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Stella Sweet Cherry
Stella Sweet Cherry
Stella Sweet Cherry

Stella Sweet Cherry

76 ReviewsAsk Questions

Available Spring 2020

Supplies are limited so make sure you don't miss out next time by having us automatically notify you when it becomes available again.

Description

Sweet and productive. This tree bears plump, bold-red cherries that will have fruit lovers rejoicing! Grow abundant crops of heart-shaped fruit: a healthy go-to for fresh snacks. Also suitable for canning, freezing and drying to enjoy later. Resists cracking and is moderately disease-resistant. Developed in Summerland, British Columbia and introduced in 1968. Ripens in June. Self-pollinating.

Characteristics

Bloom Color White
Fruit Color Red
Fruit Size Large
Pollination Self-pollinating
Ripens/Harvest June
Shade/Sun Full Sun
Soil Composition Loamy
Soil Moisture Well Drained - Average Moistness
Soil pH Level 6.0 - 7.0
Taste Sweet, Juicy
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.

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.

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 18 questions Browse 18 questions and 49 answers
Why did you choose this?
Stark Bro's Store
self pollinating and is a good pollinator for the bing cherry
Larry P on May 18, 2019
Self pollinating, sweet cherry and highly rated on reviews.
Susan J on Apr 13, 2019
self pollinating and is a good pollinator for the bing cherry
Larry P on May 18, 2019
my favorite and had good luck with previous stella semi dwarf.
kathy k on Apr 28, 2019
Self pollinating, sweet cherry and highly rated on reviews.
Susan J on Apr 13, 2019
self-pollinating
Jason R on Apr 4, 2019
Self pollinating
Jill S on Mar 16, 2019
My grand daughters name is Stella. A delightful young lady by any standard.
Stella C on Apr 9, 2018
I purchased the Stella Sweet cherry because I wanted a pollinator for the other cherry trees I planted this year as well as a tasty eating cherry. Stark Bro's has great reviews for selling healthy, high quality trees. Also, I live in an area that was homesteaded back in the late 1800s specifically to create orchards. Historic documents in our museum show all the fruit trees were bare root trees from Stark Brothers. Many of these trees are still producing. I guess that's good enough for me.
Snomaven on Mar 31, 2018
sweet cherries are the only cherries worth eating
patricia m on Mar 1, 2018
for the best pie in town
Jeffrey H on Jan 10, 2018
Self pollination
LEONARDO D on Feb 27, 2017
I planted this tree at my previous home and it was a vigorous grower. I am sorry I didn't stay long enough to enjoy the fruit. Decided to buy again and plant at my new home. I planted a cherry tree from a local store and it died after about 3 months.
Christine T on Nov 7, 2016
to have sweet cherries to go with my apple trees; grapes; and blueberry bushes.
eugene s on Oct 20, 2016
As a pollinators and because it is a old time tried and hardy tree
Deborah P on Sep 19, 2016
Had one before, loved it
GARY D on Jul 14, 2016
Awesome sweet snack that is full of health benefits
JOHN W on Jun 6, 2016
While stationed in Germany we had access to the best sweet and tart cherries as well as bush cherries. We want them again!
Jackie L on May 19, 2016
Looking for a dwarf sweet cherry that will grow in our climate this seemed to fit the bill
Keith D on May 18, 2016
We love to eat cherries! These have great reviews and is supposed to be a good support pollinator for the tart cherry tree that we are getting also.
Courtney S on May 11, 2016
Self pollinating, sweet. I have been told sweet cherries don't do well here on the Colorado front range. Stella seems to be the only one that might make it and produce once in a while.
Barbara B on May 9, 2016
self pollinating. we want a cherry tree to add to our 4 other fruit trees.
Willie A on May 5, 2016
Beautiful tree that bares fruit!
Daniela M on Apr 30, 2016
Recommended by a co-worker
John W on Apr 17, 2016
I needed to have a balance orchard and why not cherries can wait for it to arrive I am always excited!
Melvin J on Mar 31, 2016
looking for standard trees I am not worried about space in rural area. standard trees hard to find anymore.
timothy W on Mar 30, 2016
Sweet cherries; do you have to say more? Coupled with Stark's long history of proven arbory, it's a sure fire hit.
HILDEGARD H on Mar 27, 2016
I planted a different variety of sweet cherry 2 years ago, but we unfortunately had a harsh winter and it didn't survive. After doing some reseach, I discovered that sour cherries are better for the Eastern Colorado climate, but the locoal extention specifically mentioned that Stella Cherry Trees do alright in Urban areas of Eastern Colorado. Since I wanted a sweet cherry tree I decided I would take my chances on this variety.
Erin A on Mar 16, 2016
Pollinator for the Starking Hardy Giant and also as a stand-alone tree.
Timothy H on Mar 14, 2016
my favorite and had good luck with previous stella semi dwarf.
kathy k on Apr 28, 2019
self-pollinating
Jason R on Apr 4, 2019
is the stella cherry a good pollinator for the bing cherry tree & do they need to bud out at the same time to pollinate?
Steve on Aug 8, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question. Yes, Stella is a fine pollinator for Bing. The trees do indeed need to at least have overlapping bud times, or else the pollen can't be properly transferred.
I planted a Stella cherry tree several years ago. Had cherries the next two years but the birds got all of them. They turn dark like I imagined them turning but they are not sweet at all. Am I picking them too soon?
Harriet A. on Jun 12, 2016
BEST ANSWER: My Stella is not yet old enough to produce fruit so I cannot speak to this specific variety, but I would suggest that most any fruit will go from tart, to sweet, to mild as it hangs longer on the tree.

As for your bird problem, try this trick. Just when the fruit starts to go from green to red, hand a bunch of old CD's or DVD's by wire around the tree, shiny-side out. I do this on my Montmorency and it seems to be very effective at keeping the birds away. But do not put them on too soon or leave them on too long. You don't want the birds to get used to them and loose their fear.
Can I keep this cherry tree inside or potted?
Kristen H on Aug 6, 2016
BEST ANSWER: You might be able to keep the Stella Cherry in a pot provided you do a lot of pruning but if you are wanting this tree to be fruitful it needs to be outdoors where it can receive at least 400 chill hours. Most fruit trees require some contact with cold temperatures and the Stella is no different. That being said I would forego the pot and plant directly in the ground-assuming you have a space for it.
Can this be a pollinating partner with rainier cherry?
DYNA L on Jul 31, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question. Stella will not pollinate Rainier, but these varieties will: Bing, Van, Lapins and Black Tartarian.
Planting in the deep south, will this plant do well?
Nancy M on Feb 9, 2017
BEST ANSWER: The Stella cherry tree requires at least 400 chill hours in order to bear fruit.
Chill hours are calculated on the number of hours the trees environment is below 45 degrees and above 32 degrees. Since you mentioned the deep south you may need to consider a cherry tree which requires 200 chill hours and depending upon how far south you are speaking of may still not be ideal. You will have to do the calculations to be certain.
does this tree require another for pollination?
becky d on Jun 11, 2019
BEST ANSWER: This is one of the few sweet cherry trees that does not require another sweet cherry tree for pollinator to occur. The presence of one, however, will give you a higher yield.
We have clay soil, how will this tree do in this soil?
Candy on Apr 16, 2019
BEST ANSWER: In general, fruit trees don't take well to clay soil, which is why we recommend you amend heavy soil with coir planting medium. It also helps to plant on a slight slope if possible, and to mount up the tree on a round berm so water can drain away from the roots in heavy or persistent rains.
Are Non organic trees /fruits GMO?
Emilgard076 on Apr 4, 2019
BEST ANSWER: That depends upon the variety and the growers. Non-organic trees can be GMO or not. If the tree or plant is certified USDA Organic, by definition, it cannot be GMO. None of our trees or plants are GMO and never have been.
I planted a Stella cherry tree on a dwarf root stock in 2014. It is now 12 feet tall. Every year it develops many blossoms, but only a handful of very small cherries (no late frost), which ripen way to early and fall off. Is it time to replace the tree?
Harald S on Jun 29, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Oh, no. not at all. This tree takes 4-7 years to bear; you are barely at the 4-year point. There are a couple of articles that would be helpful to read:

//www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/shedding-light-on-fruit-drop
//www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/fruit-tree-blooming-bearing-problems

We would also recommend a soil test to see if you are missing nutrients and a pH test - cherry trees grow best at a pH level between 6.0 and 6.5. Your soil may be too alkaline or too acidic and might require amending.
Would the stella be a good companion with the Benton? we have room for one semi dwarf and enough for a smaller tree in our front yard. I know they are both self-pollinating, but would these cross pollinate eachother?
Robert T on Mar 16, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Yes, it would - they are both mid-late bloomers and will give each other more/larger cherries. A very good combination. :-)
Would sweet stella be a good cherry tree to pollinate black cherry trees?
Dean C on Mar 5, 2018
BEST ANSWER: Black cherry trees are also sweet cherry trees, so unless the black cherry to which you're referring is a particularly late bloomer, cross-pollination should work if the trees are within 50' of one another.
If the tree takes 4-7 years to bear fruit would buying a larger tree bring it closer to bearing age when we plant it at our house?
Robert T on Feb 26, 2018
BEST ANSWER: I'm not sure if you're referring to the caliper size at shipping, or the rootstock size characteristic. A standard size tree will not produce sooner than a dwarf tree; in fact, it would be just the opposite. A Supreme tree, however, will produce toward the "sooner" end of that 4-7 years-to-bear range. I hope that answers your question.
How many years for a Stella cherry tree to get 20 ft high?
Tom D on May 19, 2017
BEST ANSWER: Much of the growth on a STANDARD will depend upon the amount of sun, rain and nutrients it receives, and how good the soil is, but Stella can grow 2-3' per year - that means it can reach 20' in about 7 years. A dwarf or semi-dwarf will grow closer to 12" to 2' per year.
When does the Stella Sweet Cherry wake up in the spring? Our peach and pear are covered in leaves and new growth. The Stella is still dormant.
Haylee W on Apr 8, 2017
BEST ANSWER: Stella is a late bloomer and will wake up soon, presuming the temperature where you live doesn't go back into a deep freeze.
How much yield (in bushels) will my standard Stella Sweet Cherry tree bear at maturity?
John B on Dec 30, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Cherry trees generally produce quarts vs. bushels, except standard-size trees. Here are the approximate yields for sweet cherry trees: Dwarf: 15???20 quarts; Semi-Dwarf: 30???50 quarts; Standard: 60???75 quarts (~3 bushels).
I am looking for a cherry tree that blooms late so that the frost doesn't get it. Is Stella a good tree for that? I live in zone 7a
Bernadette B on Nov 12, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question. Either Stella or Blackgold?? would be good choices - they are both late-bloomers and suitable for your growing zone.
What is a good pollinator for Stella?
Rea A on Oct 10, 2016
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question.You don't need another variety for pollination with this variety. You would get fruit with only one plant, but adding a pollinator will give you bigger fruit, and more of it. A few suggestions:

Montmorency
Royalton
Emperor Francis

If you like to discuss pollination options further, please call our Customer Support Department at 800.325.4180.

Customer Reviews

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4.2 / 5.0
76 Reviews
5 Stars
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If your a Cherry lover- these are the ones for you !
i have a few of these trees, and the cherries are awesome.
February 28, 2016
Purchased
 over 4 years ago
Great for North Texas
I'm happy with this variety, it has fruited fast and with the low chill hours (relatively) we get here in Dallas I think it's a winner. Of the other 6 or so varieties I bought, only one other even flowered and didn't produce fruit.

So I kept Stella! Others may work out if you give them a longer establishment time or have different chill hours or better soil. Mine is terrible clay.
March 31, 2016
Hardy tree in 7b
I planted this little guy last year, and a bunch of stupid beetles started eating all the leaves! When winter hit I just knew the tree wouldn't make it, but alas, here it is spring, and the tree is fuller and healthier than ever! So happy with the purchase!
May 19, 2016
Purchased
 over 4 years ago
Off to a good start
My Stella Sweet Cherry is growing extremely well and will allow selective pruning for a well shaped tree. Not bearing yet. Maybe next year. The only challenge is the Japanese beetle infestation. But the tree will bear before the beetles arrive in July.
August 4, 2016
Purchased
 over 4 years ago
Nice
Had some doubts with what I was sent, looked like a stick! After 2 years, its filling out nicely and even has a few cherries on it!
May 13, 2016
Purchased
 over 4 years ago
High Hopes!
I grew Stella once before here in Minneapolis, but had to sacrifice it for a home improvement. The new one arrived 3 months ago in Stark's usual expert packaging. I planted it within days. It took beautifully. It has several healthy branches covered with heavy foliage. I realized that it is outside of its zone 5 tolerance, but the last one seemed to really thrive until it met the Bobcat at nearly 15'. It's intended to be the pollinator for the 2 Kristin I also planted this spring. I planted the semi-dwarf in a protected area, so I have high hopes for loads of sweet cherries in zone 4!
August 4, 2016
Purchased
 over 3 years ago
All trees
I have ordered over 100 items from this company. The customer service has been great! I have only had to get one replacement plant and it was a nice hassle free process. I like that they care many dwarf fruit trees to pick from.
March 21, 2016
Still waiting for it to produce fruit
We bought this 2 years ago (2014), and we are still waiting. It was suppose to already be a somewhat established tree, but apparently was not as old originally as we thought. Nursed it through an attack of Japanese beetles and ants last year... had a =few= blooms on it FINALLY his year and hoping to see some fruit come summer.
May 10, 2016
Purchased
 over 5 years ago
Stella cheery tree
The tree is named Stella my mom's name and it is growing beautiful it has seven branches on it so far I can't wait to see some cheeries on it. It was 3 feet tall when I get it last year now it 8 feet tall growing so fast.
May 4, 2017
Purchased
 over 3 years ago
1 year later
When i got this tree a year ago, it was pretty much a 3 foot stick with roots. It is now over 8 feet tall and starting to branch out beautifully. I'm in Wisconsin, it survived the winter and shot up like a weed this spring. Looking forward to fruit hopefully next year!
May 28, 2017
Purchased
 over 3 years ago

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