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Meteor Sour Cherry Tree

Prunus cerasus 'Meteor'

Regular price $14996
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: Give your cherry tree at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best fruit production. While it can handle a little shade, less sun means fewer cherries and a higher risk of fungal issues due to slower drying leaves.
  • Soil: This tree prefers well-drained soil and will struggle in heavy clay that holds water. If you have poor drainage, planting in a raised bed or mounding the soil up 12–18 inches gives the roots the air they need to thrive.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially during the first year while the root system establishes. Once the tree is mature, it has some drought tolerance, but consistent watering during fruit development prevents the cherries from dropping prematurely or staying small.

Pruning Tips

Prune in late winter or early spring while the tree is still dormant to shape the canopy and remove any dead or crossing branches. Since sour cherries produce fruit on both year-old wood and spur branches, light annual pruning encourages new growth without sacrificing the upcoming harvest. This also opens up the center of the tree to sunlight and airflow, which is critical for preventing disease.

Fertilizer Needs

Feed your tree in early spring just as new growth begins with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the growing season, as this can push soft new growth that won't harden off before winter frost.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12 Week of March 2nd


Shipping Rates

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Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
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Description

Get up to 50 pounds of fruit from a single tree! The Meteor Cherry (Prunus cerasus 'Meteor') produces fantastic tart cherries with dark red skin and yellow flesh. But this tree offers many more features than the pretty fruit!

These Pie Cherry trees feature a nicely rounded canopy. In spring, they are profusely covered in pretty white blossoms. Enjoy it two ways. This first is as a resource for local songbirds. If you can't harvest each year, mulch underneath and consider the annual crop a great way to feed your fine feathered friends. It won't take long for them to strip the tree. In the meantime, you get a lovely display!

Textured, dark foliage emerges and makes a perfect foil for the developing great-tasting fruit! In fall, the foliage turns a wonderful mix of yellow and blaze orange. This easy-care tree is a wonderful addition as a first foray into the popular edible landscaping trend. The Meteor is self-fruitful, but you'll have a crop with just one tree, although more fruit is developed when planted with partner trees.

Planting and Application:

Meteor is a beautiful, hard-working tree that stays small enough to fit almost any sunny spot in your landscape. It's also attractive enough to use as a specimen in your front yard. Plant a single tree, or use several in a lovely naturalized grouping.

You'll love having so much healthy fruit on hand to freeze, dehydrate and juice. Tart cherry juice is loaded with antioxidants and is said to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Share with family and friends any way you choose. Bake them mouthwatering pies, craft special preserves or prepare healthy snacks and smoothies.

  • Large Bright Red Fruits
  • Dark Green Foliage & Gorgeous Fall Color
  • Incredible Flavor for Baking, Freezing & Juicing
  • Productive & Self-Pollinating
  • Pretty White Flowers in Spring

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Meteor Sour Cherry tree was developed in Minnesota and can withstand some of the coldest temperatures in the USDA zones 4 - 8. Plant fruiting Cherry trees in full sun with well-drained soil. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Mulch well and keep moderately watered all growing season.

  • Full Sun
  • Good Fertility & Consistent Average Moisture
  • 800 Chill Hours - Extremely Cold Hardy
  • Disease Resistant
  • Prune When Dormant

Add Meteor Sour Cherry tree from Nature Hills this season and you'll see why this showy little tree is truly an "ornamental edible" tree!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Meteor Sour Cherry Tree self-fertile or self-pollinating?

  • The Meteor Sour Cherry Tree is self-fertile, meaning it will produce fruit with just one tree. However, you'll get a larger harvest when planted with other cherry varieties as pollinators. Plant one for guaranteed fruit, or add companions to maximize your 50-pound yield potential.

What soil pH level does the Meteor Sour Cherry Tree prefer?

  • Meteor Sour Cherry trees thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. This hardy variety tolerates various soil conditions across zones 4-8. Test your soil before planting and amend with sulfur to lower pH if needed, available at naturehills.com.

When does the Meteor Sour Cherry ripen, and how is the fruit used?

  • Meteor Sour Cherries ripen in mid-summer, producing up to 50 pounds of tart, dark red fruit per tree. The cherries are perfect for pies, preserves, juicing, and freezing. Harvest when fruits are fully red and slightly soft to the touch for best flavor and storage quality.

Can the Meteor Sour Cherry Tree be grown in containers or small spaces?

  • The Meteor Sour Cherry stays small enough to fit almost any sunny spot, making it excellent for containers and compact spaces. This dwarf variety thrives in USDA zones 4-8 and produces up to 50 pounds of fruit. Use a large container with good drainage and place in full sun for best fruiting.

What are the sun exposure requirements for the Meteor Sour Cherry Tree?

  • Meteor Sour Cherry Trees need full sun exposure for optimal fruit production and flowering. These hardy trees thrive in USDA zones 4-8 and perform best with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant in the sunniest spot available at naturehills.com for maximum harvest.

How should I prune the Meteor Sour Cherry Tree?

  • Prune your Meteor Sour Cherry in late winter while dormant to maintain its naturally rounded canopy. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches, and thin crowded areas to improve air circulation. Light annual pruning is all this compact tree needs to stay healthy and productive.

Will the Meteor Sour Cherry Tree produce fruit in the first year after planting?

  • Newly planted Meteor Sour Cherry trees typically won't produce fruit in their first year as they need time to establish their root system. Most sour cherry trees begin bearing fruit in their second or third year after planting. Be patient and focus on proper watering and care during the first growing season to ensure strong establishment.

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