Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) VYTĖNŲ JUODOJI

Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) 'Vytėnų juodoji'

A reliable Lithuanian variety with high yield and dark fruits.

'Vytėnų juodoji' (meaning "Black from Vytėnai") is a reliable Lithuanian sweet cherry variety, valued for its high and annual yield and good resistance to frost and fungal diseases. The fruits are large, almost black, with a sweet flavour and a slight tartness. Thanks to its reliability and fruit quality, it is a proven choice for gardeners.

Main advantages of the variety:

• High and annual yield.
• Resistance to fungal diseases and good frost resistance.
• Large, dark fruits with a sweet flavour.
• Good transportability.
• The stone separates easily from the flesh.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Lithuania
• Breeder: A. Lukoševičius
• Institution: Vytėnai Experimental Station of Horticulture
• Crossing: ‘Žemaičių raudonoji’ × ‘Dniprovka’
• Registration: Included in the list of recommended varieties in Lithuania in 1997.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Vigorous.
• Crown: Pyramidal, medium density.
• Pollination: It is cross-pollinated.

Fruit

• Size and weight: Large, with a weight of 5 – 6 g.
• Shape and colour: Round, dark red to almost black.
• Flesh: Dark red, juicy.
• Flavour: Good, sweet, with a slight tartness.
• Stone: Medium-sized (0.4 g), round, easily separable from the flesh.
• Use: Versatile (fresh consumption and processing).

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Good.
• Disease resistance: Resistant to fungal diseases.

Cultivation Recommendations

• To ensure a harvest, it is essential to plant another cherry variety nearby as a pollinator.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Early (early to first half of July).
• Yield: High and annual.
• Entry into bearing: 5th year after planting.
• Transportability: Good.