Quick Facts
- Growing Zones: 5-7
- Height: 12-15 ft
- Flowering: Early Summer
- Sun Requirements: Full Sun
- Price: $32.87 (Bareroot)
The Sweet Cherry Conundrum Every Gardener Faces
Every backyard enthusiast dreams of plucking sun-warmed cherries straight from their own tree, but most sweet cherry varieties present frustrating challenges. Traditional Bing cherries require cross-pollination, meaning you need to plant two different trees just to get fruit. Dwarf varieties often disappoint with sparse harvests, while standard trees grow too large for suburban yards. After years of failed experiments with fussy cultivars, many gardeners resign themselves to supermarket cherries – tasteless, expensive, and shipped thousands of miles.
Enter the Lapins Standard Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium ‘Lapins’), a game-changing cultivar that solves all these problems in one elegant package. This self-fertile wonder delivers professional-grade fruit to home growers, combining the best traits of its famous parents (Van and Stella cherries) while eliminating their weaknesses.
The Science Behind the Sweetness
Physical Structure
The Lapins cherry tree follows a classic Prunus architecture with a strong central leader and wide-angled branches. Grafted onto standard rootstock, it achieves the perfect balance between manageable size (12-15 ft) and abundant production. The deciduous foliage provides dappled summer shade while allowing winter sunlight.
Chemical Composition
What sets Lapins apart biochemically is its exceptional Brix level (natural sugar content) of 16-18%, rivaling premium wine grapes. The deep red flesh contains high concentrations of anthocyanins – powerful antioxidants that give the fruit both its vibrant color and health benefits.
Growth Mechanism
Unlike most sweet cherries that require chilling hours below 45°F, Lapins adapts to warmer zones through its unique bloom delay mechanism. The tree monitors soil temperature before initiating flowering, protecting early buds from late frosts – a major cause of crop failure in other varieties.
How Lapins Outperforms Other Cherry Varieties
| Feature | Lapins | Bing | Rainier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Fruitful | ✓ | ✗ (Needs pollinator) | ✗ (Needs pollinator) |
| Fruit Size | Extra Large (1″+ diameter) | Large | Medium |
| Crack Resistance | Excellent | Poor | Fair |
| Harvest Window | 3-4 weeks | 2 weeks | 10 days |
Beyond measurable traits, Lapins offers emotional advantages – the satisfaction of growing restaurant-quality fruit at home, the joy of sharing baskets with neighbors, and the childhood nostalgia of cherry-stained fingers on summer afternoons.
From Bareroot to Bountiful: A Gardener’s Journey
The Transformation Timeline
Initial State: Disappointed by years of failed cherry crops or settling for bland store-bought fruit
Trigger Event: Discovering that Lapins solves the pollination problem while fitting small yards
Struggle: Learning proper planting techniques for bareroot trees (soaking roots, proper depth)
Solution: The 3-5 ft grafted Lapins tree arrives dormant but ready to thrive
Outcome: By year 3, harvesting 30-50 lbs of cherries annually
Revelation: Homegrown Lapins cherries have deeper flavor than any supermarket variety
Voices From the Orchard
“After three failed attempts with other cherries, my Lapins produced a bumper crop in year 4 – enough for pies, jam, and fresh eating all summer!”
– Margaret T., Zone 6a
“The birds barely touch these cherries – the fruit stays firm until perfectly ripe, unlike our old Bing tree where they’d peck at unripe fruit.”
– Carlos R., Zone 7b
Why Lapins Standard Sweet Cherry Belongs in Your Garden
For homeowners in growing zones 5-7 seeking low-maintenance fruit trees, the Lapins cherry delivers unparalleled value. Its self-pollinating nature means you only need one tree for bountiful harvests. The crack-resistant fruit hangs well on the tree, allowing flexible picking times. Unlike dwarf varieties, the standard rootstock provides better drought tolerance and longevity.
Whether you’re planting a backyard orchard, creating a edible landscape, or simply want to experience homegrown cherries at their peak, this variety checks every box. At just $32.87 for a 3-5 ft bareroot tree, it’s an affordable investment that pays delicious dividends for decades.