Westhoffen Black Cherry Plant Half-Stem Diameter 10-12 cm Bare Root Conventional

Technical sheet of the Black Cherry variety of Westhoffen

• Fruit flesh color: Juicy
• Skin color: Black
• Size and Shape: Good size
• Tree Size: Medium to tall, up to 6 meters
• Fruit maturity: June and July
• Fruit Taste: Mild, sweet and very fragrant flavor
• Earliness of the variety: Early
• Fruiting period: June and July
• Disease resistance and storage: Good disease resistance
• Variety yield: Very productive
• Is this variety self-fertile? No
• Commercial use: Snacks, juices, jars, clafoutis, cherry pancakes, kirsch
• Comments: Old and emblematic variety of the Alsace region

Quick read / the essentials on the Westhoffen Black Cherry

The Noire de Westhoffen cherry tree is a traditional Alsatian variety , renowned for its sweet and fragrant black cherries , ideal for fresh consumption and processing . Its semi-erect habit , late flowering and harvest in June-July make it a strategic choice for producers wishing to diversify their offer with a heritage variety with high added value .

As a specialist wholesale supplier of cherry plants , Arboriverse offers Noire de Westhoffen cherry plants that have been rigorously selected to ensure stable production and optimal adaptation to French climatic conditions . This variety grows best in well-drained soils , and its yield is optimized with suitable rootstocks such as Ceravium, Maxma 14 and Gisela 6 , which promote balanced growth and rapid fruit set .

Why buy Noire de Westhoffen cherry plants? Its attractive yield (50 to 70 kg per tree) , its high demand in short supply chains and direct sales , as well as its processing potential (juice, kirsch, pastries) make it a safe bet for producers . Being self-sterile , it requires cross-pollination with varieties such as Napoléon or Burlat to ensure optimal fruiting .

Thanks to its high commercial potential , buying Black Westhoffen cherry plants from a specialist cherry plant wholesaler like Arboriverse means investing in a high-performance and profitable crop , with plants selected for their quality and productivity .

Presentation of the Black Cherry Tree of Westhoffen for Apple Growers and Cherry Producers in France

The Black Cherry of Westhoffen is a traditional variety native to Alsace, renowned for its sweet, fragrant black fruits. Highly prized for fresh consumption and culinary processing, this variety is emblematic of the commune of Westhoffen, recognized as the cherry capital of Alsace. Its late flowering and production in June-July make it an attractive variety for producers looking to diversify their offerings.

Origin and Adaptability

Native to the Alsace region, the Black Cherry of Westhoffen is particularly well-adapted to temperate climates and well-drained soils. Its native terroir, characterized by clay-limestone soils and a continental climate, makes it a robust variety, capable of adapting to different growing conditions in France.

Although its level of tolerance to limestone and drought is not precisely documented, it is recommended to avoid very calcareous soils and to ensure a good water supply, especially during periods of prolonged drought.

Characteristics of Fruits

The fruits of the Westhoffen Black Cherry are deep black , with juicy, sweet flesh , offering a mild, fragrant flavor. Their size is medium , slightly smaller than some commercial varieties, but their eating quality more than makes up for this difference.

Highly appreciated for fresh consumption , these cherries are also used for processing into juice, in jars, in clafoutis or even for the preparation of cherry pancakes , a local specialty. They are also used in the production of kirsch and other cherry-based alcohols.

Harvesting takes place in June and July , providing a complementary production period to earlier varieties.

Compatible Rootstocks

The choice of rootstock is essential to ensure good vigor and optimal productivity. Recommended rootstocks for growing Westhoffen Black Cherry in France include:

• Ceravium , derived from wild cherry and morello cherry, which provides moderate vigor and good fruit set. It is relatively resistant to viruses and aphids and tolerates root asphyxiation well.
• Maxma 14 , a hybrid of cherry and Saint Lucie, semi-dwarfing and low-suckering, which offers rapid fruit set and excellent productivity.
• Gisela 6 , a dwarfing hybrid with medium vigor, which promotes uniform and regular production, while limiting the size of the tree.

The choice of rootstock must be adapted to local soil and climate conditions to optimize the productivity and longevity of the trees.

Pollination and Productivity

The Black Cherry of Westhoffen is self-sterile , which means that it requires the presence of other compatible varieties to ensure good fruiting. Recommended pollinating varieties include Napoléon and Burlat , which have a similar flowering period and ensure effective pollination.

It is advisable to plant these pollinating varieties in close proximity to maximize fertilization and optimize fruit production.

Resistance to Diseases and Parasites

Available sources do not specifically mention the disease resistance of the Westhoffen Black Cherry. However, like most cherry trees, it can be susceptible to certain fungal diseases and pest attacks.

The main health risks include:

• The black cherry aphid (Myzus cerasi) , which can cause leaf curl and weaken the tree. Biological control with the introduction of ladybugs or lacewings is a recommended option.
• Brown rot , which causes flowers and branches to dry out. Regular pruning and good ventilation of the orchard can limit its development.
• Cylindrosporiosis , a fungal disease that attacks leaves in humid conditions. It is recommended to remove dead leaves and apply preventative treatments in cases of high disease pressure.

Reasonable management of the orchard and regular monitoring help limit losses and ensure a quality harvest.

Growing Conditions and Sensitivity to Environmental Constraints

The Black Cherry of Westhoffen is a relatively vigorous variety that can reach 6 meters in height at maturity. Its semi-erect habit allows it to maintain a certain compactness, although it gradually spreads with age.

It is adaptable to several types of soil, but it is recommended to:

• Favor well-drained soil to avoid root asphyxiation, especially in the event of excess humidity.
• Avoid very chalky soils , which can cause iron deficiencies (chlorosis).
• Ensure regular watering , especially during periods of prolonged drought, to guarantee stable production and limit the risks of water stress.

Recommended Cultural Practices

The Westhoffen Black Cherry tree should be planted in autumn or winter , outside of frost periods, in order to encourage good rooting before the vegetative recovery.

Recommended planting distances vary depending on the driving method:

• Height : 7 to 10 meters between each tree.
• Half-stem : 5 to 7 meters.
• Cup or distaff : 4 to 5 meters.

Annual pruning is recommended to ensure good structure of the tree, avoid branches crowding and promote air circulation, which limits the risk of disease.

Yield and Benefits for Producers

The Black Cherry of Westhoffen is a productive variety, with average yields of up to 50 to 70 kg per tree , depending on growing conditions and orchard management. Its commercial interest lies in the exceptional quality of its fruits, which stand out for their fragrance, their intense black color and their high sugar content.

As an emblematic variety of Alsace, it benefits from strong potential in direct sales and short circuits , particularly among lovers of local products and processors looking for cherries with an authentic taste.

Conclusion

The Black Cherry of Westhoffen is an Alsatian heritage variety with remarkable taste qualities. Suitable for fresh consumption and processing, it is an asset for producers looking to diversify their production with a variety with strong commercial potential .

Its need for cross-pollination , its susceptibility to fungal diseases and its requirements in terms of soil and watering must be taken into account to ensure regular and quality production. With appropriate management and a relevant choice of rootstock, this variety can offer excellent yields and meet the expectations of specialist markets and producers keen to preserve the regional fruit heritage.

To summarize: Westhoffen Black Cherry

The Noire de Westhoffen cherry tree is an Alsatian heritage variety , known for its intense and tasty black fruits , perfect for fresh consumption, jams and distillation . Its late harvest (June-July) allows it to spread out the production season and target specialized markets for direct sales and processing .

This variety requires well-drained soil and is moderately tolerant of limestone , although watering during dry periods is recommended. Choosing a suitable rootstock , such as Ceravium or Maxma 14 , will help promote its development and optimize its productivity .

The Noire de Westhoffen cherry tree is self-sterile , which requires cross-pollination with compatible varieties such as Napoléon and Burlat . Careful management of the orchard is necessary to limit the risk of fungal diseases , particularly brown rot and cylindrosporiosis .

Thanks to its exceptional taste quality and its processing potential , this variety is a major asset for producers looking for a profitable heritage cherry .

To ensure a productive and high-quality orchard , it is essential to source selected plants from a specialist cherry plant wholesaler . Arboriverse , with its expertise and rigor, provides certified Black Westhoffen cherry plants , guaranteeing reliable and profitable production .

Whether for a new plantation or to diversify an existing orchard , buying Noire de Westhoffen cherry plants from a specialist cherry plant wholesaler is a strategic choice for efficient operation and quality production .