Technical sheet of the Montmorency Weeping Cherry variety
-
Fruit flesh color: Red
-
Skin color: Bright red
-
Size and Shape: Medium to small, round
-
Tree size: 2 to 3 meters
-
Fruit maturity: End of June to beginning of July
-
Fruit taste: Juicy and sour, tangy and fragrant
-
Earliness of the variety: Late
-
Fruiting period: Late June to early July
-
Disease resistance and storage: Good disease resistance, short storage
-
Variety yield: 50 to 70 kg or more depending on growing conditions
-
Is this variety self-fertile? Yes
-
Commercial use: Pastries, brandy, fresh consumption
-
Comments: Drooping habit, easy to harvest, hardy
Quick read / the essentials on the Weeping Montmorency Cherry Tree
The Montmorency Pleureur cherry tree is a traditional Morello cherry variety , appreciated for its production of tart red cherries , ideal for processing into jams, juices, pastries and spirits such as kirsch. Its weeping habit makes harvesting easy and also gives it ornamental value . This late variety, harvested in July , is an excellent choice for producers wishing to diversify their offering with a quality sour cherry .
As a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants , Arboriverse offers Montmorency Pleureur cherry plants rigorously selected to guarantee stable production and optimal adaptation to French climatic conditions . This variety tolerates well-drained soils and its development is optimized with suitable rootstocks such as Prunus avium, Ceravium and Maxma 14 , which promote balanced growth and rapid fruit set .
Why buy Montmorency Weeping cherry plants? Its processing potential , attractive yield, and hardiness make it a profitable variety for growers . Being self-sterile , it requires cross-pollination with varieties like Napoleon and Morello to ensure optimal fruiting .
Thanks to its strong commercial potential , buying Montmorency Pleureur cherry plants from a specialist cherry plant wholesaler like Arboriverse means investing in a high-performance and profitable crop , with plants selected for their resistance and productivity .
Presentation of the Montmorency Weeping Cherry Tree (Morello Cherry) for Apple Growers and Cherry Producers in France
The Montmorency Weeping Cherry , derived from the traditional Montmorency variety, is a sour cherry native to the Île-de-France region. It is distinguished by its drooping habit and its red fruits with tender, tangy flesh, widely used for processing into jams, juices, pastries and alcoholic beverages . Its adaptability to different soils and climates, as well as its good resistance to disease , make it an interesting variety for producers looking for a robust and productive alternative.
Origin and Adaptability
The Montmorency variety has been known since the 16th century, mainly cultivated in the Montmorency Valley , in Île-de-France. It is also called Gaudriole or Courte Queue in certain regions. The weeping version of the Montmorency offers both productive and ornamental interest, with its drooping shape facilitating harvesting.
This cherry tree adapts well to temperate climates, with a preference for well-drained, slightly acidic soils. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions , except for soils that are too clayey or prone to root asphyxiation .
Characteristics of Fruits
The fruits of the Montmorency Weeping Cherry tree are medium-sized , bright red in color when ripe, with juicy, tangy flesh . They are particularly suitable for processing, especially for making jams, pies, juices and alcohols such as kirsch .
Their high acid content makes them less suitable for fresh consumption, although they can be enjoyed by lovers of tart flavors. They are harvested in July , making them a late variety compared to sweet cherries.
Growth and Development
The Montmorency Weeping Cherry Tree is distinguished by its drooping shape , which gives it an original appearance and facilitates access to the fruit for harvesting. It generally reaches a height of 3 to 4 meters , which makes it a tree well suited to small gardens and high-density orchards .
It bears fruit relatively quickly, with productivity increasing after the first few years of growth. It is generally grafted onto Prunus avium to ensure good anchorage and better adaptation to varied soil conditions.
Culture and Maintenance
The Montmorency Weeping Cherry is self-sterile , meaning it requires cross-pollination to ensure good fruiting. Napoleon and Morello varieties are often recommended as compatible pollinators , with a similar flowering period.
It is important to choose a suitable rootstock to optimize its growth and resistance to soil constraints. Recommended rootstocks include:
-
Prunus avium , for high vigor and long life.
-
Ceravium , a cross between wild cherry and morello cherry, offering medium vigor and good compatibility with sour cherry trees.
-
Maxma 14 , a hybrid of cherry and Saint Lucia, promoting good root development and regular production.
To ensure good growth, it is advisable to plant this tree in full light , sheltered from cold winds. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and improves air circulation to limit the development of diseases.
Resistance to Diseases and Parasites
The Montmorency Weeping Cherry tree is generally disease resistant , but it can be susceptible to some common plant health problems:
-
Brown rot , which causes flowers and fruit to wilt. Pruning for ventilation and removing mummified fruit can limit its spread.
-
Anthracnose , which causes purplish-red spots on leaves. Good soil drainage and preventative copper treatments can limit its occurrence.
-
Fruit bursting is caused by excess moisture at the end of cherry development. Controlled irrigation and harvesting at the correct stage of maturity can reduce this risk.
In terms of pests, it is advisable to monitor:
-
The black cherry aphid (Myzus cerasi) , which can weaken the tree. Introducing ladybugs and lacewings is an effective biological solution.
-
Cherry fruit fly (Rhagoletis cerasi) , which lays its eggs in fruit and causes rot. Insect netting and yellow sticky traps can help reduce infestations.
-
The caterpillars of the Misty Moth butterfly , which can cause damage to leaves and buds. Regular monitoring and biological treatments limit their impact.
Resistance to Environmental Constraints
The Montmorency Weeping Cherry tree is relatively drought-resistant , but regular watering is essential, especially during its first few years of establishment. Once established, it can tolerate moderate drought periods, but mulching the base of the tree helps maintain soil moisture and prevent excessive water stress.
Regarding sensitivity to limescale , precise information on this variety is not available, but like most cherry trees, it prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5 .
Use and Marketing
Montmorency Weeping cherries are particularly appreciated for their high processing potential . They are used in the production of jams, pastries and juices , but also for the manufacture of alcoholic beverages such as kirsch and certain types of cherry beers.
Their commercial appeal lies in their taste and versatile use, which allows them to appeal to different market segments. To maximize their profitability, it is essential to harvest them at the right stage of maturity and plan an efficient supply chain to limit losses.
Conclusion
The Montmorency Weeping Cherry (Morello Cherry) is a heritage variety with multiple qualities. Its unique trailing habit , good productivity and adaptability to temperate soils and climates make it an attractive option for growers looking for a robust and versatile variety.
Although it requires cross-pollination , careful attention to disease and pest management and regular maintenance , it in return offers stable production and fruits prized for their acidity and processing potential .
Its adaptability to small orchards and intensive cultivation , as well as its strong potential for use in processed products , make the Montmorency Weeping Cherry a strategic choice for arboriculturists specializing in sour cherries.
To summarize: Weeping Montmorency Cherry Tree
The Montmorency Weeping cherry tree is a heritage variety , characterized by its unique drooping shape and its production of sour morello cherries . Its cherries are perfect for processing into jams, juices and spirits , and its late harvest in July allows for a longer production season .
This variety adapts well to well-drained soils , but requires a suitable rootstock such as Prunus avium, Maxma 14 or Ceravium , to promote its development and productivity . Its maintenance requires regular pruning and protection against fungal diseases , particularly brown rot and anthracnose .
The Montmorency Weeping cherry tree is self-sterile , which requires cross-pollination with compatible varieties such as Napoleon and Morello to ensure optimal production . Its high commercial appeal , good disease resistance and profitability in processing make it a strategic variety for producers .
To ensure a productive and profitable orchard , it is essential to source quality plants from a specialist cherry plant wholesaler . Arboriverse , with its expertise and rigorous selection, provides certified Montmorency Pleureur cherry plants , guaranteeing reliable and sustainable production .
Whether for a new plantation or to diversify an existing orchard , buying Montmorency Pleureur cherry plants from a specialist cherry plant wholesaler is a strategic choice for efficient operation and quality production .
