Prunus cerasus Marmotte - Organic Tart Cherry

The Organic ‘Bigarreau Marmotte’ Cherry Tree is the variety that ripens in early summer, in June-July. A good companion for the ‘Bigarreau de Burlat’, they complement each other well in terms of harvesting period and pollination. The ‘Marmotte’ cherry is slightly elongated, of fairly large size, with a small stone and a dark red shiny skin, very appetizing and less prone to splitting. It is a juicy and sweet fruit with a slightly acidic flavour. The tree is very vigorous and highly productive with a quick fruiting. Its spring flowering is magnificent and worthy of an ornamental garden. Harvest the cherries when fully ripe or they may be slightly bitter. Plants from Organic Agriculture.

The cherry tree, or Prunus cerasus, 'Bigarreau Marmotte' is an old variety discovered by a farmer in Jussy, in the Yonne region, in 1851. The tree reaches a height of 4 to 6 metres (13 to 20 feet) and a width of 3 to 4 metres (10 to 13 feet) at maturity. It blooms between the end of March and the beginning of April, and has good resistance to late frosts. Despite abundant flowering, this self-sterile variety needs to be associated with ‘Bigarreau de Burlat’ or ‘Bigarreau Reverchon’ to fruit well. Beware, the proximity of ‘Napoleon’, although a good pollinator for other varieties, will not be beneficial. 'Marmotte' will satisfy impatient gardeners, as it bears fruit quickly, usually within 2 or three years.

Very hardy in most regions, the ‘Marmotte’ Cherry Tree is more resistant to winter cold than summer heat. The flowers are damaged by spring frosts, so it is recommended to plant cherry trees in sheltered positions, facing west and protected from cold winds in regions with significant late frosts. Nevertheless, the very abundant flowering often results in satisfactory fruiting. The cherries are elongated and of good size, with a shiny dark red skin that is very appetizing, although they are somewhat prone to splitting. The flavour of ‘Marmotte’ is unique, as it is an old variety that retains its typical characteristics.

For transport reasons, our highest scions may be pruned before shipment. They are suitable for all common forms of training: cordons, espaliers, goblets, half-standards, and low standards, except for the formation of tall standards. If you would like more information or advice on training your fruit trees, please do not hesitate to contact us.