Lapins Cherry Planting, Care, & Propagation Guide.

Welcome to the world of growing Lapins cherries, a delightful and rewarding endeavor for any gardening enthusiast. Lapins cherries are a popular choice among cherry lovers for their exceptional flavor, firm texture, and beautiful dark red color. As a self-fertile variety, Lapins cherries are known for their ability to produce abundant crops without the need for cross-pollination.

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this article will guide you through the essential steps and techniques required to successfully grow and care for Lapins cherry trees. From selecting the right planting location to providing optimal growing conditions, we will explore all aspects of cultivating these luscious fruits, ensuring a bountiful harvest year after year. So, grab your gardening tools and let’s dive into the world of Lapins cherries!

What is Lapins Cherry?

Lapins Cherry is a popular variety of sweet cherry tree known for its exceptional fruit quality and productivity. It is a self-fertile cultivar, meaning it does not require a pollinator tree to produce fruit. The Lapins Cherry tree is medium-sized, reaching a height of around 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters) at maturity. It has an upright, spreading growth habit with dense foliage that provides good shade.

The tree produces beautiful white flowers in spring, which are followed by large, dark red to black cherries with a sweet and juicy flavor. The fruit is firm and resistant to cracking, making it suitable for fresh eating, baking, and canning.

Lapins Cherry trees are also known for their resistance to diseases and pests, making them relatively easy to care for. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and regular pruning is recommended to maintain their shape and promote optimal fruit production.

What does Lapins Cherry taste like?

Lapins cherries are known for their exceptional flavor profile. They have a rich, sweet taste with a perfect balance of tartness. The flavor is often described as intense and complex, with hints of both sweetness and acidity. The sweetness of Lapins cherries is reminiscent of black cherries, while the tartness adds a refreshing and zesty note to the overall taste.

These cherries have a distinct juiciness that bursts with flavor when you bite into them. The flesh is firm and succulent, providing a satisfying texture that enhances the overall eating experience. The flavor of Lapins cherries is often compared to a blend of sweet and sour candies, making them a delightful treat for those who enjoy a combination of flavors.

One of the reasons why Lapins cherries are highly sought after is their ability to retain their sweetness even when fully ripe. This makes them perfect for eating fresh off the tree or using in various culinary applications. Whether you enjoy them on their own, in desserts, or incorporated into savory dishes, Lapins cherries will undoubtedly add a burst of delicious flavor to any recipe.

Overall, Lapins cherries offer a remarkable flavor profile that combines sweetness, tartness, and juiciness, making them a favorite among cherry enthusiasts.

How to start Lapins Cherry from seed

Starting Lapins Cherry trees can be done through either planting seeds or using graft stock. However, using graft stock is the preferred method as it ensures the tree will produce the desired Lapins cherries. Here is a step-by-step guide on starting Lapins Cherry trees using graft stock:

1. Select a healthy Lapins Cherry tree as the source of graft stock. Look for a tree that is disease-free, has good growth, and produces high-quality cherries.
2. Choose a rootstock that is compatible with Lapins Cherry. Common rootstocks for cherry trees include Colt, Gisela 5, and Mazzard. Consult with a local nursery or horticulturist to determine the best rootstock for your specific climate and soil conditions.
3. Prepare the rootstock by pruning it to a height of about 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) above the ground. Remove any lateral branches or shoots from the rootstock.
4. Make a clean, slanting cut on the rootstock using a sharp grafting knife. The cut should be about 1.5-2 inches (3.8-5 cm) long and at a 45-degree angle.
5. Take a scion from the Lapins Cherry tree. The scion should be a healthy, one-year-old shoot with at least three buds. Make a matching slanting cut on the scion, ensuring it matches the cut on the rootstock.
6. Place the scion onto the rootstock, aligning the cambium layers of both the scion and rootstock. The cambium layer is the thin green layer just beneath the bark. The cuts on both the scion and rootstock should fit together snugly.
7. Secure the scion onto the rootstock using grafting tape or rubber bands. Wrap the tape or bands tightly around the graft union, ensuring it holds the scion firmly in place.
8. Apply grafting wax or a grafting compound to seal the graft union and prevent moisture loss. This will help promote successful grafting.
9. Plant the grafted Lapins Cherry tree in a well-draining location with full sun exposure. Dig a hole that is wide and deep enough to accommodate the root system without crowding or bending the roots.
10. Backfill the hole with soil, ensuring the graft union is above the soil line. Gently firm the soil around the tree to eliminate air pockets.
11. Water the newly planted tree thoroughly, and continue to water regularly throughout the growing season. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
12. Protect the young tree from extreme temperatures, pests, and diseases. Consider using tree guards, mulch, and organic pest control methods to ensure its health and growth.
13. Monitor the growth of the grafted Lapins Cherry tree and prune it as needed to promote a strong framework and desired shape. Follow proper pruning techniques to maintain the tree’s health and productivity.

By following these steps, you can successfully start a Lapins Cherry tree using graft stock. Remember to provide proper care and maintenance to ensure the tree thrives and produces delicious cherries in the years to come.

When to plant Lapins Cherry outdoors

The ideal time to plant Lapins Cherry trees is during the late winter or early spring, before the tree starts to bud. This allows the tree to establish its root system before the onset of hot weather. In most regions, this would be around February to April. It’s important to avoid planting during the peak of summer or during freezing winter temperatures, as extreme weather conditions can stress the young tree and hinder its growth.

Growing & care guide Lapins Cherry

Caring for Lapins Cherry trees requires attention to several key factors, including proper planting, watering, fertilizing, pruning, and pest control. Here are some best practices to ensure the healthy growth and abundant fruiting of your Lapins Cherry tree:

• Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting your Lapins Cherry tree.
• Dig a hole that is wide and deep enough to accommodate the root ball of the tree.
• Place the tree in the hole, ensuring that the bud union (the swollen area where the tree was grafted onto the rootstock) is above the soil line.
• Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
• Water the tree thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.

• Lapins Cherry trees require regular watering, especially during dry periods.
• Water deeply and infrequently, providing enough water to saturate the root zone.
• Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other diseases.
• Mulching around the base of the tree can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

• Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 formulation, in early spring before new growth begins.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, as it can promote excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.

• Prune your Lapins Cherry tree during the dormant season (late winter or early spring) to promote healthy growth and fruit production.
• Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
• Thin out crowded branches to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration.
• Maintain an open center or modified central leader shape to allow for better light exposure and easier harvesting.
• Remove any suckers or water sprouts that emerge from the base or trunk of the tree.

• Monitor your Lapins Cherry tree regularly for signs of pests, such as aphids, cherry fruit flies, or cherry slugs.
• Use organic or chemical insecticides as necessary, following the instructions provided.
• Consider using netting or other physical barriers to protect the fruit from birds or other animals.

• Lapins Cherries are ready for harvest when they turn dark red or black, depending on the variety.
• Gently twist or cut the cherries from the stem, being careful not to damage the fruit or the tree.
• Harvest cherries regularly to prevent over-ripening or attracting pests.

By following these best practices, you can ensure the health and productivity of your Lapins Cherry tree, enjoying a bountiful harvest of delicious cherries for years to come.

Harvesting guide for Lapins Cherry

Lapins cherries are a popular variety known for their large size, sweet flavor, and dark red color. Harvesting Lapins cherries at the right time is crucial to ensure optimal taste and texture. Here’s a guide on when and how to harvest Lapins cherries:

1. Timing: Lapins cherries are typically ready for harvest in mid to late summer, depending on your location and climate. The exact timing may vary, so it’s essential to observe the cherries closely for signs of ripeness.
2. Color: Look for a deep, dark red color on the cherries. The fruit should have an even coloration throughout, indicating that it has fully ripened. Avoid picking cherries that are still green or have a lighter shade of red.
3. Firmness: Gently squeeze a few cherries to assess their firmness. Ripe Lapins cherries should be plump and firm but still yield slightly to pressure. Avoid cherries that are too soft or mushy, as they may be overripe or damaged.
4. Taste: Taste a few cherries to determine their sweetness and flavor. Lapins cherries are known for their excellent taste, so if they are sweet and flavorful, it’s a good indication that they are ready for harvest.
5. Stem test: To harvest cherries, hold the fruit gently and give it a slight twist. If the cherry comes off easily from the stem without any resistance, it is ready to be picked. Avoid forcefully pulling or tugging on the cherries, as this can damage the tree or the fruit.
6. Harvesting technique: Use a pair of pruning shears or sharp scissors to cut the cherries from the stem. Make a clean cut just above the cherry, leaving a short stem attached. This helps to maintain the fruit’s freshness and prevents any damage to the tree.
7. Harvesting frequency: Lapins cherries tend to ripen over a relatively short period, so it’s important to check the tree regularly and harvest the cherries as they become ready. Depending on the size of your tree and the number of cherries, you may need to harvest every few days to ensure you don’t miss the peak ripeness.
8. Storage: Once harvested, place the cherries in a shallow container or basket to prevent them from getting crushed. Store them in a cool location, such as a refrigerator, to maintain their freshness. Lapins cherries can be stored for up to a week, but it’s best to consume them as soon as possible for the most enjoyable flavor.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you harvest Lapins cherries at their peak ripeness, resulting in delicious and satisfying fruits from your cherry tree.