Ripening time: mid-December
 
A golden-yellow cherry with a red blush. Rainier has a very sweet firm flesh, much sweeter than other varieties. 
 
The thinner skin is more susceptible to bruising than some of the other eating varieties, which is why you don't see these delicious cherries at many supermarkets. 
However, these are an ideal home garden variety, and if partnered with mid to late season cherries, can extend your cherry harvest period.
 
Late flowering. Great pollinizer for other late flowering varieties, such as Van and Bing
 
Rainier is self-sterile and requires a suitable pollination partner 
Pollination: Napoleon, Van, Bing, Morello
 
Mature tree height: 3.5 – 5.5 m depending on shape
 
Tree Care: 
For best results plant in full sun in fertile, free draining soil, preferably a friable loam with good aeration.
 
If the soil is free draining, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, plant the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the soil line and back fill with a soil and compost mixture. If the soil is not free draining, plant the tree in a raised mound of soil and compost mix, to prevent water logging.
 
Water in well at planting, and water regularly, especially in dry spells.
 
Cherries are shallow rooted and young trees will benefit from being mulched. Apply mulch in a ring around the tree base, keeping clear of the trunk.