Technical sheet of the Marmotte Cherry variety
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Fruit flesh color: Firm and juicy flesh
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Fruit shape: Round, slightly conical, or oblong, slightly flattened
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Fruit taste: Sweet and slightly tangy
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Fruit maturity: End of June
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Earliness of the variety: Early
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Fruiting period: Starts late April, early May
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Disease Resistance: Susceptible to bursting in wet weather
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Hardiness: Hardy to -20°C
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Self-fertile? Self-sterile, requires a pollinator
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Recommended pollinators: Bigarreau Burlat, Moreau, Reverchon, or Early Rivers
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Comments: Prefers sunny exposure and fresh, drained soil.
Quick read / the essentials on the Marmotte Cherry Tree
The Marmot Cherry , also known as the Bigarreau Cœur de Marmotte , is an old variety that is particularly hardy and suited to temperate climates . Appreciated for the sweet and juicy flavor of its fruits , it is an interesting alternative for producers looking for a late harvest and regular production. Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, provides apple growers with high-quality plants, selected to optimize production and resistance to growing conditions.
Marmotte cherries are recognizable by their heart shape and shiny dark red skin . Their firm, juicy , slightly acidic flesh is suitable for both fresh consumption and processing (pies, jams, syrups). This variety is distinguished by good resistance to transport , although the fruits must be consumed quickly after harvest. However, being self-sterile , it requires the planting of pollinators such as Burlat or Reverchon to ensure a good yield. Buying Marmotte cherry plants from a specialized supplier guarantees an optimal choice of suitable pollinator varieties.
In terms of cultivation, the Marmot Cherry thrives in well-drained soil, rich in organic matter , with moderate tolerance to limestone . Careful watering, especially during the first few years, promotes good rooting. Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, helps growers choose suitable rootstocks, such as Ceravium, Maxma 14 or Prunus mahaleb , which influence the tree's vigor and fruit set.
Although not very susceptible to disease, the Marmot Cherry tree can be affected by brown rot and powdery mildew , requiring regular pruning and preventative treatments . It is also vulnerable to black aphids and cherry fruit fly , for which integrated management with natural predators and color traps is recommended. Buying Marmot Cherry plants from a specialist guarantees optimized planting and sustainable production for commercial orchards.
Presentation of the Marmotte Cherry Tree for Apple Growers and Cherry Producers in France
The Marmot Cherry , also called Bigarreau Cœur de Marmotte , is an old variety of sweet cherry. Although its exact geographical origin is not clearly established, it is believed to have been selected around 1850 in Jussy, in the Yonne department . Like most sweet cherry trees ( Prunus avium ), it is adapted to temperate climates and is distinguished by its sweet and juicy fruits , as well as its high hardiness .
Characteristics of Fruits
Marmotte cherries have a glossy, dark red skin , often heart-shaped. Their flesh is firm, juicy and sweet , with a slight acidity that balances their taste. They are ideal for eating fresh , but also for making into pies, clafoutis, jams, juices and syrups .
This variety is known for its good resistance to transport , although the fruits are relatively fragile and must be consumed quickly after harvesting.
Flowering and Pollination
The Marmot Cherry is self-sterile , meaning it requires cross-pollination with other varieties to ensure optimal production. Recommended pollinators include:
Flowering occurs between late March and early April , which can expose the flowers to spring frosts in some areas. Planting in a sheltered location is therefore recommended to protect the flowering.
Growing Conditions
The Marmot Cherry prefers well-drained soil , rich in organic matter , with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It is moderately tolerant of limestone , but in case of excessively calcareous soil, it is advisable to use a suitable rootstock, such as Sainte-Lucie .
It tolerates moderate drought well, but regular watering is necessary in the first few years to ensure good rooting. Good drainage is essential to avoid root asphyxiation , which can be a problem in heavy or poorly aerated soil.
Resistance to Diseases and Parasites
The Marmot Cherry tree is not very susceptible to diseases , but monitoring is necessary to avoid common infections in cherry trees, including:
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Moniliosis , which causes fruit rot and branches to dry out. Aeration pruning and preventative treatments with Bordeaux mixture are recommended.
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Powdery mildew , which can be controlled by preventive sulfur treatments.
Regarding pests, it can be attacked by:
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Black aphids , which feed on young shoots. Their presence can be limited by using natural predators such as ladybugs or by applying black soap .
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The cherry fruit fly , which lays its eggs in fruit. Yellow chromatic traps and collecting fallen fruit help limit proliferation.
Annual pruning is recommended to promote aeration of the foliage and limit the risk of fungal diseases.
Recommended Rootstocks
The choice of rootstock influences the tree's vigor , its resistance to soil conditions and its productivity . For cultivation in France, the following rootstocks are suitable for the Marmot Cherry:
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Ceravium , a hybrid of cherry and morello cherry, offering good compatibility and rapid fruiting .
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Maxma 14 , a hybrid of cherry and Saint Lucia, semi-dwarfing , promoting vigorous growth and good fruit size .
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Gisela 6 , low vigor rootstock, ideal for intensive orchards.
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Prunus mahaleb , suitable for dry and calcareous soils, but less recommended for heavy soils.
The choice of rootstock depends on local conditions , soil type and production objectives .
Harvest and Profitability
The Marmotte Cherry tree is harvested between the end of June and the beginning of July , a relatively late period. This later maturity allows for a longer marketing season , particularly after early varieties such as Burlat .
Its average yield is estimated between 50 and 70 kg per tree , depending on growing conditions and maintenance practices. This regular and abundant production makes it an interesting variety for professional growers.
Fruits have a limited shelf life , not exceeding three days at room temperature and five days in the refrigerator . For longer storage, they can be processed into derivatives or frozen .
Orchard Maintenance and Management
Annual pruning at the end of winter helps maintain a balanced shape , optimize fruiting and limit the risk of disease . It is advisable to carry out green pruning after harvesting to promote aeration of the foliage.
Applying a balanced (NPK) fertilizer in early spring stimulates growth and fruit production. Fertilization rich in potassium is particularly beneficial for improving cherry quality .
Mulching at the base of the tree helps maintain soil moisture , limit evaporation and reduce competition from weeds .
In case of prolonged periods of drought, a drip irrigation system can be installed to ensure a regular supply of water without excess.
Conclusion
The Marmot Cherry is an old, hardy variety, ideal for growers wanting a cherry of high eating quality , with late maturity to extend the harvest season . Its productivity and disease resistance make it an attractive choice for commercial orchards, although cross-pollination is necessary to maximize fruit set.
Its adaptability to different soil types , its good resistance to cold and its ability to withstand drought make it a versatile variety, well suited to French conditions. However, monitoring against diseases and parasites as well as regular maintenance are essential to guarantee an optimal harvest .
To summarize: Marmotte Cherry
The Marmotte Cherry tree is an old variety appreciated for its hardiness, its regular production and its sweet and juicy cherries . Its balanced shape and late maturity (end of June - beginning of July) allow producers to extend the cherry season and diversify their offer. However, being self-sterile , it must be associated with pollinating varieties like Burlat or Reverchon to maximize its fruiting. Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, offers quality plants to ensure optimal production.
The Marmot Cherry prefers well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil and requires a suitable rootstock to ensure good productivity. Recommended options include Ceravium, Maxma 14, or Prunus mahaleb , which influence vigor and adaptation to soil conditions. Buying Marmot Cherry plants from an expert supplier ensures a selection suited to climate conditions and yield goals.
Although relatively resistant, it can be affected by cryptogamic diseases such as brown rot and powdery mildew , requiring maintenance pruning and preventative treatments . As for pests, black aphids and cherry fruit flies must be monitored, with biological solutions such as ladybugs and chromatic traps to avoid losses. Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, supports apple growers with advice and selected plants to guarantee a high-performance and profitable orchard .
With an average yield of 50 to 70 kg per tree , quality fruits with high taste value , and good adaptability to French climatic conditions , the Marmotte Cherry tree is a profitable and safe choice for producers. Buying Marmotte cherry plants from a specialist guarantees a sustainable investment and quality production, meeting the expectations of the late cherry market .
