Prunus cerasus Griotte du Nord - Tart Cherry Tree

The Morello Cherry is an old and well-known variety, originating from Germany. It is a self-fertile and moderately vigorous cherry tree, bearing large fruits that are initially bright red and then turn black when ripe. They have juicy and tender flesh with a very acidic, slightly sweet, and slightly bitter flavour. It flowers in clusters of small, white, fragrant flowers in early April, sheltered from the last heavy frosts and before the leaves appear. Its cherries are harvested regularly over a period from late June to late July and are primarily used in pastry with chocolate or for the production of kirsch and preserves. Its foliage is particularly decorative in autumn, turning red and yellow before falling. These cherry trees are well adapted to northern climates, easily withstanding the cold. They grow easily and without maintenance in all well-drained and deep soils, well-exposed to the sun.

The sour cherry, in Latin Prunus cerasus, as well as the sweet cherry Prunus avium, are the two main species that have given rise to most of the sweet cherry trees cultivated in our gardens. They belong to the rose family. The cherry is a medium-sized tree, reaching 5 to 10 metres (16 to 33 feet) in height at maturity. Its rounded habit provides a beautiful shaded area, very pleasant during the summer. Its alternate, toothed leaves are shiny, dark green, and take on a lovely reddish colour in autumn before falling. Cherries are rich in vitamin C, minerals, and trace elements.

This 'Northern Morello' variety forms a semi-dwarf, bushy, slightly trailing fruit tree that reaches about 10 metres (33 feet) in all directions after 20 to 30 years. From early April, it is covered with countless small, fragrant white flowers. After pollination by insects, they produce many clusters of beautiful, large round fruits, initially bright red and then black when ripe. The harvest from this cherry tree is spread out. Fruit production becomes optimal after 7 or 8 years. The cherries should only be picked when ripe, as they do not ripen further after harvest. This variety is particularly susceptible to brown rot, a fungus that causes the appearance of brown circular spots and eventually greyish spores on damaged fruits, which may dry out while remaining attached to the tree. This disease is more prevalent in humidity and fruits damaged by birds or insects. Avoid planting it in overly wet soil and plant it in a sunny and open position.

Hardy cherry trees can withstand temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F), while the flowers are susceptible to spring frosts and are damaged from -2°C (28.4°F). Suitable for all regions, cherry trees can be planted on a lawn, at the back of a flower bed, or within an orchard.