It is possible to cultivate cherry trees in Minnesota, though success depends entirely on selecting the right varieties and implementing specific care techniques tailored to the region’s climate. The state’s notoriously harsh winters and significant temperature swings present a major challenge for most standard fruit trees. Gardeners must focus on cold-hardy cultivars that can withstand deep freezes and sudden changes in weather. Specialized planting and maintenance practices are necessary to ensure the trees survive the winter dormancy period and thrive through the short growing season. By making informed choices, Minnesotans can enjoy a harvest of homegrown cherries, primarily the more resilient tart varieties.
Climate and Hardiness Zones
The primary hurdle for growing cherries in Minnesota is the extreme cold, which is measured using the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. This map categorizes regions based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, a metric that indicates a plant’s ability to survive the coldest part of the year. Minnesota is largely covered by Zones 3, 4, and 5, with the coldest areas in the north falling into Zone 3a and the warmer, southern portions, including the Twin Cities area, reaching Zone 5a. A plant rated for Zone 5 can generally withstand minimum temperatures down to around -20°F, while a Zone 3 plant can survive temperatures as low as -40°F.
Most commercially grown sweet cherries (Prunus avium) require Zone 5 or warmer and are often not reliable producers in the state due to potential winter damage. Even if the tree survives the minimum temperature, rapid fluctuations, such as a mid-winter thaw followed by an immediate deep freeze, can cause bark splitting and significant damage. These conditions necessitate the selection of varieties with superior cold tolerance, especially those rated for Zone 3 or 4.
Viable Cherry Varieties for Minnesota
Successful cherry cultivation in this cold climate requires focusing on varieties bred for superior hardiness, which generally means choosing tart (sour) cherries over sweet varieties. Tart cherries (Prunus cerasus) are significantly more cold-tolerant and reliable in Zones 4 and 5, often requiring less maintenance than their sweet counterparts. The ‘North Star’ and ‘Meteor’ varieties, both introduced by the University of Minnesota, are resilient examples. ‘North Star’ is a genetic dwarf, growing only 7 to 10 feet tall, which makes it easier to manage and harvest, while ‘Meteor’ is a semidwarf that reaches 10 to 14 feet.
The ‘Evans Bali’ cherry is another popular and highly recommended cultivar, originating near Edmonton, Alberta, and showing remarkable hardiness, often rated for Zone 3. This variety produces a tart cherry with a flavor that is sweeter than many traditional pie cherries, making it suitable for both fresh eating and baking.
Beyond the standard tree types, two bush cherries offer even greater cold tolerance and adaptability: the ‘Carmine Jewel’ and the ‘Nanking’ cherry. ‘Carmine Jewel’ is a dwarf hybrid that flourishes in Zone 3 and produces a heavy yield of small, deep red fruit on a shrub-like plant. The ‘Nanking’ cherry is rated for Zone 2, making it one of the most reliable options for the coldest parts of the state, and it is frequently used as a windbreak hedge.
Site Selection and Planting Preparation
Achieving long-term success with cherry trees begins with careful site selection that mitigates the risks associated with a cold climate. Planting the tree in a location that receives full sun, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, promotes vigorous growth and good fruit production. Consider a microclimate near a south-facing wall or fence, as the structure will absorb and radiate warmth, offering protection from the deepest cold and wind.
Ensuring superior soil drainage is also paramount because the freeze-thaw cycles of a Minnesota winter can lead to saturated soil and subsequent root rot. Cherry trees should not be planted in low-lying areas where water collects; instead, choose a slightly elevated spot or amend the soil heavily with organic matter to improve permeability. When planting, dig a hole that is two to three times wider than the root ball but no deeper, placing the tree so the root flare is slightly above the surrounding soil level. Applying a thick layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips, around the base helps stabilize soil temperature, reducing the stress on roots during temperature swings.
Ongoing Care and Regional Threats
After planting, ongoing maintenance is necessary to ensure the tree’s survival through its first few Minnesota winters and beyond. Proper winterizing techniques protect the tree from environmental stressors and local wildlife. Trunk wrapping, using a commercially available tree wrap or plastic guard, is advisable in late fall to prevent sunscald. Sunscald occurs when dark bark warms on a sunny winter day and then rapidly freezes at night.
This wrapping also deters rodents, such as rabbits and voles, which often chew the tender bark during periods of snow cover. Pruning should be performed while the tree is dormant, typically in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, to shape the tree and promote air circulation. Good air circulation is a specific defense against fungal diseases common in the region, such as brown rot and cherry leaf spot.
Cherry leaf spot is particularly devastating to tart cherries in humid conditions, causing leaves to develop dark spots and fall prematurely, which weakens the tree’s ability to survive the subsequent winter. Regional insect threats include borers, which tunnel under the bark and compromise the tree’s structure, requiring regular inspection and prompt removal of affected branches.