Does any NAFEXer know what 'hoops' I'd have
to jump through to get them stateside?
Officially, they have to go through Quarantine before being allowed legally
into the U.S. That, is I believe a 2yr process and can be quite costly. I
know that the SK Carmine Jewel cherry, which was released a few years ago is
in quarantine and may even be available next spring. 4 of the newest 5 that
are being quasi-released to growers here in Canada for testing have not been
put into quarantine. These haven't been thoroughly tested here, nor even
named yet but I believe would be rock hardy in places like the mid-west U.S.
They did come through -49F last winter with some damage but you also have
to take into account that they are in their original location where the
plant spacing is 3' - 4' apart, which makes them struggle a bit more.
In the end, it relies on money being spent to get plants through quarantine.
Dean Kreutzer
Regina, Saskatchewan Canada
USDA zone 3