Cherry 'Aleksandrs': A Detailed Profile of the Latvian Yellow Variety

In the world of fruit growing, where red and dark cherry varieties dominate, yellow cultivars offer a pleasant and often uniquely flavored change of pace. One such treasure is the Latvian variety 'Aleksandrs', which originated in the harsher conditions of the Baltics. It is the result of an interesting cross that has endowed it with good hardiness and a pleasant, sweet taste.

"'Aleksandrs' is proof that even in the more northern regions of Europe, top-quality varieties can emerge that succeed thanks to their adaptability and quality."

In this article, we provide a detailed pomological profile of this interesting variety, which deserves attention especially in home gardens.

Origin and Breeding History

  • Country of Origin: Latvia, Institute of Horticulture in Dobele.
  • Breeder: Dr. agr. Silvija Ruisa.
  • Cross: It was created by crossing the old German sour cherry 'Droguņa dzeltenā' (also known as 'Drogans Gelbe Knorpelkirsche') and a local sweet yellow cherry 'Vidzeme'.
  • Year of Registration: Registered and protected in Latvia since 2002.

Agro-biological Characteristics of the Variety

The Tree

  • Vigor: Strong, on Mahaleb rootstock it reaches a maximum height of 3.5–4 m.
  • Habit: The crown is compact, medium to large, with dense branching.
  • Frost Hardiness: Good, applies to both wood and flower buds.
  • Disease Resistance: Good.
  • Flowering Time: Mid-early, blooms about 2–3 days after the earliest flowering cherry varieties.
  • Pollination: The variety is cross-pollinating. It requires another simultaneously blooming cherry variety nearby for fruit set.

Expert Tip: Choosing the Right Pollinator

Since 'Aleksandrs' blooms mid-early, ideal pollination partners are other mid-early or early cherry varieties. It is important that their flowering periods overlap.

The Fruit

  • Size and Weight: Medium, average weight 5–5.5 g.
  • Shape and Color: Oblate, with an attractive yellow color.
  • Flesh: Firm, creamy in color, with good juiciness.
  • Taste: Sweet with a balanced flavor, sometimes slightly sweet-tart. Sugar content is 14–15 °Brix.
  • Stone: Medium-sized, separates well from the flesh.
  • Ripening Time: Mid-early. In Latvia, it ripens in the first to second decade of July (in our conditions, it may be slightly earlier).
  • Yield: Good, ranging from 8 to 18 kg per tree. Starts bearing in the 4th–5th year after planting.
  • Weakness: In very rainy weather, it is susceptible to fruit cracking.

Variety Comparison at a Glance

'Aleksandrs' Variety Profile

Characteristic Rating / Description
Fruit Color Yellow
Taste Sweet, balanced
Frost Hardiness Good
Disease Resistance Good
Pollination Cross-pollinating
Cracking Resistance Lower

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Conclusion

The 'Aleksandrs' variety is an interesting choice, especially for home gardens, where a grower will appreciate its good frost hardiness, disease resistance, and the pleasant sweet taste of its yellow fruits. Although its susceptibility to cracking in rainy weather and the need for a pollinator may present certain challenges, with the right site selection and ensuring pollination, it can provide a stable harvest and diversify the assortment in the garden.

Do you have experience growing yellow cherries? Let us know in the comments!