Stella Dwarf Cherry Tree bare-root

Technical sheet of the Stella Cherry variety

• Fruit flesh color: Red
• Skin color: Dark red (almost black when ripe)
• Size and shape: Large caliber (2.5 to 3 cm in diameter)
• Tree size: Dwarf and compact habit
• Fruit maturity: End of June
• Fruit taste: Red flesh, firm, melting, juicy and very sweet
• Disease resistance and storage: Good resistance to common cherry diseases (brown rot and powdery mildew)
• Variety yield: Up to 50 kg of fruit per year when fully grown
• Is this variety self-fertile? Yes
• Commercial use: Fresh, clafoutis, pies, preserves, accompaniments to savory dishes
• Comments: Very ornamental, cold hardy, not very susceptible to disease, native to Canada

Quick read / the essentials on the Stella Cherry Tree

The Stella cherry tree is a self-fertile variety originating from Canada, developed in 1968 to offer a regular and abundant production . Its large, dark red and crisp fruits are prized for fresh consumption and processing . Thanks to its good resistance to diseases and its adaptability to varied soils , it is a reference for professional producers and family orchards .

As a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants , Arboriverse offers Stella cherry plants that have been rigorously selected to ensure optimal fruiting and high profitability . This cherry tree adapts particularly well to well-drained soils , with suitable rootstocks such as Colt, Maxma 14, Gisela 6 and Sainte-Lucie , depending on the growing conditions and production objective.

Why buy Stella cherry plants? Its self-fertility simplifies pollination management, making it ideal for low-density farms . Its large size (26-30 mm) and sweet, juicy flesh make it a highly sought-after variety on the fresh market. In addition, its harvest from mid-June to early July allows for a longer marketing season and optimized orchard yields.

Thanks to its high commercial potential , buying Stella cherry plants from a specialist cherry plant wholesale supplier like Arboriverse means investing in stable and profitable production , with high-quality plants selected for their vigor and resistance .

Presentation of the Stella Cherry Tree

Stella Cherry is a variety of cherry tree originating from Canada , more precisely from the Summerland Research Station in British Columbia , where it was developed in 1968 from a cross between Lambert and John Innes Seedling 2410. It is appreciated for its self-fertility , its good productivity , and its resistance to diseases .

Origin and Certification

The Stella Cherry tree is an internationally recognized variety for its agronomic qualities. It is not listed as a variety protected by a COV (Plant Variety Certificate) . However, a check with the French authorities (INRAE, CTPS) would confirm its legal status for cultivation and distribution in France.

Tree Characteristics and Growing Conditions

The Stella Cherry Tree is a medium-vigorous tree with a semi-erect habit , reaching 4 to 5 meters in height at maturity. Its moderate growth and self-fertility make it particularly suitable for small orchards , family gardens , but also for professional farms wishing to optimize space .

The rootstocks recommended in France to optimize cultivation are:

• Colt : Reduces vigor and promotes rapid fruit set.
• Maxma 14 : Semi-dwarfing rootstock, improves productivity and resists harsh climatic conditions well.
• Gisela 6 : Ideal for intensive orchards, as it accelerates fruit set and limits tree height.
• Saint Lucia (Prunus mahaleb) : Well adapted to calcareous and dry soils, it ensures robust growth.

The Stella Cherry tree prefers well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral soil and a sunny exposure for optimal production.

Flowering and Pollination

The Stella Cherry tree is self-fertile , meaning it does not require other varieties to produce fruit . This makes it an ideal option for farms with low cherry tree density or for growers wishing to simplify pollination management .

However, the presence of other pollinating varieties such as Burlat, Napoleon, or Van can increase the yield and quality of the fruits .

Flowering takes place at the beginning of April , and fruiting lasts from mid-June to the beginning of July , allowing a harvest in full season .

Fruit Production and Quality

The Stella Cherry tree produces dark red cherries , large in size (26 to 30 mm) , with firm, juicy and sweet flesh .

Its taste characteristics make it a popular fruit:

• Fresh consumption : Crisp texture and balanced flavor.
• Processing : Ideal for jams, preserves and pastries.
• Good shelf life after harvest : Keep for 7 to 10 days in a cool place.

Disease Resistance and Sensitivity to Climatic Factors

The Stella Cherry tree is renowned for its good resistance to diseases , including:

• Moniliosis : Low sensitivity, especially if the tree is well ventilated.
• Powdery mildew : Low sensitivity.
• Bacterial canker : Prevent by suitable pruning and good ventilation of the foliage .
• Cherry fruit fly : Monitor populations and set pheromone traps if necessary.

Regarding its adaptation to climatic conditions:

• Good hardiness : Withstands temperatures down to -20°C , ideal for regions with harsh winters.
• Moderate sensitivity to drought : Regular watering is recommended, especially for young trees.
• Limestone Tolerance : Accepts slightly chalky soils, but prefers well-balanced soils.

Tree Management and Maintenance

To maximize fruit production and quality , here are some maintenance tips:

• Annual pruning after harvest : Promotes aeration of the foliage and limits excessive growth.
• Balanced fertilization : A supply of potassium and phosphorus stimulates fruiting.
• Controlled watering : Essential during periods of drought to avoid water stress.
• Protection against birds : Use of nets to protect fruit.

Conclusion

The Stella Cherry is a must-have variety for professionals looking for a self-fertile and productive variety . Its adaptability to different soil types , good disease resistance and quality fruit make it an excellent option for commercial farms and family orchards .

Its mid-season harvest , combined with good post-harvest performance , allows for diversification of the market offering and ensures profitable production.

To summarize: Stella Cherry

Stella cherry is a high-yielding, self-fertile variety that delivers consistent, high-quality fruit . Its impressive size , firm, juicy flesh , and mid-season harvest make it a strategic choice for professional growers and family orchards looking to grow a reliable, profitable variety.

This variety adapts to well-drained soils and tolerates a variety of conditions , but prefers sunny exposure to maximize its yield. Choosing a suitable rootstock such as Maxma 14 or Gisela 6 helps optimize its growth and productivity. In terms of resistance, the Stella cherry tree is not very susceptible to fungal diseases such as brown rot and powdery mildew , but it requires protection against cherry fruit fly and birds .

Stella fruits , thanks to their sweet flavor and firmness , are ideal for fresh consumption, jams and pastries . Their good post-harvest shelf life (up to 10 days in the fridge) makes them a profitable variety for marketing .

To ensure a successful and sustainable orchard , it is essential to source quality plants from a specialist cherry plant wholesaler . Arboriverse , with its expertise and rigorous selection, provides certified Stella cherry plants , guaranteeing optimal production and high profitability .

Whether for a new plantation or to strengthen an existing orchard , buying Stella cherry plants from a specialist cherry plant wholesale supplier is a guarantee of success for producers wishing to maximize their yield and production quality .