English Morello Cherries: A Guide to Growing and Enjoying Sour Cherries
Introduction
Cherries come in two main varieties: sweet cherries and sour or acidic cherries. While some people enjoy eating sour cherries fresh from the tree, they are more often used for making jams, jellies, and pies. English Morello cherries are a popular variety of sour cherry that is ideal for cooking and baking.
About English Morello Cherries
English Morello cherries are the most popular cooking cherries in the UK, where they have been grown for over four centuries. They are also well-suited to growing in the United States.
These cherry trees grow to about 20 feet tall, but they can be pruned to a shorter height if desired. They are highly ornamental, with showy blossoms that remain on the tree for an exceptionally long period of time.
English Morello cherry trees are self-fruitful, which means that they do not require another cherry tree nearby to produce fruit. However, they can also serve as pollinators for other cherry trees.
The fruit of English Morello cherry trees is very dark red and can even border on black. The cherries are smaller than typical sweet cherries, but each tree is productive and produces a large amount of fruit. The juice of the cherries is also dark red.
Growing English Morello Cherries
You can grow English Morello cherries in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. The trees are small enough that you can grow two in a small garden, or you can plant them to create a flowering hedge.
When growing English Morello cherries, keep in mind that they ripen very late in the cherry season. You may still be harvesting cherries in the end of June or even July, depending on your location. The picking period typically lasts about a week.
Plant English Morello cherry trees in rich, well-draining soil. Fertilize the trees regularly, as they need more nitrogen than sweet cherry trees. You may also need to irrigate the trees more often than sweet cherry trees.
Culinary Uses of English Morello Cherries
English Morello cherries are prized for their tart flavor, which makes them ideal for use in cooking and baking. They are commonly used to make jams, jellies, pies, and other desserts. Morello cherries can also be used to make liqueurs and other alcoholic beverages.
Conclusion
English Morello cherries are a versatile and productive variety of sour cherry that is well-suited to growing in many parts of the United States. With their tart flavor and long blooming period, these cherry trees are a valuable addition to any garden.