Cherry Picking Trivia Quiz

Answer:

The earliest documented planting of cherry trees occurred in the 1820s and 1840s, and pioneer Edward Taylor grew the first large-scale orchard of these yummy fruits in 1878 in Young, firmly establishing that town as the cherry capital of Australia. In a long-held tradition, the first box of cherries is auctioned for charity every year. In late 2025, the auction raised a whopping $260,000 for a single 5kg box of premium cherries grown in the Warby Ranges.

Each of the ten cultivars listed are sweet cherries (Prunus avium) and produce predominantly white blossoms in spring. They do best in well-drained loam soils, with slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0) and dislike having wet feet, so opt for good drainage if you decide to grow a tree. Only Queensland and the Northen Territory have climates unsuitable for growing cherries; successful commercial production depends on the 'chill' requirements of each variety. Nearly all of these cultivars are bred primarily for eating the fruit fresh, though Bing, Stella, Van and Lapins are also suitable for jams, preserves, baking and freezing.

Cherries ripen in late October - early November, just as the weather is getting warmer. Merchant, a medium-sized, vigorous tree imported from the UK is the earliest of those listed to be ready for picking, followed closely by Glacier, Santina, Van and Bing. Stella, Simone and Lapins come after the early lot; Dame Nancy and Regina are the last of these cherries to ripen, in late February.

Ah, cherries - what would Christmas day be without them?

I hope you were able to evade the birds and didn't let any of them ruin your crop of cherries!