Description Lapins Cherry was developed at the Summerland Research Station in Canada with a clear purpose: preserve the eating quality that made Bing famous while improving reliability for growers. By crossing Bing with the self-fertile variety Stella, breeders created a cherry that delivers familiar flavor and size without the strict pollination demands of traditional sweet cherries. The fruit is dark red inside and out, with a firm texture and rich, sweet flavor that closely mirrors Bing. Acidity is moderate, giving Lapins a smooth, crowd-pleasing balance that works equally well straight off the tree or shortly after harvest. One of Lapins’ greatest strengths is consistency. Its self-fertile nature and mid- to late-season bloom help it set crops more reliably across a wide range of growing conditions, making it a favorite for backyard growers who want dependable harvests without managing multiple cherry varieties. Overview Dark red sweet cherry with Bing-like flavor Firm flesh and balanced sweetness Self-fertile; no pollination partner required Late midseason to late ripening Reliable producer in home orchard settings Growing Details Latin Name: Prunus avium ’Lapins’Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soilChill Requirement: Approx. 400–600 hoursHardiness: USDA Zone 5–9Rootstock: Mazzard F 12-1Bearing Age: 1–3 yearsSize at Maturity: Often maintained at 12–16 ft with pruning; capable of larger size if unprunedBloom Time: Mid- to late-seasonFlowering Time: Mid-season flowering relative to other sweet cherriesRipening Time: Late midseason to late; typically after BingPollination: Self-fertile; does not require a pollination partnerPests & Diseases: Standard sweet cherry considerations; airflow and canopy management recommendedYield: Consistent and productive once established Additional Notes Grower’s Insight: Lapins is often chosen as a “Bing alternative” for growers who want similar fruit quality with fewer pollination variables. Its self-fertility makes it especially forgiving in small orchards. Regional Insight: Performs well across a wide range of temperate regions, including the Pacific Northwest, where its bloom timing and reliable set help support consistent harvests. Annual pruning helps control size and maintain fruit quality. Explore more cherries in our collection: Cherry Trees
