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The quintessential supermarket cherry, the Bing, is famous for its sweet, firm, dark-red flesh and near-crack resistant skin. But the version you buy at the store has often traveled thousands of miles and sat in cold storage for weeks, losing the peak flavor that defines the variety. Growing your own unlocks the true taste of a cherry picked at the absolute moment of ripeness.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years comparing the specifications, studying horticultural data on chill hours and rootstock compatibility, and analyzing aggregated owner feedback to help gardeners select the most reliable and productive fruit trees for their specific climate.
This guide breaks down the mature size, pollination needs, and hardiness zones of seven distinct options to help you choose the right best bing cherry tree for your backyard orchard, whether you need a full-sized producer or a compact variety suited for a smaller space.
How To Choose The Best Bing Cherry Tree
Selecting a Bing Cherry tree involves more than just picking the tallest sapling. The success of your tree hinges on three non-negotiable factors: your local climate’s chill hours, the need for a compatible pollinator, and the rootstock’s effect on final tree size. Ignoring these details leads to poor fruiting or a tree that overwhelms your garden space.
Chill Hour Requirements Are Non-Negotiable
A standard Bing requires a significant number of winter chill hours—typically between 700 and 900 hours below 45°F—to break dormancy and set fruit in the spring. If you live in a region with mild winters, such as parts of California or the deep South, a standard Bing will fail to produce more than a few scattered blossoms. In these zones, you must seek out low-chill cherry varieties or be prepared to accept an ornamental tree with very little fruit.
Pollination: The Partner Requirement
The Bing cherry is self-sterile, meaning it cannot pollinate itself. You must plant a second, compatible sweet cherry variety within roughly 50 feet to ensure cross-pollination. Excellent pollinizers for Bing include Rainier, Black Tartarian, Lambert, or Van. Without a partner tree, you will get beautiful spring blossoms but virtually no cherries. Some multi-grafted trees exist, but a single, lone Bing tree will almost always disappoint in the fruit department.
Rootstock Dictates Size and Vigor
The rootstock onto which a Bing is grafted controls the mature size of the tree. Standard rootstocks like Mazzard produce a full-sized tree reaching 20-30 feet tall, perfect for large properties but requiring serious ladder work. Semi-dwarf rootstocks like Colt or Gisela 5 limit the tree to 12-18 feet, making netting and pruning far more manageable. Dwarf rootstocks like Gisela 3 keep trees under 8-10 feet, ideal for small gardens but requiring staking and meticulous care.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brighter Blooms Bing Cherry | Premium | Instant Backyard Orchard | 4-5 ft tree, loam soil | Amazon |
| Cherry Plum Tree | Mid-Range | Small Spaces, Early Fruit | 15-20 ft mature spread | Amazon |
| Yoshino Cherry Tree | Premium | Ornamental Landscaping | 20 ft expected height | Amazon |
| Nanking Cherry Root Start | Mid-Range | Cold Climates, Shrub Form | 6-8 ft compact shrub | Amazon |
| Red Jamaican Cherry | Mid-Range | Warm Climates, Tropical | Zones 9b-11, quick fruit | Amazon |
| Dwarf Bonsai Black Cherry | Budget-Friendly | Bonsai Enthusiasts | Dormant seedling | Amazon |
| Surinam Cherry | Budget-Friendly | Zone 3 Curiosity | 3-7 inch potted plant | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Brighter Blooms Bing Cherry Tree
This is the closest you get to the true, classic Bing fruit in a ready-to-plant tree. Brighter Blooms ships a substantial 4-5 foot specimen, already established in a 5-gallon pot, meaning it has a strong root system and a real head start over bare-root seedlings. The tree is described as producing fruit from its very first year, which is a massive advantage for impatient gardeners looking to taste their own homegrown cherries quickly.
It is marketed as thriving in drought conditions once established, which reduces the anxiety of summer watering schedules in warmer zones. The preference for loam soil aligns with standard sweet cherry best practices: deep, well-draining, and fertile. However, the tree is listed as “Cold Hardy,” which is promising for parts of its zone range, though the exact chill hour specification would need to be confirmed with the nursery for your exact microclimate.
The primary drawback is the significant shipping restriction—it cannot be sent to AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, OR, or WA. This eliminates a huge portion of the West Coast and High Plains. For those within the eligible zones, this is a premium, high-confidence purchase that bypasses the long wait of growing from a seed.
What works
- Large 4-5 ft specimen ships in a pot, not a dormant stick.
- Claims first-year fruiting for immediate gratification.
- Drought-tolerant traits reduce maintenance risk.
What doesn’t
- Banned from shipping to 8 states due to agricultural laws.
- Exact chill hour requirement not clearly stated.
- Premium price point places it out of budget for some.
2. Cherry Plum Tree
If you crave the Bing aesthetic—a small, sweet stone fruit—but lack the space or a second tree for pollination, this Cherry Plum is an ingenious workaround. It produces fruit that is described as cherry-like in size and shape, with a sweet-tart plum flavor. More importantly, plums are often self-fertile or require a different pollinator, but the key here is the early ripening season, giving you fresh fruit before most other stone fruit trees even begin to color up.
The tree ships as a 2-3 ft sapling in a 5-gallon pot, making it a manageable size for transport and initial planting. Its mature dimensions (15-20 ft height and spread) are roughly on par with a semi-dwarf sweet cherry, so it still needs decent real estate. The soil preference for a pH of 6.0–7.0 is standard for most fruit trees, and the care instructions are simple enough for a novice gardener.
The biggest trade-off is that you are not getting a true Bing cherry. The flavor profile is distinctly plummy, and the texture will be different. It’s an excellent substitute if your climate is simply too warm for a standard sweet cherry, but purists will miss the signature Bing crack and sweetness.
What works
- Produces fruit earlier in the season than most cherries.
- Fruit size and sweetness are comparable to a cherry.
- Ships as a healthy 2-3 ft tree in a large pot.
What doesn’t
- Not a true Bing cherry; the flavor is distinctly plum.
- Mature size still requires a substantial garden space.
- Restricted shipping to CA, AZ, AK, and HI.
3. Cherry Flowering Tree, 5 gal. (Yoshino)
Let’s be clear: this is an ornamental flowering cherry, not a fruiting Bing cherry. However, for gardeners in zones 5-8 who are captivated by the iconic Japanese cherry blossom display, this 5-gallon Yoshino tree is a powerhouse. It delivers the breathtaking cloud of white-pink blossoms in early spring that defines the season, and its “year-round charm” includes attractive bark and lush green foliage that turns brilliant colors in autumn.
The tree is a 15-pound, substantial specimen in its pot, indicating a well-developed root ball and a sturdy trunk. It is described as easy-care elegance for all skill levels, which is accurate for Yoshino cherries—they are remarkably adaptable to various soil types as long as drainage is good. It reaches an expected height of 20 feet, making it a true centerpiece tree for a front yard or a large backyard.
The critical distinction here is zero fruit production. This is purely for the floral display. If you want cherries to eat, this is the wrong tree. If you want a low-maintenance, high-impact ornamental that looks like it belongs in a botanical garden, this is a fantastic value for the pot size.
What works
- Stunning, iconic spring blossom display.
- Large, established 5-gallon specimen for instant impact.
- Adaptable to many soil types and low maintenance.
What doesn’t
- Produces no edible fruit whatsoever.
- Restricted shipping to CA, AZ, AK, and HI.
- Reaches 20 ft, not ideal for very small gardens.
4. Nanking Cherry Quart Pot Root Start
For gardeners in brutally cold climates (USDA Zone 3), the standard sweet Bing cherry is simply not an option. The Nanking cherry is the solution. This root start grows into a compact, multi-stemmed shrub reaching only 6-8 feet, making it one of the most space-efficient “cherry” producers available. It is described as early fruiting, with tart-sweet bright red cherries ripening in midsummer, often before true cherries in the same region.
The root start format means you are planting a actively growing root, not a bare-root stick. It has a higher success rate for establishment, especially for beginners. The shrub is also noted for its ornamental value, with delicate white-pink flowers in early spring and lush green leaves that provide a strong backdrop to the red fruit. It is also drought-tolerant once established, a huge plus for dry cold climates.
The main compromise is flavor and fruit size. Nanking cherries are smaller and considerably tarter than a Bing. They are phenomenal for jams, jellies, and sauces, but they won’t satisfy a craving for fresh, sweet snacking cherries. If you are in a warm zone, this is a waste of potential—it thrives best where true sweet cherries struggle.
What works
- Incredibly cold hardy down to Zone 3.
- Compact 6-8 ft shrub fits small spaces and containers.
- Fruits earlier in the season than standard cherry trees.
What doesn’t
- Fruit is much tarter and smaller than a sweet Bing.
- A “root start” requires more careful initial watering.
- Not a true tree, it grows as a multi-stemmed shrub.
5. Red Jamaican Cherry (Strawberry Tree) – Muntingia calabura
If you live in a truly frost-free climate (USDA Zones 9b-11), the standard Bing cherry is biologically impossible due to a lack of chill hours. The Red Jamaican Cherry, or Muntingia calabura, is your tropical answer. It is described as quick-fruiting and drought-tolerant, with an “abundant harvest” of sweet, tiny, berry-like fruits that taste remarkably like cotton candy or sweet figs. It’s not a true cherry, but it fills the same mental niche of a small, sweet, snackable fruit from a tree.
This Wellspring Gardens plant ships as a small potted specimen (3-8 inches tall in a 3-inch pot), so it is a young plant that will require patience and careful nurturing in a sheltered, warm spot first. It thrives in full to part sun and well-drained soil. The ornamental value is also high, with delicate white flowers and red fruits appearing simultaneously, creating a very attractive specimen.
The biggest risk for most buyers is the root hardiness. This tree is not frost-tolerant and will die back with any freezing temperatures. It is strictly a warm-climate plant. Additionally, while the fruit is sweet, it is tiny, seedy, and not remotely cherry-like in texture or crunch. It is more akin to a soft berry that grows continuously.
What works
- Only viable cherry-like option for tropical zones 9b-11.
- Produces sweet fruit very quickly from a small plant.
- Drought-tolerant and low maintenance once established.
What doesn’t
- Not a true cherry; fruit is tiny, seedy, and soft.
- Absolutely not frost-tolerant; dies below freezing.
- Arrives as a very small 3-8 inch starter plant.
6. Dwarf Bonsai Black Cherry Fruit Tree Seedling
This entry-level product is a dormant seedling of a Black Cherry (Prunus serotina), not a true Bing. It arrives with no leaves or fruits, simply a small, bare-root stick. The primary audience here is the bonsai enthusiast who wants a species with good bark, flowers, and tiny fruit at a microscopic scale. The seedling is described as ready to plant and easy to grow, which is standard for a tough native cherry species.
The CZ Grain product listing emphasizes its suitability for bonsai, which is the smartest use of this purchase. As a standard outdoor fruit tree, a Black Cherry will grow into a massive, 50-80 foot forest tree with fruits that are small, bitter, and favored by wildlife, not humans. The “dwarf” in the title refers to the bonsai styling, not a genetic dwarf rootstock.
The major drawback is the lack of clarity for the average buyer. If you plant this in the ground expecting a compact tree that produces sweet fruit like a Bing, you will be deeply disappointed. It requires years of dedicated pruning, wiring, and root restriction to maintain a dwarf form. It is a true project, not a shortcut to fruit.
What works
- Excellent starting material for bonsai enthusiasts.
- Very low cost entry point into fruit tree growing.
- Dormant seedling is easy to ship and store.
What doesn’t
- Not a Bing cherry; fruit is bitter and small.
- Will become a giant forest tree if planted in the ground.
- Requires significant bonsai skill to maintain dwarf form.
7. Surinam Cherry Black Eugenia Uniflora Pitanga
The Surinam Cherry, or Eugenia uniflora, is a tropical shrub that produces a ribbed, reddish-black berry with a flavor that is intensely aromatic, ranging from sweetly resinous to sharply tart. It is not a true Bing cherry in any botanical sense, but it is a fascinating addition for the adventurous gardener. The USDA Hardiness Zone listed as 3 is misleading for outdoor permanence—this plant is tropical and must be brought indoors or grown as a potted plant that winters over in a garage or greenhouse in any zone that experiences frost.
The listing is for a small, potted 3-7 inch plant, making it a low-risk, high-curiosity purchase. It requires moderate watering and full sun to thrive. The plant itself is very ornamental, with glossy, aromatic leaves and delicate white flowers that contrast with the unique, flattened fruit. It can be pruned into a small shrub or even a standard tree form.
The primary issue is the complete disconnect from the “Best Bing Cherry Tree” search intent. This plant is a tropical shrub that produces a fruit which bears no resemblance to a sweet, crisp Bing cherry. The flavor is an acquired taste, and the texture is soft and pulpy. It is a cool plant for a rare fruit collection, but it is objectively the wrong purchase for someone looking for a classic Bing harvest.
What works
- Very unique, aromatic fruit for the rare fruit gardener.
- Highly ornamental with glossy leaves and flowers.
- Very affordable price for a potted live plant.
What doesn’t
- Not a cherry; fruit is soft, ribbed, and has a resinous taste.
- Misleading hardiness zone—it is fully tropical, not Zone 3.
- Arrives as a very small starter plant requiring patience.
Hardware & Specs Guide
Chill Hours
The Bing cherry variety requires 700-900 hours of temperatures below 45°F during winter dormancy. This is the single most limiting factor for where a true Bing can be grown. If your region records fewer than 700 winter chill hours, the tree will not break dormancy properly, resulting in poor flowering and negligible fruit set. Always check your local average chill hours before purchasing.
Pollination Groups
Bing cherries are in flowering group 3 and are self-sterile. They require a pollinizer from the same or adjacent flowering group that blooms at the same time. Excellent partners include Black Tartarian (group 3), Rainier (group 2-3), and Van (group 3). Planting within 50 feet ensures bees can effectively transfer pollen. Some nurseries offer a “pollinator pack” with two compatible trees.
FAQ
Do I need two Bing cherry trees to get fruit?
Why can’t I ship a Bing cherry tree to California or Arizona?
What is the difference between a seedling and a grafted Bing cherry tree?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best bing cherry tree winner is the Brighter Blooms Bing Cherry Tree because it ships as a substantial, 4-5 foot established tree ready to produce fruit quickly, bypassing the long wait of smaller specimens. If you need a self-pollinating option or want fruit earlier in the season, grab the Cherry Plum Tree. And for gardeners in extremely cold zones 3-4 where a true Bing cannot survive, nothing beats the compact, early-fruiting Nanking Cherry Root Start—it brings the cherry experience to a climate where it otherwise wouldn’t exist.