Garnet Girl Cherry Tree

The Garnet Girl is a newer cherry that was recently released out of the University of Guelph. The following is my best summary of the existing plant patent to best describe its growth habit, fruit size and shape, and its pollination requirements.

This patent describes a new variety of sweet cherry tree called “V84031.” The variety was developed through plant breeding research and is owned by the University of Guelph in Canada. The tree was created to produce high-quality cherries that ripen early and have good fruit quality and reliability for growers. 

The cherry tree grows with moderate vigor and a spreading shape, producing a medium-dense canopy. Mature trees are about 10 feet tall with a spread of just under 5' in the test plantings described in the patent.

The tree produces clusters of white blossoms in early spring, which later develop into cherries. One important trait is that the variety is self-fertile, meaning it can produce fruit without needing another cherry variety for pollination. The cherries themselves are large and kidney-shaped, weighing about 1/3 ounce each on average. They have dark red skin with red-purple coloring and matching red flesh inside. 

The fruit is described as firm with a fine, melting texture and moderate juiciness. Its flavor has medium acidity and medium-to-high sweetness, with sugar levels measured between 16–19° Brix, giving it a classic sweet cherry taste. The cherries ripen early in the season, with harvest occurring around early June in Washington State test orchards, and the crop is typically picked in one harvest pass.

Another key advantage is the fruit’s low tendency to crack during rain, which is an important problem for many cherry growers. The tree also shows moderate resistance to several pests and diseases, including brown rot and bacterial canker. 

USDA Zone: 5-9

Rootstock: Gisela 12

Mature Height: Gisela 12 up to ~14-18' tall without pruning but most trees grow to about 10-15'; Dwarf

Sun: Full Sun

Ripening Time: July- Generally one of the earliest ripening cherries available. 

Pollination: Tree is self fertile

Scientific Name: Prunus avium 'Garnet Girl'. US Plant Patent PP34,466. Variety code V84031. 

Ships Spring 2026