As spring approaches, one of the determining factors relating to fruit set of sweet cherries is the number of chill hours or chill portions.
Seasonal variations across growing regions have been mixed, with results becoming clearer as each week passes.
Pollination and fertilization of bloom, health of bee hives, and the prevailing weather conditions will in time show the success of cross pollination in varieties that require it and fertilization of self-fertile varieties for the coming harvest.
Future planting mix
Production figures comparing varieties at the end of this season could be an indicator for future production in your growing area and may help you determine a future planting mix.
For example, should the high-chill varieties end up with poor fruit set, what was the main cause? If a lack of chill hours was a factor for one or two varieties, how long should you continue to pursue that path? Perhaps trial a small number of lower chill varieties—before deciding on a larger planting.
Low-chill varieties in the USA
Lower-chill varieties from sweet cherry breeders in places like California USA are making inroads into the growers’ planting mix as climate continues to play a determining factor in their productivity.
Other states in the USA are looking at varieties that might extend the season with an earlier start date by adding lower chill cultivars needing between 300 and 500 chill hours.
Do your research
The recent wild fires in Spain and Canada make one nervous about the impending El Nino that is forecast for Australia this season, and the impact that may have on trees and harvest.
So do your research and make decisions based on facts. And remember, as a well-known fruit grower once said, “I don’t need to gamble, I’m a cherry grower”.
See this article in Tree Fruit August 2023
