Maturity group — Sour cherry

The cherry classification system includes eight maturity groups: from 01 (very early) to 08 (remontant), covering early-ripening, mid-season, and late-ripening varieties. Specific calendar ripening dates depend on the meteorological factors of the region, with early varieties typically reaching maturity in the second or third ten-day period of June, while late varieties ripen in late July, August, or early September.

This trait determines harvest technology and logistics, as well as the planning of orchard plantings to extend the fresh fruit consumption period. During breeding and orchard establishment, maturity groups are taken into account to assess the risks of fruit exposure to adverse conditions, such as spring frosts or prolonged rains in late summer.