Prunus cerasus Griotella - Tart Cherry Tree

Prunus cerasus Griotella Frumi is a self-fertile variety, selected by George Delbard. It is a dwarf cherry tree highly appreciated by gardeners for its habit and multiple ornamental uses in open ground or in pots on a patio or balcony. Its compact size and slightly weeping habit make it the champion of cherry trees, facilitating picking. The Griotella Dwarf Cherry tree blooms in March and generously produces juicy, fleshy, and fragrant red drupes in July. Also known as griotte, the tangy fruits have many uses in cooking, delicious in sweet pastries as well as accompanying savory dishes. Planting is recommended in autumn. Its good cold resistance and ability to grow in all types of soils, except for overly clay soils, make it easy to establish the Griotella Cherry tree in all regions.

The flowers of the Griotella Dwarf Cherry tree appear as early as March before the leaves bud. This flowering, composed of white flowers grouped in clusters, is always a dazzling sight, announcing the end of winter. In the garden, the flowering Griotella tree is very attractive to bees, which readily gather nectar from it. The reddish wood characterizes it as a member of the cherry family. In July, this Griotella tree produces an abundant crop of smaller red fruits than sweet cherries, with firm and juicy flesh. The fruit is attached to the branch by a short petiole measuring 1 to 2 cm (0.5 to 1in) long. The deciduous foliage is light green and takes on shades of brown-orange in autumn.

Prunus cerasus belongs to the Rosaceae family, also known as the Griotella or Sour Cherry tree. It is native to Asia Minor and is widely grown in Europe. Hardy, it withstands cold temperatures and adapts well to all regions. If grown in a pot, it is advisable to protect it during cold periods. It prefers a sunny exposure, slightly sheltered from the wind. It adapts to all types of soil, even slightly calcareous, except for overly clay soils. The Griotella Frumi variety is distinguished by its slightly weeping rounded habit and does not exceed 1.5 to 2.00 metres (5 to 7 feet) in height.

The fruit or drupe of the Griotella Dwarf Cherry tree is rich in antioxidants, making it beneficial for health. It can be enjoyed raw on the tree, but the griotte reveals its flavors in cooking to enhance sweet pastries or savoury dishes, or simply as jam.

To ensure successful establishment, this fruit tree is delivered with a 'ready-to-plant' root ball. At planting, the root ball should be directly planted with the biodegradable tontine that surrounds and protects the root system. This protection will decompose on its own during the first months of planting.