Technical sheet of the Montmorency Griotte Cherry variety
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Fruit flesh color: Pink and juicy, clear juice
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Skin color: Bright red and translucent
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Size and shape: Medium size, spherical fruits
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Tree Size: Small tree, standard habit
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Fruit maturity: Late June to July
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Fruit Taste: Juicy and sour, distinctive sweet and tangy flavor
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Earliness of the variety: Late
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Fruiting period: July
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Disease resistance and storage: Good disease resistance, short storage (one week), keeps well on the tree
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Variety yield: Very productive, excellent yield
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Is this variety self-fertile? Yes
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Commercial use: Jams, preserves, brandy, fresh consumption
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Is this a COV variety? Yes, cultivated variety (COV) of sour cherry (Prunus cerasus)
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Comments: Native to the Paris region, hardy (down to -20°C), ideal for small gardens
Quick read / the essentials on the Montmorency Griotte Cherry Tree
The Griotte Montmorency cherry tree is a traditional French variety , renowned for its tangy and aromatic fruits , ideal for processing into jams, pastries, juices and brandies . This self-fertile variety, with a late harvest (July) , is hardy and well adapted to temperate climates .
As a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry trees , Arboriverse offers rigorously selected Griotte Montmorency cherry trees , guaranteeing regular and high-quality fruiting . This cherry tree tolerates well-drained soils , but avoids excessively clayey soils , which can cause root asphyxiation .
Why buy Griotte Montmorency cherry plants? This variety is highly profitable for producers wishing to diversify their range with cherries suitable for processing . Its natural acidity and high juice content make it a reference for the production of jams, liqueurs and pastries . It is compatible with several rootstocks , including Merisier, Sainte-Lucie, Maxma 14 and Gisela 6 , optimizing its productivity depending on the soil and cultivation method.
Thanks to its proven commercial potential , buying Griotte Montmorency cherry plants from a specialist cherry plant wholesaler like Arboriverse ensures optimized exploitation , with plants selected for their resistance and yield .
Presentation of the Montmorency Griotte Cherry Tree
The Montmorency Morello Cherry is an old and traditional variety of sour cherry ( Prunus cerasus ), native to the Paris region , more precisely to the Montmorency valley . Known since the 16th century under the names Gaudriole or Courte Queue , this variety is today widely cultivated for processing and baking thanks to its fruit with a tangy and aromatic flavor.
Origin and Certification
The Montmorency Morello Cherry is a variety not protected by a Plant Variety Certificate (PVC) , which means it can be propagated and cultivated freely. However, it is recommended to check with official databases to confirm its status in terms of variety protection.
Tree Characteristics and Growing Conditions
This cherry tree is of medium vigor , with a semi-erect to slightly drooping habit, which facilitates access to the fruit during harvest. It is appreciated for its hardiness , which makes it an interesting choice for varied climates, including cold regions.
It prefers a sunny exposure and adapts to different types of well-drained soils , but it is less tolerant of soils that are too clayey and compact , which can promote root asphyxiation.
The rootstocks recommended in France for this variety are:
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Cherry (Prunus avium) : Brings vigor and longevity to the tree.
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Saint Lucia (Prunus mahaleb) : Adapted to calcareous soils, promoting deep rooting and faster fruiting.
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Maxma 14 : Semi-dwarfing, reducing the size of the tree while ensuring regular production.
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Gisela 6 : Promotes early fruit set and facilitates tree management in intensive orchards.
Flowering and Pollination
The Montmorency Morello Cherry blossoms in April and is self-fertile , meaning it can pollinate itself and produce fruit without requiring another variety nearby. However, the presence of other cherry trees flowering simultaneously can promote better production and improve fruit quality .
Fruit Production and Quality
The fruits are large , light red in color when ripe , with firm, juicy and tangy flesh. Unlike sweet cherries, the Montmorency morello cherry is ideal for processing , particularly for:
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The production of jams and jellies , thanks to its natural acidity which balances the sugar content.
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Pastries and desserts , such as clafoutis or tarts.
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Alcoholic beverages , including brandies, liqueurs and certain types of flavored ciders.
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Fruit juices , often used for their refreshing and slightly tannic properties.
Harvest takes place in July , and the cherries must be picked when fully ripe , as they do not continue to ripen after picking.
Disease Resistance and Sensitivity to Climatic Factors
The Montmorency Morello Cherry tree is generally cold-resistant , which allows it to be grown in temperate and continental regions . However, certain fungal diseases and pests can affect production:
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Brown rot : A fungus that causes flowers to dry out and fruit to develop brown spots. Pruning for aeration and preventative copper treatments are recommended.
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Anthracnose : A fungal disease that causes purplish-red spots on leaves. Removing infected leaves and applying biological treatments can limit its impact.
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Fruit burst : Caused by heavy rain during the ripening period. Installing netting or mulch around the base of the tree can help regulate soil moisture.
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Black aphids : They weaken the tree and promote the spread of diseases. Introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs or using black soap are effective solutions.
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Cherry fruit fly : An insect that lays its eggs in fruit. Pheromone traps and insect netting are recommended prevention methods.
Tree Management and Maintenance
To ensure good production and preserve the health of the tree , some cultural practices are recommended:
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Pruning after harvest : Promotes the renewal of fruiting branches and limits the spread of diseases.
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Regular watering during periods of drought , especially the first few years after planting.
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Fertilize with compost or organic fertilizer to maintain soil fertility.
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Mulch at the base of the tree to retain moisture and limit competition from weeds.
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Disease monitoring and application of biological treatments in the event of infestation.
Conclusion
The Montmorency Griotte Cherry is a traditional French variety , prized for processing and baking thanks to its tart and juicy cherries. It is self-fertile, hardy and adapted to temperate climates , with flowering in April and harvest in July.
Its good resistance to cold makes it a suitable choice for areas where late frosts can be a problem, but it requires monitoring against fungal diseases and certain pests .
Easy to grow, it can be grafted onto different rootstocks depending on the soil type. Thanks to its high yield and versatility of use , this variety remains an asset for professional producers and cherry processors .
Next Step
To refine cultivation practices, it would be interesting to analyze the performance of the Montmorency Morello Cherry according to the different rootstocks , as well as to test the effectiveness of biological control methods against diseases and pests . In addition, an economic study on its profitability in commercial production would make it possible to evaluate its long-term potential in professional orchards.
To summarize: Montmorency Griotte Cherry Tree
The Griotte Montmorency cherry tree is an old and rustic variety, appreciated for its juicy and tangy cherries , particularly suited to food processing . Its self-fertility , its flowering in April and its harvest in July make it an ideal variety for producers specializing in processing cherries .
This cherry tree adapts to drained and calcareous soils , with optimized development on suitable rootstocks such as Merisier, Sainte-Lucie or Maxma 14. However, it requires monitoring of cryptogamic diseases such as moniliosis and anthracnose , as well as preventive management of pests such as black aphids and cherry fruit fly .
Griotte Montmorency cherries , medium to large in size , offer a balanced acidity that makes them perfect for jams, pies, juices and brandies . Their harvest requires picking at full maturity , as they do not ripen further after picking.
To ensure a successful and productive 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 Montmorency cherry plants , ensuring stable production and high profitability .
Whether for a new plantation or to strengthen an existing orchard , buying Griotte Montmorency cherry plants from a specialist cherry plant wholesaler is a strategic choice for efficient and sustainable operation .
