The Carmine Jewel cherry is a compact, dwarf sour cherry variety popular among home gardeners. Its manageable size and consistent fruit production make it suitable for various garden settings. This resilient plant offers both ornamental value and a bountiful harvest.
Understanding Carmine Jewel Cherries
The Carmine Jewel cherry is a hybrid of the sour cherry (Prunus cerasus) and the dwarf ground cherry (Prunus fruticosa). This lineage contributes to its compact growth habit and cold hardiness. It matures as a bush-like shrub, reaching about 6 to 8 feet in height and spread.
This variety thrives in USDA Zones 2 or 3 through 8, adapting to a wide range of climates. Carmine Jewel is self-pollinating, so a single plant can produce fruit. The fruit is a small, deep red to almost black tart cherry, known for its firm texture and rich flavor. These cherries are versatile for baking, jams, jellies, juices, or fresh consumption.
Planting Carmine Jewel
Selecting the right location is important for successful Carmine Jewel cherry growth. These plants thrive in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruit production. Well-drained soil is essential, as Carmine Jewel does not tolerate consistently wet conditions. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is suitable.
When planting bare-root or container-grown plants, prepare a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball. For container plants, ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. After placing the plant, backfill the hole with excavated soil, gently firming it to remove air pockets. Water deeply immediately after planting to provide initial moisture for root establishment. Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
Caring for Carmine Jewel
Watering
Consistent watering is important for Carmine Jewel cherries, especially during their first year. Young plants benefit from regular deep watering, ensuring the root ball is thoroughly moistened. Once established, reduce watering frequency, typically watering when the soil feels dry. During drought or active fruit development, supplemental watering supports healthy growth and fruit quality. Allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings helps prevent root issues.
Fertilization
Carmine Jewel cherries have moderate fertilization needs and often do not require heavy feeding if planted in fertile soil. If your tree shows signs of slow growth (less than 8 inches of new branch growth per year), it may benefit from a balanced granular fertilizer like a 10-10-10 formula. Apply fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. Spread it evenly around the tree’s drip line, avoiding direct contact with the trunk, for proper nutrient absorption.
Pruning
Pruning Carmine Jewel cherries helps maintain their shape, promote plant health, and encourage consistent fruit production. The ideal time for pruning is late winter or early spring, before the tree breaks dormancy. Focus on removing dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. Cherry trees produce fruit on one-year-old wood, so strategic thinning of older branches encourages new, productive growth.
Pest and Disease Management
Carmine Jewel cherries are recognized for their resilience and resistance to many common cherry pests and diseases. They show good resistance to issues like black knot and brown rot. However, they can be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew. Maintaining good air circulation through proper pruning helps mitigate fungal issues. For pests, netting is an effective solution to deter birds as the fruit ripens, protecting your harvest.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Carmine Jewel Cherries
Carmine Jewel cherries typically ripen in early to mid-July, offering a generous harvest. The fruit is ready for picking when it achieves a deep black-red color, indicating maximum sugar and flavor development. Cherries that are merely red are not yet fully ripe and will be significantly tarter. The fruit tends to hold well on the bush, allowing for a flexible harvest period.
When harvesting, gently pull the cherries from the stem to avoid damaging the fruit or the spur that will produce next year’s crop. The compact size of the Carmine Jewel bush makes harvesting convenient, often allowing picking from the ground without a ladder. Once harvested, these tart cherries are excellent for culinary uses, including pies, tarts, jams, jellies, and juices. Their tartness provides a rich, balanced flavor.