Craig's Crimson Cherry is a self-fruitful semi-dwarf sweet cherry that grows to about 8 feet tall, thriving in hardiness zones 5 through 9. The dark red to nearly black fruit arrives in mid-summer with a wonderful spicy flavor and medium-to-large size, all from a tree compact enough for most home gardens. This cultivar is notably reliable, producing well without requiring a pollinator, which makes it a genuine standout for gardeners who want cherry harvest without the space demands of a full-size orchard tree.
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Full Sun
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5-9
192in H x ?in W
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High
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Dark red cherries that ripen to nearly black hide a surprisingly sophisticated spicy flavor beneath their firm, medium-to-large skin. The semi-dwarf habit keeps the tree manageable at 8 feet tall while maintaining the self-fertility that most cherry varieties demand as a compromise. This is a tree bred for real gardeners who want the luxury of homegrown cherries without architectural complications.
These cherries are eaten fresh from the tree, their firm flesh and spicy character making them especially good eaten out of hand during peak summer harvest. The dark color and size also make them suitable for preserving, though the catalog emphasizes their fresh-eating quality.
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Harvest when the cherries have turned dark red to nearly black in color, typically in mid-summer during June, July, or August. The fruit should come away from the branch with gentle pressure; ripe cherries release easily with a slight twist. Pick in the morning when temperatures are cool to maintain firmness and flavor.
Prune lightly in early spring to maintain the semi-dwarf form and encourage an open canopy that allows light penetration and air circulation. Remove any crossing, diseased, or obviously damaged branches. Avoid heavy heading cuts that force excessive new growth; cherry trees prefer a more natural, open structure.
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