Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus) GEREMA

Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus) 'Gerema'

Modern German self-fertile variety resistant to Monilinia.

'Gerema' is a new German sour cherry variety (cross of 'Kelleriis 14' × 'Heimanns Rubinweichsel') characterized by slow growth and high disease resistance, especially to Monilinia. It is a self-fertile variety that produces high yields of large, firm, and sweet fruits suitable for fresh consumption and processing. Ideal for small gardens.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Resistance to Monilinia and leaf spot fungus.
• Weak growth (suitable for small gardens).
• High and early yield (suitable also for mechanical harvesting).
• Large, firm fruits (6 g) resistant to cracking.
• Harmonious sweet taste.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Germany (bred 1999)
• Parentage: 'Kelleriis 14' × 'Heimanns Rubinweichsel'

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Weak (slow-growing), height 3 – 6 m. Compatible with all rootstocks.
• Flowering: Very late (not sensitive to rain and frost).
• Yield: Very early onset, high yields. Blooms laterally on long shoots and tends to form bouquet shoots.

Fruit

• Size: Large (6 g).
• Color: Dark, carmine-red.
• Flesh: Very firm, drier. Resistant to cracking during rainy weather.
• Taste: Harmonious, sweet predominates sour.
• Usage: Preserving (wet preserves), topping fruit, freezing, juice, fresh consumption.

Resistance and Requirements

• Resistance: Resistant to Monilia (Monilinia laxa) and leaf spot fungus (Blumeriella jaapii). Frost hardy (down to -29 °C).
• Location: Sun to partial shade, sheltered from wind.
• Soil: Humus-rich, moderately moist, permeable, rather drier loam, pH 6.5 – 8.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: Self-fertile.
• Harvest: Late June to early August (sources vary slightly).

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Late June (or July).
• Properties: Low sensitivity to damage.