Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus) VYTĖNŲ ŽVAIGŽDĖ

Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus) 'Vytėnų žvaigždė'

A self-fertile Lithuanian variety with high yield and very good flavour.

'Vytėnų žvaigždė' (meaning "Star of Vytėnai") is a proven Lithuanian sour cherry variety, valued for its reliable combination of self-fertility, high and annual yield, and very good, aromatic flavour. The tree has less vigorous growth with characteristic drooping branches, making it suitable for smaller gardens. Thanks to its good frost resistance (including spring frosts) and disease resistance, it is a productive and high-quality variety.

Main advantages of the variety:

• High and annual yield.
• Very good, sweet-tart, and aromatic flavour.
• Self-fertility.
• Good frost resistance, including resistance of flower buds to spring frosts.
• Resistance to moniliosis.
• Early entry into bearing.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Lithuania
• Breeder: A. Lukoševičius
• Institution: Vytėnai Experimental Station of Horticulture
• Crossing: ‘Žagarvyšnė’ × seedling ‘Podbielski’ No. 100
• Registration: Included in the list of recommended varieties in Lithuania in 1996.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Young trees are medium-vigorous; bearing trees are less vigorous.
• Crown: Globular, medium density, with drooping branches.
• Pollination: It is self-fertile.

Fruit

• Size and weight: Large, with a weight of 4 – 5 g.
• Shape and colour: Round, dark red.
• Flesh and juice: The flesh is dark red, soft, and juicy.
• Flavour: Very good, sweet-tart, aromatic.
• Stone: Small, elliptical, easily separable from the flesh.
• Use: Versatile (fresh consumption and processing).

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Good. Flower buds are resistant to spring frosts.
• Disease resistance: Resistant to moniliosis, moderately resistant to shot hole disease.
• Requirements: More demanding regarding site and soil quality.

Cultivation Recommendations

• To achieve the best yield and fruit quality, it is important to provide a sunny, sheltered location and fertile, well-drained soil.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Mid-early (first half of July).
• Harvest characteristics: Ripens simultaneously. Dry scar.
• Yield: High to very high, annual.
• Entry into bearing: 3rd year after planting.
• Transportability: Good.