Sweet Cherry (prunus avium) AIJA

Sweet Cherry ( prunus avium) 'Aija'

A Latvian variety with extra-sweet fruits that do not crack.

'Aija' is a reliable and very productive Latvian cherry variety, distinguished by two key features: an exceptionally sweet taste and high resistance of its fruits to cracking, even in rainy weather. The fruits are medium-sized and an attractive light red color on a yellow background. The tree has good frost hardiness and is resistant to common fungal diseases, making it a low-maintenance and rewarding variety for any garden.

Main advantages of the variety:

• High crack resistance: The fruits do not crack even during a rainy summer.
• Distinctly sweet taste: The flesh is very sweet and pleasant, ideal for children.
• High and regular productivity: Delivers an abundant harvest every year.
• Good disease resistance: Excels particularly in its resistance to cherry leaf spot.
• Good frost hardiness: Reliably withstands winter frosts.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Latvia, Dobele
• Breeder: Dr. agr. Silvija Ruisa
• Year of registration: 1998

Variety Characteristics

Tree

Growth is strong, forming a broad pyramidal crown. The variety is cross-pollinated; to ensure an abundant harvest, it needs another cherry variety blooming at the same time nearby.

Fruit

• Size and shape: Medium-sized (approx. 4 g), round in shape.
• Skin: Yellow, mostly covered with a light red blush.
• Flesh: Cream-colored, soft, and juicy. The juice is light yellow.
• Taste: Distinctly sweet and very pleasant.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost hardiness: The variety has good frost hardiness of both wood and flower buds.
• Diseases: It has good resistance to fungal diseases, especially cherry leaf spot.
• Cracking: The variety is highly resistant to cracking.

Growing Recommendations

• Use: Excellent for fresh consumption, but also for processing (thanks to its high sweetness, it is ideal for sweetening juices and compotes).
• Pollination: As it is cross-pollinated, it requires the presence of another cherry tree as a pollinator.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Mid-early, in the first half of July.
• Eating maturity: Immediately after harvest.
• Storability: Intended for immediate consumption or quick processing.