Early Burlat Cherry arrives on the scene a week or two before other cherry varieties, offering large, dark red fruits with genuine flavor from a tree that reliably produces year after year. Hardy in zones 5 through 9, this moderately vigorous cultivar reaches about 11 feet tall and thrives in full sun with moderate water and well-draining soil. It's a backyard favorite that combines early productivity with resistance to bacterial canker and the fruit-splitting problem that plagues many cherry growers.
Full Sun
Moderate
5-9
132in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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Those dark red cherries arrive early, which alone would make Early Burlat worth planting, but the real draw is its combination of consistent crops, natural resistance to the bacterial canker and cracking that frustrate cherry growers, and a spreading growth habit that makes harvesting straightforward. On Gisela 5 rootstock, it requires only 500+ hours of chill, opening doors for gardeners in warmer zones who thought cherries weren't possible.
Early Burlat cherries are eaten fresh off the tree, their arrival heralding the start of cherry season for home gardeners. The large size and flavorful character make them suitable for both casual snacking and use in desserts, preserves, or any application where sweet cherry flavor is desired.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Plant bare-root or container-grown cherry trees in early spring or fall, choosing a location with full sun exposure. Space trees to allow for their spreading habit at maturity. Ensure soil is well-draining before planting.
Early Burlat cherries ripen earlier than standard cherry varieties, typically arriving a week or two before the main cherry season. Harvest when fruits are fully dark red and yield slightly to gentle pressure, picking them with the stems attached. The combination of large size and dark color makes ripe cherries easy to identify on the tree.
Prune to maintain an open, spreading form that allows easy harvesting and good air circulation through the canopy. Remove any crossing or congested branches, and prune out any growth showing signs of canker disease.
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“Early Burlat traces its lineage to the Burlat family of cherries, which originated in France. While comprehensive details on its specific development aren't available in the current data, its rapid adoption as a backyard favorite speaks to growers recognizing its practical advantages: earlier ripening than standard Burlat, reliable production without the temperamental nature of many cherry varieties, and built-in resistance to diseases that have historically limited cherry growing success in home gardens.”