Semi Dwarf Sweet Cherry Tree – ‘Bigarreau Van’

Fruit Type: Sweet Cherry
Botanical Name: Prunus avium ‘Bigarreau Van’
Fruit Colour: Dark red
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 Burlat, Bigarreau Napoléon, Hedelfinger Riesenkirsche, Kordia, Regina, or Sunburst
Hardiness: Hardy to approx. −25°C; blossoms may be sensitive to late spring frost

‘Bigarreau Van’ is a well-established sweet cherry variety valued for its firm texture, rich flavour, and dependable productivity. Originally developed in Canada, it has become one of the most widely planted sweet cherries in both professional orchards and home gardens.

This variety produces large, dark red cherries with firm, crisp flesh and a relatively small stone. The flavour is rich and sweet, making the fruit excellent for fresh eating as well as desserts and preserves. Harvest typically takes place in mid summer, often during 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 a beautiful ornamental display before the foliage fully develops.

‘Bigarreau Van’ is not self-fertile and requires a compatible sweet cherry variety nearby for dependable pollination and fruit set. Suitable pollinators from our assortment include Burlat, Bigarreau Napoléon, Hedelfinger Riesenkirsche, Kordia, Regina, 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 Van’ becomes a productive and long-lived fruit tree, rewarding gardeners with generous harvests of firm, richly flavoured 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.