Technical sheet of the Burlat Cherry variety
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Fruit flesh color: Dark red
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Skin color: Bright red to almost black when ripe
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Size and shape: Large, about 28 mm in diameter, heart-shaped
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Tree size: Semi-dwarf, reaching 4 to 5 meters in height
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Fruit maturity: Early
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Fruit taste: Sweet, juicy, slightly tangy
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Earliness of the variety: Early
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Fruiting period: End of May to June
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Disease resistance and storage: Susceptible to brown rot, short storage (a few days)
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Variety yield: Very productive
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Is this variety self-fertile? No, requires a pollinator (eg, Summit, Van)
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Commercial use: Fresh consumption, preserves, pastries
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Comments: One of the most popular cherry varieties, excellent for fresh consumption.
Quick read / the essentials on the Burlat Cherry tree
The Burlat cherry tree is one of the most widely cultivated varieties in France, prized for its early maturity and the exceptional quality of its fruit. Its consistent yield and harvest time starting in late May make it a major asset for producers looking to take advantage of the early season. Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry trees, provides apple growers with carefully selected plants to ensure optimal production.
Burlat cherries are large , sweet, juicy and slightly tart, making them very attractive on the market. They have a firm and crisp flesh , with an average diameter of 25 to 28 mm and a weight of around 8 to 9 grams. However, this variety is self-sterile , it requires the presence of compatible pollinators such as Bigarreau Napoléon, Summit or Reverchon for good fruiting. Buying Burlat cherry plants from an expert supplier allows you to benefit from the best varietal selections and advice tailored to commercial orchards.
The Burlat Cherry tree is adaptable to different types of soil , but prefers fresh, well-drained soil rich in humus. It does not tolerate soils that are too chalky, which can lead to chlorosis problems. Careful maintenance, including the addition of organic matter and regular irrigation during dry periods, improves growth and fruiting. Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, helps growers choose the most suitable rootstocks, such as Ceravium, Maxma 14 or Gisela 6 , to ensure rapid fruiting and stable production.
Despite good general resistance, Burlat remains susceptible to fungal diseases such as brown rot and gummosis . It can also be attacked by aphids and cherry fruit flies , requiring monitoring and the adoption of biological integrated pest management strategies. Buying Burlat cherry plants from a specialist guarantees a selection of healthy plants, optimized for profitable and sustainable production.
Presentation of the Burlat Cherry Tree for Apple Growers and Cherry Producers in France
The Burlat Cherry tree is one of the most widely cultivated varieties in France due to its precocity , excellent taste and regular yield . Appreciated by producers for its strong commercial appeal, it produces large , sweet and juicy cherries, harvested from the end of May. Its adaptability to different terroirs makes it a preferred choice for professional orchards.
Characteristics of Fruits
Burlat cherries are dark red in color , with firm, juicy, and crisp flesh . They offer a sweet and slightly tangy taste, which is very popular with consumers. Their size is medium to large , measuring on average 25 to 28 mm , with a weight of around 8 to 9 grams . Their shape is slightly elongated , although it can sometimes be more rounded.
Flowering and Pollination
The Burlat Cherry tree is self-sterile , which means that it requires the presence of other compatible cherry tree varieties to ensure good fruiting. It is recommended to plant it near suitable pollinators such as:
- Bigarreau Napoleon
- Summit
- Reverchon
In return, Burlat is itself an excellent pollinator for other varieties, notably White Cherry and Pigeon Heart .
Growing Conditions
The Burlat Cherry tree adapts to different types of soil but prefers fresh, well-drained soil rich in humus . It does not tolerate excessively calcareous soils well, which can cause symptoms of chlorosis due to poor iron assimilation. To limit these effects, it is recommended to add acidic organic matter and use treatments based on iron chelates .
Although it is relatively drought resistant , regular watering is recommended during the summer, especially during the first years after planting.
Resistance to Diseases and Parasites
The Burlat Cherry tree has good resistance to diseases , but it can be subject to certain pathologies common to cherry trees:
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Moniliosis , which causes fruit rot. Preventive treatment with Bordeaux mixture in the spring can limit its impact.
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Gummosis , a bacterial disease that can affect the trunk and branches, often linked to water stress or poorly healing wounds.
Regarding pests, it can be attacked by:
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Aphids , which can be controlled by introducing natural predators such as lacewings and ladybugs .
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The cherry fruit fly , whose larvae deteriorate the quality of fruit. Pheromone traps and protective nets can be used to limit infestations.
Recommended Rootstocks
The choice of rootstock is essential to adapt the cultivation of the Burlat cherry tree to the specificities of the soil and climatic conditions. In France, several options are recommended:
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Ceravium , a versatile rootstock that provides good compatibility with cherry trees , while offering moderate vigor and rapid fruit set.
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Maxma 14 , a semi-dwarfing rootstock which ensures good anchoring in the soil and promotes regular production.
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Gisela 6 , a medium vigor rootstock that limits the height of the tree, thus facilitating maintenance and harvesting.
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Wild cherry (Prunus avium) , suitable for deep, acidic soils, ensuring good root development.
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Saint Lucia (Prunus mahaleb) , recommended for calcareous and dry soils, although it results in more moderate growth of the tree.
Harvest and Profitability
The Burlat cherry tree is one of the first varieties to be harvested in the season, reaching maturity in late May or early June depending on the region. This early maturity gives it a significant competitive advantage on the market, allowing producers to benefit from higher prices at the start of the season.
Its production is regular and generous , but it can be affected by unfavorable climatic conditions, particularly in the event of spring frost or heavy rains during the ripening period , which encourage the fruit to burst.
Orchard Maintenance and Management
The maintenance of the Burlat Cherry tree is based on a few fundamental principles:
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Annual pruning after harvest to stimulate fruiting and prevent excessive foliage development.
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Add organic fertilizers to promote regular production.
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Protection against spring frosts , by installing irrigation systems or thermal covers if necessary.
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Mulch at the base of the tree to limit water evaporation and prevent the appearance of weeds.
Conclusion
The Burlat Cherry tree is a sure bet for cherry growers in France thanks to its precocity, abundant production and the taste quality of its fruits . It adapts to various climates and soil conditions, although it requires rigorous monitoring to prevent diseases and pests .
Its cultivation requires cross-pollination with other compatible varieties, careful maintenance , and the right choice of rootstock to maximize orchard yield and profitability. Its early harvest allows access to markets as early as late spring, offering an attractive economic opportunity for producers looking to position themselves at the start of the season.
To summarize: Burlat Cherry
The Burlat Cherry tree is a must-have variety for French producers, offering exceptional precocity and regular production . Its large, sweet and juicy cherries, harvested from the end of May, are particularly appreciated by the market. Suitable for professional orchards, it nevertheless requires cross-pollination with compatible varieties such as Bigarreau Napoléon, Summit or Reverchon to ensure optimal yield. Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, offers high-quality plants to guarantee efficient and profitable cultivation.
Burlat prefers fresh, well-drained, humus-rich soils , but does not tolerate excessive limestone well. Choosing the right rootstock is essential to maximize its vigor and production. Options like Ceravium, Maxma 14, or Gisela 6 allow for rapid fruit set and better management of tree growth. Buying Burlat cherry plants from an experienced supplier helps ensure optimal orchard development.
In terms of health, Burlat is susceptible to common cherry tree diseases , including brown rot and gummosis , and must be protected against aphids and cherry fruit fly . Rigorous orchard management, including post-harvest pruning, organic matter additions and protection against spring frost , is essential to maintain quality production. Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, supports apple growers with tailored solutions to improve the resilience and profitability of their crops.
Thanks to its early harvest, the Burlat cherry tree offers producers a profitable business opportunity at the beginning of the season , with prices often more attractive on the market. Buying Burlat cherry plants from an expert allows you to invest in a reliable and profitable variety, ensuring regular production and optimal fruit quality.
