Description
Originating from Montmorency Valley, France circa 1600s, introduced to the U.S. in the 1800s the Stark® Montmorency Pie Cherry tree remains the most popular cherry tree in the United States. This tree produces a high volume of sweet and tangy cherries perfect for mouth-watering pies and cobblers. The firm texture of this yellow fleshed cherry makes it ideal for fresh eating or drying.
The Stark® Montmorency Pie Cherry tree has beautiful white blossoms in spring and produces an abundant number of cherries that ripen in summer. This self-pollinating tree thrives in loamy well drained soil. Stark® Montmorency Pie Cherry tree is a cold hardy tree which can be grown into zone 4. The tree does best in full sun and while self-pollinating a pollinating partner can improve cherry production. See below for a recommended pollinating partner and plant within 100’ of the Montmorency cherry.
Survival Guaranteed!


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 send you a free one-time replacement, with a nominal shipping fee of $9.99. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time credit to your account equaling the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Read more about our warranty policy.
Characteristics
Bloom Color | White |
Bloom Time | Mid - Late |
Fruit Color | Red |
Fruit Size | Medium |
Hardiness Zone Range | 4 - 7 |
Pollination | Self-Pollinating |
Ripens/Harvest | June |
Shade/Sun | Full Sun |
Soil Composition | Loamy |
Soil Moisture | Well Drained |
Soil pH Level | 6.0 - 7.0 |
Taste | Tangy |
Texture | Firm |
Years to Bear | 3 - 5 |
Size & Spacing
Mature Size
Standard | 15 - 18' tall x 15 - 18' wide |
Semi-Dwarf | 12 - 15' tall x 12 - 15' wide |
Dwarf | 8 - 10' tall x 8 - 10' wide |
Recommended Spacing
Standard | 15 - 18' |
Semi-Dwarf | 12 - 15' |
Dwarf | 8 - 10' |
Zone Compatibility
Pollination
This variety is self pollinating.
Tools & Supplies
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
Arrives when it's time to plant
Questions & Answers
You cannot beat Stark trees. If they carry the name Stark you can be sure they were selected for high quality and quantity of fruit or flowers
Another sour cherry tree like Balaton or North Star will cross-pollinate Montmorency.
The dwarf size is easier to manage and will still produce full-sized fruit.
Hi, Brenda. Sure you can plant them together, but they will not pollinate one another (despite what you may read on the Internet).
Thank you for your question. Sour cherries won't pollinate sweet cherries, and vice-versa. The happy news is that Montmorency is self-pollinating, and so are many sweet cherries. Here are links to 2 of our favorite sweet cherries, Whitegold® and Stella:
http://www.starkbros.com/products/fruit-trees/cherry-trees/whitegold-sweet-cherry
http://www.starkbros.com/products/fruit-trees/cherry-trees/stella-sweet-cherry
We even have a self-pollinating tree that has TWO sweet cherries on the same tree:
http://www.starkbros.com/products/fruit-trees/cherry-trees/stark-custom-graft-2-n-1-cherry
Let us know how it turns out!
As listed in the characteristics, under the product description, this tree will take 4-7 years to bear fruit after planting. Dwarf size will usually bear a little sooner than a full size tree but there is no guarantee.
Not in the sense you're probably thinking of. It won't spread or send up suckers anywhere but the rootstock will occasionally branch from the base, which you should prune.
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!
Thank you for your question. Because weather and soil conditions vary so much from year to year and even within your zone, it's best to think of your planting time as a range of favorable conditions instead of an exact time.
You can plant new plants and trees: 1) when the ground is not frozen, 2) when daytime temperatures are above freezing (32ºF) and below 90ºF, and 3) when extreme weather (blizzard, hail, torrential rain, etc.) is not in the forecast. Be sure to keep plants watered if you're transplanting in warm and/or dry weather.
I'm afraid that is too far south for a cherry tree, which needs a certain amount of chill hours in order to complete the fruiting cycle.
Customer Reviews
Do have to net it near harvest time, I have lots of birds racing me to the harvest.
My parents had this tree at their house. Loved the cherries. Now I want some at my home.
Based in Missouri and my family is familiar with the company.
Sour cherry are the best cherries! can't get enough!
I’ve had one before and it is my favorite cherry for pie and jelly.