Enter your ZIP code to identify your USDA Cold Hardiness Zone
The USDA hardiness zones offer a guide to varities that will grow well in certain climates. Each zone
corresponds to the minimum winter temperatures experienced in a given area. For best results, make
sure
that your hariness zone lies within the zone compatibility of the variety that you are
considering.
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Royal Crimson is self-fertile, but the fruit crop will be
larger
if the tree is planted with a second tree.
Prunus avium ‘Royal Crimson’
One of the first self-Fruitful low chill cherries introduced by Zaiger Genetics. Large crimson red cherry with a sweet rich cherry flavor. This is exciting for those in zone 9b and any areas that have been typically to mild for sweet cherries in the past. A good variety for traditional cherry growing areas as well, with the great flavor of the Royal Crimson standing up with all the well known cherries. A great pollinizer for other low chill cherries. 200 to 300 hours chill requirement to get fruit.
Cherries are large trees and should be spaced well. 8 to 10 feet on center. Cherries can be held to under 10 feet with summer pruning
8 to 10 Feet on Center, can be held to any size with summer pruning
>Cherries grow best in full sun in a location with at least 8 hours of direct sunlight. Select a location with a morning sun exposure to help with disease control. Cherries need perfect drainage, if poor drainage is suspected choose another location or plant in mound 18 to 24 inches high and 3 to 4 feet wide. Maintain the mound to control washing out until tree’s roots are established. A raised bed of 2 x 12’s 3-foot square is also a good way to deal with poor drainage. Plant directly into the raised bed, no need to dig a hole. Use native soil for either mounds or raised beds. Water regularly, at least weekly, during the first year. Keep the soil evenly moist but not wet. Mulching is important to keeping cherry roots cool in the hot summer, cutting down on surface moisture evaporation and lessening the overall water needs. Paint the trunk with interior white latex paint dilute with 50% water in hot dry interior climates to avoid sunburn to the trunk. Control the size of all cherry trees to below 10 feet tall with summer pruning. Making it easier to provide for care and harvesting. When harvesting cherries, pick them with the stems attached, and avoid tearing off the fruit spur that will produce fruit year after year. An added bonus with cherry trees is the beautiful blossoms each spring.
