Tamara

Tree Characteristics

• Vigour: Medium to high
• Growth Habit: Relatively open structure with pendant laterals, suited to steep leader systems and modern orchard designs
• Flowering: Early to mid season
• Pollination: Not self-fertile; requires compatible pollinisers such as Samba, Santina, Lapin and Sweetheart
• Productivity: Moderate, with regular cropping observed under commercial conditions
• Alternate Bearing: Low (based on consistent cropping observations)
• Site Suitability: Well suited to cooler Australian cherry-growing regions, with good frost tolerance observed in Tasmanian conditions

Grower note: Tamara™ is a vigorous, early cropping variety that performs best in structured systems. Attention should be given to harvest timing, as delayed picking can reduce stem retention.

Fruit Characteristics

• Colour: Dark red at full maturity
• Colour Timing: Mid-season maturity, aligned with Van timing in Australian conditions
• Finish: Attractive finish with good skin integrity and cracking tolerance
• Shape: Very large, broad heart-shaped fruit
• Stem: Medium to long (around 40 mm), thick with good strength
• Eating Quality: Firm flesh with an aromatic, balanced sweet-sharp flavour profile

Harvest & Storage

• Harvest Window: Mid-season, typically around the 5th cherry harvest week, similar to Van timing in Australia (Christmas to New Year period) 
• Picking: Best harvested slightly on the early side to maintain stem retention; delayed picking can reduce stem pull force 
• Storability: Good firmness supports handling and supply into both domestic and export markets

Grower note: Harvest timing is critical for Tamara™, as leaving fruit too long on the tree can compromise stem retention despite strong size and eating quality

Performance & Management

• Packout: Strong potential driven by very large fruit size and firmness, supporting premium grade outcomes 
• Thinning: May be required in heavier crop years to maintain optimal fruit size
• Cropping: Early and regular cropping with moderate, consistent yields 
• Canopy Management: Requires structured pruning to manage medium to high vigour and maintain light distribution through the canopy
• Pest & Disease: Standard cherry pest and disease management required

Market Advantages

• Exceptional fruit size, consistently exceeding 30 mm
• Strong visual appeal with dark red colour and attractive presentation
• Firm flesh supports handling, packing and export supply
• Balanced sweet-sharp flavour profile suited to premium markets
• Improved cracking tolerance compared with Lapin and Simone
• Mid-season timing aligned with key Christmas to New Year market window
• Suitable for both domestic and export programs