Conventional bare-root Sunburst Cherry Tree Plant

Technical sheet of the Bigarreau Sunburst Cherry variety

• Habit and Size: Semi-erect with medium to strong vigor, very branched.
• Earliness of the variety (fruit maturity): Medium to slow maturity, harvest starting around mid-June in the south of France and 10 days later above the Loire.
• Fruiting period: Generally in June and July, after flowering which occurs in April.
• Disease resistance: Good resistance to common diseases such as brown rot and powdery mildew.
• Recommended Pollinators: Self-sterile, requires the presence of another compatible cherry tree for cross-pollination to produce fruit.
• Soil Type: Prefers sandy, slightly moist soils, but can tolerate different soil types.
• Maintenance: Requires annual pruning and must be tied to a stake to grow straight and withstand strong winds.
• Fruit Storage: Fruit can be safely stored for one week.
• Fruit Taste: Sweet and tangy flavor.
• Cold resistance: Hardy, able to withstand temperatures down to -20°C.
• Geographic origin: British Columbia, Canada.
• Comments: Easy to grow and well suited to planting in a small garden or large pot on a terrace, in well-drained, fresh soil, and in a sunny location.

Quick read / the essentials on the Bigarreau Sunburst Cherry

The Bigarreau Sunburst Cherry is a Canadian variety resulting from a cross between Van and Stella , known for its large, sweet and juicy cherries . It is appreciated by producers for its ease of cultivation, its productivity and its good tolerance to diseases . Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, provides apple growers with plants selected to optimize the yield and quality of the fruit.

The Sunburst Cherry tree is self-sterile , requiring the planting of pollinating varieties such as Burlat, Summit or Napoleon to ensure effective fruiting. It flowers between late March and late April , with a harvest from June to July , allowing it to arrive on the market after the early varieties. Buying Bigarreau Sunburst cherry plants from an expert supplier guarantees successful establishment and optimized production .

Sunburst cherries are distinguished by their dark red skin and sweet, firm flesh , making them ideal for fresh consumption, baking, and jams . However, their shelf life is limited , requiring careful harvesting and rapid marketing . Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, supports growers with technical advice and high-quality plants adapted to each orchard.

The Sunburst Cherry tree adapts well to temperate climates , with good cold tolerance. It requires well-drained soil to avoid root asphyxiation. Using a suitable rootstock , such as Colt or Maxma , helps regulate vigor and improve disease resistance. Buying Bigarreau Sunburst cherry plants from a specialist guarantees optimal development and rapid fruit set .

Although resistant to diseases such as brown rot and powdery mildew , Sunburst can be susceptible to shot hole , requiring regular pruning and preventative treatments . Good pest management (aphids, cherry flies) using organic methods and natural predators is essential to preserve the harvest. Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, offers tailored solutions for efficient and profitable cultivation .

Introducing the Bigarreau Sunburst Cherry Tree

The Bigarreau Sunburst cherry tree is a variety native to British Columbia, Canada, resulting from a cross between the Van and Stella varieties. It was developed at the Summerland Research Station and is now prized for the quality of its fruit, its ease of cultivation, and its good resistance to common diseases. This cherry tree is distinguished by its production of large, sweet, and juicy cherries, suitable for both fresh consumption and processing.

Flowering and fruiting

The Sunburst cherry tree is a semi-late variety. It blooms between late March and late April, depending on the climate and altitude of the growing region. Cherry harvest generally takes place between June and July, with slight variations depending on the geographical area. It is recommended to harvest the fruit shortly before it reaches full maturity to improve its preservation and prevent softening.

Yield and production alternation

Although precise yield figures per tree are not systematically documented, Sunburst is considered a productive variety. Like other cherry trees, it can experience a phenomenon of alternating production, i.e., a year of high production followed by a lesser year. Yield consistency can be optimized through appropriate cultural management, including pruning and fertilization. The cherries produced are large, with an average diameter of 2.7 to 3 cm and a weight of up to 9 to 11 g per fruit.

Self-fertility and pollination

Unlike some modern varieties like Stella, the Sunburst cherry tree is self-sterile. It therefore requires the presence of another compatible cherry tree to ensure effective cross-pollination. It is recommended to plant varieties such as Burlat, Summit, or Napoleon nearby to optimize fruiting. Good circulation of pollinating insects is also essential to ensure optimal pollination.

Fruit quality and conservation

Sunburst cherries are prized for their firm, sweet, and juicy flesh. Their particularly mild flavor makes them ideal for fresh consumption, but they also lend themselves well to making jams or pastries. However, their shelf life is relatively short, making it important to pick them at the right time to limit post-harvest losses.

Resistance to diseases and parasites

The Sunburst cherry tree shows good tolerance to the main diseases affecting cherry trees, including brown rot and powdery mildew. However, it can be susceptible to shot hole, a fungal disease that affects leaves and fruit. Preventive treatment with copper-based fungicides may be recommended to limit the risks. Regarding pests, it is advisable to promote an environment favorable to beneficial insects and avoid pesticides harmful to bees to ensure effective pollination.

Growing conditions and adaptation to climate

The Sunburst cherry tree adapts well to temperate climates and withstands winter cold, making it suitable for various French regions. However, it is important to plant it in well-drained soil to avoid the risk of root asphyxiation. Although it can tolerate slightly chalky soils, it is recommended to use a suitable rootstock to ensure good growth. Commonly used rootstocks include Colt and Maxma, which control the tree's vigor and improve its resistance.

Orchard management and maintenance

Regular pruning is necessary to stimulate fruiting and ensure good aeration of the foliage, thus limiting the risk of fungal diseases. It is advisable to carry out formative pruning in the first few years, then fruiting pruning after harvest. Mulching at the base of the tree can help maintain soil moisture and limit weed growth.

Economic and trade outlook

The Sunburst cherry tree represents an interesting opportunity for cherry growers in France thanks to the quality of its fruit and its commercial potential. However, it is important to anticipate pollination management and optimize the marketing of cherries, given their limited shelf life. A study of the local market, combined with effective orchard management, will maximize the profitability of this variety.

In conclusion, the Bigarreau Sunburst cherry tree is a promising variety for apple and cherry growers, provided pollination and growing conditions are well managed. Its large fruit, with sweet and juicy flesh, makes it a preferred choice for fresh consumption and processing.

To summarize: Bigarreau Sunburst Cherry

The Bigarreau Sunburst Cherry Tree is a modern and productive variety , offering large fruits with a sweet and juicy flavor . With a harvest in June-July , it is an excellent choice for extending the cherry season . However, being self-sterile , it requires the planting of pollinating varieties such as Burlat, Summit or Napoleon to guarantee a good yield. Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, offers high-quality plants for efficient and profitable production .

Sunburst adapts well to temperate climates and well-drained soils , although a suitable rootstock such as Colt or Maxma is recommended to ensure balanced growth and good adaptation to local conditions . Buying Bigarreau Sunburst cherry plants from an expert can ensure rapid fruit set and a stable yield .

Although resistant to common diseases , Sunburst can be prone to shot hole , requiring preventative treatments and regular maintenance pruning . Monitoring for pests , particularly aphids and cherry fruit flies , is essential to maintain fruit quality. Arboriverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants, supports apple growers with tailored solutions to optimize orchard management .

With good commercial potential , the Sunburst Cherry tree is an attractive investment for growers, provided that pollination and growing conditions are carefully managed . Buying Bigarreau Sunburst cherry plants from a specialist wholesaler ensures cost-effective production and high-quality fruit that meets market requirements .