Carmine Jewel Cherry vs Porthos Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Carmine Jewel Cherry vs Porthos Cherry

Prunus x kerrasis Carmine Jewel

Prunus cerasus Porthos

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Carmine Jewel Cherry
Porthos Cherry

Carmine Jewel Cherry is a cold-hardy dwarf sour cherry. It is typically highly productive and one of the first varieties to ripen in summer. It produces deep red, tart fruit that are well-suited for fresh eating, baking, and preserves. In the spring, beautiful white flowers cover the branches, adding ornamental value.

Carmine Jewel Cherry was developed at the University of Saskatchewan. It is recommended to grow dwarf sour cherries as a shrub rather than a small tree. The shrub form tends to bear fruit earlier and is less susceptible to winterkill.

Sour cherries are self-fertile; however, planting with additional varieties for cross-pollination can increase yields.

Porthos Cherry is a cold-hardy dwarf sour cherry that features white spring flowers followed by large, dark red fruit in mid-to-late summer. Among sour cherries, Porthos is exceptionally sweet with well-balanced acidity. These cherries are ideal for fresh eating, freezing, baking, winemaking, and preserves.

Porthos Cherry was developed by the University of Saskatchewan Fruit Program as part of the Musketeer series and released in 2022. They recommended growing dwarf sour cherries as a shrub rather than a small tree. The shrub form tends to bear fruit earlier and is less susceptible to winterkill.

Sour cherries are self-fertile; however, planting with additional varieties for cross-pollination can increase yields.

Carmine Jewel Cherry Quick Facts

Porthos Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 2.0 m (7 ft)
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Growth form: semi upright, compact
Spreading: suckering - low
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium


Fall colour: orange
Flowers: white
Flowers: white
Bloom time: mid to late spring
Fruit: deep red
Berries: large dark purple cherries
Flavor: tart - best for pies and jams
Flavor: sweet with balanced acidity
Harvest: late July to early August
Harvest: mid to late summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: porthos sour cherry