The Newstar cherry is a popular tart cherry variety well-suited for home gardeners. Originating from Canada, this cultivar is a cross between ‘Van’ and ‘Stella’ cherries. It is favored for its reliable productivity and adaptability.
Newstar Cherry Traits
Newstar cherries are known for their firm, round, dark red fruit. The fruit offers a balanced flavor profile, being tart yet sweet and aromatic. This variety is cold hardy (USDA Zones 4-8) and has a natural dwarf growth habit, typically reaching 8 to 15 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide.
Newstar cherries are self-pollinating, meaning a single tree can produce fruit. While self-fertile, cross-pollination can increase yields and fruit size. It also resists common cherry diseases like powdery mildew and is productive across various regions.
Planting and Cultivation
Proper site selection is key for Newstar cherry trees. They require full sun (at least six to eight hours daily) for optimal growth and fruit production. Good air circulation also helps deter fungal diseases.
Newstar cherries thrive in well-draining soil and do not tolerate standing water or heavy clay. The ideal soil pH is 6.0-7.0. Before planting, test soil to determine nutrient levels and pH, amending with organic matter as needed to improve drainage and fertility. Plant in early spring or late fall for strong root growth. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and as deep, creating a slight mound at the bottom to prevent water pooling. Gently place the tree, spreading its roots, then backfill with native soil, tamping gently to remove air pockets before watering thoroughly. Space multiple trees approximately 10 feet apart.
Ongoing Care Practices
Consistent watering is important, especially during dry periods and for young trees establishing roots. Adequate hydration helps nutrient storage and reduces winter damage. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base, away from the trunk, to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize annually in early spring before new growth, or in late summer. Newly planted trees respond well to granular, liquid, or stake-type fertilizers. Pruning maintains health and productivity. Tart cherries are commonly pruned to an open center or modified central leader form, promoting light penetration and air circulation. Prune in late winter or early spring before bud break, or immediately after flowering. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches, and thin the canopy by about a third to encourage new fruiting wood.
While Newstar cherries resist disease, integrated pest management is beneficial. Promptly addressing pests and diseases maintains tree vigor. Winter protection for young trees in colder zones (Zone 5 and colder) includes applying thick mulch around the root zone, wrapping the trunk with commercial tree wrap or painting it with a 50% white latex paint and 50% water mixture to prevent sun scald, and protecting against rodents with hardware cloth.
Harvesting and Uses
Newstar cherries ripen in late May or mid-June, depending on location. Sugar content increases significantly in the final days of ripening, so wait until cherries are fully red and firm before harvesting. Unlike sweet varieties, tart cherries readily come off the stem when ripe.
When harvesting, gently pull a few cherries; if they come off easily, they are ready. Harvest cherries with the stem attached if not used immediately, as this helps them last longer in refrigeration. Avoid forceful pulling, which can damage fruit or the tree’s woody fruit spurs. Newstar cherries are versatile for various culinary applications due to their tart yet flavorful profile. They are excellent for pies, jams, jellies, and juices. They can also be enjoyed fresh, canned, or frozen.