Lapins Sweet Cherry Tree

Lapins Sweet Cherry is one of the finest self-pollinating sweet cherry varieties available, developed at the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre in Summerland, British Columbia, the same program responsible for Van, Stella, and Starkrimson®. The large, dark, Bing-shaped fruit has purple-red flesh that is genuinely meaty and firm, sweet and richly flavored, outstanding for fresh eating straight off the tree in July. Tolerates late spring frosts better than most early-blooming sweet cherries, adding a meaningful practical advantage for home orchardists in transitional climates. Good overall disease resistance and crack resistance. Grown in EZ Start® pots for superior root development. Self-pollinating in Zones 5–9.

Self-Pollinating — One Tree, Full Sweet Cherry Harvests

Sweet cherries have historically required two compatible varieties planted within range of each other to set fruit — a space and management requirement that put quality sweet cherry growing out of reach for many home gardeners. Lapins changes that with genuine self-fertility: one tree produces a full crop without a companion. Even self-pollinating cherry trees benefit from a nearby compatible variety if space allows, but Lapins delivers real harvests on its own.

Bing-Shaped, Meaty, Dark — Outstanding Fresh Eating

The large, Bing-shaped fruit with its dark, glossy exterior and purple-red flesh is as beautiful at harvest as it is satisfying to eat. The firm, almost meaty texture holds up through picking and handling better than softer varieties, and the rich, sweet flavor is at its peak eaten fresh off the tree in July. Crack resistance and good disease resistance support more consistently attractive, high-quality fruit through the season with less management intervention.

Late Frost Tolerance — Summerland, British Columbia

Lapins' Summerland breeding heritage reflects deliberate development for cold-climate reliability. The tolerance for late spring frosts — unusual in early-blooming sweet cherry varieties — provides meaningful practical protection in Zone 5–6 gardens where late frost events in May are a consistent seasonal risk. That frost resilience, combined with the self-pollinating habit, makes Lapins one of the most dependable sweet cherry choices for northern and transitional-zone home orchardists.

Why Growers Choose Lapins Sweet Cherry

• Self-pollinating — full sweet cherry harvests without a companion tree
• Bing-shaped, meaty, firm, dark purple-red flesh — outstanding fresh eating in July
• Late frost tolerance — reliable production where May frosts threaten early-blooming varieties
• Good disease and crack resistance — consistent, attractive fruit with less management
• Summerland, British Columbia origin — same breeding program as Van, Stella, and Starkrimson®
• EZ Start® roots — advanced root development for strong establishment