Cires Regina in ghiveci - Prunus avium 'Regina' - coroana formata, H100 cm

Prunus avium 'Regina' is a sweet cherry variety developed in Germany at the Fruit Growing Research Institute in Geisenheim, introduced in the 1980s. It is a hybrid resulting from crossing the varieties 'Schneiders Spate Knorpelkirsche' and 'Rube', valued for its late, high-quality fruit and excellent resistance to cracking.

Physical characteristics

• Shape and size: A tree of medium to large vigor, with a wide, slightly pyramidal crown, which can reach 5-7 meters in height at maturity.
• Leaves: Oval, dark green, glossy leaves with serrated edges, typical of the Prunus avium species.
• Flowers: Blooms in late spring (end of April-beginning of May), with simple white flowers grouped in clusters, attracting pollinators such as bees.
• Fruit: The cherries are large (9-11 g), slightly elongated, with a shiny dark red skin. The flesh is firm, juicy, deep red in color, with a crisp texture.

Growing conditions

• Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Tolerates various soils but does not withstand excess moisture or compacted soils.
• Light: Requires full sun for optimal fruiting.
• Watering and fertilizing: Needs moderate watering, especially during dry periods, and annual fertilization with a balanced fertilizer (NPK), rich in potassium.

Resistance and sensitivities

• Resistance: Highly resistant to fruit cracking caused by rain, making it ideal for regions with humid summers. Tolerates low temperatures well and has decent resistance to brown rot.
• Sensitivities: May be affected by fire blight or pests such as cherry fruit flies and aphids, although generally considered robust.

Fruit - details

• Taste: 'Regina' cherries are sweet, with a rich and balanced flavor, slightly tart, making them excellent for fresh consumption. The fruit is considered premium quality.
• Commercial value: Yes, 'Regina' has high commercial value due to its late ripening (end of June-beginning of July), resistance to cracking, excellent taste, and attractive appearance. It is popular in European and international markets.

Use and care

• Use: Ideal for fresh consumption but also for processing (jams, compotes, desserts). The late ripening period extends the cherry season, which is a commercial advantage.
• Care: Requires annual pruning (late winter) to maintain shape and stimulate production. It is not self-pollinating, so it needs another compatible variety nearby (e.g., 'Kordia', 'Hedelfingen', or 'Sam') for pollination.
• Propagation: Done by grafting onto rootstocks such as wild Prunus avium or Gisela (for more compact variants).