Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) INDRA

Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) 'Indra'

A Latvian ornamental cherry with exceptionally healthy fruits.

'Indra' is a Latvian cherry variety prized not only for its fruit but also for its compact and highly decorative appearance, especially during bloom. While the fruits are smaller, they are literally packed with beneficial substances like antioxidants and phenols. They have an attractive dark red to nearly black color and a delicious sweet taste. Thanks to its very good frost hardiness and low maintenance, it is an ideal choice for gardeners and enthusiasts looking for healthy and ornamental fruit.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Fruits rich in antioxidants: High content of health-promoting compounds.
• Very decorative appearance: The compact and "bushy" crown is beautifully covered in flowers in the spring.
• Very good frost hardiness: Reliable even in colder conditions.
• Delicious sweet taste: The fruits have a dessert-quality, sweet, and juicy flavor.
• Compact growth: Also suitable for smaller gardens.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Latvia
• Breeder: Dr. agr. Silvija Ruisa
• Year of registration: 2002

Variety Characteristics

Tree

Growth is strong, but the tree maintains a compact, dense pyramidal crown up to 3.5–4 m in height. The variety is cross-pollinated; to ensure an abundant harvest, it needs another cherry variety blooming at the same time nearby.

Fruit

• Size: Smaller (3.5–4 g).
• Skin: Dark red, almost black when fully ripe.
• Flesh: Dark red, soft, and juicy.
• Taste: Good, dessert-quality, sweet.
• Health benefit: Contains an exceptionally high amount of health-promoting substances.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost hardiness: The variety has very good frost hardiness.
• Diseases: It has medium resistance to common fungal diseases.

Growing Recommendations

• Use: Ideal for home gardens where it serves both a productive and ornamental function.
• Consumption: The fruits are best suited for fresh eating.
• Pollination: As it is cross-pollinated, it requires the presence of another cherry tree as a pollinator.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Mid-early, at the turn of June and July.
• Eating maturity: Immediately after harvest.
• Storability: Intended for immediate consumption or quick processing.