Variety fit — Alabama
Can I grow Early Richmond tart cherry in Alabama?
The verdict
Yes
- Your zone 8a and typical 811 chill hours both suit this variety.
Based on Alabama’s main growing area (35045): zone 8a, ~811 chill hours. Your exact site may differ — check your ZIP.
The numbers
| Early Richmond chill requirement | 700 chill hours |
|---|---|
| Early Richmond hardiness | USDA zones 4–9 |
| Alabama average chill (35045) | 811 hours (547–953 across 10 winters) |
| Alabama zone (35045) | USDA zone 8a |
Keep checking
Or the same verdict for another region:
Planting an Early Richmond in Alabama? Get its care calendar for your exact ZIP code, starting with this month’s tasks for one tree, free.
Save your first tree freeQuestions
- Can I grow Early Richmond tart cherry in Alabama?
- Yes — Your zone 8a and typical 811 chill hours both suit this variety.
Planting an Early Richmond? Gear that helps
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Before you plantMySoil mail-in soil test kitLab-grade pH and nutrient analysis with amendment recommendations — worth doing before you plant.View on Amazon →First-year wateringTreegator slow-release watering bag20 gallons drips over 5–9 hours — the easiest way to keep a first-year tree consistently watered.View on Amazon →Bark protectionExpandable trunk protectors (5-pack)Stops rabbit, vole, and mower damage on young bark — cheap insurance for a new orchard.View on Amazon →
Sources
- [1] Open-Meteo / Copernicus ERA5. Historical Weather API (hourly 2m temperature) — accessed July 2026
- [2] USDA / PRISM (Oregon State University). 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map — accessed July 2026
- [3] Dave Wilson Nursery. Cherries — DWN Variety Finder product list — accessed July 2026