When Do Yuyao Cherries Ripen and Hit the Market

Yuyao cherries refer to the cherries cultivated in Yuyao City, Zhejiang Province. The main cultivar is the short-stalked cherry. So when do Yuyao cherries ripen?

1. When Do Yuyao Cherries Ripen

Yuyao cherries generally ripen around April 20 and reach their peak in early May. Yuyao cherries are concentrated in the Yaojiang valley and at the foot of the Siming Mountains. The main production areas are the towns of Liangnong and Simingshan in Yuyao City and Xikou in Fenghua.

2. Cultivation Techniques for Yuyao Cherries

1. Select good varieties and plant at a reasonable density

Use natural open-center or central-leader delayed-open training, and deep-plow the soil before the peak root-growth period in the plum rain season to deepen root distribution.

2. Fertilization

Apply fertilizer 3 times a year: one topdressing each before and after flowering, mainly with quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer, and one application after harvest, mainly with organic fertilizer. From after petal fall to before fruit ripening is the critical water-demand period for cherries, so irrigate in good time.

2. Pruning

Pruning should take into account three points: first, the later the dormant-season pruning, the better; second, follow the characteristics of the cultivar; third, pay attention to the method of thinning branches.

4. Pest and Disease Control

Prevent late frost damage and lodging, and control pests and diseases such as longhorn beetles, jewel beetles, scale insects, leaf shot hole disease, and gummosis.

Yuyao cherries are also very rich in nutrients and are known as the “treasure pearl among fruits”.