Article by David Marks

Sunburst was developed at the Summerland Research Station in British Columbia, Canada. It was first released in 1965.

Use the checklist below to decide if the Sunburst cherry tree variety is correct for you and your garden. If this is not the correct variety, see our cherry tree varieties page, to select another variety which may suit you better.

• The fruits of Sunburst are produced mid to late season, ready for eating, on average, in the second to third weeks of July.
• Fruits are of larger than average size. They are dark red and have a very sweet flavour. This is primarily an eating cherry but will also do well as a cooking variety.
• The picking period lasts a week.
• This variety reliably produces a large amount of fruit.
• Disease resistance is good all round.
• Sunburst is self-fertile and does not need a pollination partner (see below).
• It is fully hardy in all parts of the UK.

WHERE TO BUY SUNBURST CHERRY TREES

Sunburst often to be found in your local garden centre and is also available online from a
several  suppliers.

Picture from public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v2.0.

POLLINATION PARTNERS FOR SUNBURST CHERRY

Sunburst is in pollination group 4, self-fertile, it does not need a pollination partner and will produce a large crop of fruit as a stand alone tree. The following varieties, commonly grown in the UK, can be pollinated by Sunburst:

• Van, pollination group 3, eating variety
• Penny, pollination group 3 to 4, eating variety
• Summer Sun, pollination group 3 to 4, eating variety
• Merton Bigarreau, pollination group 4, cooking variety
• Stella, pollination group 4, eating variety
• Morello, pollination group 4, cooking variety
• Napoleon, pollination group 4 to 5, cooking variety

HOW LARGE WILL SUNBURST GROW

On Colt rootstock Sunburst will grow to about 3.5m / 11ft tall when it has reached maturity after about 7 years. It can easily be pruned to reach a maximum height of 2m / 7ft. On Gisela 5 rootstock it will grow into a 2m / 6ft tall tree but will need more care than if grown on a Colt rootstock.

ALTERNATIVES TO SUNBURST

Click on the box below to see the full range of cherry tree varieties which we have reviewed in detail. Click on any one of them to see the full variety review.

 

CONDITIONS FOR GROWING SUNBURST CHERRIES

The following are the key rules for growing this variety, click here for more detailed information about growing and pruning cherry trees:

• Plant and grow in a full sun position.
• The best time to plant Sunburst is in late autumn to early winter. It can be planted at other times of year but will require watering more frequently to ensure it establishes well.
• Plant the tree to the same depth as it was in the pot. If planting bare-rooted trees you will see a natural soil mark just above the roots which indicates the correct depth for planting.
• Spread an 8cm / 3in layer of mulch around the base of the tree but not touching the main trunk. A mulched circle of about 1m / 3ft will be sufficient. This will retain moisture in the soil below and greatly help the tree to establish well.
• Water very well immediately after planting.
• Stake the tree for the first two years of its life on a Colt rootstock. If planted on Gisela 5 rootstock the tree will require staking for its life.
• In the first summer after planting the tree, water well if conditions become dry.
• Prune Sunburst in the first year according to the suppliers instructions. Prune annually immediately after flowering in later years, in late July. See our detailed article on pruning cherry trees.
• An annual mulch in late Spring will help to retain moisture and an even supply of water.
• If any pests or diseases appear treat them as soon as possible. Consult our cherry tree pest and disease page for detailed information on identifying and treating problems.