Sour cherryPrunus cerasus

Sour cherry

Sour cherries

1. sour cherry
2. tart cherry
3. dwarf cherry
4. Grintche

1. sour cherry
2. tart cherry
3. dwarf cherry
4. Grintche

1. Weichsel

1. Prunus cerasus
2. sour cherry
3. tart cherry
4. cherry

1. Tracheophytes
2. Angiosperms
3. Eudicots
4. Rosids

Rose family

1. prunus-avium

1. Fruit

The sour cherry (Prunus cerasus) is a popular fruit tree species known for its tart fruits. It is more robust and easier to care for than the sweet cherry and is well-suited for home gardens. Harvest takes place in summer, and the fruits are versatile, used in everything from pies to liqueurs.

1. TaskFertilize fruit trees if not already done.

   Label

   Fertilize fruit trees

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3

   Conditionif not already done

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Slow-release organic fertilizers are beneficial.

2. TaskPerform pruning while the tree is dormant.

   Label

   Prune fruit trees

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 3

   Conditionwhile dormant

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Encourage an open crown structure.

1. TaskMonitor for pests and diseases.

   Label

   Pest and disease monitoring

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Pay special attention to aphids, cherry fruit fly, and Monilia.

1. TaskWater during dry spells, especially young trees.

   Label

   Watering during dry spells

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5

   Conditiondry spells, especially young trees

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Consistent moisture is important for fruit development.

2. TaskCheck fruit set and thin if necessary.

   Label

   Thin fruit set

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5

   Conditionif necessary

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Overly dense fruit set can lead to smaller fruits and branch breakage.

1. TaskHarvest of early cultivars begins.

   Label

   Harvest early cultivars

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 6

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Harvest ripe fruits carefully to avoid damaging the plant.

2. TaskContinue monitoring for pests and diseases.

   Label

   Pest and disease monitoring

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 6

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Especially important during fruit development and ripening.

1. TaskMain harvest time for many sour cherry cultivars.

   Label

   Main harvest time

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 7

   Estimated efforthigh

   Notes

   Harvest fruits at optimal ripeness for best flavor.

2. TaskKeep soil moist but avoid waterlogging.

   Label

   Monitor soil moisture

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 7

   Conditionavoid waterlogging

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Consistent watering promotes fruit size and quality.

1. TaskHarvest of late cultivars.

   Label

   Harvest late cultivars

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 8

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Harvest the last fruits of the season.

2. TaskFertilize after harvest if needed.

   Label

   Fertilize after harvest

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 8

   Conditionif needed

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Supports plant recovery and preparation for the next season.

1. TaskPerform autumn pruning if necessary.

   Label

   Autumn pruning

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 9

   Conditionif necessary

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Remove only damaged or diseased branches. Main pruning is done in winter.

2. TaskLoosen and mulch the soil.

   Label

   Soil care

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 9

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Improves soil structure and retains moisture.

1. TaskPlanting new trees is possible.

   Label

   Plant new trees

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 10

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Autumn is ideal for planting fruit trees, allowing them to establish roots before winter.

2. TaskRemove fallen leaves to prevent diseases.

   Label

   Remove fallen leaves

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 10

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Prevents overwintering of pathogens.

1. TaskPrepare for winter.

   Label

   Winter preparation

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 11

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Protection against severe frost and wind may be necessary for young trees.

2. TaskProtect young trees from frost.

   Label

   Protect young trees

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 11

   Conditionfrom frost

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Use fleece or burlap to wrap the trunk.

Sunny to partial shade

Sheltered

Sufficient space for tree crown and root system

A sunny location promotes fruit development and ripening. Protection from strong winds is advisable.

Humus-rich, deep, loose, well-drained

Nutrient-rich

Consistently moist, no waterlogging

Avoid heavy, clay soils or very sandy soils without improvement.

Regularly during dry periods, especially in the first few years and during fruit development.

Deeply at the root zone, avoid waterlogging.

Consistent watering is crucial for fruit quality and tree health.

1. Compost
2. Organic complete fertilizer
3. Possibly horn shavings

Spring (bud break) and possibly after harvest.

Avoid over-fertilization, especially with nitrogen. Compost improves soil structure and nutrient supply.

Sour cherries are trees and require a permanent location with ample space.

Planting should be well-considered as sour cherries are long-lived. Consider the final size of the tree and the needs of other nearby plants.

Sour cherries are perennial woody plants and are not included in crop rotation in the classic sense. However, they should not be planted after other Rosaceae family members (apples, pears, plums, cherries, strawberries) to avoid the spread of soil-borne diseases.

1. Sucking pests (aphids, scale insects)
2. Fruit pests (cherry fruit fly)
3. Mites

1. Fungal diseases (Monilia, mildew, leaf spots)
2. Bacterial diseases (bacterial canker)

1. Site selection: Sunny, sheltered, good soil.
2. Cultivar selection: Prefer more resistant varieties.
3. Plant spacing: Ample space for ventilation.
4. Soil care: Well-drained, nutrient-rich, no waterlogging.
5. Plant strengthening: Balanced fertilization, watering.
6. Hygiene: Removal of infected material.
7. Encourage beneficials: Insect hotels, flowering plants.
8. Regular monitoring: Early detection of problems.

Accurate diagnosis often requires observing symptoms on different plant parts (leaves, shoots, fruits, bark) and considering the season and environmental conditions. Professional advice or laboratory analysis is recommended if uncertain.

1. Slugmonilia-blight

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. High humidity
   2. Mild temperatures
   3. Rain during flowering

   Affected parts

   1. Blossoms
   2. Young shoots
   3. Fruits

   Prevention

   1. Remove mummified fruits
   2. Pruning for ventilation
   3. Resistant cultivars

   Organic control

   1. Copper preparations (before flowering)
   2. Sulfur preparations (if infested)
   3. Plant extracts (e.g., horsetail)
2. Slugbacterial-canker

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Wet, cold weather
   2. Bark injuries
   3. High humidity

   Affected parts

   1. Bark
   2. Shoots
   3. Leaves
   4. Fruits

   Prevention

   1. Avoid injuries
   2. Good drainage
   3. Resistant cultivars

   Organic control

   1. Prune affected branches back deeply
   2. Disinfect wounds
   3. Strengthen plants
3. Slugpowdery-mildew

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Dry periods with high humidity at night
   2. Shady locations
   3. Nitrogen over-fertilization

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves
   2. Young shoots
   3. Fruits

   Prevention

   1. Resistant cultivars
   2. Adequate plant spacing
   3. Good ventilation

   Organic control

   1. Milk-water mixture (1:10)
   2. Sulfur preparations
   3. Plant extracts (e.g., nettle)

1. Symptom

   Brown, mummified fruits remaining on the tree

   Possible causes

   1. monilia-blight

   First checks

   1. Check for gray-brown fungal growth on the fruits.
2. Symptom

   Gummosis (oozing of sap) from bark cracks

   Possible causes

   1. bacterial-canker

   First checks

   1. Look for dark, circular spots on the bark.
3. Symptom

   White, powdery coating on leaves and shoots

   Possible causes

   1. powdery-mildew

   First checks

   1. Check whether the coating can be wiped off.
4. Symptom

   Yellowing of leaves between veins, veins remain green

   Possible causes

   1. iron-deficiency

   First checks

   1. Mainly affects young leaves.
5. Symptom

   Distorted shoots and sticky leaves

   Possible causes

   1. aphids
   2. cherry-aphid

   First checks

   1. Look for small insects on the plant.

Diagnosing plant problems often requires careful observation of symptoms and environmental conditions. The points listed below cover common issues and their typical signs. If uncertain, consulting an expert or performing a laboratory analysis is advisable.

1. Name

   Leaf discoloration (yellowing, speckling)

   Possible causes

   1. iron-deficiency
   2. magnesium-deficiency
   3. spider-mites
   4. aphids

   Diagnostic steps

   1. Check leaf veins: Do they remain green (iron deficiency)?
   2. Does it affect older or younger leaves?
   3. Look for pests on the leaf underside (spider mites, aphids).
   4. Check for fine webbing (spider mites).
2. Name

   Wilting or dying shoots

   Possible causes

   1. monilia-blight
   2. bacterial-canker
   3. verticillium-wilt

   Diagnostic steps

   1. Check for brown, mummified fruits (Monilia).
   2. Look for gummosis or dark spots on the bark (bacterial canker).
   3. Cut an affected shoot: Are the vascular tissues discolored dark (Verticillium wilt)?
3. Name

   Affected fruits (wormy, rotten)

   Possible causes

   1. cherry-fruit-fly
   2. monilia-blight

   Diagnostic steps

   1. Are the fruits hollowed out from the inside and contain larvae (cherry fruit fly)?
   2. Are the fruits covered with a gray-brown fungal growth and mummified (Monilia)?
4. Name

   White coating on leaves and shoots

   Possible causes

   1. powdery-mildew

   Diagnostic steps

   1. Is the coating powdery and wipeable?
   2. Does this occur during dry weather with high humidity?

1. Bud break: March
2. Flowering: April - May
3. Fruit ripening: June - August
4. Leaf fall: October - November

Exact timings depend heavily on cultivar, location, and weather. Sour cherries often bloom slightly earlier than sweet cherries.

Annually, as soon as fruits are ripe.

1. Fruit color: Deep red to dark red, depending on cultivar.
2. Flesh: Firm, juicy.
3. Taste: Pronounced tartness with sweet notes.
4. Fruit detaches easily from the stem.

Harvested cherries should be handled gently to avoid bruising. They are delicate and should be processed or refrigerated promptly.

Fresh consumption, processing

Refrigerated (0-4°C): 3-7 days.

1. Freezing
2. Canning (compote, jam)
3. Juice production
4. Baking (cakes, pies)
5. Liqueur or wine making

1. Flesh

1. Pits (contain small amounts of amygdalin, which can break down into cyanide)

The pits are not intended for consumption. Swallowing a few pits is generally harmless, but deliberately chewing or consuming large quantities should be avoided.

Sour cherries can be eaten raw, but are often less popular than sweet cherries due to their tartness. However, they are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

1. Spindelbusch
2. Pyramidenkrone
3. Buschbaum
4. Halbstamm
5. Hochstamm

Sour cherries are generally more robust and easier to care for than sweet cherries. They are well-suited for smaller gardens and can also be trained as espaliers.

Sour cherries provide food (fruits) and habitat for various bird species and insects. Their blossoms are an important food source for early pollinators.

In spring, the sour cherry tree buds and begins to flower. Watch for early signs of pests and diseases. Pruning is still possible as long as the tree is dormant.

Summer is the main season for fruit development and harvest. Regular watering is important, and fruits are harvested when fully ripe. Watch out for pests like the cherry fruit fly.

After harvest, light pruning can be done if necessary. Fallen leaves should be removed to reduce pathogens. New trees can be planted now.

Winter is the ideal time for major pruning. Young trees should be protected from severe frost. The tree is in its dormant phase.