Family Multi-Cherry Tree (Prunus avium) IPUTJ + ALEKSANDRS

Family Multi-Cherry Tree (2 in 1): Iputj + Aleksandrs

A highly reliable, winter-hardy combination of two contrasting varieties – an early, almost black Russian sweet cherry and a medium-early, vibrant yellow Latvian heart cherry.

1. Cherry 'Iputj' (Early dark sweet cherry)

A highly productive Russian variety with large, exceptionally sweet, almost black fruits, boasting excellent frost and disease resistance.

At the beginning of the cherry season, the Russian variety 'Iputj' (Ипуть) ripens. Bred by M. V. Kanshina and A. I. Astakhov, it is highly regarded for its exceptional winter hardiness and excellent health profile, making it a prominent early dark cherry.

Key advantages of the variety:

• High productivity: Yields heavy and consistent crops, bearing fruit primarily on short spur branches.
• Large and sweet fruit: Cherries can exceed 9 g, are very juicy, and have an excellent taste rating (4.5 out of 5 points).
• Hardiness and health: Excellent winter hardiness and high natural resistance to fungal diseases.

Fruit and Harvest

• Appearance: Oblong, blunt heart-shaped fruits of a dark red color that turns almost black when fully ripe. Both the flesh and juice are deep dark red.
• Harvest period: Early variety, ripening during June.
• Pollination: Self-sterile. The second variety 'Aleksandrs' on this tree acts as an excellent pollinator. During unusually wet years, the fruit may exhibit minor cracking.

2. Cherry 'Aleksandrs' (Medium-early yellow sweet cherry)

A yellow Latvian treasure with a compact crown, balanced sweet flavor, and excellent adaptability to colder northern climates.

In the first to second decade of July, the Latvian variety 'Aleksandrs' reaches maturity. Bred by Dr. Silvija Ruisa, it is a cross between the old German variety 'Drogans Gelbe Knorpelkirsche' and the local Latvian yellow cherry 'Vidzeme'. Registered in 2002, it is a fantastic choice for home orchards.

Key advantages of the variety:

• Protected from birds: The attractive pure yellow skin has the natural advantage of not being attractive to birds, sparing your harvest from starlings.
• Compact habit: The tree grows moderately fast, forming a manageable, medium-sized crown (reaching only 3.5 – 4 m), which simplifies pruning and harvesting.
• Balanced sweet flavor: Firm flesh with a pleasant, well-rounded sweet-tart flavor and a sugar content of 14 – 15 °Brix.
• Reliable hardiness: Good winter hardiness affecting both the wood and flower buds.

Fruit and Harvest

• Appearance: Medium-sized fruits (5 – 5.5 g) of an oblate-spherical shape, featuring a bright yellow smooth skin and juicy, cream-colored flesh. The stone separates easily.
• Harvest period: Medium-early variety, ripening around late June to early July depending on regional climate.
• Drawback: In extremely rainy weather, the ripe fruits can be susceptible to cracking.