10,000 cherry blossom trees to be planted in Chiang Rai

CHIANG RAI, 26 February 2015 (NNT)-Mae Fah Luang University will grow 10,000 cherry blossom trees in the mountain top areas of Doi Ngam in Chiang Rai province.

Mae Fah Luang University Rector Dr. Wanchai Sirichana said the trees will be planted in a 300-rai plot of land located behind the university in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s 5th cycle.

A total of 13 varieties of cherry blossom species will be grown under the collaboration between the university, public and private sectors. Many of the saplings are imported from Japan and Korea.

Dr. Wanchai also hoped it would turn the areas that were once void of trees into a new tourist attraction site. Weather conditions in Chiang Rai are ideal for cherry blossom growth. The temperature usually varies around 10-12 degrees Celsius in winter.


-- NNT 2015-02-26

This article appeared on TVF, in April 2014.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722586-chiang-rai-to-grow-sakura-to-attract-tourists/

A year later they are still thinking and debating the issue.

Does time goes slow in Thailand or decisions are never made?.........just talk........

Sweet cherries grow in the same climate and soil as flowering cherries. They make a bigger mess on the ground if in landscaping, but it isn't a problem in an orchard.

It appears they think they could grow real cherries too around Chiang Rai. They also have beautiful blossoms.

Excellent news,I hope that the Project proceeds

A better idea would be to give farmers in suitable areas fruiting cherry trees. But are there the proper bees to polinate them?

This article appeared on TVF, in April 2014.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722586-chiang-rai-to-grow-sakura-to-attract-tourists/

A year later they are still thinking and debating the issue.

Does time goes slow in Thailand or decisions are never made?.........just talk........

Maybe Thailand is a Black Hole ? where time doesn't exists

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_hole

The cherry blossom blooming in Washington DC is a great tourist attraction each year...trees were given to the US many years ago by the Japanese...beautiful sight to behold.

Finally, something to cheer about for Thailand and Chiang Rai...it is a win-win situation...good for the future of that area...

A better idea would be to give farmers in suitable areas fruiting cherry trees. But are there the proper bees to polinate them?

bees ?

They will use cheap labour from Myanmar )

( Males only of cause 555555 )

A better idea would be to give farmers in suitable areas fruiting cherry trees. But are there the proper bees to polinate them?

Excellent ideas here about cottage industries for tourists. Good food for locals too.

Good question about bees. There are self pollinating cherry trees. IMHO the semi tart make the best tarts and pies, and the sweets are the best to eat or make jams and jellies.

Dr. Wanchai is sadly mistaken if he thinks the cherry trees will flourish behind the university. A quick trip up to Doi Chaang would show him that his idea is misguided as all the cherry trees that were planted there years ago are dying because of disease. How is it possible that cherry trees can grow at a 400 m. elevation when they can not survive at colder 800 m. elevation only 50 km away.

Dr. Wanchai is sadly mistaken if he thinks the cherry trees will flourish behind the university. A quick trip up to Doi Chaang would show him that his idea is misguided as all the cherry trees that were planted there years ago are dying because of disease. How is it possible that cherry trees can grow at a 400 m. elevation when they can not survive at colder 800 m. elevation only 50 km away.

Those flowering cherries in Washington DC survive very hard winters. Cherry trees need a cold season because they are deciduous (lose leaves over the winter.)

Fruit cherry orchards in the US are cold hardy as are the flowering cherries and they all flower in the Spring. It's the cold season that makes them work. They begin to set fruit in the Spring as they begin to grow new leaves.

I was more surprised to learn that there must be enough of a cold season in that area of LOS to grow cherry trees.

As for disease, yes cherry trees and most fruit and nut trees are subject to disease. In the wild they just tolerate it. In landscaping and fruit orchards they are sprayed in the spring just before they set fruit to ward off disease and insects.