Chelan™ Sweet Cherry Tree
Description
About the Chelan™ Sweet Cherry Tree
Gorgeous, deep red-colored, sweet cherries like Bing! The Chelan cherry tree is a cultivar of sweet cherry (Prunus avium) known for its early ripening, hardiness, and high-quality fruit. The tree is named after the town of Chelan, located in the state of Washington at WSU where it was developed as a Stella and Beaulieu cross.
In spring, the Chelan cherry tree puts on a beautiful display of pink and white flowers. The blooms later turn into medium-large, dark red cherries that have a deep, rich flavor. The fruit is oval-shaped with smooth skin and a small stem. The fruits are less likely to avoid split or fused cherries. The cherries are typically ready for harvest in early to mid-June, making them one of the earliest ripening cherry varieties.
Enjoy these sweet cherries straight from the tree. They are also widely used for baking, canning, and other culinary uses. With such an abundant harvest, you’ll have plenty of options!
Growing Chelan™ Sweet Cherries
The Chelan cherry tree is a vigorous-growing, upright tree. It has a pyramidal shape when young but becomes more rounded with age. The tree has a moderate growth rate and can start bearing fruit in its second or third year.
One of the advantages of the Chelan cherry tree is its resistance to cracking, which can be a problem with other cherry varieties. This makes it a popular choice for commercial growers as well as home gardeners. The tree is also known for its ability to produce a large crop of fruit, with yields of up to 20 pounds per tree in some cases.
In terms of growing conditions, the Chelan cherry tree prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is also tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for growing in many different regions. There are some indications that Chelan is resistant to powdery mildew. The tree does require another tree for pollination, luckily the blooms last a long time and have a lot of overlap with other sweet cherries.
In conclusion, the Chelan cherry tree is a popular and reliable cultivar. Its early ripening, high-quality fruit, and resistance to cracking make it a favorite among growers and consumers alike. The Chelan cherry tree is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy delicious, sweet cherries.
Characteristics
Bloom Color | Pink, White |
Fruit Color | Red |
Fruit Size | Large |
Ripens/Harvest | June |
Shade/Sun | Full Sun |
Soil Composition | Loamy |
Soil Moisture | Well Drained |
Soil pH Level | 6.0 - 7.0 |
Taste | Sweet |
Texture | Firm |
Years to Bear | 4 - 7 |
Zone Range | 3 - 8 |
Zone Compatibility
Pollination
This variety requires another one for adequate pollination.
Tools & Supplies
Planting & Care
Learn all about how to grow cherry trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.