Cires ‘Van’ in ghiveci - Prunus avium 'Van' - coroana formata, H100 cm

Prunus avium 'Van' is a sweet cherry (Prunus avium) cultivar, developed in Canada, at the Summerland Research Station in British Columbia, in 1944. It is valued for its superior fruit quality, high productivity, and good resistance to various conditions, making it one of the most popular commercially grown cherry varieties.

Physical characteristics

• Shape and size: Vigorous tree, with a broad and well-branched crown, which can reach 5-7 meters in height at maturity, sometimes even more in optimal conditions. (depending on the rootstock used)
• Leaves: Oval, dark green, glossy leaves with slightly serrated edges, typical of the Prunus avium species.
• Flora: It blooms in spring (April-May), with white, simple flowers, grouped in clusters, which attract pollinators such as bees.
• Fruit: The cherries are medium to large in size (8-10 g) , round, with a dark red skin, almost black when fully ripe. The pulp is firm, juicy, and deep red.

Growing conditions

• Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Does not tolerate heavy, clayey or excessively moist soils.
• Light: Needs full sun exposure to ensure good fruit production.
• Watering and fertilization: Requires moderate watering, especially during dry periods, and annual fertilization with a fertilizer rich in nitrogen and potassium.

Resistance and sensitivities

• Resistance: It is resistant to low temperatures and has good tolerance to diseases such as moniliosis, compared to other cherry varieties.
• Susceptibilities: May be affected by fruit cracking in heavy rain conditions close to harvest and is susceptible to attacks by aphids or cherry worms.

Fruits - details

• Taste: 'Van' cherries are sweet, with a rich aroma and a slight sour note, which makes them excellent for fresh consumption, but also for processing (jams, compotes, desserts). The fruits are considered of superior quality .
• Commercial value: 'Van' has a high commercial value due to its taste, attractive appearance and productivity. It is a variety often found on international markets and in supermarkets, the fruits having a good shelf life.

Use and care

• Use: Ideal for fresh consumption, but also for canning or baking. The tree is also used in landscaping for its decorative appearance during flowering.
• Care: Requires annual pruning (late winter) to maintain shape and stimulate fruiting. Pollination is partially self-sterile, so requires another cherry variety (e.g. 'Stella' or 'Burlat') nearby for optimal production. Among the few varieties it does not pollinate is 'Regina'.
• Propagation: It is done by grafting onto rootstocks such as wild Prunus avium or other compatible species.

Production and lifespan

• Production: Reaches maximum production around 7-10 years of age, with yields of 20-50 kg per tree depending on conditions and annual climate.
• Lifespan: Can live 30-50 years with proper care.

Aspects related to height, production and lifespan are influenced by the rootstock used.