Che Care Guide
Seedless Che Fruit – Cudrania tricuspidata (Mandarin Melon Berry)
We once included the Seedless Che in our mulberry care guide because it belongs to the same plant family. Like mulberries, Che is easy to grow and does not require spraying. Its ornamental qualities—distinctive leaves, striking fruit, and attractive shape—make it a delightful addition to the landscape. It also has a strong, dependable cropping habit.
We graft Che onto Osage Orange (another relative) because Che on its own roots tends to sucker. When grafted on Osage, trees grow with a single trunk. However, if you prefer a colony-forming growth habit, similar to American Plum, planting a seedless Che on its own roots may be suitable.
In China, the Che is also known as the "Silkworm Tree," as its leaves—like those of the mulberry—are the primary food source for silkworms. Our mature orchard tree is about 10 feet tall and 18 feet wide after 30 years of growth.
Unpruned, Che trees typically grow into rounded forms, reaching up to 25 feet in height and width over several decades. However, for silk production, the Chinese often prune them smaller, cultivating them as compact trees or even bushes.
Site Selection & Growing Conditions
Che trees grow well in open locations or alongside small trees like filberts or apples. They are adaptable to various soil types and thrive in climates from Virginia southward into central Florida. For best fruit ripening, hot summers are ideal. In USDA Zone 6 (e.g., Front Royal, VA), fruit typically ripens in late September to October.
Important Note About Pollination
Unlike most Che varieties, the Seedless Che does not require a male tree for fruit production. In fact, do not plant a male Che near a Seedless Che, as cross-pollination will cause the fruit to develop seeds. Seedless Che is the only known variety that reliably produces seedless fruit without a male pollinator. For fresh eating, seedlessness is a major advantage—seeds in Che fruit are roughly the size of peppercorns and can detract from the eating experience.
Establishment & Maintenance
In the first few years after planting, keep the area around the young tree free of grass and weeds, and water as needed during dry spells. Che trees are low-maintenance once established.
A client in Michigan noted:
"It took many years to reach bearing age, but fruit has ripened."