Technical sheet of the Van Cherry variety
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Fruit Flesh Color: Generally dark red to black when ripe
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Skin color: Dark red to black
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Size and Shape: Large, rounded to slightly heart-shaped
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Tree Size: Medium to strong vigor, reaching 4 to 6 meters in height
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Fruit maturity: Mid-season (usually July)
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Fruit taste: Sweet and juicy, with a slight acidity. Firm and crisp flesh.
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Earliness of the variety: Mid-season
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Fruiting period: July
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Disease resistance and storage: Good resistance to common cherry diseases. Good post-harvest storage.
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Variety yield: Productive
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Is this variety self-fertile? No, requires a pollinator.
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Commercial use: Mainly for fresh consumption, processing into preserves and pastries
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Comments: One of the most popular cherry trees thanks to its taste quality and good productivity.
Quick read / the essentials on the Van cherry tree
The 'Van' cherry tree is a must-have for cherry growers in France thanks to its high productivity and the remarkable quality of its fruit. Highly prized for its sweet, firm, and juicy cherries, it appeals to professionals looking for a reliable and high-performance variety. Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, supports apple growers by offering 'Van' cherry plants selected for their vigor and adaptation to commercial orchards.
Native to Canada and introduced to France in 1968, the 'Van' cherry tree has established itself in the production of bigarreau cherries. Its fruits, of a beautiful medium to large size, have a bright dark red color that attracts consumers. However, their storage life is relatively short, so rapid marketing is recommended to ensure their optimal quality.
One of the major advantages of the 'Van' cherry tree is its late flowering, limiting the risks associated with spring frosts. However, it is self-sterile and requires compatible pollinators such as the Bigarreau Burlat and Bigarreau Napoléon varieties to ensure good fruiting. Buying Van cherry plants from a specialist allows you to optimize production thanks to a careful selection of rootstocks adapted to each soil and climate.
In terms of resistance, the 'Van' cherry tree tolerates low temperatures well, down to -20°C, and tolerates periods of moderate drought. It is not particularly sensitive to calcareous soils, but well-drained soil is still recommended for optimal development. Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, advises professionals on the choice of varieties and rootstocks, such as Ceravium, Maxma 14 or Gisela 6, which influence the tree's vigor and fruit set.
Thanks to its rapid entry into production within 2 to 3 years of planting, the 'Van' cherry tree allows growers to benefit from attractive profitability. Careful management of diseases such as brown rot, gummosis, and attacks by aphids or cherry fruit flies is necessary to ensure healthy and abundant harvests. Buying Van cherry plants from an expert guarantees access to quality, resistant plants adapted to the specific needs of commercial orchards.
Introducing the 'Van' Cherry Tree to Apple Growers and Cherry Producers in France
The 'Van' cherry tree is a variety of bigarreau particularly prized by professional producers for its high productivity , its sweet and firm fruits , as well as its hardiness . Originally from Canada , it was introduced in France in 1968 , where it quickly established itself as a reference in commercial orchards.
Characteristics of Fruits
The cherries produced by the 'Van' cherry tree are distinguished by their medium to large size and rounded shape . Their dark red, glossy skin attracts consumers and gives the fruit a good commercial appearance. The flesh, although its color is not specified in the sources, is generally firm, juicy, sweet and fragrant .
On the other hand, the fruits of the 'Van' have a short shelf life , which requires rapid marketing after harvesting.
Flowering and Pollination
The 'Van' cherry tree has a late flowering period , a notable advantage for avoiding spring frosts that can compromise production. However, it is self-sterile , requiring cross-pollination to ensure good fruiting.
Compatible varieties recommended as pollinators include:
- Bigarreau Burlat
- Bigarreau Napoleon
Planting these varieties nearby is essential to maximize the yield of 'Van'.
Resistance and Adaptability
The 'Van' cherry tree is known for its hardiness , with a tolerance to temperatures ranging from -15 to -20°C . It is also relatively drought-resistant , although regular watering during periods of high heat improves the quality and quantity of the harvest.
Regarding its adaptation to soils, no specific sensitivity to limestone or root asphyxiation has been reported, although cherry trees in general can be affected by these factors. It is therefore recommended to opt for a well-drained and light soil to ensure good development.
Production and Yield
The 'Van' cherry tree is very productive , offering an abundant harvest, although sometimes irregular depending on the year. It begins to produce 2 to 3 years after planting , which makes it a prized variety for its rapid fruiting .
Maintenance is relatively simple, with annual pruning after harvest to encourage fruiting and branching. Mulching at the base helps limit water evaporation and weed growth.
Susceptibility to Diseases and Parasites
Like many cherry varieties, the 'Van' can be prone to certain fungal diseases and pest attacks. Some of the most common diseases include:
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Brown rot , causing fruit rot
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Bacterial canker , favored by humidity
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Gummosis , affecting the health of branches and trunk
Regarding pests, regular monitoring is necessary to control:
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Aphids , harmful to young shoots
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Caterpillars , which can defoliate the tree
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The cherry fly , which impacts the quality of the fruit
Integrated preventive management, including biological treatments , natural predators and good aeration of the orchard , helps limit these risks.
Recommended Rootstocks
To optimize the vigor and production of the 'Van' cherry tree, several rootstocks are commonly used in France, including:
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Ceravium : Good compatibility with all varieties, medium vigor and high productivity.
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Maxma 14 : Semi-dwarfing, promotes good fruit size and rapid fruit set.
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Gisela 6 : Suitable for well-drained soils and allows for early production.
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Krymsk 1 : Resistant to diseases and harsh climatic conditions.
The choice of rootstock will depend mainly on the type of soil , the climate and the production objectives of the apple grower.
Conclusion
The 'Van' cherry tree is an excellent choice for growers looking for a productive variety that is resistant to cold and moderate droughts and produces high-quality fruit . Its self-sterility, however, requires the presence of compatible pollinating varieties to ensure good yields.
Although it can be prone to certain diseases and pests , careful management allows for regular and profitable harvests. Its rapid development and ease of maintenance make it a major asset for commercial orchards in France.
To summarize: Van cherry tree
The 'Van' cherry tree is a must-have variety for cherry growers in France, prized for its high productivity and superior fruit quality. Thanks to its attractive size and firm, sweet flesh, it meets the demands of the commercial market, while requiring appropriate post-harvest storage management. Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, provides apple growers with quality plants, selected for their resistance and profitability.
Its late flowering is an asset against frost, but its self-sterility requires the planting of pollinators such as Bigarreau Burlat or Bigarreau Napoléon to maximize fruiting. Its adaptation to temperate climates and its tolerance to negative temperatures down to -20°C make it a strategic choice for producers looking for a reliable and high-performance variety. Buying Van cherry plants from an expert wholesaler allows you to obtain the best selections based on the terroir and production objectives.
To ensure a bountiful and consistent harvest, the choice of rootstock is crucial. Options such as Ceravium, Maxma 14, Gisela 6, or Krymsk 1 allow you to optimize vigor and productivity depending on the orchard's conditions. Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, supports growers with technical advice and a wide selection of high-quality plants.
Although the 'Van' cherry tree is robust, it remains susceptible to certain diseases and pests, requiring regular monitoring and preventative measures such as biological treatments or integrated pest management methods. With rigorous management and proper maintenance, this variety offers attractive yield prospects for professional orchards. Purchasing Van cherry plants from a specialist supplier guarantees a profitable and long-term investment for French growers.
