Developed in 1964 at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York, the Compact Stella is a naturally occurring mutation of the original Stella cherry. It grows to roughly \(\frac{1}{2}\) the size of standard sweet cherry trees, typically reaching about 2.5 – 4 meters in height depending on the rootstock.
The tree features a dense, upright growth habit with broad, mid-green leaves. In early spring, it produces an abundance of delicate, showy white to light-pink blossoms. By early to mid-summer (December to January in New Zealand), the tree yields heavy crops of medium-to-large, dark purple-red cherries. The fruit has a classic heart-to-round shape, glossy skin, and succulent, light red flesh that is both firm and swee
Unlike many older cherry varieties, Compact Stella is entirely self-fertile, meaning it does not require a companion tree to produce fruit. It is also highly regarded for its resistance to fruit cracking and its ability to begin producing crops from a very young age.
Last Updated on July 3, 2026 by admin
