Why are my cherries split

twopenny

As said, half the cherries have split around the stem area.

It's been almost constantly dry for months but it's a dwarf established tree so haven't watered.
A couple of wet nights but that hardly dampened the soil.

Very hot, sunny, small back garden 

They've been sat the same size and half ripe for some time.

Farway

Lack of water, too dry, just like tomatoes, will split their skins if dry & then watered.

Stone fruits, like cherries, plums etc need regular watering when ripening to swell to get juicy

I also asked ChatGpt, and it said

"

Typical Scenario:

• A dry period followed by a thunderstorm or irrigation.

• Ripe or nearly ripe cherries suddenly swell and crack open at their weakest point, often near the stem or along the shoulders.