This tree is grown on dwarf Gisele 5 stock which is compact and makes the smallest Cherry tree of all. Trees can be maintained at around 150cm’s in height with a similar spread, perhaps a little less if contained in a 20-24”” pot. The trees are easy to manage and easy to harvest with no ladders required and also easier to net against the birds; also suitable for fruit cages.
Morello is quite simply the classic cooking cherry. Other supposedly improved varieties have come and gone over the years but only Morellos endures. Its medium sized bright red fruits hang on the tree in a decorous display and this is a hardier option for northern area’s that will even do well in a slightly shaded position. Morello is self fertile and usually ripens during late June and early July.
The fruits are generally too tart to be eaten fresh but they have many versatile kitchen uses. As it is almost impossible to buy true cooking cherries in the shops this makes it a very useful tree to have. You can turn the bounty into your own cherry pies, cherry compote, cherry juice, add them to natural yogurts, freeze them and make a wonderfully flavourful cherry jam!
Morello is self fertile so no pollinators are needed. An easy cherry variety to grow.
Tree sizes for Morello cherry trees:
Colt is a semi-vigorous tree, ideal for orchard planting, grassy areas, paddock or larger lawn. It can grow to 300cm’s+ in height – and width, but is fairly adaptable and can be controlled It is the best stock for bush growing, fan training, or festooning. More tolerant of poorer soils, although these should always be improved for best results.
Gisele 5 stock This is the revolutionary new dwarfing stock for cherries which has made the cultivation of these delicious fruits on the patio, in containers, or the fruit cage a realistic possibility at last. Gisele 5 is easily maintained at around 180cm’s in height and width, even a little less in a container. This stock is more precocious than the more vigorous older rootstocks. Ideal for bush growing, or as a column, but not really suited to fan training. Best with good soil conditions.
