Rainier Sweet Cherry Tree
$119.99
Begins shipping mid-April.
Zones 5 - 8
Pollinator required to bear fruit
A prized, in-demand variety.
The large yellow fruit features a 50% red blush, which is hugely appealing to us, but not the birds—they’re more enamored with fully-red cherries. Sweet, firm, fine-textured flesh is indicative of this cherry’s quality, and the superior flavor never disappoints. This cross between Bing and Van varieties means it’s resistant to cracking and late frosts, and even stores well. Excellent for baking, canning, freezing and fresh-eating. Ripens at the end of May/early June, depending upon your growing zone. Pollinator required: Choose any other sweet cherry variety.
Characteristics
| Bloom Color | White |
| Bloom Period | Mid |
| Fruit Color | Yellow |
| Fruit Size | Large |
| Ripens/Harvest | Late May/Early June |
| Soil Composition | Loamy |
| Taste | Excellent, Sweet |
| Texture | Firm |
| Soil pH Level | 6-7 |
| Soil Moisture | Well Drained |
| Shade Level | Full Sun |
| Years to Bear | 4-7 |
| Hardiness Zone Range | 5-8 |
Size & Spacing
Pollination
This variety requires another one for adequate pollination.
Cross-pollination by a different variety is key to its growing and bearing success. Plant a different sweet cherry variety within 15 meters (50 feet) for best pollination.
How do I find my Hardiness Zone?
Canada’s Plant Hardiness Zones will tell you which plants will do well in your particular climate. Each zone is determined by the lowest average winter temperature recorded in a given area. Hardiness Zone information is included on all tree and plant product pages, so you know instantly whether a certain plant is likely to succeed where you live. Natural Resources Canada provides helpful options to find your zone:
Randall Akulick –
I purchased three Standard Rainier bare root cherry trees from Stark in the spring of 2918. I potted each of them in three gallon pots of Miracle Grow potting soil and kept them in a protected area for one year. All three grew well, and I planted them in the ground the spring of 2019. I did use Milky Spore as I planted them to protect their roots from any Japanese beetle grub attacks and now have treated all my grounds with the Milky Spore. The product has made a large difference in the beetle population and the Rainier trees have grown well – making a thick dark green canopy despite they are still only about twelve feet tall now in 2021. They also bloomed some this year for the first time, but made no cherries here in central Alabama. I expect they will make many more blooms in the coming spring – possibly making some cherries. Of note, my local Publix grocery was selling Rainier cherries last year and the were higher in price. I bought some and liked them. I’m sure any from these trees will be just as good – as long as the birds don’t get them. I have these trees protected from the deer and rabbits with a five foot fence. Other than giving them Stark Tree Pep and using Milky Spore, they have never needed any additional care since planting in the ground. I alternated these Rainer trees in a row with Black Tartarian trees – also from Stark.
Lauren Barrett –
Bought this tree and a Bing in the winter and recieved the trees in April/May. First time ever ordering a tree online and was a bit skeptic, even more so when I opened the box and saw two twigs, no leaves, no branches, no buds. I soaked the roots and then planted both trees in fabric pots and placed them just under the edge of the porch. Within a few weeks there were leaf buds and within a month both trees had exploded with leaves. After a couple months I moved both trees to full sun and they seem to be doing quite well with no signs of disease and only a couple sun burnt leaves. Looking forward to seeing if I get cherries next year even if the chances are slim. Located in the mountain area around San Diego (zone 9) so temperatures range 65-105 in the summer and 40-85 in the winter.
j j –
the tree is nice and healthy but the cherries are not as sweet as I was expecting –actually they are not even semi-sweet
Victor A –
The Rainer tree I received exceeded my expectations. I always expect a nice tree from Starks but this one was a beauty. Short and stubby like a dwarf should be. Lower and upper branches all sprouted nicely. By far one of the best looking tree in my mini-orchard and the nicest tree I ever got through mail.
Eric Wride –
I bought 2 SUPREME Standard, EZ Start May 2018 they had been doing great but this year one is dead, same care, amount of water, fertilizer etc so I don’t know what happened. Maybe it’s to cold here.
Safdar Hussain –
First tree did not work but the company sent me new one and much better . Totally satisfied with the new product. growing very well!!
Cindy Larsen –
Most of my trees are thriving. I lost two trees. The Ranier cherry and a Hale Haven. I am hoping the replacements will have better luck.
Debbie Ferriolo –
I planted my Rainier Cherry tree last spring and it made it through the winter and is very healthy. No complaints.
Darlene White –
Can’t wait for it to flower and fruit! Rainier is my all time favorite eating cherry
Todd Logsdon –
Dead from drought but they looked good until drought