Family Multi-Cherry Tree (Prunus avium) NORRI + VYTĖNŲ JUODOJI + AGRIS

Family Multi-Cherry Tree (3 in 1): Norri + Vytėnų juodoji + Agris

An intriguing and cold-hardy Baltic cherry collection on a single trunk – combining an Estonian variety with a unique spicy flavor, a highly productive Lithuanian genetic staple, and a rare early Latvian variety.

1. Cherry 'Norri' (Medium-early dark sweet cherry)

A highly unique Estonian variety yielding large, almost black fruits with a distinct spicy flavor and a beautiful weeping growth habit.

In mid-July, the Estonian variety 'Norri' reaches maturity. Bred in 1955 by Kalju Kask and Johan Eichfeld as an open-pollinated seedling of 'Leningradskaya chernaya' (registered in 2009), it is the sister variety of the well-known 'Meelika'. 'Norri' is distinguished by its firmer flesh and a uniquely pleasing, mildly spicy flavor profile.

Key advantages of the variety:

• Unique flavor: Fruits possess a distinct, highly pleasant spicy flavor and aroma that is rare in conventional sweet cherries.
• Weeping growth habit: Naturally compact growth with weeping branches makes harvesting exceptionally easy without the need for a ladder.
• Firm flesh: Dark red, firm flesh secures good durability and general resilience of the fruit.
• Good health: Demonstrates solid natural resistance to common sweet cherry diseases.

Fruit and Harvest

• Appearance: Moderately large, broad heart-shaped fruits of a deep black-red color. The flesh and juice are deep ruby-red.
• Harvest period: Mid-July (moderate but consistent annual yields).
• Grower's note: The variety is self-sterile, but the presence of the other two varieties on the tree ensures successful cross-pollination. Shows moderate winter hardiness.

2. Cherry 'Vytėnų juodoji' (Early to medium-early dark sweet cherry)

A Lithuanian treasure included in national genetic resources, highly valued for its exceptional yields, robust health, and excellent cold hardiness.

At the beginning of July, the Lithuanian variety 'Vytėnų juodoji' ripens. Selected in 1973 at the Vytėnai Experimental Station by breeder A. Lukoševičius (a cross of 'Žemaičių raudonoji' x 'Dniprovka', registered in 1997), it is highly valued for its superb adaptability to colder northern climates.

Key advantages of the variety:

• High annual yields: Begins bearing in its 5th year, producing heavy and highly reliable crops year after year.
• Excellent disease resistance: Highly resistant to monilia and other common fungal sweet cherry diseases.
• Great cold hardiness: Both wood and flower buds easily withstand harsh winter conditions without injury.
• Transportability: Firm fruits handle shipping and general handling exceptionally well.

Fruit and Harvest

• Appearance and taste: Large (5 – 6 g), round fruits of a deep dark-red to almost black color. The juicy, dark-red flesh boasts an excellent sweet flavor with a very pleasant, subtle hint of bitterness in the background. The round stone separates easily.
• Harvest period: First half of July (early to mid-month).

3. Cherry 'Agris' (Early red sweet cherry)

An extremely rare and highly valued Latvian sweet cherry with soft, very juicy flesh and a pleasant sweet-tart flavor.

Completing this collection is the Latvian sweet cherry 'Agris', bred by Roberts āboliņš and Aleksandrs Maizītis. This is a highly sought-after collector's variety that ripens in late June, bridging the gap between early and mid-season varieties.

Key advantages of the variety:

• Exceptional rarity: A unique, exclusive variety that serves as a wonderful addition to any home orchard.
• Refreshing summer taste: Very good, harmonious sweet-tart flavor profile with a delicate aroma.
• Juicy fresh eating: Soft, exceptionally juicy flesh is perfect for picking and eating straight from the tree.

Fruit and Harvest

• Appearance: Medium-sized, slightly flattened fruits of a bright red to dark red color. The tree has a moderate growth habit.
• Harvest period: Late June (third decade of the month).
• Pollination: The variety is self-sterile. Along with 'Norri' and 'Vytėnų juodoji' on the tree, it forms a perfectly balanced ecosystem for mutual pollination.