Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) TONTU

Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) 'Tontu'

A productive Estonian variety with large, dark fruits and good resistance.

'Tontu' is an Estonian sweet cherry variety that originated from the open pollination of the 'Norri' variety. It is valued for its high yield, good resistance to frost and diseases, and for producing large, dark fruits with a good sweet-tart flavour. Thanks to its reliability, it is a proven choice for gardeners.

Main advantages of the variety:

• High yield (8–10 kg per tree).
• Large, dark fruits with a good flavour.
• Good frost and disease resistance.
• The stone separates easily from the flesh.
• Versatile use of fruits.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Estonia
• Breeder: Kalju Kask
• Institution: Polli Horticultural Research Centre of the Estonian University of Life Sciences
• Origin: Seedling from open pollination of the 'Norri' variety (1978).
• Registration: 2009

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Vigorous.
• Crown: Upright, relatively dense.
• Pollination: It is cross-pollinated.

Fruit

• Size and weight: Large, with an average weight of 4.1 – 5.3 g.
• Shape and colour: Heart-shaped, dark red to black.
• Flesh: Dark red, soft.
• Flavour: Good, sweet-tart.
• Stone: Easily separable from the flesh.
• Use: Versatile (fresh consumption, processing, freezing).

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Good.
• Disease resistance: Good.

Cultivation Recommendations

• To ensure a harvest, it is essential to plant a suitable pollinator nearby, for example, the ‘Arthur’ or ‘Madissoni roosa’ varieties.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Early (early July).
• Yield: High, 8–10 kg per tree.