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Sweet Cherry variety

Craig's Crimson

Also known as Craigs Crimson

The short answer

Craig's Crimson requires 500–600 chill hours[1] and grows in USDA zones 4–9[1]. It is self-fertile[1].

Growing facts

Craig's Crimson growing facts
Chill requirement500–600 chill hours[1] (nursery figure)
HardinessUSDA zones 4–9[1] (nursery figure)
PollinationSelf-fertile, bloom group 3[1]
Harvest windowJune[1]
Years to bearing5–7 years (typical for sweet cherries)[2]
Craig's Crimson sweet cherrySpecies illustration — no historical watercolor exists for this cultivar

Notes

  • Partly self-fruitful; fruit set improves with a midseason pollenizer such as Bing, Black Tartarian, Rainier, Stella, Utah Giant or Van.[1]
  • Naturally semi-dwarf, midseason-ripening dark red cherry.[1]

A year with your Craig's Crimson

When the work happens for a sweet cherry in USDA zone 7, anchored to typical frost dates.

Months for pruning, thinning, spray-timing windows, and harvest for Sweet Cherry in zone 7
TaskJFMAMJJASOND
Prune——————————
Spray timing——————
Harvest—————————
Care——————————

See the full month-by-month sweet cherry calendar for zone 7 →

Can I grow Craig's Crimson where I live?

Check the verdict for a few regions, or your exact ZIP:

Growing a Craig's Crimson? Get its care calendar for your exact ZIP code, with email reminders.

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Questions

How many chill hours does Craig's Crimson need?
Craig's Crimson needs 500–600 chill hours.
What hardiness zones suit Craig's Crimson?
Craig's Crimson grows in USDA zones 4–9.
Is Craig's Crimson self-pollinating?
Craig's Crimson is self-fertile, though a pollination partner can improve cropping.

Sources

  1. [1] Dave Wilson Nursery. Cherries — DWN Variety Finder product list — accessed July 2026
  2. [2] University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Growing Fruit Trees in Maine — Lack of Fruitfulness — accessed July 2026