Hartland Cherry is a large, dark red sweet cherry cultivar from the New York Experiment Station that has earned its place as one of the most flavorful cherries you can grow. Hardy in zones 4 through 10, this mid-season bloomer reaches a mature height of 12 feet and produces heavy crops of fruit resistant to both cracking and rot, two of the biggest headaches cherry growers face. It's a proven performer across most of the nation, combining excellent flavor with the practical disease resistance that makes backyard cherry growing actually achievable.
Full Sun
Moderate
4-10
144in H x ?in W
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High
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Hartland stands out for its remarkable resistance to cracking and rot, two conditions that typically plague cherry growers and ruin harvests. The fruit is notably flavorful and ripens mid-season, and trees are rated as very winter hardy despite producing generous yields. Originally developed at the New York Experiment Station, this cultivar brings together disease resilience and flavor in a way that feels almost rare among cherry varieties.
Hartland cherries are grown for fresh eating, where their exceptional flavor shines. The dark red fruit and disease resistance also make them valuable for home orchards where ornamental appeal and reliable productivity matter equally.
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Plant bare-root or container-grown trees in early spring or fall. Choose a location with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Space trees 10 to 12 feet apart to accommodate mature growth. If using Gisela 5 rootstock, trees can be positioned slightly closer since they remain more compact.
Harvest when fruit has developed its full dark red color and yields slightly to gentle pressure. Mid-season ripening typically occurs in July. Pick fruit carefully by grasping the stem near the fruit to avoid bruising.
Prune Hartland Cherry to maintain an open canopy that allows good air circulation and light penetration, which supports both fruit quality and disease prevention. Remove crossing branches and thin the interior to reduce fungal pressure.
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“Hartland Cherry emerged from the New York Experiment Station, where plant scientists worked to develop cherry cultivars that could withstand harsh winters and resist the diseases that frustrated home growers. This selection represents decades of breeding work focused on creating a cherry that didn't sacrifice flavor for hardiness, and it has proven itself as a reliable performer across diverse climates from colder zones through warmer regions.”