Prunus cerasus Bigarreau Tardif de Vignola - Tart Cherry Tree

The Bigarreau Cherry 'Late Vignola' is a late variety that produces red to dark red cherries with a crispy, firm, juicy, very sweet flesh and musky aroma. It blooms in April, protecting it from damage caused by late frosts even in cold regions, and produces medium to large-sized fruits around mid-July. It is a vigorous, healthy, highly productive tree that is suitable for gardens in the northern half of Continental Europe and for inexperienced gardeners. It requires a sunny, sheltered location with light, well-drained, and even chalky soil. Fruiting begins at 3 years of age.

It is a variety originating from the Vignola region in Italy. The Bigarreau Cherry 'Late Vignola' produces sweet fruits with a slightly musky taste, heart-shaped, medium to large-sized, and with firm, juicy, crunchy flesh. The cherries have a shiny skin and range in colour from red to dark red. They should be enjoyed immediately after picking or, if the harvest is abundant, used to make pies, clafoutis, jams, and preserves. Cherries are rich in vitamin C, minerals, and trace elements.

The 'Late Vignola' variety is a healthy, highly productive variety with good vigour and a spreading habit. In April, the Bigarreau Cherry 'Late Vignola' is covered in small white flowers that appear before the leaves. This variety is not self-fertile and requires the proximity of pollinating varieties such as the 'Napoleon' cherry. The 'Late Vignola' variety is harvested around mid-July. The harvest can be more or less abundant depending on the year and may exhibit alternate bearing, allowing the tree to replenish its reserves. Fruit production becomes optimal after 6 to 7 years.

The Bigarreau Cherry (Prunus avium) belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a medium-sized tree, reaching 5 to 10 m (16 to 33ft) in height when mature. It is hardy and can withstand temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F), while the flowers are susceptible to spring frosts and are damaged at temperatures as low as -2°C (28.4°F). Its rounded habit provides a beautiful shaded space, which is very pleasant during the summer. Its alternate, toothed leaves are glossy and dark green, turning a lovely reddish color in autumn before falling. Suitable for all regions of continental Europe, theis Cherry tree can be planted on a short grass meadow, at the back of a border, or within an orchard.