Cherry 'Merchant'

'Merchant' is an excellent early-season sweet cherry, perfectly adapted to the UK climate. It produces large, dark red, high-quality fruits with a firm texture and a rich, sweet flavor. Harvest typically begins in early to mid-July. The tree is vigorous and has a spreading habit, providing a spectacular show of white blossoms in April. One of its significant advantages is that the fruit is somewhat resistant to splitting in wet weather compared to other early varieties. While 'Merchant' is not self-fertile, it is a very good pollinator for many other cherry varieties. It is hardy to H6 and performs best in a sunny, sheltered site to maximize fruit production and protect against spring frosts. It requires deep, fertile, well-drained soil. Regular pruning in summer is recommended to keep the tree at a manageable size and to prevent bacterial canker.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Deep, fertile, well-drained soil village.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Apr.