Prunus cerasus Rainier - Tart Cherry

Prunus cerasus Rainier is an alternate variety of sweet cherry tree with yellow-orange fruits with firm, juicy and sweet flesh. These cherries are as delicious to eat fresh as they are preserved. They ripen in July and resist bursting. It is closely related to Napoleon, with which it can cross-pollinate, and it forms a small, fairly upright tree. This variety will adapt to most soils, is tolerant in terms of watering (except during periods of high heat and in Mediterranean regions) and is easy to succeed with.

The sour cherry tree, in Latin Prunus cerasus (also called Morello cherry tree), as well as the sweet cherry tree Prunus avium are the two main species that have given rise to most of the sweet cherry trees cultivated in our gardens. They belong to the Rosaceae family, one of the most important under 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 m (16 to 33ft) high at maturity. Its rounded habit offers a beautiful shaded space, very pleasant during the summer. Its alternate and toothed leaves are shiny and dark green, then take on a lovely reddish hue in autumn before falling. Cherries are rich in vitamin C, minerals, and trace elements.
This 'Rainier' variety forms a small, upright tree reaching 6 m (20ft) in height and width. In April, it displays white blossom, which, after pollination by insects, produces bi-coloured, yellow-orange cherries, with the side exposed to the sun turning red. It is less attractive to birds than varieties that produce bright red cherries, and may eventually do without bird netting. In addition, its cherries resist bursting well and can be stored for a week after picking. They are fragrant and sweet, with firm flesh, just as good to eat fresh as they are preserved.
Resulting from a cross between the Bing and Van varieties, this cherry tree was obtained in the United States in 1954 by H.W. Fogle. This variety is pollinated by 'Napoleon', 'Burlat', 'Hedelfingen', 'Van' and 'Stark Hardy Giant'.

This cherry tree can be planted in most garden soils, tolerating some acidity and limestone. Once rooted, it is also drought-tolerant, but occasional watering is always helpful, especially during prolonged hot periods. Adapted to all regions, up to 800 m (2625ft) altitude, the Cherry Tree can be planted on a lawn, at the back of a flower bed, or in an orchard. One must be vigilant in spring, as the flowering is very sensitive to frost (first damage occurs at -2°C (28.4°F)). Plant it in isolation or in a small orchard, alongside traditional fruit trees, Apple Trees, Pear Trees, or more original ones like Persimmon.