Bare Root Merton Bigarreau Cherry Tree
The Bare Root Merton Bigarreau Cherry is a reliable, heavy cropping cherry tree with firm, sweet fruits.
Important information
Type of Cherry Tree : Eating
Fruiting period : July
Fertility : Group B, requires another cherry tree from pollination group A, B or C to product fruit.
As the Merton Bigarreau cherry is not self fertile, it requires another cherry tree nearby to produce cherries. This is called a pollination partner and the following trees are suitable:
Mumford’s, Black Tartarian, Merton Glory, Merpet, Lapins, Petit Noir, Black Oliver, Bullock’s Heart, Hertford, Celeste, Santina, Sandra Rose, Sonata, Sweetheart, Summer Sun, Merla, Smoky Dun, Stella, Skeena, Sunburst, Bigarreau de Schrecken, Waterloo, Merton Favourite, Frogmore Early, Merton Bounty, Van, Regina, Belle Agathe, Merton Crane and Cristalina,
Fruit Tree Heights
Taller does not mean more value for money. A 1 year old fruit tree can easily be substantially higher than a 2 year old, this is because they are hard pruned at 1 year old to create the desired shape. Some trees have over 100cm of height removed. They can then have another pruning at 2 years old to increase fruit growing real estate. Most fruit trees will benefit from having a third to half of the seasons new growth cut back in the Autumn to prevent long whippy branches which break easily. Age and pruning completed determine real value.
Bare Root Cherry Tree Rootstock options explained
Gisela 5 : Final height of 2.5 metres. Ideal for small gardens and easier for bird protection.
Knip/Spindle bush : Commercial grade tree grown for high fruit yields.
Colt : Semi-Dwarf Cherry Rootstock giving a final height of 3.5 metres.
Hexaploid Colt : Very similar to Colt (3.5 metres) just a different rootstock.
F.12.1: : Will grow to 4m +
Bush : This means there are branches that start close to the bottom of the tree.
Patio : Suited for container growing on patio (others usually can be too, this one is just better for it)
Maiden : The tree is 1-2 years old.
Half-Standard : Some lower branches have been pruned off to give a more rounded tree shape
Standard : More lower branches have been pruned off to give a much clearer trunk, more of a lollipop shape.
Bare Root : No soil and no pot. Usually cheaper and will be 2-3 years old unless otherwise stated e.g. a maiden.
Do I Need To Stake My Bare Root Tree?
9 out of 10 times the answer will be no, especially if under 200cm tall. However our article on Tree Staking should help guide you.
Planting In The Corner Of A Garden
Air and light is reduced in this location which could promote fungus and bacterial issues. If the corner is of the house and a fence then you also have leeching issues to contend with from cement and wood preservatives. Also when it rains, that area would experience higher water levels so we advise against it unless the plant is very hardy.
1 Year Maiden Bare Root Trees
If you plant a 1 Year maiden tree and do not prune it at all, it will grow a little more upright and have more clear stem.
