Description
Stella is a classic self-fruitful sweet cherry, producing dark red fruit with excellent sweetness and smooth, firm texture. A reliable pollinizer for many other cherries, Stella is productive, adaptable, and ideal for backyard growers. Grafted on dwarfing Gisela 5 rootstock for a compact, manageable tree.
Plant with another cherry variety for pollination.
Overview
- Self-fruitful — also pollinizes many other sweet cherries.
- Mid-season harvest — typically early to mid-July.
- Large, sweet cherries — consistent quality and flavor.
- Reliable producer — good cropping every year.
Care & Growing Tips
- Plant in well-drained soil with good sun exposure.
- Water deeply during establishment.
- Prune annually to maintain structure.
- Netting recommended to protect fruit from birds.
Growing Details
Latin Name: Prunus avium
Site and Soil: Well-drained soil; 1/2 day to full day of sun
Hardiness (Temp): -20°F
Bearing Age: 3–5 years after planting
Rootstock: Gisela 5 (dwarf)
Size at Maturity: 10-15 ft
Bloom Time: Mid-spring
Ripening Time: Early to mid-July
Yield: Heavy cropping
Pests and Diseases: Monitor for canker, mildew, and fruit fly
USDA Zone: 5–9
Additional Notes
- Stella is an excellent foundation cherry for home orchards.
- One of the earliest reliable self-fruitful sweet cherries developed.
- Explore more cherry varieties here: Cherry Trees
