Black Pearl Cherry
The Black Pearl sweet cherry is a relatively new variety of cherry that was developed in Canada in the early 2000s. It is a cross between two other cherry varieties, the Van and the Stella. It is a large, firm, and round fruit with a deep, dark red to almost black skin and sweet, juicy flesh. It has a high sugar content and a rich, complex flavor that is often described as having notes of cherry, plum, and blackberry. The fruit is ideal for fresh consumption, but can also be used for cooking and baking.
The Black Pearl cherry tree is a moderately vigorous tree that is semi-self-pollinating, meaning it can produce fruit without the need for a pollination partner though more and better quality fruit comes from a partner sweet cherry tree. It requires full sun exposure and well-drained soil. The Black Pearl cherry typically ripens in late June to early July, making it an early to mid-season cherry variety. The fruit has a long shelf life and can be stored for several weeks after harvest. There is some evidence this cherry can survive to Zone 4 but we have not been able to independently verify this.
USDA Zone: 5-8
Rootstock: Mahaleb
Mature Height: ~17' or 70% of Standard; Semi-Dwarf
Sun: Full Sun
Ripening Time: June about 1 week before Bing
Pollination: Semi-self fertile but better fruit comes from having a pollinator nearby.
Scientific Name: Prunus avium 'Black Pearl'