Prunus cerasus Marmotte - Tart Cherry

The Bigarreau 'Marmotte' Cherry Tree is a variety that ripens in early summer. A good companion to the 'Bigarreau de Burlat', they complement each other well in terms of harvesting period and pollination. The 'Marmotte' cherry is elongated, fairly large in size, and has a shiny dark red skin. It is a juicy and sweet fruit with a tangy flavour. Harvest them only when fully ripe or they may be a bit bitter. 

This tree blooms between the end of March and the beginning of April. It has good resistance to late frosts, but despite abundant flowering, this self-sterile variety needs to be associated with 'Bigarreau de Burlat' or 'Bigarreau Reverchon' in order to ensure good fruiting. Be careful - the proximity of Bigarreau 'Napoleon', although a good pollinator for other varieties, will not be favourable to it at all. 'Marmotte' will satisfy impatient gardeners as it bears fruit quickly, usually within 2 or 3 years.

Very hardy in most regions, the 'Marmotte' Cherry Tree withstands winter cold more easily than summer heat. The flowers are damaged during spring frosts, so it is recommended to plant cherry trees in a sheltered location, facing west and protected from cold winds in regions that experience significant late frosts. On the plus side, the very abundant flowering often leads to satisfactory fruiting. The cherries are elongated, of good size, and the shiny dark red skin is very appetising, although they are slightly prone to splitting. The flavour of 'Marmotte' is unique; it is an old variety that retains its typical characteristics.