Stella

Stella is a landmark self-fertile sweet cherry released in 1968 from a breeding program in Summerland, British Columbia, notable as one of the first self-fruitful sweet cherries, which removed the need for a separate pollinizer. This made it hugely popular with home gardeners who have room for only one tree. The large, dark red, heart-shaped fruits have firm, juicy flesh and a rich, sweet flavor similar to Bing, which is one of its parents. Because it is self-fertile, Stella also serves as a universal pollinizer for other sweet cherries. It ripens mid to late season and is moderately vigorous. Stella made single-tree sweet cherry growing practical and remains a favorite backyard variety.