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Tart Cherry variety

Early Richmond

The short answer

Early Richmond requires 700 chill hours[1] and grows in USDA zones 4–9[1]. It is self-fertile[1].

Growing facts

Early Richmond growing facts
Chill requirement700 chill hours[1] (nursery figure)
HardinessUSDA zones 4–9[1] (nursery figure)
PollinationSelf-fertile[1]
Harvest windowMay–June[1]
Years to bearing3–5 years (typical for tart cherries)[2]
Early Richmond tart cherrySpecies illustration — no historical watercolor exists for this cultivar

Notes

  • Self-fruitful; early-season bright-red sour cherry for pies and preserves.[1]

A year with your Early Richmond

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 Early Richmond where I live?

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

Growing an Early Richmond? Get its care calendar for your exact ZIP code, with email reminders.

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Questions

How many chill hours does Early Richmond need?
Early Richmond needs 700 chill hours.
What hardiness zones suit Early Richmond?
Early Richmond grows in USDA zones 4–9.
Is Early Richmond self-pollinating?
Early Richmond 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] 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