Self Pollinating Cherry Trees: Best Varieties for Reliable Harvests
Growing cherries is easier than many gardeners think—especially when you choose self pollinating cherry trees. While many traditional fruit trees like sweet cherries and sour cherries require cross pollination, several excellent varieties can produce fruit all on their own.
For small yards, new gardeners, or anyone planting a simple home orchard, a reliable self pollinating cherry tree is the perfect solution.
Before choosing a cherry variety, many people ask, “Are cherry trees self pollinating?” Some are, some aren’t. Varieties that are cherry self pollinating have blossoms that contain both reproductive parts, so you don’t need to worry about whether honey bees or neighboring trees will help set fruit.
If you've wondered, “Do cherries need a pollinator?”, the answer is no—self pollinating cherries can set fruit on their own, making them ideal for dwarf trees, semi dwarf plantings, and compact gardens.
Below are the best self pollinating cherry trees, along with tips for growing them successfully.
Top Self-Fertile Cherry Varieties for Home Gardens
Stella Cherry Tree (Semi-Dwarf)
Stella is one of the most popular self-fertile sweet cherries for home growers. It produces large, dark, sweet cherries ideal for fresh eating and performs well in backyard orchards on semi-dwarf rootstock.
- Type: Sweet cherry
- Best for: Beginners and small gardens
Lapins Cherry Tree
Lapins is a productive, self-fertile sweet cherry that adapts well to many growing conditions. It produces glossy, flavorful fruit and is a dependable choice for gardeners who want consistent harvests from a single tree.
- Type: Sweet cherry
- Great for: A wide range of climates
Craig’s Crimson Cherry Tree
Craig’s Crimson is an early-ripening, self-fertile sweet cherry with rich flavor. It tends to be less vigorous than many sweet cherries, making it easier to manage in smaller garden spaces.
- Type: Sweet cherry
- Great for: Small yards
Royal Crimson Cherry Tree
Royal Crimson is a self-fertile sweet cherry known for early ripening and high productivity. It performs especially well in mild climates and offers a longer harvest window than many other varieties.
- Type: Sweet cherry
- Ideal for: Mild-winter regions
Sweet Cherry 2-in-1 Multi-Grafted Tree
This tree combines compatible sweet cherry varieties on one trunk. The grafted cultivars pollinate each other, allowing the tree to function as a self-contained pollination option while extending the harvest season.
- Best for: Small gardens and flavor variety
Montmorency Cherry Tree (Sour Cherry)
Montmorency is the classic sour cherry for pies and baking. It is self-fertile and produces reliably on its own, though yields can improve with another sour cherry nearby.
- Type: Sour cherry
- Best for: Baking and preserves
Growing Tips for Self-Pollinating Cherries
To help your self fertile cherry tree varieties thrive, plant them in full sun with well-draining soil. Match your tree to your USDA zone, ensure good airflow, and prune during dormancy for the best fruit quality. Even though these trees don't require cross pollination, proper care ensures larger harvests and healthier growth.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planting a single backyard tree or adding to a home orchard, choosing self pollinating cherry fruit trees makes growing cherries simple and rewarding.
With dependable varieties like Stella, Lapins, Craig’s Crimson, Royal Crimson, and multi-grafted options, you can enjoy sweet cherries or classic pie cherries even if you only have space for one tree.
