Cherry (sour)

Sour cherries are wonderfully obliging — most grafted trees on Gisela or Colt rootstock produce their first crop within three years. Unlike sweet cherries, they are reliably self-fertile so a single tree will crop well. They also tolerate a north-facing wall, which is unusual for fruit trees. Morello types are especially easy-going. The fruit is too tart for fresh eating but makes the finest cherry pie and preserves you will ever taste.