Prunus cerasus Bigarreau Coeur de Pigeon - Tart Cherry Tree

The Bigarreau Coeur de Pigeon Cherry is a vigorous variety producing large, sweet fruits with firm and crunchy yellow flesh, slightly acidic, and with a shiny light red skin. Flowering begins in early April. To ensure good fruiting, this non-self-fertile variety needs to be associated with a Bigarreau Napoleon or Burlat Cherry in close proximity, within a radius of 20 to 30m (66 to 98ft). Planting is ideally done in autumn for a harvest in June.

The Bigarreau Coeur de Pigeon Cherry produces large heart-shaped fruits, firm and crunchy. The cherries, with a shiny light red skin, have slightly acidic yellow flesh. Enjoy them just after picking or, if the harvest is abundant, use them to make pies, clafoutis, jams, and preserves. Cherries are rich in vitamin C, minerals, and trace elements.

The Bigarreau Coeur de Pigeon cherry is a vigorous variety. In early April it is covered with small white flowers that appear before the foliage. This variety is pollinated by the Napoleon and Burlat varieties. It is necessary to have one of these other cherry trees in close proximity, within a radius of 20 to 30m (66 to 98ft), to allow for good fruiting. The variety Coeur de Pigeon is harvested in June. The harvest can be more or less abundant depending on the year and may exhibit an alternate (biennial) bearing phenomenon, allowing the tree to replenish its reserves. Fruit production becomes optimal after 6 to 7 years. Cherries should be picked when ripe as they do not ripen after harvest.

The Bigarreau Cherry (Prunus avium) belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a medium-sized tree, reaching 5 to 10m (16 to 33ft) in height at maturity. Hardy, it can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F), while the flowers are sensitive to spring frosts and are damaged at -2°C (28.4°F). Its rounded habit provides a beautiful shaded space, very pleasant during the summer. Its alternate toothed leaves are shiny and dark green, then take on a lovely russet colour in autumn before falling. Adapted to most regions, the cherry tree can be planted on a lawn, at the back of a flowerbed, or within an orchard.