Cherry Blackgold Semidwarf 7 Gallon

🍒 BlackGold® Cherry Overview

BlackGold is a late-season, self-fertile sweet cherry known for its dark color, juicy flesh, and balanced flavor. It's especially valued by growers in cooler climates due to its cold-hardiness and resistance to spring frost.

🌱 Origin & Background

• Developed by: Cornell University’s Geneva Experiment Station (New York State Agricultural Experiment Station).

• Released: In 2002.

• Parentage: A hybrid of Stella × Summit.

• Type: Prunus avium (sweet cherry species).

• Notable Feature: Self-fertile, meaning it doesn't need another cherry tree nearby to pollinate and produce fruit — a major benefit for home growers.

🎨 Appearance

• Color: Deep dark red to blackish skin when fully ripe.

• Size: Medium to large cherries, depending on growing conditions.

• Flesh: Dark red, firm, and juicy.

🍬 Flavor & Texture

• Taste: Sweet with moderate acidity for balance — not overly sugary, but rich and complex.

• Texture: Firm, juicy, and smooth — holds up well when picked ripe.

• Aroma: Lightly fruity and floral.

🌼 Tree Characteristics

• Bloom Time: Late — excellent for avoiding damage from late spring frosts.

• Pollination: Self-pollinating (no pollinator needed).

• Cold-Hardiness: One of the most cold-hardy sweet cherry varieties — suitable for USDA zones 5–7 (and sometimes even colder microclimates).

• Disease Resistance: Good resistance to cracking, which can be a major issue with sweet cherries during rainy periods.

🧁 Best Uses

• Fresh eating: Excellent right off the tree.

• Desserts: Great in pies, cobblers, and clafoutis.

• Freezing: Holds up well when pitted and frozen.

• Preserves: Makes delicious jams or cherry preserves.