Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus) SHOKOLADNITSA

Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus) 'Shokoladnitsa'

A self-fertile Russian variety with low growth and good yield.

'Shokoladnitsa' (Шоколадница) is a popular Russian sour cherry variety whose name ("Chocolate Girl") is derived from the almost black colour of its ripe fruits. It is characterized by its low growth (up to 2.5 m), which makes it ideal for smaller gardens and facilitates harvesting. Its main advantages include self-fertility, good frost resistance, and drought resistance. Its biggest disadvantage is its high susceptibility to fungal diseases, which requires consistent protection.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Self-fertility and good yield.
• Low growth (up to 2.5 m) facilitating harvest.
• Good frost and drought resistance.
• The stone separates easily from the flesh.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Russia
• Breeders: A. F. Kolesnikova, M. V. Mikheeva, T. A. Trofimova
• Institution: All-Russian Research Institute of Fruit Crop Breeding (VNIISPK)
• Crossing: ‘Shirpotreb chernaya’ × ‘Lyubskaya’
• Registration: Included in the State Register of the Russian Federation in 1996.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Less vigorous, grows to a height of 2.0 – 2.5 m.
• Crown: Inversely pyramidal, compact, upright.
• Pollination: It is self-fertile.

Fruit

• Size and weight: Medium-sized, with a weight of 3.5 g.
• Shape and colour: Broadly round, almost black.
• Flesh and juice: The flesh is dark red, medium firm. The juice is dark red.
• Flavour: Harmonious, sweet-tart (rating 4.0/5).
• Stone: Medium-sized (0.28 g), easily separable from the flesh.
• Use: Versatile. Thanks to its unique flavour and colour, it is ideal for making jams, preserves, desserts, and beverages.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Good.
• Disease resistance: It is susceptible to shot hole disease and moniliosis.
• Drought resistance: Resistant.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Due to its high susceptibility to fungal diseases, regular preventive protection is essential.
• Thanks to its self-fertility, it is also suitable for growing as a solitary tree.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Mid-early (July 8–15).
• Yield: Medium.
• Entry into bearing: 4th year after planting.