Botanical name: Prunus tomentosa

  • Cold hardiness zones: 3-9. It can withstand extreme temperature variations, ranging from -40 to 90°F in a single season.
  • Soil pH: 6.0-8.0, Prefers alkaline soil, tolerating up to 8.0 pH or possibly higher. Thrives in well-drained, moisture-retentive loamy soil.
  • Watering needs: Prefers moist soil. Well-suited to arid conditions.
  • Food forest layer: Shrub layer.
  • Which parts of the plant are eaten as food: The fruit is edible, both raw or cooked, and is used in jams, jellies, preserves, pies, and juice. The unripe fruits can be pickled. The buds are also edible, cooked.
  • Blooming Season: Flowers in spring, from March to April.
  • Harvest season/regularity: Fruit ripens in July, with a reliable and profuse fruit set.
  • Fruiting age: Begins producing in years 3 and 4.
  • Age of maturity (full size and peak fruiting): Reaches maturity in height and spread in about 6-10 years.
  • Average mature yield: Can produce from 15 to 50 pounds of fruit per season, depending on the plant’s size and maturity.
  • Pollination for Fruit: Requires cross-pollination. Plant more than one Nanking Cherry within 100 feet of each other. These should be 2 different varieties (or at least one of them should have been grown from a seed).
  • Size at maturity: Typically reaches 6-10 feet in height and 12-15 feet in spread.
  • Sun needs: Prefers full sun, with at least 8 hours of direct sunlight for better fruiting. Can also grow in partial shade.
  • Preferred habitat: Native to East Asia, adaptable to various climates including extreme cold, heat, and arid conditions.
  • Growth rate (vigor): Moderately fast-growing.
  • Natural reproductive rate (and methods): Produces suckers freely.
  • Propagation method: By seed, requiring 2-3 months of cold stratification. Can also be propagated by cuttings or layering.
  • Average life span: Up to 50 years with proper care.
  • Good companion plants: Compatible with various plants due to its adaptability.
  • Plant family: Rosaceae.
  • Taproot: Develops a deep taproot, making it drought-tolerant.
  • Predators: Likely to be affected by the same pests and diseases that attack tart and sweet cherries.
  • Other common problems/solutions: Susceptible to honey fungus. Pruning helps maintain air circulation and productivity.

Notes:
(Ecological functions/uses) Can be used as an edible hedge or windbreak due to its dense growth. Attracts beneficial insects with its fragrant flowers.
(Food uses) The fruit is versatile for culinary uses, particularly favored in preserves and baking.
(Food Flavor/Taste) The fruit’s taste ranges from tart to sweet, varying with the seedling.
Cautions: The leaves and seeds contain hydrogen cyanide, a toxic compound, though usually in very small quantities. Avoid very bitter seeds or fruits oai_citation:1,https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/bush-cherry/nanking-bush-cherry-care.htm oai_citation:2,All About Nanking Cherries – Minneopa Orchards oai_citation:3,How To Grow Nanking Cherry | Plantly oai_citation:4,Prunus tomentosa (Nanking Cherry) – Gardenia oai_citation:5,Nanking Cherry: A Beautiful and Low Maintenance Shrub oai_citation:6, Prunus tomentosa Nanking Cherry PFAF Plant Database oai_citation:7, Prunus tomentosa Nanking Cherry PFAF Plant Database oai_citation:8, Prunus tomentosa Nanking Cherry PFAF Plant Database oai_citation:9, Prunus tomentosa Nanking Cherry PFAF Plant Database oai_citation:10, Prunus tomentosa Nanking Cherry PFAF Plant Database oai_citation:11,How to Grow Nanking Cherries in Your Garden | USU oai_citation:12,How to Grow Nanking Cherries in Your Garden | USU oai_citation:13,How to Grow Nanking Cherries in Your Garden | USU oai_citation:14,How to Grow Nanking Cherries in Your Garden | USU oai_citation:15,How to Grow Nanking Cherries in Your Garden | USU oai_citation:16,How to Grow Nanking Cherries in Your Garden | USU oai_citation:17,How to Grow Nanking Cherries in Your Garden | USU.

Propagation of Nanking Cherry
To propagate Nanking Cherry (Prunus tomentosa), you have a few options:

  1. Seed Propagation:
  • Collection: Collect seeds from fully ripe fruits. Wash and dry them in a shaded, well-ventilated area for a few days.
  • Cold Stratification: Seeds require 100 days of cold stratification at 32 to 45°F. This can be done by mixing seeds with moist sand, sphagnum-peat moss, or vermiculite, and storing them in a refrigerator.
  • Planting: After stratification, plant the seeds outdoors or in pots in spring. Alternatively, plant them outside in fall for natural stratification.
  1. Cuttings:
  • Take cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel in July or August.
  • Softwood cuttings can be taken from vigorously growing plants in spring to early summer.
  1. Layering:
  • This method can be done in spring.

For successful propagation, ensure the right conditions such as well-drained soil and adequate sunlight. Remember, Nanking cherries are not self-fertile, so plant more than one for cross-pollination oai_citation:1, Prunus tomentosa Nanking Cherry PFAF Plant Database oai_citation:2,How to Grow Nanking Cherries in Your Garden | USU.

Recipes

Using Nanking Cherries

Note: Unless otherwise noted, we haven't tried the recipes on our website. If we try it, we'll review it at the top of the recipe. If you try it, let us know! We'd love to give your review on the recipes, too!

Nanking Cherry Clafoutis

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Nanking cherries, pitted
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a pie dish or a similar baking dish and spread the pitted cherries evenly on the bottom.
  2. Make the Batter:
    • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. The batter should be somewhat liquidy, similar to pancake batter.
  3. Baking:
    • Pour the batter over the cherries in the prepared dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until set and golden brown on top.
  4. Serving:
    • Let the clafoutis cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm for a delicious dessert.

Nanking Cherry Sorbet

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Nanking cherries, pitted
  • 1 cup water
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Make Cherry Puree:
    • Combine the pitted Nanking cherries with water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook until the cherries are soft and the sugar has dissolved. Cool slightly.
  2. Blend and Strain:
    • Puree the mixture in a blender until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove any solids and enhance the texture.
  3. Add Lemon Juice:
    • Stir in the lemon juice to the strained mixture to balance the sweetness with a hint of acidity.
  4. Freeze:
    • Pour the cherry mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a sorbet consistency. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze the mixture in a shallow dish, stirring every 30 minutes until frozen yet scoopable.
  5. Serve:
    • Serve the sorbet immediately if you prefer a softer texture, or transfer it to a sealed container and freeze until firm for a more traditional sorbet consistency.

Nanking Cherry Salsa

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Nanking cherries, pitted and chopped
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (adjust based on spice preference)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients:
    • In a medium bowl, combine the chopped Nanking cherries, diced red onion, chopped jalapeño, and chopped cilantro.
  2. Season:
    • Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
  3. Chill and Serve:
    • Let the salsa chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve with tortilla chips, over grilled chicken or fish, or as a fresh topping for tacos.

Nanking Cherry Glazed Pork Chops

Ingredients:

  • 4 pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup Nanking cherries, pitted
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

Instructions:

  1. Season the Pork Chops: Sprinkle the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Cook the Pork Chops: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and are nicely browned. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
  3. Make the Cherry Glaze:
    • In the same skillet, add the Nanking cherries and cook over medium heat until they start to break down, about 3-4 minutes.
    • Add the honey (or maple syrup), balsamic vinegar, garlic, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let the mixture simmer until it thickens into a glaze, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Glaze the Pork Chops: Return the pork chops to the skillet and coat them with the cherry glaze. Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chops are well coated and heated through.
  5. Serve: Serve the pork chops with a drizzle of the remaining cherry glaze from the pan. Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Nanking Cherry Cordial Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Nanking cherries, cleaned and stemmed
  • 1 cup vodka or brandy (depending on your preference)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise (optional for added flavor)
  • Zest of 1 orange (optional for a citrus note)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Cherries:
    • If you prefer a less chunky texture, lightly crush the Nanking cherries to release their juices. For a clearer cordial, leave them whole.
  2. Combine Ingredients:
    • In a clean jar, place the Nanking cherries, and add the vanilla bean and orange zest if using.
    • Pour over the vodka or brandy, ensuring the cherries are completely submerged.
    • Add the sugar, and stir gently to start dissolving the sugar.
  3. Infuse the Cordial:
    • Seal the jar tightly and shake it gently to mix the ingredients.
    • Store the jar in a cool, dark place for about 4 to 6 weeks. Shake the jar gently every few days to help dissolve the sugar and evenly distribute the flavors.
  4. Strain and Bottle:
    • After the infusion period, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove all solids. For a clearer cordial, strain a second time through a coffee filter.
    • Pour the strained cordial into clean, sterilized bottles.
  5. Mature the Cordial:
    • Seal the bottles and let the cordial mature for at least another 2 weeks to enhance the flavors. The longer it matures, the smoother and more integrated the flavors will become.
  6. Serve:
    • Enjoy your Nanking cherry cordial neat, over ice, or as a base for cocktails. It also makes a wonderful addition to sparkling water or champagne for a festive drink.