Patio cherry tree (Prunus cerasus 'Morello') – 5-litre pot

Morello is a self-pollinating sour cherry tree with dark red, juicy cherries and firm, pinkish flesh. Its tart flavour makes it ideal for jams, compotes, pies, and cherry beer, though fully ripe cherries are also delicious fresh from the tree. In April, the tree blooms beautifully with white blossoms, and the cherries are ready for harvest in August. After harvest, the leaves turn a beautiful red and orange, making it a real eye-catcher in the autumn.

Thanks to the compact patio tree rootstock, Morello fits perfectly on a terrace, balcony, or in a small garden. Self-pollinating and easy to grow, even for novice gardeners.

What is a patio tree?
A patio tree is a compact tree specially selected or cultivated to be suitable for smaller gardens, terraces, or patios. These trees are generally smaller in height and width than traditional trees, making them well-suited for limited spaces. On average (depending on pruning), they grow to approximately 150 cm in height. They have a rootstock that stimulates slow, compact growth. They are also often grown in pots or pruned in a specific way to limit their growth and control their size.

Key features:

• Harvest period: August
• Flavour: tart-sweet, juicy
• Fruit colour: dark red
• Usage: fresh eating, jam, compote, pies, cherry beer
• Location: sun to partial shade
• Height: approx. 150 cm
• Self-pollinating: yes
• Flowering time: April
• Height upon delivery: 80 cm (excluding pot)

Tips and care:

• Planting: because the small trees are delivered in pots, they can be planted all year round. Preferably plant between October and March in a sunny to semi-shaded spot in well-drained, fertile soil. The more sun, the tastier the fruit.
• Pruning: always prune after harvest in the summer, never in the winter. Do you want to keep the tree compact? Then prune back all newly grown shoots, leaving 4 to 5 leaves. Repeat this until the end of the growing season. Always ensure an open crown for better light exposure and healthier fruit setting.
• Fertilisation: fertilise in February and again in the autumn with an organic-mineral fertiliser for healthy growth and good fruit production.
• Open ground or pots: Morello thrives excellently in a large pot on the terrace or balcony. In open ground, the tree grows more vigorously and produces more fruit.
• Support: provide support the first year with a sturdy stake and tree tie so that the tree is protected against wind, especially when it begins to bear fruit.
• Watering: water regularly after planting and during dry periods. Water more frequently in a pot than in open ground.
• Frost protection: protect the blossom from late night frost in the spring with horticultural fleece for a successful harvest.

TIP: Cherries are best kept spread out in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator, not piled on top of each other in a plastic bag. This prevents bruising and keeps them fresh for longer. But honestly, for most people, they don't last in the fridge long enough for that to be a problem!