Prunus avium Bigarreau de La Saint Jean - Cherry Tree

This variety of Bigarreau De La Saint-Jean® 'Gardel' Cherry produces sweet and well-flavoured fruits that have the particularity of not being prone to splitting. Certain cherries have the weakness of cracking horizontally under the effect of heavy rains, which is not the case with this variety. Bigarreau de La Saint-Jean is a self-fertile tree,  meaning it will bear fruit even without the presence of another cherry tree - although the proximity of a different variety increases productivity.

The Cherry, Prunus avium, belongs to the Rosaceae family. The variety Bigarreau De La Saint-Jean® 'Gardel' is a discovery from the French nursery Georges Delbart. Its rather late flowering helps avoid the risk of spring frosts which can be so destructive. From the end of March, this cherry tree is covered with small white flowers that appear before the leaves. The fruits ripen between the beginning and the middle of June. The harvest can be more or less abundant depending on the year and can present an alternate (biennial bearing) phenomenon, allowing the tree to replenish its reserves. Fruit production becomes optimal after 6 to 7 years. The cherries must be picked when ripe, as they do not ripen further after harvesting. The Bigarreau De La Saint-Jean® cherry has a dark red, almost black, skin when ripe. It is particularly fragrant and juicy, and can be enjoyed fresh as soon as it is picked or used in cooking.

It is a vigorous tree of medium size, reaching 5 to 10m (16 to 33ft) in height at maturity. Hardy, it can withstand temperatures down to -20 °C (-4°F), while the flowers are susceptible to spring frosts and are damaged at temperatures below -2 °C (28.4°F). Its rounded habit provides a beautiful shaded area, which is very pleasant during the summer. Its alternate, toothed leaves are shiny and dark green, then take on a lovely reddish hue in autumn before falling. Suitable for most regions, this cherry tree can be planted on a lawn, at the back of a border, or in an orchard. Ideally pant in autumn or spring, with careful watering.

This fruit tree is delivered with a "ready-to-plant" root ball. At planting, the root ball should be planted as is. The biodegradable netting that surrounds the root ball and preserves the rootlets will decompose on its own during the plant's growth. In this way, you ensure better establishment.