Experience-Seeds-Knowledge-Plant Discoveries-Ecological Enrichment-Join Now Click Here!

Sweetaa Wild Black Cherry Seeds and Scions

1000 Seeds+ Scions SWBCH_S-1000-3SC $320.00 Out of stock

          

currently unavailable The wild black cherry has an amazing diversity found within its population. From small bitter fruit to sweet cherry sized fruit in Mexico, this species is found from Peru to Canada. The dark black fruit hang in clusters attracting over 30 species of birds which may explain its wide distribution. The "Sweetaa" selection was discovered as a chance seedling on my farm where the quality of the fruit was delicious to consume even fresh with only a fraction of the normal astringency that is found within most wild black cherries. Fruit size is also slightly larger in "Sweetaa".  The processed jam for this selection is like a rich strong black cherry flavor. I think even better than the best cultivated sweet cherries. 

"Sweetaa" can be grown by seeds or grafting and will produce a tree with a strong central leader as well as fruit that has little astringency. Because of its unique flavor profile, it is likely the plant has to be grafted to retain these characteristics. However, no one knows for sure as the species is unlike any Prunus and retains its characteristics differently than other cherries in that it's genetic make-up is such that it is likely it will come fairly true from seed. ad"Sweetaa" also is a strong growing upright central leader tree worth growing for its wood as well. This seedling was left on my farm when I first purchased the land because of its strong growth habit. It was just too beautiful to ignore. I kept this tree and a few others because they did not have the normal floppy tops or bent trunk with narrow crotch angles. By accident while cleaning up around the tree in the summer, I ate a few of the cherries and was surprised how delicious they were with no after taste or me wincing or snapping my head back to get the fruit down. 

 Unlike the Central American selections like Capuli, the fruit is small but big in flavor. The dark rich flavor is much like a cultivated black cherry times processed into jam or syrup.  Trees average 2-3 ft. of growth per year once established. Tolerant to extreme heat and cold apparently and is even found in low rainfall areas. 

Plant Specs
Genus & Species Prunus serotina
Seed Source Michigan
Height (ft) 80
Width (ft) 40-60
Pollination Requirements Self fertile
Soil From sand to clay, this species seems tolerable to a wide range of soils and ph.
Climate Zone 3 ish to zone 9.
Ease of Cultivation Super easy. Learn to prune this plant carefully to get what you want under cultivation whether for fruit or timber. This selection could use further selection.