Prunus avium Staccato- Cherry Tree

The Staccato® Cherry Tree is a variety known for its particularly late harvest and its very firm, excellent keeping quality fruits. Developed by the Summerland station in Canada, this variety is also distinguished by its self-fertile character, rapid fruiting, and floribundity. Its cherries are medium to large, elongated heart-shaped and deep red, with a balanced flavour between sweet and tangy. The Staccato variety is quite resistant to common cherry tree diseases and climatic stresses.

Prunus avium belongs to the Rosaceae family, like the Morello Cherry Tree (Prunus cerasus). Also known as the Wild Cherry or Bird Cherry, it is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, and has been present in Europe since the Neolithic era (polished stone age).

The Staccato® Cherry Tree is part of the sweet cherries group. This cultivar was obtained by cross-breeding Sweetheart®Sumtare with an unknown parent. The tree has a semi-erect habit with moderate to strong vigour, particularly moderate on dwarfing rootstocks. Branching is moderate. Suited for various training systems such as open centre and espalier, it requires mixed pruning for optimal productivity.

The flowering period of Staccato® (April) overlaps with that of 'Bigarreau Burlat', its floribundity is high to very high. The tree fruits very quickly, and its productivity is high to very high, with good production regularity. The fruits are distributed in clusters on the branches.

The fruits of the Staccato® Cherry Tree are elongated heart-shaped with a short to medium-length stalk. They are harvested when they are very dark red. Their size is medium to quite large (26-28 mm). The fruit firmness is very good, and they have a balanced, slightly tangy flavour. The harvesting period varies depending on the climatic zone: from June 16 to June 30 in early zones, from June 23 to July 3 in mid zones, and from June 27 to July 18 in late zones.

Staccato® is slightly susceptible to Pseudomonas bacteriosis, cylindrosporiosis. It is moderately sensitive to mild winters and Moniliasis. The fruit is prone to splitting at the stigma level. Harvesting is quite challenging due to the clusters, but the ability to harvest without the peduncle is moderate to good. After harvest, the fruits do not have granular skin, do not wilt, and the peduncle does not dry out quickly.

This Staccato Cherry Tree is self-fertile, it does not require the presence of another cherry tree nearby to fruit.

It is important to only pick cherries when they are ripe, as they do not ripen further, and with their peduncles to ensure good storage. Since cherries are quite fragile, harvest carefully with a picking rod or manually on a ladder. This very juicy and very sweet cherry is delicious to eat fresh. In cooking, it reveals all its flavours in clafoutis, cakes, crumbles or pies, fruit salads, and as an accompaniment to white meat dishes (turkey, chicken, veal, duck...). They are also perfect for making jams, fruits in syrup, and preserves.

Their content of vitamins A, C and E, phenolic antioxidants, calcium and copper, with a significant iron intake, richness in trace elements and fibres, make cherries a healthy choice. The fruits only keep for a few days in a cool place or in the refrigerator. They can be frozen once washed, dried, stemmed, and pitted.

Plant the cherry tree as a specimen on a lawn, in an orchard, or in an edible hedge. Among our wide range of cherry trees, it is easy to find the best variety for you.