Description
The fruit is dark red inside and out, with a firm texture and rich, sweet flavor that closely mirrors Bing. Acidity is moderate, giving Lapins a smooth, crowd-pleasing balance that works equally well straight off the tree or shortly after harvest.
One of Lapins’ greatest strengths is consistency. Its self-fertile nature and mid- to late-season bloom help it set crops more reliably across a wide range of growing conditions, making it a favorite for backyard growers who want dependable harvests without managing multiple cherry varieties.
Overview
- Dark red sweet cherry with Bing-like flavor
- Firm flesh and balanced sweetness
- Self-fertile; no pollination partner required
- Late midseason to late ripening
- Reliable producer in home orchard settings
Growing Details
Latin Name: Prunus avium ’Lapins’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soil
Chill Requirement: Approx. 400–600 hours
Hardiness: USDA Zone 5–9
Rootstock: Mazzard F 12-1
Bearing Age: 1–3 years
Size at Maturity: Often maintained at 12–16 ft with pruning; capable of larger size if unpruned
Bloom Time: Mid- to late-season
Flowering Time: Mid-season flowering relative to other sweet cherries
Ripening Time: Late midseason to late; typically after Bing
Pollination: Self-fertile; does not require a pollination partner
Pests & Diseases: Standard sweet cherry considerations; airflow and canopy management recommended
Yield: Consistent and productive once established
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Lapins is often chosen as a “Bing alternative” for growers who want similar fruit quality with fewer pollination variables. Its self-fertility makes it especially forgiving in small orchards.
- Regional Insight: Performs well across a wide range of temperate regions, including the Pacific Northwest, where its bloom timing and reliable set help support consistent harvests.
- Annual pruning helps control size and maintain fruit quality.
- Explore more cherries in our collection: Cherry Trees
