Cherry plantation: Cultivation and Production Tips

These are, in my opinion, the keys necessary to make successful a commercial cherry plantation.

In my opinion, it is not advisable to proceed to the massive planting of a variety without having sufficient data on the variety of cherry to plant. Before making a cherry plantation on a commercial scale, it is very convenient:

Information on the behavior of the cherry variety

Have reliable and close information , on the features and the variety behavior . For an assured success with the varieties chosen in our cherry plantation, not only is it worth knowing the theoretical characteristics of the variety, it will be necessary to know with certainty what was contributed by this variety, under the conditions present in our plot or land. Studies from other countries or from different regions of Spain, provide good information about the variety, but they do not ensure success.

Know the Climate of the land where we want to plant the plantation

Choose the varieties that best suit our climate . If the weather is dry, we can select a variety that is not very resistant to cracking. On the other hand, if the probability of rain is very high, we must protect the cherry trees from the rain or look for varieties that are less susceptible to cracking. The cherry trees require a significant amount of chill hours to flower properly, these hours vary with each variety, if the climate on which we want to make the plantation, does not provide us with the necessary chill hours, our plantation will be a real failure. Take into account if the climate meets the water needs of our plantation or if, on the contrary, it is convenient to carry out irrigation risks. Analyze and reduce the influence of climate risks.

Sales prices

In view of the profitability of the plantation, it is very convenient to know the market prices and the ripening dates in our area.

Carry out our own tests

It is highly recommended to do a previous test of the behavior of the desired varieties , on the plantation area. This way we will know at first hand the suitability of our area for the cherry tree and its needs. This is especially important when it comes to poorly worked varieties in our area.

Go safe

Be aware that the variety that we want to plant is sufficiently profitable or productive to carry out the planting.

Economic feasibility study

Carry out a detailed study of the economic viability of the plantation.

Select the right rootstock

Know the characteristics of the different cherry rootstocks (vigor, influence on the hardness, flavor, size and other characteristics of the fruit, type of soil you need, pests resistance, fungi, toxins, bacteria …) and its adaptability to the terrain in which we want to make the plantation. For example, the avium (cherry seed) pattern has gone very well in the acidic and rainy terrains of the Jerte Valley and the pattern Santa Lucia 64 (SL-64) is more used in the limestone and dry areas of Aragón.

Resistance to diseases

Differentiate between the type of plantation , nowadays the ecological theme is very fashionable. In this type of plantations it is necessary to consider more if the search for disease-resistant varieties is possible, because we will not be able to carry out many essential treatments against monilia, anthracnose, aphid, fly, big-headed worm, etc … The terrain and climate should also be very conducive to the healing of the cherry tree. These and other factors must be taken into account.
In this way, we may achieve cherries with a quality similar to those produced with the application of phytosanitary.

Study pollination needs

Choose preferably auto varieties fertile or alternatively several suitable and compatible varieties for pollination. Plantation of cherry blossoms, Cherry Plantation

Select early and productive varieties

Entry into production. When we realize a cherry plantation, the main objective is the recovery of the investment and the generation of benefits. Select, the varieties plus early and productive possible, will help us to obtain faster results.

Gradual picking of the fruit

Stagger the maturation of the fruit and select varieties that endure without overdoing or over-maturing in the trees. When we speak of cherry plantations of commercial scale, the maturation dates must be taken into account.

Production must remain stable for as long as possible. This does not mean planting varieties of all possible dates, from very early to very late, as some of these varieties may be unproductive in our area. But if we look for a sufficient variability so that the harvest does not come suddenly and surpass our harvesting capacity.

Select varieties with high quality cherries

When we talk about the quality of a cherry, there are three essential characteristics: hardness, size and taste. We can improve the values of hardness, size and flavor of cherries by applying different fertilizers, treatments, and handling. However, if adequate care is provided, the most determining factor will be the variety .

Find a perfect variety for you cherry plantation

The Perfect variety does not exist, but if you find it, let me know;)
I would like to have a cherry tree with the productivity of Lapins, very early as Precoce Bernard, with the size of Sunburst, the taste of Summit, the hardness of Ambrunés, the form of Sandon Rose, the resistance to cracking Black Star, the color of Van, etc. … and I could go on for a while longer. There are a lot of varieties to choose from and it is not an easy task to find our ideal cherry tree. But surely by guiding you through these tips and others that can provide you, you will find a few selectable varieties to achieve a profitable cherry plantation.

Warning

A significant part of the information has been disclosed by Spanish research organizations. The behavior of cherry varieties may be different depending on the growing place.

Recommended reading:

If you liked our article of advice for a cherry plantation, you can continue to deepen with the following reading:

List and information on more than 50 different types of cherry.
Classifying Aspects of cherry Varieties

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