Stella Sweet Cherry
Starting at
$39.99
Each
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.
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 |
| 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.
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 |
Recommended Spacing
The space needed for this variety to grow depends on the size you plant:
| Standard | 18 - 25' |
| Semi-Dwarf | 15 - 18' |
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
Start typing your question and we'll check if it was already asked and answered. Learn More
Browse 37 questions
Browse 37 questions
and 85 answers
Why did you choose this?
Stark Bro's Store
need for pollination, i hope rainier will pollinate this variety eventhou it is a selfer
DONALD J
on Dec 4, 2020
To go along with a Bing tree I already have.
Robert C
on May 20, 2020
need for pollination, i hope rainier will pollinate this variety eventhou it is a selfer
DONALD J
on Dec 4, 2020
Self pollinator.
Delmus F
on Oct 23, 2020
Self pollinator.
Delmus F
on Oct 23, 2020
i have a stella and it didnt make it fine the first year this spring the branches are brittle and dead so im replacing it going to plant it on the north side of the house as there is a field on the south side and i think that it got spray on for the neighbors spraying his crop field
joe w
on Apr 10, 2020
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?
BEST ANSWER: Epsom salts are not really salts at all. They contain a large amount of magnesium which plants need. It is a key element in chlorophyl. Lots of chlorophyl means the plant can make more food, thus bigger and sweeter fruit.
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- Inaccurate
- Snomaven on May 3, 2019
- Purchased on Mar 3, 2018
is the stella cherry a good pollinator for the bing cherry tree & do they need to bud out at the same time to pollinate?
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.
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- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Aug 9, 2016
Can I keep this cherry tree inside or potted?
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.
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- Gregory C on Aug 6, 2016
- Purchased on Mar 15, 2015
Planting in the deep south, will this plant do well?
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.
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.
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- Inaccurate
- Gregory C on Feb 9, 2017
- Purchased on Mar 15, 2015
Can this be a pollinating partner with rainier cherry?
BEST ANSWER: Thank you for your question. Stella will not pollinate Rainier, but these varieties will: Bing, Van, Lapins and Black Tartarian.
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- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Aug 1, 2016
I'm in zone 4. This cherry might actually work here, but what do I use for a pollinator? None of the others are hardy to zone 4. Would a nan king cherry work or possibly a sandcherry?
BEST ANSWER: Rainer is also a zone 4 hardy tree also try planting where the tree gets full sun or protection from bitter cold winds
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- Ken H on Feb 11, 2020
- Purchased on Feb 8, 2018
how far apart with other cherries?
BEST ANSWER: hi Lana,
most of my cherry tree's are semi dwarf, I have them about 14' apart . I'm not sure what they call for but that works for me.
good luck , plant them on high ground. cherries don't like it where its wet in the spring.
most of my cherry tree's are semi dwarf, I have them about 14' apart . I'm not sure what they call for but that works for me.
good luck , plant them on high ground. cherries don't like it where its wet in the spring.
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- terry on Apr 19, 2020
- Purchased on Apr 6, 2018
How am I to plant the trees in No v in northeast pa?
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. As long as the ground is not frozen solid and your daytime temperatures are above freezing you can still plant. If you need to delay planting you can do so by keeping your trees in a cool dark area until you can safely plant.
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!
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- Tabitha R Expert on Nov 18, 2019
How long before it fruits?
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. You can find the years-to-bear information in the Characteristics section, near the top of the page, underneath the description. This tree takes 4-7 years to bear.
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!
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- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Dec 23, 2020
WHAT 4 ZONE SWEET CHERRIES TREES DO YOU HAVE?
BEST ANSWER: If you enter your ZIP code at the following link and 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.
If you type your zip code into the box in the "Zone Compatability" section above, a checkmark will appear if the product on this page will grow well in your location.
If you type your zip code into the box in the "Zone Compatability" section above, a checkmark will appear if the product on this page will grow well in your location.
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- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Dec 7, 2020
do you have bigger trees for sale?
BEST ANSWER: At this time we have listed the biggest tree size we offer as our trees are young and typically ship 3-4 feet tall when bare root. In this case it is a supreme tree and will ship 4-5 feet tall.
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- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Dec 1, 2020
Is there a way to see all fruit trees compatible in my area 9B?
BEST ANSWER: If you enter your ZIP code at the following link and 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.
If you type your zip code into the box in the "Zone Compatability" section above, a checkmark will appear if the product on this page will grow well in your location.
If you type your zip code into the box in the "Zone Compatability" section above, a checkmark will appear if the product on this page will grow well in your location.
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- TiffanyF Staff on Oct 27, 2020
Are Stella Cherries something that can be eaten without cooking?
BEST ANSWER: They are red to dark red and have a sweet, full flavor with a good texture. By any standards these are good tasting cherries to eat straight from the tree.
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- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Oct 21, 2020
Do you have Stella Cherry in a dwarf?
BEST ANSWER: Unfortunately at this time it is only available in a semi-dwarf. Please continue to check as we are updating inventory for our spring harvest.
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- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Oct 21, 2020
I just got my Stella tree ordered several months ago ,, isn???t it too cold to plant it now ?
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. 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 (32??F) and below 90??F.
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.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
You can plant new plants and trees:
1) when the ground is not frozen.
2) when daytime temperatures are above freezing (32??F) and below 90??F.
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.
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 30, 2020
Could this tree grow in Texas?
BEST ANSWER: If you enter your ZIP code at the following link and 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.
If you type your zip code into the box in the "Zone Compatability" section above, a checkmark will appear if the product on this page will grow well in your location.
If you type your zip code into the box in the "Zone Compatability" section above, a checkmark will appear if the product on this page will grow well in your location.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Aug 31, 2020
We have one full sized tree already. Love the cherries, but would like to know what you recommend for getting rid of black aphids?
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. Here is a list of sprays used to control Aphids
Control: Spray
GardenTech?? Sevin?? Concentrate Bug Killer
Bonide?? Fruit Tree Spray
Control: Natural Spray
Bonide?? All Seasons?? Horticultural & Dormant Spray Oil
Bonide?? Insecticidal Soap
Bonide?? Citrus, Fruit & Nut Orchard Spray
Bonide?? Neem Oil
Monterey Fruit Tree Spray Plus
Monterey Horticultural Oil
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
Control: Spray
GardenTech?? Sevin?? Concentrate Bug Killer
Bonide?? Fruit Tree Spray
Control: Natural Spray
Bonide?? All Seasons?? Horticultural & Dormant Spray Oil
Bonide?? Insecticidal Soap
Bonide?? Citrus, Fruit & Nut Orchard Spray
Bonide?? Neem Oil
Monterey Fruit Tree Spray Plus
Monterey Horticultural Oil
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 Aug 31, 2020
the trees are awfully small how long before they produce?
BEST ANSWER: Cherries are the longest to bear fruit, it can take 4-7 years before you see your first crop.
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- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Jul 29, 2020
I planted my Stella Cherry tree 5 years back and it looks very healthy and around 25-30 fee tall and looks big and lush green. I have one problem though so far it didn't produce any fruit. Is this common? how long does it takes to give fruits? I mean how many year will it take? Please let me know
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. You can find the years-to-bear information in the Characteristics section, near the top of the page, underneath the description. This tree takes 5-7 years to bear.
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!
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- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Jul 21, 2020
Is there a recommended way to keep the semi dwarf tree short? I know it can be 10-12' high, but I'd like to keep it shorter (like 8' or less)
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. Semi dwarf cherries can actually reach 12-15 feet in maturity. You can keep them pruned but you want to be sure not to prune more than 25% of the tree as this will impact fruit production.
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!
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- TiffanyF Staff on Jul 9, 2020
If I buy it now, when it will be shipped. How big is the plant?
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. We do not have a guaranteed ETA on when more will become available. We are very sorry for this inconvenience and completely understand your disappointment. Rest assured, that if you sign up for a notification, you'll be one of the first to be notified when it becomes available again.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us, remember that we're here for you. Have a great day!
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If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us, remember that we're here for you. Have a great day!
???
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Jun 5, 2020
Does the cherry tree come in a semi-dwarf?
Is it better to plant the stella cherry tree in early July or late August?
BEST ANSWER: We appreciate you reaching out to us. 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 (32??F) and below 90??F.
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.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
You can plant new plants and trees:
1) when the ground is not frozen.
2) when daytime temperatures are above freezing (32??F) and below 90??F.
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.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
- Reply(1)
- Inaccurate
- TiffanyF Staff on Apr 14, 2020
What are some good cross-pollinators for 'Hudson' sweet cherry?
does this tree require another for pollination?
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.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Jun 11, 2019
We have clay soil, how will this tree do in this soil?
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.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Apr 16, 2019
Are Non organic trees /fruits GMO?
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.
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- LeAnn Staff on Apr 5, 2019
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?
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.
//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.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Jun 29, 2018
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?
BEST ANSWER: Yes, it would - they are both mid-late bloomers and will give each other more/larger cherries. A very good combination. :-)
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Mar 16, 2018
Would sweet stella be a good cherry tree to pollinate black cherry trees?
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.
- Reply
- Inaccurate
- LeAnn Staff on Mar 5, 2018
Customer Reviews
4.1 / 5.0
80 Reviews
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.
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.
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March 31, 2016
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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March 21, 2016
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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!
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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.
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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.
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