Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) SWEETHEART

Cherry (Prunus avium) 'Sweetheart'

Very late self-fertile crisp cherry with large and resistant fruits.

'Sweetheart' is a modern Canadian cherry variety that ranks among the elite late varieties. It is valued for its self-fertility (providing high and regular yields), large and attractive fruits, and excellent resistance to cracking. It ripens very late, significantly extending the fresh cherry season.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Very late ripening (7th – 8th cherry week).
• Self-fertility and high, regular yield.
• Large, shiny red fruits (approx. 10 – 12 g).
• Excellent sweet and aromatic taste.
• Resistance to fruit cracking.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Canada (Summerland, British Columbia)
• Type: Late crisp cherry
• Breeder: W. D. Lane (1994)

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Medium to weaker, compact. Therefore suitable even for smaller gardens.
• Yield: Early onset, yields are very high and regular.

Fruit

• Size: Large to very large (9.5 – 12 g and more).
• Shape and Color: Round to heart-shaped. Intense bright red to dark red color, shiny.
• Flesh: Red, firm (crisp), juicy.
• Taste: Excellent, deliciously sweet, distinctly aromatic.
• Usage: Universal – fresh consumption, canning, freezing.

Resistance and Requirements

• Resistance: High resistance to fruit cracking. Undemanding regarding conditions, frost hardy (down to -29 °C).
• Location: Sunny, warm, with good air circulation.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Pollination: Self-fertile (does not require a pollinator and is a good pollinator for other varieties).

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Very late, 7th – 8th cherry week (mid-July to August).
• Storage: Good shelf life, fruits last longer even after picking.