Semi Dwarf Sweet Cherry Tree – ‘Sunburst’

Fruit Type: Sweet Cherry
Botanical Name: Prunus avium ‘Sunburst’
Fruit Colour: Dark red 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: Self-fertile; can also act as a pollinator for other sweet cherry varieties
Hardiness: Hardy to approx. −25°C; blossoms may be sensitive to late spring frost

‘Sunburst’ is a widely grown sweet cherry cultivar valued for its large, juicy fruit and dependable performance in home gardens and orchards. Its ability to set fruit without a second tree makes it one of the most practical sweet cherry varieties for smaller gardens.

This variety produces large cherries in deep red to almost black tones with soft, juicy flesh and a rich, sweet flavour that is excellent for fresh eating. Harvest typically takes place in mid summer, often around 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 support consistent 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.

Because ‘Sunburst’ is self-fertile, it can reliably produce fruit without another cherry tree nearby. In addition, it can serve as a useful pollinator for several other sweet cherry varieties, making it a valuable companion tree in mixed cherry plantings.

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, ‘Sunburst’ becomes a productive and long-lived fruit tree, rewarding gardeners with generous harvests of sweet 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.