Sonata2 Production Experience: Developed at the Summerland Research Station and released in 1996. Growers and scientists from the Mid-Columbia have evaluated the fruit in Canada since 1994. Trees planted several years ago in The Dalles have cropped for several years.
Fruit: Harvest period is one week after Bing. Fruit is very firm and very large, 9 row and larger with a shape similar to Van. The color is black with a beautiful luster making a nice pack. The flavor is acidic to moderately sweet. It appears that the fruit is more acidic in the cooler conditions of Canada and sweeter in warmer, sunnier locations. Stems are long and thick. The blossom end can develop a slight dimple. There is indication that this small dimple alone can be sufficient to treat affected cherries as sort-outs by USDA inspectors. Sonata is moderately tolerant to rain cracking.
Bloom: Self-fertile, no pollinizer is needed. Blooms late and may serve as pollinizer for Regina.
Rootstock: A self-fertile variety that is said to produce a good crop annually, so productive rootstocks may not be needed or advised. 2Information provided, in part, from Cherry Catalogue, Frank Kappel and Richard MacDonald, Agriculture and Agri-Food Research Centre, Summerland, B.C., Canada.