Prunus cerasus Kelleriis15 - Tart Cherry

The Prunus cerasus 'Kelleriis 16' (Morellenfeuer) is a variety of Cherry tree with large, sweet and tangy red fruits. They are best eaten fresh and are perfect for baking or preserving. This Cherry tree forms a medium-sized tree, with a round crown and a flexible habit. This self-fertile variety can therefore be planted alone; it blooms abundantly in March-April and bears fruit in summer. Highly resistant to diseases and very productive, it is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized gardens.

The sour cherry, in Latin Prunus cerasus (also called Morello cherry), as well as the sweet cherry Prunus avium, are the two main species that have given rise to most of the edible cherry trees grown in our gardens. They belong to the Rosaceae family, one of the most important families in our latitudes, both for fruit and ornamental gardens, as well as for wild flora. The cherry tree is a medium-sized tree, reaching 5 to 10 metres (16 to 33 feet) in height at maturity. Its rounded habit provides a beautiful shaded space, very pleasant during the summer. Its alternate and toothed leaves are shiny, dark green, and then turn a lovely russet colour in autumn before falling. Cherries are rich in vitamin C, minerals, and trace elements. This 'Kelleriis 16' variety, also known as 'Morellenfeuer' by the Germans, forms a small tree with a flexible habit and a round crown, with pendulous branch tips, reaching 5 metres (16 feet) in height and spread. In March-April, it displays an abundant white flowering, as decorative as an ornamental cherry tree. After pollination by insects, it produces large red cherries in July-August. Sweet and tangy, they are delicious eaten fresh or cooked in baking and can be preserved.

This variety is self-fertile and does not require pollination by another tree. It is highly productive and also resistant to diseases. This cherry tree can be planted in the majority of garden soils, tolerating acidity and limestone without excess. Once established, it is also tolerant of watering, but occasional watering is always useful, especially during prolonged hot periods. It is best to stake it in the early years, until the root system is well established. Stone fruit trees, including cherry trees, do not appreciate pruning, as it can trigger gummosis, a resin production in response to stress. Therefore, it is best to simply shorten the ends of green shoots in early August. Another important precaution is to check the stake ties each year to avoid strangling the trunk. Use rubber ties and regularly loosen them to avoid hindering the growth of the main trunk.

Suitable for all regions of France, up to 800 metres (2625 feet) in altitude, the Cherry tree can be planted on a lawn, at the back of a flower bed, or within an orchard. It is important to be vigilant in spring, as the flowering is very sensitive to frost (damage can occur from -2°C). This medium-sized Cherry tree is well suited to small gardens, planted as a stand-alone tree or to form a small orchard, alongside classic fruit trees such as Apple trees, Pear trees, Vineyard Peach trees, or more unique varieties like the 'Mirabelle' Plum tree or the Persimmon tree.