Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) ROYAL HELEN

Cherry (Prunus avium) 'Royal Helen'

Very late self-fertile variety with huge and extremely sweet fruits.

'Royal Helen' is a premium American cherry variety from Zaiger Genetics (marketed by IPS). It ranks among the largest and sweetest cherries on the market. It is characterized by very late ripening, self-fertility, and fruits that achieve excellent quality with high sugar content (19-20° Brix).

Main advantages of the variety:

• Huge fruits (diameter 33–34 mm, weight 14–15 g).
• Self-fertile (does not require a pollinator).
• Excellent sweet taste (very low acidity).
• Very firm flesh and long shelf-life.
• Suitable for all types of plantations.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: USA
• Breeder: Zaiger Genetics
• Licensor: IPS (France) - protected variety.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Vigorous to medium vigorous.
• Habit: Erect to semi-upright.
• Fruiting: Fruits mainly on spurs (dards). Very good production potential.

Fruit

• Size and Weight: Very big, with a diameter of 33 – 34 mm and weight of 14 – 15 g.
• Shape and Color: Round fruit with intense red colour.
• Stalk: Medium-long (40-45 mm) and thick, providing excellent resistance to handling.
• Flesh: Very firm, crisp.
• Taste: Excellent, very sweet (19-20° Brix) with very low acidity.

Resistance and Requirements

• Sensitivity: The variety is sensitive to cracking due to rain.
• Protection: Covering the orchards with plastic film is strongly suggested.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: Self-fertile.
• Flowering: Intermediate-Late blooming season.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Very late, approximately +32 days after Burlat (late June / early July).
• Storage: Excellent shelf-life and resistance to handling thanks to fruit firmness.