Napoleon is a well-known traditional large white cherry, and a good example of a "bigarreau" or firm-fleshed variety. The flavour is sweet/sharp, tangier than most of the modern varieties, and of very good quality.
Napoleon is usually classified as a white cherry, on account of its pale golden white flesh.
Despite its name, the Napoleon cherry is not French - it originates from Germany where there is a long history of cherry cultivation.
Next deliveries: December 2025
Let me know when Napoleon Bigarreau cherry trees are back in stock.
If you do not hear from us by March you can contact us to pre-order for next autumn.
As is often the case with fruit varieties, the ones with the best flavour can be the most difficult to grow. Napoleon's weak point is its susceptibility to infections of bacterial canker. You can minimise the likelihood of this happening by keeping pruning to an absolute minimum, since pruning cuts are an entry point for the disease.
On a more positive note, Napoleon is a prolific bearer, and the tree is generally very hardy. It also flowers later in the spring than most varieties, which helps the blossom escape early frosts.
The cherries ripen over a long period, allowing several pickings to be made - a particularly useful quality in cherries, which are always best when eaten straight from the tree.
Napoleon requires a pollination partner, one of the modern self-fertile varieties such as Stella or Sunburst is a good choice.
