Technical sheet of the Northern Griotte Cherry variety
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Fruit flesh color: Juicy
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Skin color: Bright red that turns blackish when ripe
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Size and shape: Quite large for the morello cherry category, spherical in shape
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Tree Size: Approximately 10 meters in height and width at maturity
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Fruit maturity: Late, after mid-July
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Fruit taste: Very tangy, slightly sweet and a little bitter
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Earliness of the variety: Late
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Fruiting period: End of June to end of July
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Disease resistance and storage: Very susceptible to brown rot, fruit shelf life of one week
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Is this variety self-fertile? Yes, but cross-pollination with the Lapin Bigarreau is recommended.
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Commercial use: Pastry making, kirsch and preserves production, brandy production
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Comments: Originally from Germany and introduced to France in the 16th century, prefers a sunny exposure and slightly moist, drained and deep soil.
Quick read / the essentials on the Northern Morello Cherry
The Griotte du Nord cherry tree is an old and rustic variety , introduced in France in the 16th century. It is distinguished by its robustness, self-fertility and resistance to cold , making it an ideal option for northern regions and areas with harsh winters . Producing tart cherries appreciated for processing (jams, juice, pastries and brandy), this variety is highly sought after by producers specializing in processing cherries .
As a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants , Arboriverse offers rigorously selected Griotte du Nord cherry plants to ensure regular, high-quality production . This cherry tree adapts well to well-drained, deep soils , with suitable rootstocks such as Ceravium, Maxma 14 or Sainte-Lucie , allowing vigorous growth and good root anchorage .
Why buy Griotte du Nord cherry plants? Its late harvest (mid-July), self-fertility and resistance to cold climates make it a profitable variety for producers wishing to diversify their range with cherries intended for processing. Thanks to its marked acidity and high juice content , it is ideal for the production of jams, kirsch and traditional pastries .
Thanks to its high commercial potential , buying Griotte du Nord cherry plants from a specialist cherry plant wholesaler like Arboriverse guarantees optimized exploitation and sustainable yield , with plants selected for their resistance and quality .
Presentation of the Northern Morello Cherry Tree
The Griotte du Nord cherry tree is an old variety originating from Germany, introduced in France in the 16th century . Appreciated for its robustness and regular production , it is particularly cultivated in northern regions and in Eastern Europe, notably in Poland, Russia and Ukraine. Its self-fertility and hardiness make it an interesting option for producers wishing to diversify their offer of sour cherries intended for processing.
Origin and Certification
The Griotte du Nord cherry tree is not a COV (Plant Variety Certificate) , which means that it is royalty-free and can be propagated without restriction. Its breeder is not identified , this variety having been passed down over the centuries via local nurserymen and gardeners.
Growing Conditions
The Northern Morello cherry tree is a vigorous tree, well adapted to cold climates and deep, well-drained soils . It tolerates a wide range of soils , although it prefers fresh, light ones, thus avoiding excessively clayey soils which can lead to root asphyxiation problems.
The rootstocks recommended for optimizing cultivation in France are:
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Ceravium , a cherry-sour cherry hybrid that offers good compatibility with all cherry varieties , moderate vigor and increased resistance to viruses and aphids.
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Maxma 14 , a semi-dwarfing rootstock derived from wild cherry and Saint Lucie, which provides good vigor and regular production .
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Saint Lucia , particularly recommended for calcareous soils , promoting good anchoring and good root development.
Flowering and Pollination
The Northern Morello cherry tree flowers in spring and is self-fertile , meaning it can produce fruit without the need for external pollinators. However, cross-pollination with other sour cherry varieties can improve yield and fruit quality.
Fruit Production and Quality
The Griotte du Nord cherry tree produces medium to large fruits, with a bright red skin that turns blackish when ripe . Its flesh is juicy, tender and very tangy , with a slight sweet note and a hint of bitterness characteristic of morello cherries.
Harvesting takes place after mid-July , making it an interesting late variety for extending the cherry season.
Thanks to its marked acidity, this variety is particularly prized for:
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Transformation into jams and juices , where it brings a beautiful aromatic intensity.
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The production of kirsch and brandy , particularly in Alsace and Germany.
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Pastries and preserves , offering a melting texture and a good sweet-acid balance.
Disease Resistance and Sensitivity to Climatic Factors
The Northern Griotte cherry tree is a hardy tree, able to tolerate temperatures down to -15°C . It is therefore well suited to cold climates and harsh winters.
However, it is susceptible to certain cryptogamic diseases , including:
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Brown rot , which causes flowers and branches to dry out. It is advisable to prune loosely and remove mummified fruit to limit its spread.
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Shot hole , which appears as circular brownish spots on leaves and oozing lesions on twigs. Preventive application of copper-based fungal treatments can limit the risks.
Regarding parasites, it can be attacked by:
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Black aphids , which weaken the tree by sucking its sap. Biological control with ladybugs or lacewings can limit their impact.
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The cherry fruit fly , which lays its eggs in fruit, causing worms to appear. Pheromone traps are recommended to limit infestations.
Tree Management and Maintenance
The Griotte du Nord cherry tree requires some precautions to ensure optimal growth and regular production :
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Gentle pruning every year after harvest, to maintain a good balance between growth and fruiting .
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Well-drained soil , as it does not tolerate excess moisture, which can lead to weakening of the roots.
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Controlled watering during dry periods , particularly during the first few years, even if the variety is generally not very sensitive to water stress.
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Mulch at the base to retain moisture and avoid competition with weeds.
Conclusion
The Griotte du Nord cherry tree is an old and robust variety , ideal for growing in cold regions and for producers wishing to diversify their offer of cherries intended for processing. Its self-fertility, its resistance to cold and its unique tangy flavor make it an interesting choice for professional orchards.
Its sensitivity to cryptogamic diseases and pests , however, requires careful cultural management , in particular through appropriate pruning, monitoring of infestations and the application of preventive treatments .
The study of its yields, profitability and positioning on the sour cherry market could allow producers to fully assess its commercial potential and its place in optimized fruit production.
To summarize: Northern Morello Cherry
The Griotte du Nord cherry tree is an old variety appreciated for its tangy fruits and its great hardiness . Its self-fertility , its late harvest and its resistance to negative temperatures down to -15°C make it a strategic choice for producers specializing in processing cherries .
This cherry tree tolerates well -drained and calcareous soils , but requires annual light pruning after harvest and monitoring against fungal diseases , particularly brown rot and shot hole . As for pests, cherry fruit fly and black aphids must be managed with pheromone traps and natural auxiliaries to ensure optimal production .
The cherries of the Griotte du Nord , with their juicy and tangy flesh , are perfect for jam, juice, distillation and baking . Their harvest in mid-July allows the cherry season to be extended and offers a differentiated range on the market.
To ensure a successful orchard , it is essential to source quality plants from a specialist cherry plant wholesaler . Arboriverse , thanks to its expertise and rigorous selection, provides certified Griotte du Nord cherry plants , guaranteeing stable production and increased profitability .
Whether for a new plantation or to diversify an existing operation , buying Griotte du Nord cherry plants from a specialist cherry plant wholesaler is a safe and strategic investment for quality production.
