Sonata cherry, initially called 13N-6-59, was named Sumleta in 1995. Also known as “50”, the variety is obtained from the Summerland experimental station in Canada. Its reference code is 13N 6-59. The origin of this variety is a controlled cross, made in 1976 among the varieties Lapins (1983) and 2N-39-5 (Van (1944) x Stella (1968). I could not find information about the varietal record in the EU, in the USA it is registered as Sumleta from 1998.
Curiosities: Sonata is a fairly recent variety and little widespread in Spain. It is a cherry of high quality, with a fruit of very attractive color, nevertheless, its scarce resistance to the cracking discourage its plantation in zones with important risks of rains.
Characteristics of the Sonata variety
Flowering: The variety of cherry Sonata , does not need pollinators, as it is a self-fertile variety. Sumleta is medium flowering (during the first week of April). It belongs to Group O (S3S4 ‘). The density of flowers is low-medium.
Maturation: Sonata cherry, is late ripening. Sumleta, it is harvested after 22 days of Burlat.
Productivity: Sonata has good productivity. Other sources give it average productivity. The use of dwarf rootstocks could be an interesting way to increase their production.
Vigor and carriage of the tree: The cherry tree Sonata, is vigorous and has an erect bearing.
The high vigor, erect bearing and not excessively high productivity, could slightly hinder the training pruning.
Sonata cherry, morphological characteristics
Size: Sonata cherries have a size or caliber very thick. When mature, Sonata reaches a size of 29-30 mm.
Form: Sonata cherry has rounded shape.
Skin color: Sumleta cherries have a beautiful garnet color, very attractive and well valued by the markets
Pulp color: Sonata flesh is Red.
Taste: The variety of cherry Sonata or Sumleta, is a variety of good taste.
Firmness: Sonata cherry is firm. Firm cherries have a better post-harvest resistance and support transport well.
Its high size, attractive color, good flavor and firmness, make this cherry a variety of high quality. It can provide excellent selling prices to the farmer.
Crack Resistance: Cherry variety Sonata, has little resistance to cracking, cracking or splitting.
Cracked area: The usual cracked area of Sumleta is Apical.
Length of the peduncle: Sumleta, has the peduncle of size long.
Does not release the peduncle at maturity. Although there is some source that classifies it as pillory type.
Positive aspects: Very thick size. Attractive color Firm fruits.
Negative aspects: Taste inferior to varieties of similar maturation. It is sensitive to cracking.
Recommended reading
If you have found interesting our article about cherry Sonata or Sumleta. On our website, you can find interesting information about multiple cherry varieties. Recommended readings:
Where to make a cherry plantation?
Properties of the cherry pillory
What types of cherry are there?
Warning
A significant part of the information, comes from Spanish research organizations. The behavior of cherry tree varieties may be different depending on the growing place.