Big Red Cherry

Big Red produces large, bright red sour cherries averaging 7 grams, nearly twice the size of Carmine Jewel. Their distinctive, slightly elongated shape offers a superior flesh-to-pit ratio. These cherries reach peak ripeness in mid-August.

While Dr. Bob Bors classifies Big Red as “highly experimental,” it has shown impressive hardiness and no winterkill in trials. Productivity can be somewhat lower than other cultivars, but that may be the trade-off that gives it such resilience in tough conditions.

Due to its elongated pit, Big Red isn’t suited for commercial mechanical harvest, so it remains a home-gardener’s variety, sold as Wowza® in the United States. For those designing food forests, permaculture plantings, or cold-climate orchards, Big Red adds both reliability and a touch of visual interest.

Read our Sour Cherry Guide here.

Hardiness Zone: 2

Height: 1.5–2.5 meter (6–8 ft)

Spread: 2 meter (6 ft)

Soil Preference: Well-drained

Light Exposure: Full sun

Pollination: Self-fertile

Latin Name: Prunus cerasus ‘Big Red’