Benton® Sweet Cherry
Starting at
$54.99
Each
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.
125% Survival Guarantee!
Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will issue a one-time merchandise credit to your account equaling 125% of the original product purchase price. Read more about our warranty policy.
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
The mature size of this variety depends on the version you choose to plant:
| Standard | 18 - 25' tall x 18 - 25' wide |
| Semi-Dwarf | 15 - 18' tall x 15 - 18' wide |
| Dwarf | 8 - 14' tall x 8 - 14' wide |
Recommended Spacing
The space needed for this variety to grow depends on the size you plant:
| Standard | 18 - 25' |
| Semi-Dwarf | 15 - 18' |
| Dwarf | 8 - 14' |
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.
Shipping Information
Estimated Delivery Date
This item is currently out of stock.
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.
Questions & Answers
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Browse 12 questions
Browse 12 questions
and 42 answers
Why did you choose this?
Stark Bro's Store
We are were looking for a self pollinating sweet cherry for our colder climate. We'll post a review once we've made it through the first year.
Nickolas F
on Jan 14, 2021
Wife is from Japan, wanted a different type of cherry to add to my orchard
Dave C.
on Oct 2, 2020
We are were looking for a self pollinating sweet cherry for our colder climate. We'll post a review once we've made it through the first year.
Nickolas F
on Jan 14, 2021
Self pollinating and delicious variety.
James G
on Dec 16, 2020
How many chill hours does this tree require to bear fruit?
BEST ANSWER: Benton has a chill hours requirement of 700-800 hours, very similar to Bing.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Feb 25, 2018
Is the tree 3 to 4 inches tall or feet?
BEST ANSWER: When shipped, regular trees are about 3-4' feet tall and/or with a 3/8" or larger trunk diameter.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Mar 16, 2020
Is it possible to keep this tree in a pot on full sun patio?
BEST ANSWER: That is where I have mine. It???s doing well, no cherries yet, but the tree is thriving.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Kristin D on Mar 23, 2020
- Purchased on Feb 26, 2018
What pollinator goes with a Benton cherry tree?
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. The Benton Sweet cherry is self pollinating and do not require another variety to bear fruit. However planting a second variety will increase your crop yield.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Sep 8, 2020
what root stock is tnis benton on? what rootstocks do you use for cherry trees?
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!
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- Tabitha R Expert on Jan 29, 2020
A dwarf cherry tree for pies and canning ?
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.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Feb 11, 2019
Can this cherry tree be planted in a pot?
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
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Dec 28, 2018
Will this pollinate a Rainier cherry tree?
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.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Nov 4, 2018
Will this tree still pollinate other sweet cherries even though it is self pollinating?
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.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Oct 28, 2018
is this a grafted tree?
BEST ANSWER: Yes, most all of our trees are grafted to remain true-to-parent.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Jul 25, 2018
What is the best available pollinator?
BEST ANSWER: BlackPearl, BurgundyPearl or Napoleon would all be very fine choices.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Feb 24, 2018
Customer Reviews
3.7 / 5.0
10 Reviews
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.
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March 16, 2019
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My Benton Sweet Cherry
I only planted it last year, so no fruit yet. It has buds and looks really healthy.
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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)
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Benton
I had this tree for two years theres is foiluage but still no fruit.
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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
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
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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...
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March 28, 2019
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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.
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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.
https://www.starkbros.com/blog/how-to-do-a-scratch-test/
https://www.starkbros.com/blog/how-to-do-a-scratch-test/
May 2, 2019
Tabitha R
Had ordered a set of "dwarf" fruit trees (varied) 4 years ago.
... from root stock.
The peach tree has been bearing fruit for two years and the fruit is amazing; I've made lots of peach pies, peach crisps (with candied ginger included) and couldn't be happier with this tree despite the fact that it is not a "dwarf" tree since peach trees don't get that tall and it's planted in a good place that accomodates its size.
Still waiting fro the cherry tree to bear fruit, it's healthy, takes awhile, was advertised as self-pollinating, so maybe this year?
My red gala apple tree has grown to 15 feet, and fortunately is near my deck so that I can trim the top every year to keep it off the power line running to my house. Much taller than expected - did not grow as a "dwarf" tree, but it did have 40 apples on it last spring. Just wish it had not grown past 6 feet tall.
The yellow delicious apple tree looks great, I suspect this coming year it will bear lots of fruit and will really kick in similar to what happened with the gala and this one is nice and small. Just the right size.
The "asian" pear tree has not borne fruit yet, but it's nice and healthy - will probably bear fruit this year.
The regular pear tree was not at all successful but this is probably attributable to where I planted it ie on a hillside; it's still alive, but the growth is stunted - so this spring I'll re-plant it to a better location. I think that is entirely my fault.
All in all, I'm glad I planted these trees less than a year after buying my house.They are beautiful, and I will order again - only instead of rootstock, it will be more mature trees - probably a Benton Sweet Cherry and another peach tree because in the spring the flowers are just beautiful, and who doesn't like a cherry or a peach pie!
The peach tree has been bearing fruit for two years and the fruit is amazing; I've made lots of peach pies, peach crisps (with candied ginger included) and couldn't be happier with this tree despite the fact that it is not a "dwarf" tree since peach trees don't get that tall and it's planted in a good place that accomodates its size.
Still waiting fro the cherry tree to bear fruit, it's healthy, takes awhile, was advertised as self-pollinating, so maybe this year?
My red gala apple tree has grown to 15 feet, and fortunately is near my deck so that I can trim the top every year to keep it off the power line running to my house. Much taller than expected - did not grow as a "dwarf" tree, but it did have 40 apples on it last spring. Just wish it had not grown past 6 feet tall.
The yellow delicious apple tree looks great, I suspect this coming year it will bear lots of fruit and will really kick in similar to what happened with the gala and this one is nice and small. Just the right size.
The "asian" pear tree has not borne fruit yet, but it's nice and healthy - will probably bear fruit this year.
The regular pear tree was not at all successful but this is probably attributable to where I planted it ie on a hillside; it's still alive, but the growth is stunted - so this spring I'll re-plant it to a better location. I think that is entirely my fault.
All in all, I'm glad I planted these trees less than a year after buying my house.They are beautiful, and I will order again - only instead of rootstock, it will be more mature trees - probably a Benton Sweet Cherry and another peach tree because in the spring the flowers are just beautiful, and who doesn't like a cherry or a peach pie!
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December 18, 2020
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Followed all directions and plant still died
Didn’t last. The cherry tree plant died within 3 months
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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.
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