Royal Lee Cherry Tree

Royal Lee Cherry Trees are celebrated for their exceptional flavor and beauty, producing medium to large, heart-shaped cherries with a glossy red skin. The fruit has a firm texture and a perfectly balanced sweetness, making it ideal for fresh eating, baking, and canning. One of the earliest cherry varieties to ripen, Royal Lee cherries are ready to harvest in late spring to early summer, offering a delightful start to the cherry season. This tree is not self-fruitful and requires a pollinator, such as Minnie Royal or Bing, to ensure an abundant harvest. Thriving in full sun with well-draining soil, Royal Lee cherry trees are particularly well-suited to regions with mild winters, as they require low to moderate chill hours. Beyond their delicious fruit, these trees are admired for their graceful spring blossoms and manageable size, making them a perfect addition to home orchards or backyard gardens. Reliable, productive, and visually stunning, the Royal Lee cherry tree brings both beauty and flavor to any landscape.

Semi-dwarf on Maxma rootstock.

• Zones: 8-10
• Chill hours: 200-300
• Bloom Time: Early (Based on typical Central Valley California weather)
• Harvest: May 11 - June 1
• Looks: Medium large, dark red, heart-shaped cherry.
• Personality: Firm with excellent flavor.
• Facts of note: Low chill hours required. One of the earliest sweet cherries. One of the first true low-chill cherries. Very productive tree. Perfect to be paired with Minnie Royal. Zaiger patent.
• Pollination: Pollinated by Minnie Royal.

Royal Lee Cherry Tree: A Fruitful Delight

The Royal Lee Cherry tree is a remarkable fruit-bearing tree known for its delectable cherries and exceptional characteristics. This semi-dwarf cherry tree variety has captured the hearts of fruit enthusiasts and gardeners alike due to its unique taste, appearance, and distinct qualities that set it apart from other cherry tree varieties.

Fruit Flavor and Taste

One of the most appealing features of the Royal Lee Cherry tree is the delightful flavor of its fruit. The cherries produced by this tree are renowned for their sweet and tangy taste, making them a favorite among those with a penchant for fresh, homegrown fruit. The cherries are firm, juicy, and possess a unique balance of sweetness and tartness, creating a symphony of flavors that burst in your mouth with every bite. This exceptional taste makes the Royal Lee Cherry a popular choice for eating fresh, making preserves, or using in a variety of culinary dishes.

Fruit Appearance

The cherries produced by the Royal Lee Cherry tree are equally captivating in terms of their appearance. These cherries are typically medium-sized and exhibit a beautiful deep red to almost black color when ripe. The glossy skin of the fruit gives it an attractive, enticing look that is sure to enthrall anyone who sees it. The cherries grow in clusters, making them easy to harvest, and their uniform shape adds to their overall aesthetic appeal. Whether used as a garnish, in a fruit salad, or enjoyed on their own, the striking appearance of Royal Lee cherries makes them a delightful addition to any garden or orchard.

Distinguishing Characteristics

While there are many cherry tree varieties available, the Royal Lee Cherry tree stands out with its unique characteristics:

1. Compact Size: As a semi-dwarf tree, the Royal Lee Cherry tree has a more compact size compared to standard cherry trees. This makes it suitable for smaller spaces while still yielding a bountiful harvest.

2. Low Chill Hours: This cherry variety is well-suited for regions with mild winters, as it has low chill hour requirements. It can thrive in areas where winters are not extremely cold, making it accessible to a wider range of gardeners.

3. Late-Season Ripening: Royal Lee cherries ripen later in the season, typically in late spring to early summer. This extended harvesting period allows for a longer window to enjoy these delicious cherries and ensures a consistent supply throughout the season.

The Royal Lee Cherry tree is a delightful addition to any garden or orchard. Its sweet and tangy cherries, stunning appearance, and unique characteristics make it a standout choice among cherry tree varieties. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, the Royal Lee Cherry tree's nature and adaptability to various climates make it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy the pleasures of homegrown cherries. With its delectable fruit and attractive appearance, this cherry tree is sure to bring joy to your garden and your taste buds for years to come.

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