Cherry Varieties in Washington

Abstract

Harold W. Fogle (now in Beltsville, Md.), U.S.D.A., tested sweet cherry varieties at the Irrigation Exp. Station, Prosser, Wash., for many years. Some of his observations, as reported in The Western Fruit Grower, are as follows:

'Van' must be kept vigorous to maintain fruit size. Because it tends to color early, it could be picked too soon. It hangs on the tree well without seriously losing firmness or quality and should not be picked until 'Lambert' season. 'Van' appears to be incompatible with the 'Mahaleb' rootstock; but does well on 'Mazzard'.

'Sam' lacks the quality of 'Bing', blooms too late in some years to pollinate most other varieties, and isn't always productive.

'Chinook' is a 'Bing' type cherry with promise. It may replace other varieties now being used to pollinate 'Bing', because of its high quality, attractiveness and season (one week before 'Bing'). However, it is subject to cracking.

'Ranier', a 'Napoleon' type white cherry, is a heavy, early producer, and a good pollinizer for 'Bing' and 'Chinook'. Its greatest possibilities lie in its excellent processing characteristics. 'Ranier' cans and brines well, and shows fewer blemishes than 'Napoleon'. However, its bright blushed skin may cause the syrup to be objectionably pink, if it is harvested late.