Lapins is a self-fertile sweet cherry from the Summerland, British Columbia program, a cross of Van and Stella released in 1984. It combines self-fruitfulness with large, high-quality fruit and good crack resistance, making it both a commercial and home-garden favorite. The large fruits are dark red to nearly black, firm, and glossy, with sweet, well-flavored flesh, ripening late in the season after Bing. Because it is self-fertile it needs no pollinizer and can pollinate other varieties. Notably, Lapins shows better tolerance of rain-induced fruit cracking than many sweet cherries, an advantage in wetter climates. Its combination of self-fertility, firmness, size, and crack resistance has made Lapins one of the most widely planted modern sweet cherries.
Flavor Profile
Sweet, well-balanced flavor with firm, glossy, meaty dark-red flesh; excellent fresh.
Visual Characteristics
Large firm dark red to nearly black glossy fruit with deep red flesh.
Growing Tips
Self-fertile and comparatively crack-resistant, so a good single-tree choice for wetter climates. Ripens late.
Where to Buy
Sourcing information coming soon. Check local nurseries and seed banks for availability.