Fruit has excellent firmness and a mild flavor. The susceptibility to rain cracking is similar to Bing. Begins blooming slightly ahead of Bing, but generally overlaps well. Cross-pollinizers include Rainier, Bing, Van, Black Republican, Lapins and Sweetheart. More than one pollinizer may be needed to encourage productivity.
Productivity is light to moderate on standard rootstocks.
Productivity and precocity may be improved on dwarfing rootstock such as Gisela 5 or 6. The tree grows vigorously on Gisela 6 with some overgrowth at the graft union. Trees planted several years ago in The Dalles have cropped for two years. Harvest timing is approximately 5 days before Bing. Cristalina produces large, firm fruit averaging 10 to 9 row in size.