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Tart Cherry variety

Balaton

The short answer

Balaton grows in USDA zones 4–9[1]. It is self-fertile[1].

Growing facts

Balaton growing facts
Chill requirementNot published for this variety
HardinessUSDA zones 4–9[1] (nursery figure)
PollinationSelf-fertile[1]
Harvest windowNot published for this variety
Years to bearing3–5 years (typical for tart cherries)[2]
Balaton tart cherrySpecies illustration — no historical watercolor exists for this cultivar

Notes

  • Mostly self-fertile; may set more fruit in cool springs with another tart cherry (such as Montmorency) as a pollenizer.[1]
  • Late-season for a tart cherry; darker and firmer than Montmorency, fruit separates easily from the stem.[1]
  • Moderately resistant to cherry leaf spot, brown rot and rain cracking; more vigorous and upright than other tart cherries.[1]

A year with your Balaton

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

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

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

Can I grow Balaton where I live?

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

Growing a Balaton? Get its care calendar for your exact ZIP code, with email reminders.

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Questions

What hardiness zones suit Balaton?
Balaton grows in USDA zones 4–9.
Is Balaton self-pollinating?
Balaton is self-fertile, though a pollination partner can improve cropping.

Sources

  1. [1] Raintree Nursery. Balaton Cherry — variety page — accessed July 2026
  2. [2] Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. How soon will a newly planted fruit tree begin to bear fruit? (Yard and Garden FAQ) — accessed July 2026