Black Gold is one of the most cold-hardy sweet cherries, having survived temperatures as low as -33°F. It was once ranked third in cold hardiness, only behind Gold and White Gold, but we've found that Lapins actually surpasses Black Gold and White Gold in terms of winter survival.

Flavor Profile and Ideal Uses

This cherry variety delivers a distinct sweet cherry flavor with notes of honey and a delightful splash of tanginess. It’s perfect for fresh eating and adds a delicious topping to ice cream. Black Gold typically ripens in July, making it a great summer treat.

Self-Fertility and Pollination Benefits

Black Gold is a self-fertile variety, meaning it doesn’t require another cherry tree for pollination. However, it is also an excellent pollenizer for other sweet cherry varieties, earning the reputation of being a "universal" pollenizer. Its bloom time overlaps with many other sweet cherries, making it a valuable addition to any orchard.

Late Blooming and Cold Climate Benefits

One of the key advantages of Black Gold is its late blooming nature. This helps protect the tree from late spring frosts that can damage early-blooming varieties, making it ideal for colder climates.

Disease Resistance and Hardiness

The fruit of Black Gold shows resistance to cracking, and the tree itself exhibits significant tolerance to canker, a common issue in cherry orchards. This makes Black Gold a must-have for anyone planting a Montana sweet cherry orchard. It is hardy to USDA Zone 4a/3b in protected sites.

Grafting Information

The Black Gold cherry for Spring 2025 will be grafted onto Mazzard full-size rootstock, ensuring robust growth and longevity.

Image courtesy of Hans Braxmeier under CC 2.0.