Santina™ Cherry Tree

Santina is a named sweet-cherry cultivar from the Summerland breeding program, selected for early fruit maturity. It is the offspring of Stella and Summit, is self-fertile, and produces dark, firm cherries; the [Canadian Food Inspection Agency profile](https://active.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pbrpov/cropreport/che/app00001884e.shtml) and [UC Davis Foundation Plant Services](https://fps.ucdavis.edu/treedetails.cfm?v=6199) record the cultivar name and parentage. ## Fruit and pollination Santina ripens about eight to ten days before Van in Summerland and roughly a week before Bing in the UC Davis reference. Its moderately large, flattened heart-shaped fruit has lustrous mahogany-to-black skin and dark red-purple flesh. It is self-fertile and does not usually over-set, although the Canadian profile reports moderate-to-high production and moderate susceptibility to rain cracking. ## Tree and foliage The tree has a spreading to drooping habit and dense canopy. Its spring flowers are white; the leaves are medium green and shift to bronze tones before leaf fall. Leave room for the canopy and avoid crowding the tree. ## Maintenance Provide sun, well-drained soil, and consistent water while the young tree establishes and fruit develops. Prune in dry weather to maintain light and airflow through the canopy, and gather ripe or fallen cherries.