Sweetheart Cherry Tree

Sweetheart is a self-fertile sweet cherry that extends the harvest late into the season. Its bright red fruit is large, firm, and sweet, and a mature tree can carry a heavy crop; [UC Davis Foundation Plant Services](https://fps.ucdavis.edu/treedetails.cfm?v=6200) and [One Green World](https://onegreenworld.com/product/sweetheart-cherry/) provide cultivar-specific descriptions and care information. ## Fruit and season Sweetheart ripens very late—about 18–20 days after Bing in Oregon State’s Pacific Northwest trial, or roughly three weeks after Bing in the UC Davis reference. It is self-fertile and can pollinate other compatible sweet cherries. One Green World lists USDA zones 5–8 and a 12–15 ft height on standard Mazzard rootstock. Size depends on rootstock and pruning, and annual pruning can keep growth manageable. ## Tree and placement The tree is productive and spreading. Heavy crops can overset and reduce fruit quality if branches are not managed. Plant in sun and well-drained soil, allow room for a full-size rootstock, and avoid crowding the canopy. ## Maintenance Prune annually according to local sweet-cherry practice, thinning and heading shoots to prevent oversetting while maintaining airflow. Water deeply during establishment and fruit development, and collect fallen fruit after harvest.