Rainier Cherry

Growing

Because Rainier cherries are a specific cultivar of the sweet cherry species, they require a companion tree of a different variety to ensure successful pollination. When planting your orchard, select a second variety that blooms at the same time to attract the pollinators necessary for fruit set. Ensure your planting site has well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 to prevent root issues.

As these trees mature, you may notice the reddish-brown wood is quite hard; while this makes for a sturdy tree, it also means the wood is highly valued for smoking meats. If you use cherry wood for smoking, you can impart a distinct, pleasant flavor to your foods. Keep an eye on the leaves and seeds, as these parts of the tree contain cyanogenic glycosides and are toxic.

The fruit does not continue to ripen once it has been removed from the branch, so timing is everything. Harvest your cherries only when they have reached their full, intended color and sweetness. To maintain the best quality, store your harvest unwashed in the refrigerator. If you have an abundance, you can also use the fruit for freezing or canning.