tonight when I get off of work. Had great instructions inside the box as well. So far such a great experience with Starkbros so far. I am thinking now of a Meyer Lemon tree is my next purchase with this company... Overall so far I am very pleased with my service and purchase...
March 28, 2019
Did not survive winter.
Planted it in spring last year with other fruit trees. All others made it through the winter and are doing well. The Benton Cherry did not. Just a stick in the ground.
May 1, 2019
Purchased
 over 2 years ago
Response from Stark Bro's
When you get the opportunity, I would like for you to perform a scratch test on the nursery stock. It will determine whether the items are still living or dead. I have attached the instructions below, if you just click on the link. If the item(s) appear green then I would recommend fertilizing with a well balanced formula, 22-24-12, and pruning about 1-3 inches off of the tips, to help stimulate growth. If the items are brown, please contact customer at 800.325.4180 to see if they are eligible to be replaced.

http://www.starkbros.com/blog/how-to-do-a-scratch-test/
May 2, 2019
Tabitha R
Followed all directions and plant still died
Didn’t last. The cherry tree plant died within 3 months
August 20, 2019
Purchased
 over 2 years ago
Response from Stark Bro's
Thank you for taking the time to leave this review. We are very sorry to learn that your tree failed to live. We do back our trees with a limited warranty for up to one-year. Please give us a call at 800.325.4180 or email info@starkbros.com. Your planting success is very important to us!
August 25, 2019
Tabitha R
have not had a chance to evaluate
I only planted the tree in March of 2018 and during the summer of 2018 I was having medical issues and we had a lot of trouble with Japanese Beatles and my trees got hit hard. I was spraying with seven spray but there were just too many and I should have been able to spray them daily but my health would not allow it. The reason that I gave a 3 star rating is this was not the fault of the tree itself it was a beautiful tree until the Japanese devils attacked it.
May 2, 2019
Purchased
 over 2 years ago

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