DESSERT EARLY

Dessert Early is a cherry plum hybrid developed at the State Nikita Botanical Garden by crossing Chinese plum Burbank and Tavrida cherry plum. The medium-sized tree has a flat-rounded, moderately dense crown, ensuring good yields. The fruits are large (average weight around 30–35 g), round, and dark burgundy in color with a bright blue waxy bloom. The flesh is yellow with a cherry tint under the skin, dense and juicy, possessing a harmonious sweet-and-sour taste with sweetness prevailing; the aroma is pleasant and rich.

The fruits ripen in the second half of July – usually from July 18 to 22. When harvested early, they have a soft texture; with later harvesting, they become denser and sweeter, almost melting in the mouth. The medium-sized pit separates easily from the flesh, making the fruits convenient for consumption both fresh and in confectionery.

The variety is distinguished by high yields (around 17 t/ha), moderate winter hardiness, and good disease resistance. The tree regenerates well after frost but requires regular irrigation due to low drought tolerance. Thanks to its taste qualities and versatility in use, Dessert Early is considered one of the best varieties for dessert purposes.