Introducing New Cherry Varieties for the 2026 Season: Nimba, Regina, and Kompaktnaya Venyaminova

19 Feb

0 Comment(s) 3219 View(s) All , Fruit trees

Introducing New Cherry Varieties for the 2026 Season: Nimba, Regina, and Kompaktnaya Venyaminova

The 2026 cherry season promises extraordinary diversity. We have prepared a selection of three varieties representing technological excellence, proven classics, and a unique flavor rarity. From American speed and German precision to Russian compactness—these novelties will cover the needs of every gardener and extend the harvest period from May to August.

“Modern fruit growing today focuses not only on fruit size but also on yield stability in the face of climate change. Varieties like Regina escape spring frosts, while Nimba brings a crop when the competition is just beginning to ripen.”

Let’s take a detailed look at these three fascinating varieties in terms of their origin, cultivation requirements, and fruit quality.

1. Nimba: The American Express Ahead of Its Time

The 'Nimba' variety is a licensed premium novelty originally from California (USA), brought to Europe by the French company Cot International. It is the answer to the demand for large-fruited cherries that ripen at a time when the fresh fruit market is still empty.

Technological Breakthrough: Ripening

Nimba ripens in the 1st to 2nd cherry week (May), which is approximately 5 days before the Burlat variety. Despite its earliness, it produces fruits with a size of 28 – 30 mm, which is unprecedented in this category.

Taste: Exceptionally sweet (above 16 degrees Brix) with a spicy aroma.
Tree: Grows medium-vigorous to vigorous, has a semi-upright, open habit, and branches very well.
Resilience: For an early variety, it shows surprisingly good fruit firmness and medium resistance to cracking.

Growing Tip: As it is a cross-pollinated variety (S2S3), 'Pacific Red' is the best pollinator, but 'Burlat' or 'Vanda' also work reliably.

2. Regina: The Late Queen of Resilience

Hailing from Jork, Germany, the 'Regina' variety maintains its status as one of the most sought-after late "Bigarreau" cherries. It is a tree that was bred for the harsher European conditions.

Why is Regina a safe bet?

Its main trump card is late flowering. While early varieties may lose their crop during April frosts, Regina is still dormant at that time. Furthermore, the fruits are highly resistant to cracking in the rain, eliminating losses during harvest time.

Fruit: Large, heart-shaped, dark red color with very firm and crunchy flesh.
Harvest: Ripens late, in the 6th to 8th cherry week (mid-July to August).
Use: Thanks to its firmness and ability to maintain quality on the tree for a long time, it is ideal for fresh consumption and canning.

3. Kompaktnaya Venyaminova: A Russian Specialty with a Chocolate Flavor

The 'Kompaktnaya Venyaminova' variety comes from the breeding program of the Voronezh State Agricultural University. It is a variety with character that combines decorative function with utility.

A Taste That Wins Tests

In tasting tests, this variety achieved an incredible 4.9 out of 5 points. Its dark red, almost black flesh has a unique sweet taste with chocolate undertones.

Growth: Weak, low, and compact. The tree is ideal for backyard gardening and small spaces.
Yield: Bears abundantly on short fruit spurs; fruits weigh 4 – 5 g.
Resilience: Possesses good wood frost hardiness and blooms mid-early (late June).

Note: It is cross-pollinated. To ensure a harvest, we recommend planting pollinators like 'Iput' or 'Ovstuzhenka' nearby.

Quick Variety Comparison

Feature	Nimba	Regina	Venyaminova
Origin	USA (California)	Germany	Russia
Harvest Time	Very early (May)	Very late (July/Aug)	Mid-early (June)
Flavor Specialty	High sweetness	Crunchy & balanced	Chocolate undertone
Best For	Market & early eating	Storage & canning	Small gardens

Conclusion

The 2026 season will bring the best of global breeding to our gardens. Whether you bet on the technologically advanced Nimba, the frost-hardy Regina, or the uniquely flavorful Kompaktnaya Venyaminova, each will enrich your diet with high-quality home-grown fruit. All these varieties combine high productivity with an excellent state of health.