Cherry (Tart)
Montmorency Pollination Guide
Montmorency is self-fertile — a single tree will produce fruit without a pollination partner.
You don't need a second tree to get fruit from Montmorency. It can pollinate itself. That said, having a compatible variety nearby can sometimes improve fruit set and yield through cross-pollination.
Montmorency Quick Facts
Chill Hours
700 hours
Hardiness Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Harvest
Late June to July
Pollination Note
All tart cherries are self-fertile — no pollination partner needed
Planning Your Orchard
Montmorency is self-fertile and will produce fruit as a single tree. For best results, ensure good pollinator habitat by planting bee-friendly flowers nearby and avoiding pesticide use during bloom.
Keep a record of every tree you plant — variety, rootstock, location.
Start your free tree log →Pollination Partners
Montmorency is self-fertile and doesn't need a pollination partner. A single tree will produce fruit on its own.
Can I Grow Montmorency?
Check if your climate has enough chill hours for Montmorency. Enter your zip code for an instant answer.
Check your zip code →Interactive Pollination Checker
Compare pollination compatibility across all 60+ fruit tree varieties in our database.
Open checker →Most people forget within a year.
Which pairs fruited well, what bloomed when, what you did each season — write it down from the start.
Free for up to 30 plants. No card needed.
About Montmorency
Montmorency is America's tart cherry — the bright red pie cherry that makes up 95% of US sour cherry production. Self-fertile and cold-hardy, it's easier to grow than sweet cherries.
Growing Challenges
Tart cherries are for cooking, not fresh eating; prone to cherry leaf spot in humid climates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montmorency self-fertile?
Yes, Montmorency is self-fertile and will produce fruit without a pollination partner. It can also serve as a universal pollinator for other sweet cherry varieties.
How close does a pollinator need to be to Montmorency?
For reliable pollination, plant the partner variety within 50–100 feet of Montmorency. Bees are the primary pollinators and typically work within this range. In practice, a tree in your yard or even a neighbor's nearby tree can work. The closer the trees, the more consistent the fruit set.
Can I grow just one Montmorency tree?
Yes! Montmorency is self-fertile and will produce fruit as a single tree. You don't need a second tree, though having one nearby can sometimes improve yield.
Related Tools
Pollination Checker
Interactive tool to find compatible pollination partners for any fruit tree.
Can I Grow Montmorency?
Check if your zip code has enough chill hours for this variety.
Chill Hour Checker
Validate chill hours for any fruit tree variety by zip code.
Frost Date Finder
Find your first and last frost dates to plan bloom protection.
Pollination data compiled from university extension services, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) pollination group charts, RosBREED cherry S-allele research, and nursery compatibility guides. Pollination compatibility can vary by region and microclimate. For best results, consult your local extension office.