Cherry 'Van'

Cherry Van – a popular mid-early Canadian cultivar. Bred in 1944 at the research centre (now the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre (PARC)) in Summerland (Summerland, British Columbia).

It is a fast-growing tree 5,5-6,1 (6-9) m in height and 4,6-6,1 96-9) m in width. Lives more than 50 years. The canopy is attractive, oval. Bark dark brown-black, fissured, glossy. Leaves alternate, narrowly-elliptic, dark green, glossy, serrated at the margin, borne on a long petiole. In spring at bud break the leaves have a bronze tint, and in autumn they turn yellow, orange and red.

Blooms abundantly in April-May. Requires a cross-pollinator. Flowers white, with five petals, fragrant. Blooms at the ends of shoots before leaf break. Best pollinators: «Hedelfinska», «Buttnera Czerwona», «Kordia», «Bing», «Stella», «Ron seedling», «Sunburst», «Lanbert», «Rainer» and «Early Burlat». Is a good pollinator for the cultivars: Бурлат (Burlat ) and Наполеон (Napoléon).

Begins fruiting early. Fruits regularly and abundantly. Fruits medium and large, rounded-heart-shaped, slightly curved. Skin dark red, almost black, of medium firmness. Flesh juicy, tasty, sweet, very aromatic. May slightly crack in a rainy season. Ripen in early July.

Hardiness zone: 5a

Location: prefers sunny sites sheltered from cold winds, and moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Grows well on sandy loam soils. Recommended pH 6,2-6,8.

Planting and care: similar to those for sweet cherry or bird cherry.

Pruning: the cultivar is prone to overbearing. Requires pruning to regulate crop load.

Diseases and pests: may be affected by bacterial canker, brown rot and leaf spot.

Uses: Fruits are eaten fresh, have good transportability, excellent market appearance and taste.