The Benton sweet cherry is a highly favored sweet cherry variety for both home gardeners and commercial cultivators. This cultivar was developed at the Washington State University Prosser Research Center, and resulted from a cross between the Beaulieu and Stella cherry varieties. Its development aimed to combine earlier ripening characteristics with enhanced sweetness. Its ease of cultivation and desirable fruit qualities make it a popular choice.
Characteristics of Benton Sweet Cherry
Benton sweet cherry fruit is known for its rich, sweet flavor, often described as a balance between sweet and acidic notes. The fruit is large, with a dark red to mahogany skin and a lighter red flesh. These cherries are prized for their excellent firmness and notable resistance to cracking, a common issue in other cherry varieties. Ripening typically occurs mid-season.
The tree exhibits vigorous growth and is highly productive, yielding a generous harvest each season. Benton cherry trees tend to be quite large, generally reaching a height of 12 to 15 feet with a spread of 8 to 10 feet.
Growing Benton Sweet Cherry
Benton sweet cherry trees thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8, demonstrating good resilience against frost due to their later flowering period. They require full sun exposure for optimal growth and fruit production. The preferred soil is well-drained and fertile, ideally with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0.
Consistent watering is important, especially during the tree’s establishment phase and throughout fruit development. While they need deep, infrequent watering, Benton cherry trees are considered light feeders. A low-nitrogen fertilizer application once per year in the spring, after the tree begins bearing fruit, is generally sufficient. Annual pruning in early spring helps stimulate new growth and maintain an open canopy, which is beneficial for tree health.
Pollination Requirements
The Benton sweet cherry is a self-fertile variety, meaning it can produce fruit without a separate pollinator tree. This characteristic makes it a convenient option for home gardeners with limited space. While self-pollination can lead to a good harvest, the presence of additional compatible cherry trees nearby can potentially enhance pollination and increase overall yield.
This variety blooms later than many other cherry types, which contributes to its frost resistance. Its self-pollinating nature, combined with its consistent cropping, makes Benton a reliable choice for fruit production.
Common Pests and Diseases
Benton sweet cherry trees exhibit good resistance to common cherry diseases, including brown rot and cherry leaf spot. However, they can be susceptible to powdery mildew. Prevention involves maintaining orchard sanitation, such as removing fallen leaves and fruit to reduce pathogen overwintering sites. Proper pruning practices, aimed at improving air circulation within the tree’s canopy, can also help mitigate disease pressure.
Common cherry pests like cherry fruit fly and aphids can affect trees. Monitoring for these insects and addressing infestations promptly helps protect the crop.
Harvesting and Uses
Benton sweet cherries are typically ready for harvest in early to mid-summer. Indicators of ripeness include the fruit’s glossy, firm texture and dark red color. The fruit’s pulp is dense and firm, with a classic cherry flavor profile.
Benton cherries are well-suited for fresh eating due to their sweetness and firm texture. Their firmness also makes them excellent for baking, canning, and preserves.