Sweet Cherry Variety Showcase Is July 9

The Sweet Cherry Variety Showcase will be held Thursday, July 9, at Schwallier’s Country Basket, Sparta, Mich. International Plant Management and Summit Tree Sales, Lawrence, Mich., working with Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, is hosting the event.

Several new cherry selections will be displayed. BlackPearl, Radiance, Ebony and Burgundy are recent releases from Cornell University and will be seen for the first time. Several Italian varieties from the University of Bologna will be shown with samples from both Michigan and Oregon. Samples from Michigan State University research stations at Clarksville and Benton Harbor will include selections from both high tunnels and the field.

Discussions will feature MSU horticulturists – Greg Lang with his new findings on high tunnel technology and Phil Schwallier with variety evaluations – and Wallace Heuser of International Plant Management will compare the new Cornell and Italian selections.

The showcase will open at 4 p.m. with more than 100 cherry varieties on display and for sampling. Discussions will begin at 5 p.m. A complimentary barbecue will be served at 6:30 p.m.

All growers are welcome.

For more information, call International Plant Management or Summit Tree Sales at 800-424-2765.