Cherry blossoms – contributed photo

Sweet and sour cherries can be produced in Iowa, although there are certain plants that are best for growing the fruit. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach advise cherries perform best in moist, well-drained, fertile soils and the trees need at least six hours of direct sun each day. Two of the best performing sour cherry cultivars in Iowa are ‘Northstar’ and ‘Meteor.’ Sour cherry trees can pollinate and set fruit with only one tree.

Sweet cherry cultivars that can be grown successfully in the southern two-thirds of the state include ‘Gold, ‘BlackGold,’ and ‘WhiteGold.’ Sweet cherry trees must have more than one tree to pollinate and produce fruit.

Another option in Iowa is bush cherries. The plants are cold hardy and can be grown across the state.