{"product_id":"cherry-fruiting-lapins-sock-pot","title":"Cherry, Fruiting, Lapins (Sock Pot)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eTree Care:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlanting:\u003cbr\u003eLocation: Choose a full sun location with excellent air circulation and deep, well-drained soil. Cherries hate \"wet feet,\" so avoid soggy areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProcess: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Ensure the graft union is slightly above the soil line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatering:\u003cbr\u003eRoutine: Deep water newly planted trees weekly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruiting Season: Increase watering frequency as the fruit begins to swell. Consistent moisture is key to preventing the skin from splitting, though 'Lapins' is naturally more resistant to this than other varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFertilizing:\u003cbr\u003eTiming: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (like 10-10-10) in early spring before the white blossoms appear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaution: Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers once the fruit has set, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePruning:\u003cbr\u003eMethod: Use the \"Open Center\" or \"Modified Central Leader\" system. 'Lapins' tends to grow very upright, so pruning to encourage lateral (sideways) branches is essential for easier harvesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTiming: Best pruned in late winter while dormant to prevent the spread of silver leaf disease.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePest and Disease Control:\u003cbr\u003eBirds: Since these cherries are sweet and dark, birds love them. Use bird netting as the fruit begins to turn red.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDisease: Watch for Bacterial Canker (oozing sap) and Brown Rot. Pruning for airflow and using a dormant copper spray in late winter can significantly reduce these risks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinter Care:\u003cbr\u003eInsulation: Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch around the base (but not touching the trunk) to protect the roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrunk Protection: In very cold climates, use a white tree wrap to prevent \"frost cracks\" on the bark during sunny winter days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTree Description:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAppearance:\u003cbr\u003eFlowers: Stunning clusters of snow-white blossoms cover the branches in mid-spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBark: Attractive, reddish-brown bark with prominent horizontal lenticels (pores), typical of the Prunus family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruit Characteristics:\u003cbr\u003eThe Harvest: Produces large, dark mahogany-red cherries that are firm and meaty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlavor: Exceptionally sweet and juicy with a rich, complex flavor that is superior to most store-bought varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResilience: The fruit is highly crack-resistant, allowing it to survive spring rain showers that would ruin other cherry crops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFoliage:\u003cbr\u003eSummer: Large, serrated, dark green leaves that provide a dense canopy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFall: The foliage turns a pleasant yellow to orange-red before dropping for the winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShape and Growth:\u003cbr\u003eHabit: Naturally grows in a vigorous, upright fashion. Left unpruned, it can reach 15–20 feet, but most gardeners keep it at 12 feet for easy picking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSelf-Fertility: Unlike most sweet cherries, 'Lapins' is self-pollinating. It will produce fruit all by itself, making it perfect for smaller yards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdaptability:\u003cbr\u003eClimate: It requires about 800–900 chill hours, making it ideal for USDA zones 5–9.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLandscape Use:\u003cbr\u003eVersatility: Because you only need one tree for fruit, it’s a premier choice for small urban gardens or as a dual-purpose ornamental and edible specimen tree.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Freedom Tree Farms","offers":[{"title":"5G","offer_id":52261090754843,"sku":"C00001066","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/freedomtreefarms.com\/products\/cherry-fruiting-lapins-sock-pot","provider":"Freedom Tree Farms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}