Rainiers are considered a premium type of cherry. They are sweet with thin skin and thick creamy-yellow flesh that is generally more watery than other sweet cherries.

Mature Rainier trees reach a height of 30 to 35 feet and are widely adaptable to various soil types. Trees should be well spaced to provide maximum sun exposure for individual branches, ensuring fully developed, sweet, ripe fruit at harvest time. Rainiers grow best in USDA Zones 4–9. It is one of the most cold-hardy sweet cherries.