Technical sheet of the Hedelfingen Cherry variety
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Fruit flesh color: Sweet, juicy, and fragrant.
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Fruit skin color: Dark red
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Average fruit size: Large, very large, shiny dark red.
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Fruit shape: Elongated cordate, purple epidermis.
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Fruit taste: Crisp, juicy, sweet and fragrant flesh.
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Fruit maturity: Mid-July.
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Fruit storage time: 1 week.
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Pollination: Requires cross-pollination with other varieties such as Bigarreau Summit or Van.
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Disease Resistance: Resistant to pests and shattering, but susceptible to anthracnose.
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Origin: Discovered in Germany around 1850.
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Hardiness and Adaptation: Hardy and vigorous, able to thrive in a variety of climates, including continental, mid-mountain, temperate, oceanic, and Mediterranean.
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Port and productivity: Vigorous tree, very productive, and has an upright habit.
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Comments: Often grafted onto MaxMa Delbard 14® rootstock, which allows moderate pruning and facilitates harvesting, especially for small gardens. This rootstock is suitable for all soil types and allows for rapid fruit set and good productivity.
Quick read / the essentials on the Hedelfingen Cherry tree
The Hedelfingen Cherry tree is an old variety of bigarreau , appreciated for its robustness, its high productivity and the quality of its fruits . Originally from Germany and introduced around 1850 , this variety is ideal for temperate and continental climates , in particular thanks to its late flowering , which reduces the risks associated with spring frosts . Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, offers plants selected to guarantee a stable yield and optimal adaptation to growing conditions .
The Hedelfingen cherry tree is self-sterile , requiring the presence of pollinating varieties such as Bigarreau Burlat, Napoléon, Summit or Van for good fruiting. Its harvest in July , after early varieties such as Burlat, allows for a longer cherry season. Buying Hedelfingen cherry plants from an expert supplier guarantees optimized establishment and profitable production .
Hedelfingen cherries are large (26-30 mm), intensely dark red , with firm, crisp and sweet flesh . Their good resistance to bursting and long shelf life make them a highly sought-after variety for fresh consumption and processing . Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, supports producers with technical advice tailored to optimizing cultivation and yield .
This cherry tree adapts to various soil types , but prefers well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soils . It is moderately tolerant of limestone and requires a suitable rootstock to avoid chlorosis problems. Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, recommends rootstocks such as MaxMa Delbard 14, Prunus avium or Gisela 5/6 , which help to optimize vigor and fruit set. Buying Hedelfingen cherry plants from a specialist guarantees efficient development and a regular harvest .
The Hedelfingen Cherry tree is resistant to common diseases , including brown rot and gummosis , but requires monitoring against anthracnose and bacterial canker . On the pest side, cherry fruit fly and aphids can affect production. Preventive control with biological methods and appropriate treatments is essential to preserve the harvest. Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, offers plants selected for their resistance and high productivity .
Presentation of the Hedelfingen Cherry Tree
The Hedelfingen cherry tree is an old variety originating from Germany, discovered around 1850. Appreciated for its robustness and the quality of its fruit, it is widely cultivated in Europe and France, particularly for the production of cherries for fresh consumption. Its vigorous growth, high productivity, and late flowering make it a variety suited to temperate climates and regions prone to spring frosts.
Origin and general characteristics
This variety is named after the town of Hedelfingen, Germany, where it was first identified. Its adaptation to continental and temperate climates has allowed it to spread to many professional orchards. Its tree is vigorous, with an upright habit, and its fruit set is rapid under optimal growing conditions.
Flowering and pollination
The Hedelfingen cherry tree is a non-self-fertile variety, meaning it requires the presence of other compatible cherry trees to ensure cross-pollination and good fruit production. It is compatible with varieties such as Bigarreau Burlat, Bigarreau Napoléon, Summit, and Van. It is also a good pollinator for other varieties. Its late flowering, between late April and early May, partially protects it from spring frosts, a major asset for growers located in cold regions.
Fruit maturity and harvest period
Hedelfingen cherries ripen around mid-July, depending on the climate and local growing conditions. This late ripening allows for a longer cherry season after early varieties like Burlat. To obtain optimal fruit quality, it is essential to harvest the cherries at their peak, when they are firm and well-colored.
Performance and productivity
The Hedelfingen cherry tree is renowned for its high and consistent productivity. A well-maintained mature tree can produce between 50 and 80 kg of cherries per season. However, like many cherry varieties, it can exhibit alternating production, with some years more generous than others. Proper pruning and appropriate nutrient intake can optimize fruiting and limit this phenomenon.
Fruit quality and conservation
Hedelfingen cherries are large, typically between 26 and 30 mm in diameter. Their skin is dark red when ripe, while their flesh is firm, crisp, and juicy. Their sweet, fragrant flavor makes them popular for fresh consumption, although they can also be used for making jams and pastries. A notable advantage of this variety is its good resistance to splitting, even in the event of significant rainfall before harvest. The fruits keep well for about a week after picking, under optimal storage conditions.
Resistance to diseases and parasites
The Hedelfingen cherry tree has good tolerance to common cherry diseases, including brown rot and gummosis. However, it can be susceptible to certain diseases such as anthracnose and bacterial canker, which require regular monitoring and the application of appropriate preventive measures. Aerating the foliage, good fertilization management, and organic fungicide treatments can limit these risks. Regarding pests, it can be attacked by the cherry fruit fly and aphids. Installing pheromone traps and biological control are effective solutions for limiting these pests.
Adaptation to growing conditions
The Hedelfingen cherry tree adapts well to a wide range of soil and climate conditions, making it a versatile variety for French growers. It prefers well-drained, fertile soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. However, it can encounter difficulties in overly calcareous soils, where it risks developing symptoms of chlorosis. Organic amendments or the use of suitable rootstocks can alleviate this problem.
Sensitivity to drought and excess water
This variety requires regular watering, especially during flowering and fruit formation, to ensure proper cherry development. Insufficient watering can lead to lower yields and poorer fruit quality. However, the tree is sensitive to excess moisture, which can promote the development of root diseases. Well-drained soil is therefore essential to avoid root asphyxiation problems.
Choosing the rootstock
The rootstock influences the vigor, fruit set, and soil adaptability of the Hedelfingen cherry tree. Among the most suitable rootstocks for this variety in France are:
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MaxMa Delbard 14 : It offers moderate vigor, rapid fruit set and good adaptation to varied soils. It is particularly recommended for optimizing productivity.
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Prunus avium (Bird Cherry) : It gives the tree great vigor and longevity, suitable for deep, well-drained soils.
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Gisela 5 or Gisela 6 : These rootstocks reduce the size of the tree, making harvesting and maintenance easier, but require well-controlled irrigation.
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Prunus mahaleb : It is well adapted to dry and calcareous soils, but induces less vigor and later fruiting.
The choice of rootstock will depend on the soil of the plot and the production objectives (high density, mechanization, precocity).
Maintenance and management of the orchard
Regular pruning is essential to maintain stable, high-quality production. Formative pruning is recommended during the first few years to structure the tree and encourage its entry into production. Then, fruiting pruning after harvest helps limit foliage density and improve sunlight exposure to the fruit.
Adding balanced fertilizers, rich in potash and magnesium, promotes fruit development and limits nutritional deficiencies. Mulching around the base of the tree helps maintain soil moisture and reduces competition from weeds.
Profitability and business prospects
The Hedelfingen cherry tree has good commercial potential thanks to its high productivity, fruit quality, and good resistance to adverse weather conditions. Its late harvest allows for longer availability of cherries on the market after the early varieties, thus offering a better distribution of sales.
Its main use remains fresh consumption, but it can also be used in jams and pastries. For producers looking to diversify their offerings, this variety is an interesting alternative to earlier-ripening cherries.
Conclusion
The Hedelfingen cherry tree is a suitable variety for growers looking for a hardy, productive variety that offers high-quality cherries. Its late flowering and resistance to splitting make it a wise choice for limiting weather-related losses. However, its reliance on cross-pollination and susceptibility to certain diseases require careful orchard planning and careful tree monitoring. With the right rootstock selection and appropriate crop management, this variety can be an excellent investment for cherry growers in France.
To summarize: Hedelfingen Cherry Tree
The Hedelfingen Cherry tree is a hardy and productive variety , suitable for temperate climates and regions prone to spring frosts . It produces large, sweet and crisp cherries , with a late harvest in July , allowing for an extended commercial season . However, it is self-sterile and requires pollinators such as Bigarreau Burlat, Napoléon or Van . Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, offers high-quality plants to ensure profitable and sustainable production .
This cherry tree adapts well to well-drained soils , but tolerates limestone moderately . A choice of rootstock such as MaxMa Delbard 14, Prunus avium or Gisela 5/6 is essential to ensure good vigor and optimized fruit set . Buying Hedelfingen cherry plants from an expert ensures successful establishment and optimal yield .
The Hedelfingen Cherry tree is naturally disease resistant , although it can be affected by anthracnose and bacterial canker . Regular pruning, balanced fertilization and biological preventative treatments are recommended to ensure a healthy and abundant harvest . Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, supports producers with solutions adapted to their needs .
With an average yield of 50 to 80 kg per tree , a harvest in July and a high quality of conservation , the Hedelfingen Cherry tree is a sure value for French producers . Buying Hedelfingen cherry plants from a specialized supplier guarantees optimized production adapted to the requirements of the high-end cherry market .
