- Sour cherries bloom earliest in the southernmost counties of Minnesota, especially when shielded from cool winds. Expect flowers to open around May 1. In central Minnesota, they tend to bloom in early to mid May, just before apple trees bloom. A cold spring delays flowering slightly.
- Several cultivars of sour cherries are grown and recommended in Minnesota. North Star is the most cold hardy, best for exposed garden sites in all but the northern counties. Southern Minnesotans may also have success with Montmorency, Meteor and Early Richmond, especially in areas rated U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4b.
- Cherry trees in Minnesota that fail to flower may not be receiving ample sunlight -- at least six hours daily. Or, trees may have been killed back by winter cold, destroying year-old twigs that would bear the blossoms in spring. Untimely spring frosts also can cause flower buds and blossoms to abort or be killed.
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