Jan, Joel, Joy Dr. Meader cherries

Here in Kansas my Joel has cherries it’s about 2’ -3’ tall and very old in poor soil. I suspect the montmorency or romance cherries were close enough to act as pollinators if that’s possible. Ofcourse I have now indicated what I’m up to long term. If you think I might be trying to cross them your right.

Bush Cherry ‘Joel’ (Prunus japonica x Prunus jacquemontii)
Hybridized by renowned plant breeder Dr Elwyn Meader of Durham, NH, Bush Cherry ‘Joel’ grows 4’ tall by 3’ wide and ripens in late summer to escape spring frosts and bird damage (supposedly birds cause less fruit damage in late summer since there are other tasty things for them to eat). Similar in size and flavor to a Montmorency tart cherry, the fruits ripen in late August. The fresh cherries can be processed into jams, jelly, pies or cherry juice. Tart cherry juice or dried tart cherries contain high levels of antioxidants that are beneficial to human health. Cherry plants start bearing fruit in 2-3 years and will have a productive life of 20 years. Bush Cherry ‘Joel’ is self-fertile, plus it has good vigor and disease resistance. Pink flowers appear in spring making it highly ornamental as well as an excellent plant for edible landscaping in the home garden. This is Joel covered in fruitlets


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