Cherry Trees in Mississippi: Climate Limits and Cultivar Considerations

Last updated: September 18, 2026

Mississippi suitability: Mississippi State University Extension recommends tart cherries only for northern Mississippi; sweet cherries are not recommended as a dependable fruit crop statewide. The cultivars below are examples, not a list of reliable choices for the Gulf Coast. Montmorency is the tart cherry named in MSU’s fruit recommendations. Ask your county Extension office about local suitability before buying.

Winter chill requirements vary by cultivar, and a hardiness-zone rating does not establish that a tree will receive enough chill or fruit reliably. Verify the exact cultivar’s chilling requirement with its supplier and compare it with local winter-chill records, especially in coastal Mississippi. Meeting a chill requirement alone does not guarantee a crop; bloom weather, pollination and local disease pressure also matter. We do not have verified cultivar-by-cultivar chill figures for every tree listed here.

There are some trees that grow small and compact, others that grow tall and provide shade, some that produce cherries, while others are strictly ornamental.

Do you like cherries? If so, this might be for you. There is no point in waiting for them. Stella is a sweet cherry; do not assume it will crop reliably in Mississippi or bear in its first year after planting.

The best part is that it can be used in small areas as well. Stella is a great choice if you have limited gardening space. There are many cherry trees that require two to bear fruit, however Stella is a self-pollinating tree, which means that you only need a single tree to have tons of juicy cherries every season (although more trees means more fruit). Cherry blossoms can be used in a variety of ways, including snacking, baking, canning, and freezing for maximum versatility.

Bing is a sweet cherry, not a dependable statewide recommendation for Mississippi; first-year fruit is not guaranteed. When you plant other trees or use seed-grown plants, you often have to wait a long time to reap the rewards. A Bing Cherry is truly unique – and it’s drought-tolerant and can be adapted to a wide range of soil types, so it thrives without a hassle.

Among dark cherries found in grocery stores, this cherry is one of the most popular ones. You will not have to worry about going to the supermarket because you will be growing them at home. You could also grow the Bing Cherry Tree organically, i.e. without using pesticides. You will be able to enjoy the healthiest fruit possible as a snack, for baking and for more.

If you decide to purchase a Lapins Cherry Tree, you will look forward to having the irresistible sweetness of cherries during the summer months. In terms of yield, your Lapins will produce between 15 and 20 gallons of their succulent fruit when harvest time arrives.

Lapins is also a sweet cherry, and neither first-year harvests nor reliable Mississippi production should be assumed. In addition to this, the plant is low-maintenance, will thrive in different soil types, can withstand temperatures down to -10 degrees, and is self-fertile, meaning it can set fruit using its own pollen rather than needing a different cultivar; pollination is still required.

You can grow these exceptionally good cherries in your own yard – the Montmorency Cherry Tree is truly unique and in a class of its own. These large, bright red cherries are among the most popular cherries in the USA. You will also have plenty of juicy and tart cherries to make your favorite recipes, since you’ll receive buckets of juicy cherries from them every year.

You probably do not need to plant several of them, since they are self-fertile and will produce a large amount of cherries each year (though more trees will mean more cherries). A second advantage of the Montmorency is its low-maintenance nature, which is why it is tolerant of freezing temperatures as low as -20 degrees.

The North Star Cherry Tree is a dwarf variety introduced by the University of Minnesota in 1950 for the purpose of producing delicious cherries in a short period of time, and for being cold tolerant. There is particular versatility in the North Star cultivar since its plump, tart cherries are an ideal snacking fruit as well as an ideal ingredient for baking.

In addition, its size of a dwarf means it fits well in any area, regardless of its size. It has become a popular producer in all kinds of landscapes over the years because this tree is self-fertile and extremely adaptable. In spite of the fact that it doesn’t need another cherry tree to bear fruit, having more trees will result in even bigger bounties.

Romeo and Juliet Cherry Trees

Have you been searching for the perfect cherry but haven’t got the space to plant it? You cannot go wrong with Romeo and JulietTM Cherry Trees, two dwarf specimens that are easy to grow and require very little space.

Small spaces will benefit from this two-pack. When space is limited in your garden, these trees fit the bill. You can plant them almost anywhere since they only grow 6 to 8 feet tall and come in a pack for easy pollination! They produce up to 25 pounds of cherries per season!

Their pie cherries are among the sweetest you can find. Rich and complex in flavor, Romeo and JulietTM Cherry Trees have a deep red color and offer a rich, sugary taste with a hint of acidity. With a smaller pit, each cherry produces more fruit.