Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus) TARINA

Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus) 'Tarina'

Early Romanian variety with weaker growth and good resistance.

'Tarina' is an early sour cherry variety bred at the Pitești-Mărăcineni institute, popular for its weaker, compact growth and early fruit ripening. Thanks to these characteristics, it is excellent for smaller gardens, where it provides regular yields of tasty and versatile fruits.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Weaker and compact growth.
• Early ripening (mid-June).
• Regular yield and good frost resistance.
• Stone separates easily from the flesh.
• Fruits tolerate handling and transport well.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Romania
• Institution: ICDP Pitești-Mărăcineni
• Parentage: 'Engleze timpurii' × 'Vișin tufă'
• Registration: 1984

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Weak to medium strong (height 3 – 4 m). The crown is compact.
• Bearing: 3rd to 4th year after planting.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Medium size, 4 – 6 g.
• Shape: Round, slightly flattened.
• Color: Dark cherry-red. The skin is shiny.
• Flesh: Dark red, medium firm, and juicy.
• Taste: Pleasant, refreshing, sweet-sour with mild tartness.
• Stone: Separates from the flesh.
• Usage: Universal – fresh consumption (early variety), processing.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Good (down to -23 °C).
• Disease resistance: Good.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: Information is ambiguous (self-fertile vs. self-sterile). To ensure yield, growing with a pollinator (e.g., 'Nana') is recommended.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Early (June 10 – 20).
• Yield: Medium, but regular.