Technical sheet of the Napoleon Cherry variety
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Fruit flesh color: White, firm and juicy
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Fruit shape: Heart-shaped
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Average fruit size: Large
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Fruit maturity: Generally in July
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Fruiting period: June and July
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Lifespan: 25 to 50 years
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Tree size:
- Scion: 3 to 4 meters in height and width
- Spindle: 3 to 3.50 meters in height and approximately 4 meters in width
- Half-stem: 6 to 7 meters in height and width
- Maximum size: Up to 10 meters high and wide
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Pollination: Although self-fertile, cross-pollination with other varieties can improve fruit production and quality. Burlat or Van are recommended as pollinators.
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Disease Resistance: Resistant to spring frosts and diseases, but may be susceptible to bacterial canker and cherry fruit flies.
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Comments: Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny exposure. Cherry trees need a stake to grow straight and hold well in case of strong winds.
Quick read / the essentials on the Napoleon Cherry tree
The Napoleon Cherry is an old variety of bigarreau , known for its large fruit, longevity and resistance to cold climates . Originally from Germany and cultivated in France since 1785 , it is particularly appreciated by producers for its late harvest (end of June - beginning of July) and its good conservation . Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, offers this variety to apple growers looking for a productive, robust tree suitable for commercial cultivation.
Napoleon cherries , heart-shaped , have pale yellow skin with red spots and firm, sweet, slightly tart white flesh . They are prized for fresh consumption , but also for jams, preserves and pastries . Thanks to their good transport and storage capacity , they are ideally suited to long-distance marketing channels . However, the Napoleon cherry tree is self-sterile , requiring the planting of pollinators such as Burlat, Hedelfingen or Van for optimal production. Buying Napoleon cherry plants from a specialist guarantees a judicious choice of compatible varieties to maximize fruiting.
The Napoleon Cherry tree is adapted to a wide variety of climates , withstanding winter temperatures down to -20°C . It prefers well-drained soil, rich in organic matter , with a low tolerance to limestone . Careful soil management , including acidic organic matter and controlled irrigation , improves vigor and productivity. Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, helps growers choose suitable rootstocks , such as Ceravium, Maxma 14 or Prunus mahaleb , allowing rapid fruit set and good adaptation to calcareous or poor soils.
Although the Napoleon cherry tree is relatively disease resistant , it can be affected by brown rot and powdery mildew , requiring annual pruning and preventative treatments . It can also be attacked by black aphids and cherry fruit fly , which requires integrated management with natural predators and color traps . Buying Napoleon cherry plants from an expert supplier ensures optimized planting and better protection against health risks.
Presentation of the Napoleon Cherry Tree for Apple Growers and Cherry Producers in France
The Napoleon Cherry is an old variety of Bigarreau , originating from Germany , dating back to 1785. Renowned for its large fruit , longevity and resistance to cold climates , it is particularly suited to commercial cultivation in France. This cherry tree produces fruit of high eating quality , which keeps well and is very versatile in cooking.
Characteristics of Fruits
Napoleon cherries are large , heart -shaped, with pale yellow skin speckled with red . Their flesh is white, firm and juicy , offering a sweet and slightly tart flavor. These cherries are ideal for fresh consumption , but also for processing into jams, preserves and pastries .
They have good shelf life , being able to be stored for several days after harvest. They withstand transport relatively well, which makes them an interesting choice for large-scale marketing.
Flowering and Pollination
The Napoleon Cherry tree is self-sterile , which means that it requires cross-pollination with other varieties to ensure good fruiting. Recommended pollinators include:
- Bigarreau Burlat
- Bigarreau Hâtif Delbard
- Bigarreau Hedelfingen
- Bigarreau Van
It flowers in April , which generally protects it from spring frosts and ensures good fruit set.
Growing Conditions
The Napoleon Cherry is a vigorous tree that adapts to different climates , including temperate, continental, oceanic and Mediterranean zones. It tolerates winter temperatures down to -20°C , making it a variety resistant to winter cold.
It prefers well-drained soils , rich in organic matter , with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It has low tolerance to limestone , and additions of acidic organic matter (such as heather soil) may be necessary to prevent chlorosis .
The tree is sensitive to root asphyxiation , so it is essential to choose well-drained soil and avoid soils that are too heavy and compact .
Resistance to Diseases and Parasites
The Napoleon Cherry tree is relatively disease resistant , but it can be subject to certain common infections:
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Moniliosis , which causes the branches to dry out and the fruit to rot. It is advisable to apply preventive treatments with Bordeaux mixture and to remove infected fruit.
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Powdery mildew , which can be controlled with sulfur treatments.
Regarding pests , the tree can be attacked by:
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Black aphids , which weaken young shoots. Natural predators such as ladybugs and the application of black soap can limit their presence.
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The cherry fruit fly , whose larvae bore into the fruit. The use of yellow chromatic traps and the collection of fallen fruit can limit the infestation.
Regular pruning helps promote air circulation in the branches and limits the appearance of cryptogamic diseases.
Recommended Rootstocks
The choice of rootstock is essential for adapting the Napoleon Cherry tree to local conditions. In France, several rootstocks are recommended:
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Ceravium , a hybrid of cherry and morello cherry, offering good compatibility with all varieties of cherry trees and promoting rapid fruit set .
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Maxma 14 , a hybrid of cherry and Saint Lucia, which reduces the vigor of the tree while improving productivity and fruit size .
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Prunus mahaleb , suitable for dry and calcareous soils , although less recommended for heavy soils.
The choice of rootstock depends on the characteristics of the soil , the climate and the production objectives .
Harvest and Profitability
The Napoleon Cherry tree is harvested between the end of June and the beginning of July , which allows the season to be extended after early varieties such as Burlat .
Its average yield is 50 to 70 kg per tree , but it can be subject to an alternation phenomenon (high production one year, lower the following year). Rigorous management of the orchard, including balanced fertilization and appropriate pruning , makes it possible to optimize production from year to year.
Orchard Maintenance and Management
Light annual pruning is recommended after harvest to stimulate branching and improve fruit production. It is important to avoid excessive pruning, which could reduce fruit production.
Applying a balanced (NPK) fertilizer in early spring promotes flowering and fruit formation. Fertilization rich in potassium and magnesium also improves the taste quality of cherries .
Mulching at the base of the tree helps to retain soil moisture , prevent competition from weeds and reduce water evaporation in summer.
In the event of prolonged drought, additional watering may be necessary to avoid water stress and ensure good fruit set.
Conclusion
The Napoleon Cherry is an old and hardy variety of bigarreau , appreciated for its superior quality fruits , its adaptability to various climates and its longevity .
Its resistance to cold , good storage and late harvest make it a strategic option for producers wishing to extend the cherry season .
However, cross-pollination is essential , and it is crucial to choose a suitable rootstock to avoid problems related to limescale and root asphyxiation.
Rigorous orchard management , including disease and pest monitoring , helps ensure regular and profitable production for professionals in the sector.
To summarize: Napoleon Cherry
The Napoleon Cherry Tree is a historic and rustic variety, producing large, sweet and firm fruits , harvested at the end of the season (end of June - beginning of July) . Its good conservation and resistance to transport make it a strategic choice for commercial markets and export . However, it is self-sterile and requires pollinating varieties such as Burlat, Hedelfingen or Van to guarantee abundant production. Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, offers rigorously selected plants for successful establishment and a profitable harvest .
Napoleon adapts well to cold and temperate climates , but requires well-drained soil rich in organic matter , with limited tolerance to limestone . Choosing the right rootstock is essential to ensure balanced growth and good fruiting : Ceravium, Maxma 14 or Prunus mahaleb are the most recommended. Buying Napoleon cherry plants from an expert guarantees optimal adaptation to the terroir and increased productivity .
Although resistant, the Napoleon Cherry Tree must be protected from fungal diseases such as brown rot and powdery mildew , and monitored against black aphids and cherry fruit fly . Light pruning after harvest , a balanced fertilizer supply (NPK) and effective mulching help optimize the health of the tree and the quality of the fruit. Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, supports producers with technical advice and selected plants for effective orchard management .
With a yield of 50 to 70 kg per tree and high market demand , the Napoleon Cherry tree is a safe and profitable investment . Its late harvest allows for a longer cherry season and maximizes profits . Buying Napoleon Cherry plants from a specialist supplier guarantees a successful orchard, quality fruit and production adapted to commercial requirements .
