Prunus avium Kunzego (Kunzes Kirche) - Cherry Tree

The cherry tree (Prunus avium) ‘Kunzego’, also known as Prunus ‘Kunzes Kirche’, is a variety appreciated for its large sweet fruits, its cold and wood disease resistance. Originating from Germany, this variety is perfectly suited to harsh climates. The tree, of medium size, produces beautiful cherries with yellow skin turning bright red, and with very sweet yellow flesh. They are harvested in July. This variety will be pollinated by 'Van' or 'Burlat' cherry trees here.

The Prunus ‘Kunzego’ belongs to the Rosaceae family, like all cherry trees, and derives from the botanical species Prunus avium, originating from temperate regions of Europe. This cultivar was developed in Germany in the 19th century for its resistance and fruit quality. With an upright habit and moderate growth, this cherry tree generally reaches 4 to 5 meters in height at maturity. It is a deciduous medium-sized tree suitable for family gardens or small orchards.

Its white flowers appear in spring, usually in April, forming charming clusters, creating a beautiful flowering display before the foliage emerges. The leaves are alternate, ovate in shape, measuring about 10 to 12 cm long, and turn dark green in summer before changing to yellow in autumn. The large-caliber fruits have yellow skin turning bright red. When fully ripe, they turn a dark red colour. Their light yellow flesh is particularly sweet and juicy. These cherries can be eaten fresh or used for jam. The harvest period lasts 3 to 4 weeks, starting in mid-July and ending in August. This cherry tree is also known for its high resistance to low temperatures (-23°C), as well as its resistance to diseases like Bacterial Canker or Gummosis.

This cherry tree is not self-fertile, it requires pollination by another cherry tree nearby.

The ‘Kunzego’ cherry tree has its place in a fruit and ornamental garden. Its charming spring blossoms and colourful cherries will be appreciated in an orchard or as a standalone specimen in a sunny corner of the garden. It can be paired with other fruit trees like the ‘Reinette Clochard’ apple tree, the ‘Louise Bonne d'Avranches’ pear tree, or with plum trees like ‘Mirabelle de Nancy’. Shrubs like the ‘Noir de Bourgogne’ blackcurrant bush or the ‘Versaillaise’ redcurrant bush will help diversify and stagger harvests.