Determining the type of cherry tree you have can be an exciting endeavor, especially if you are a gardening enthusiast like myself. There are a few key characteristics that can help you identify whether your cherry tree is of the sweet or sour variety.
1. Flower Appearance:
One of the first signs to look for is the appearance of the flowers. Both sweet and sour cherry trees produce small, white flowers with five petals. However, sweet cherry tree flowers usually bloom before the leaves fully develop, typically in early spring. On the other hand, sour cherry trees tend to bloom simultaneously with the emergence of their leaves.
2. Leaf Quantity:
Observing the number of leaves on your cherry tree can also provide clues about its type. Sweet cherry trees typically have a higher leaf count compared to sour cherry trees. This is because sweet cherries require more leaves to support their larger fruit production. So, if your cherry tree has a bountiful display of leaves, it is more likely to be a sweet variety.
3. Leaf Vein Pattern:
Examining the vein pattern on the leaves can further assist in identification. Sweet cherry trees tend to have leaves with more than eight pairs of veins for each leaf. By contrast, sour cherry trees usually have fewer pairs of veins on their leaves. Counting the number of vein pairs can be a helpful indicator when trying to differentiate between the two types of cherry trees.
4. Fruit Taste and Size:
Of course, the most definitive way to determine the nature of your cherry tree is by examining the fruit it produces. Sweet cherries have a lusciously sweet flavor, while sour cherries offer a distinct tartness. Additionally, sweet cherry fruits are typically larger in size compared to their sour counterparts. Taste-testing the fruit or comparing it to known sweet and sour cherry varieties can be a fun and delicious way to identify your cherry tree.
5. Consultation and Expert Advice:
If you are still uncertain about the type of cherry tree you have, it can be beneficial to seek guidance from gardening experts, local nurseries, or horticultural organizations. They may be able to provide additional insights or even identify the specific variety of cherry tree based on its characteristics.
Remember, identifying cherry tree varieties can sometimes be challenging, as there are numerous cultivars and hybrids available. However, by closely examining the flowers, leaves, and fruit characteristics, you can gain confidence in determining whether you have a sweet or sour cherry tree. Happy cherry tree identification!
