Cherry

General Information About Cherry

Cherry (Prunus avium) is an economically valuable fruit of the Rosaceae family. Widely grown in Turkey, especially in Marmara and Aegean regions. Pinkish-white flowers bloom in April-May.

Fruits usually appear in clusters of two or three. Bright red at maturity. Short shelf life, sensitive to cracking and worms after rain.

Trees start bearing fruit in 5-6 years and can live 60-70 years. Average yield 20-50 kg/tree. Turkey is a gene center for sweet cherry, with varieties like ancient local ones and modern Napolyon/Ziraat 0900.

Origin: Giresun, South Caucasus, Caspian, NE Anatolia. "Gezlevi Cherry" from Toros Mountains is famous.

Consumed fresh or used in jams, compotes, and canning.

Cherry Rootstocks

MaxMa 14

Semi-dwarf. Compatible with almost all varieties. 65-70% vigor of Mazzard. Resistant to heavy soils, chlorosis, bacterial canker. Increases yield and quality.

Cab 6 P

60-70% vigor. Resistant to heavy soils and cold. Good for restricted irrigation. Induces fruiting 3 years earlier than standard.

P-HL-C

About 50% vigor, suitable for high density. Tolerates poor soils but needs irrigation.

SL-64

Mahaleb selection, semi-dwarf. Good for calcareous and dry soils. Not for heavy/wet soils.

Climate and Soil Requirements for Cherry

Climate Requirements

Cold-hardy but sensitive to late spring frosts during bloom. Frost pockets must be avoided.

Soil Requirements

Prefers deep, well-drained, medium-texture, organic-rich soils. Heavy clay and high water table affect roots negatively. pH 6–7.5 is ideal.