Semi Dwarf Sour Cherry Tree - ‘Kelleriis 16’

Fruit Type: Sour Cherry
Botanical Name: Prunus cerasus ‘Kelleriis 16’
Fruit Colour: Dark red
Growth Habit: Semi dwarf deciduous fruit tree grafted onto slow-growing rootstock
Final Height: Approx. 4–5 m
Expected Yield: Approx. 15–25 kg per season once mature
Exposure: Full sun
Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil
Pollination: Self-fertile
Hardiness: Hardy to approx. −25°C; blossoms may be sensitive to late spring frost

Sour cherry trees are highly rewarding in home gardens, and ‘Kelleriis 16’ is a well-known variety appreciated for its dependable fruiting and rich flavour. It combines ornamental spring blossom with productive summer harvests.

This cherry grows as a semi dwarf fruit tree, remaining more manageable than traditional full-sized cherry trees while still producing generous yields. The controlled size is achieved through grafting onto a slow-growing rootstock, a method widely used in professional orchards to regulate tree height and support consistent fruit production.

In spring the tree produces abundant white blossoms that attract bees and other pollinators, bringing early seasonal colour to the garden.

By mid to late summer the tree produces dark red sour cherries with a rich, tangy flavour. These fruits are particularly valued for baking, jams, juices, syrups, and traditional preserves.

‘Kelleriis 16’ is self-fertile, meaning it can produce fruit without requiring another cherry tree nearby, although planting additional cherries in the area may help improve overall yields.

Sour cherries perform best in sunny positions with fertile, well-drained soil. An open location with good air circulation supports healthy growth and helps reduce disease pressure.

Compared with many sweet cherry varieties, sour cherries often perform more reliably in cooler climates and are valued for their consistent productivity.

With proper care and placement, ‘Kelleriis 16’ becomes a productive and long-lived fruit tree, rewarding gardeners with generous harvests of richly flavoured cherries.

All trees are sold and delivered as 2–3 year old trees, similar to those supplied to commercial orchards, in jute bags filled with rich Dutch soil, depending on availability and variety.