Tart Cherries in the Garden

Tart cherry (Prunus cerasus), also known as sour cherry or pie cherry, is an excellent addition to home orchards that is often overlooked. Trees can easily be tucked into landscapes and can provide an abundant supply of cherries for freezing, drying, canning, juicing, and preserves. Several cultivars are available for selection and may be purchased on semi-dwarfing rootstocks to help trees maintain a manageable size. Trees generally grow well in Utah climates and conditions and are relatively easy to maintain and prune. Potential insect and disease problems are minimal and include Powdery Mildew and Western Cherry Fruit Fly. These potential problems can be well managed using integrated pest management techniques