Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) NIMBA

Cherry (Prunus avium) 'Nimba'

Very early American variety with large and sweet fruits.

'Nimba' is a premium very early cherry variety licensed by Cot International. It is exceptionally interesting for ripening even before the Burlat variety, while maintaining large fruit size (28-30 mm) and excellent sweet taste. It is ideal for direct marketing.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Very early ripening (approx. 5 days before Burlat).
• Large fruits (28 – 30 mm) of kidney shape.
• Excellent sweet taste (over 16° Brix).
• Early bearing onset and high yield.
• Good firmness and cracking resistance for an early variety.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: USA (California)
• Breeder: SMS Unlimited
• Licensor: Cot International (France) - protected variety.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Medium to strong, semi-upright, open habit. Very good branching.
• Productivity: Bearing onset is fast. Yield is high, fruits hang evenly dense with a tendency to cluster.
• Pruning: Requires stronger pruning to prevent overcropping and maintain fruit size.

Fruit

• Size: Very large, 28 – 30 mm.
• Shape: Kidney-shaped (reniform). Medium long stalk.
• Color: Medium to dark red, shiny (intense red).
• Flesh: Medium to firm, fine texture, juicy.
• Taste: Excellent, very sweet (over 16° Brix) and spicy-aromatic.

Resistance and Requirements

• Cracking sensitivity: Low to medium (good for an early variety).

Cultivation Recommendations

• Flowering: Early.
• Pollination: Self-sterile (S2S3). Main pollinator: 'Pacific Red'. Others: 'Burlat', 'Samba', 'Bellise', 'Vanda'.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Very early, 1st – 2nd cherry week (approx. 5 days before Burlat, May).
• Usage: Ideal for direct marketing, less suitable for long wholesale transport.