Semi Dwarf Sweet Cherry Tree – ‘Bigarreau Noir’

Fruit Type: Sweet Cherry
Botanical Name: Prunus avium ‘Bigarreau Noir’
Fruit Colour: Dark purple to almost black
Growth Habit: Semi dwarf deciduous fruit tree grafted onto slow-growing rootstock
Final Height: Approx. 4–5 m
Expected Yield: Approx. 15–30 kg per season once mature
Exposure: Full sun
Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil
Pollination: Not self-fertile; compatible pollinators include Early Rivers, Burlat, Bigarreau Van, Hedelfinger Riesenkirsche, or Sunburst
Hardiness: Hardy to approx. −25°C; blossoms may be sensitive to late spring frost

‘Bigarreau Noir’ is a traditional sweet cherry variety appreciated for its deeply coloured fruit and classic sweet cherry flavour. It represents the typical characteristics of Bigarreau cherries, known for their firm texture and good eating quality.

This variety produces large cherries in dark purple to almost black tones with crisp, juicy flesh and a rich, sweet flavour. The fruit is excellent for fresh eating and also suitable for desserts and preserves. Harvest typically takes place in mid summer, often around early to mid July depending on seasonal warmth and local growing conditions.

This cherry grows as a semi dwarf fruit tree, remaining more manageable than traditional full-sized cherry trees while still producing generous yields. The controlled size is achieved through grafting onto a slow-growing rootstock, a technique widely used in professional orchards to regulate tree height and encourage reliable fruit production.

In spring the tree produces abundant white blossoms that attract bees and other pollinators, creating an attractive ornamental display before the foliage fully develops.

‘Bigarreau Noir’ is not self-fertile and requires a compatible sweet cherry variety nearby for dependable pollination and fruit set. Suitable pollinators from our assortment include Early Rivers, Burlat, Bigarreau Van, Hedelfinger Riesenkirsche, and Sunburst.

Sweet cherries thrive in sunny positions with fertile, well-drained soil. A warm, sheltered location with good air circulation supports healthy growth and proper fruit development.

We select our fruit trees with winter hardiness in mind, ensuring suitability for reliable outdoor cultivation in our climate.

With proper care and placement, ‘Bigarreau Noir’ becomes a productive and long-lived fruit tree, rewarding gardeners with generous harvests of richly coloured summer cherries.

All trees are sold and delivered as 2–3 year old trees, similar to those supplied to commercial orchards, in jute bags filled with rich Dutch soil, depending on availability and variety.