Burlat Cherry: What It Is, When It Blooms, and How to Care for It
As is known, in every type of plant there are many varieties. Cherry trees are no exception. These lovely fruit trees are very popular thanks to their lovely flowers and fruits that we love so much. But in this article we want to talk about a specific variety, a self-pollinating tree widely cultivated in Spain: Burlat cherry.
We will explain what this vegetable is and when it usually blooms. In addition, We will present the basic rules of care that the burlat cherry requires, so you will no longer have an excuse not to grow it yourself. It is undoubtedly a plant worth having in your orchard or garden.
What is burlat cherry?
When we talk about the burlat cherry, we mean a variety of fruit tree belonging to the family Rosaceaspecifically gender Plum tree.Although the origin of this vegetable is not entirely clear, it is much more common in Europe, West Asia and North Africa.
As for the appearance of this cherry variety, it is a deciduous tree with an upright shape and good growth strength, It can reach a height of up to twenty meters or even more. The trunk is usually quite broad and well branched. The bark is velvety and gray. Over time, it tends to crack, which allows us to distinguish which trees are the oldest. The crowns of the Burlat cherry trees are distinguished by the fact that they are very wide.
It must be said that it is a very impressive and lovely tree when it is in flower. Therefore, it is ideal for beautifying our gardens and, at the same time, harvesting some of its delicious fruits: Cherries. This variety includes all types of cherries, sweet and wild. It is worth adding that this fruit tree can be grown in many regions of the Iberian Peninsula.
What is a self-pollinating cherry tree?
Another very essential feature of the burlat cherry is that It is a self-pollinating cherry tree. What is it? You may already know that there are different types of pollination: direct and cross-pollination. Well, in miniature, we can say that in cross-pollination, plants need the facilitate of wind, insects and/or birds to reproduce. These so-called “vectors” transport pollen from a male plant to a female plant.
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types of pollination
In direct pollination, however, these vectors are not necessary. This is because the same plant contains both male and female organs. making self-fertilization possible. This is the case with the burlat cherry, which can reproduce on its own and without any outside facilitate. Nature is amazing, isn’t it?
The great advantage of self-fertile cherry trees is precisely the independence they have compared to plants that require cross-pollination. However, unfavorable weather conditions can reduce their ability to reproduce, such as excessive temperatures during the flowering period. Therefore, it is highly recommended plan the planting and cultivation of cherry trees, bringing together different groups of pollinators that share a flowering season.
When do burlat cherry trees bloom?
As we mentioned earlier, the Burlat cherry is self-pollinating. When it comes to pollination, it is compatible with Lapins and VANs. However, the varieties that are currently sold do not require any type of pollination as long as the temperatures are suitable. The flowering of this fruit tree is early, usually takes place at the end of March. However, it will mainly depend on the area we are in and how cool it is.
As for the flowers, they are gigantic and white. The most compelling thing about them is that they are suitable for jams. The fruits, the renowned cherries, are plump and vivid red. Their flesh is compact and they have a sweet taste, ideal for fresh consumption or in jam. They can usually be harvested from mid to overdue May.
Burbat Cherry Tree Care
Now that we know a little more about the characteristics of the burlat cherry, let’s talk a little about the cherry itself. basic care that it requires, in case we want to grow it ourselves. Below we will list the needs and recommendations for growing a burlat cherry tree:
- Location: The most recommended location for this fruit tree is full sun.
- Temperature: It can withstand quite low temperatures. However, if the weather is very cool, we must place it in sheltered places to protect the flowers from damage caused by overdue frosts or cool rains.
- Ground: It should usually be deep and fresh.
- Subscriber: In spring, fertilization of the substrate should be done with manure. Later, you can continue this task using special fertilizers for fruit trees.
- Irrigation: Although it is true that this plant needs a lot of water, as it is often grown as an irrigated plant, we must avoid excess moisture.
- Pruning: Typically, very featherlight pruning is used for maintenance purposes.
Plagues and diseases
Like all plants, the burlat cherry tree can also fall victim to pests or diseases. The insects that most often attack this fruit tree are aphids and lice San Jose. Both can be combated with anticochineals. As for diseases, this cherry variety tends to be more common gummosis and botrytis. Both types can be treated with copper.
Generally, It is best to spray fruit trees twice a year. The first treatment should be done in autumn, just before the leaves fall. The second treatment should be done in spring, shortly before the flowering season begins. You can mix the anticochineal with the copper fungicide. The recommended amounts are as follows:
- Copper Fungicide: 50 grams per 10 liters of water
- Anti-cochineal: 10 cubic centimeters for every 20 liters of water (equivalent to 0.5 cubic centimeters for every liter of water)
With all this information about the Burlat cherry tree, it must be said that it is ideal for cultivation. It is very decorative, and its fruit is delicious. By taking care of it properly and patiently, we can enjoy the miracle of nature. What more could we want?