When cherry blossoms bloom in the middle zone. How to grow cherries in central Russia

Sweet cherry is the closest relative of the sour cherry. Thanks to new, cold-resistant varieties, it is possible to grow cherries in central Russia and northern regions, despite the southern origin of the crop.

Choosing a cherry seedling

To plant on the site, you should select several varieties of cherries for cross-pollination. In the middle zone and the Moscow region, the following varieties produce good harvests: Cheremashnaya, Krymskaya, Iput, Bryansk pink, Fatezh, Tyutchevka.

Externally, cherry seedlings are very similar to cherries, but upon closer inspection, it is not difficult to distinguish them:

• Cherry trees are taller with erect branches;
• The bark of cherry seedlings is brown with a reddish tint, while the bark of cherry seedlings is gray-brown.

Growing cherries will be successful if the seedling for planting is chosen correctly. His age should not exceed three years (optimally two years). The recommended height of the purchased seedling is at least 80 cm, and it has 3-4 strong shoots. There must be a grafting site on the trunk, which indicates the varietal identity of the seedling. Bark healthy plant smooth, without signs of disease or freezing.

Root system planting material The cherry tree is well developed and has 3-4 branches 20 cm long. Specimens with dried, rotten or frozen roots should not be purchased - they are not viable. If root system The seedling is very dry - when cut, the light brown core is visible; the seedling can be revived. To do this, the roots are placed in a container with water for a day.

Choosing a location and planting cherries

Improper planting of cherries can lead to the death of the seedling, so this stage must be approached responsibly.

Choosing a landing site

Cherry prefers areas on the south or southwest side, not blown by north winds. It is allowed to plant trees near the southern walls of the house and on gentle slopes.

This fruit crop does not tolerate stagnation of moisture, even short-term. Planting cherries in central Russia should be carried out in areas with deep groundwater. Otherwise, soaking the roots will lead to a delay in the development of the tree, and subsequently to its death.

Soil preparation

Cherries develop and bear fruit well on fertile loams and sandy loams with neutral acidity. The soil should be well aerated and saturated with moisture. Peat bogs, deep sandstones and heavy clay soils Not suitable for growing cherries.

It is necessary to prepare the area where you plan to plant the tree in advance. The site is dug up in the fall, adding organic matter (manure or compost) and mineral fertilizers (superphosphate and sodium sulfate). If you need to reduce the pH level of the soil, add about 500 g of lime or chalk.

Planting seedlings in open ground

Sweet cherries take root and develop well, the cultivation and care of which are planned in advance, and the rules and planting dates are followed. IN southern regions Planting is done in the fall and they have time to get stronger before the onset of cold weather. In the conditions of the Moscow region and middle zone transplantation should be postponed until spring. Optimal timing spring planting in open ground - late April, before the buds swell.

When planting a cherry orchard, a distance of at least 3 meters must be maintained between plants. A hole for planting is dug two weeks before planting so that the soil is sufficiently settled. The fertile layer of surface soil is tilted in one direction, and the deep layer in the other. The size of the hole should ensure free placement of the root system in it - a depth of approximately 60 cm and a width of 60-100 cm. It is not recommended to add nitrogen-containing fertilizers and lime to the planting hole, as they can cause burns to the roots.

At the bottom of the planting hole, a mound of fertile soil is formed, on which the seedling is placed. The root neck of the cherry tree should not be deepened. It should be at ground level or slightly higher. After planting, you need to water the tree abundantly and mulch the tree trunk.

Cherry - care after planting and before harvest

Caring for cherries in the first year of planting does not take much effort. It is enough to water the plant in a timely manner and remove weeds in the tree trunk circle. In the future, the tree needs additional events care

Watering and weeding

Watering an adult tree is carried out three times a season, adding 20-30 liters of water. In dry summers, the amount of watering can be increased. You should avoid excess moisture, as cherry roots are prone to rotting. The growth of weeds in the tree trunk circle is unacceptable, so they are regularly removed, the soil is loosened and mulched.

Pollination

For fruiting, you need to ensure good pollination of the cherry during flowering. Cherries of other varieties or cherries will become cross pollinators. To attract bees, cherry flowers can be irrigated with honey or sugar dissolved in water.

Fertilizing cherries in spring and pre-winter

If the soil was well fertilized when planting, additional fertilizing is not needed for the first 3-5 years. Caring for cherries in central Russia in the future includes the application of organic fertilizers, which are applied in the spring: 10 kg of compost or rotted manure. Mineral fertilizers (superphosphate) will help the tree prepare for winter. They are brought in no later than September.

Formative and sanitary pruning of cherries

In the year of planting, you need to shorten the side branches to 40 cm. The intensive growth of cherry shoots needs to be restrained. To do this, formative pruning is carried out in the spring before the buds swell.

In subsequent years, pruning is carried out to form a tiered crown, shortening last year's shoots. At a height of 3-3.5 m, the growth of the main conductor is restrained by pruning. In the spring, sanitary pruning is also carried out, removing damaged and improperly growing branches.

Harvesting and subsequent care of cherries

Cherries begin to bear fruit 3-4 years after planting. The ripening period of berries may vary depending on the variety. Berry picking often occurs in June and July. Berries with stalks are picked in dry weather.

During the ripening period, starlings and other birds like to feast on the berries. For repelling, you can buy special nets at fruit trees, summer residents also attach rustling and shiny objects to trees. More reliable means of protection are non-woven material or electronic repellers.

Caring for cherries after harvest is not difficult. It is necessary to monitor the health of the tree and regularly clean the tree trunk from fallen plant debris. During this period, the amount and rate of watering can be reduced.

Diseases and pests of cherries, and their control

To protect cherries, early spring (during bud swelling) spraying with a urea solution is used as a preventive measure. Prepare a solution from 10 liters of water and 500-600 g of urea. They treat not only the branches, but also the soil in the tree trunk circle, thereby destroying the insects wintering there.

To combat fungi and moss, treat the trunk and crown with a 5% solution iron sulfate before the start of sap flow. Such treatment is sufficient once every few years.

To combat the main pests: sawfly, mites, aphids, they are treated with Karbofos, Askarin, Fitoverm, Novaktion. Spray the trees during the period of bud opening and bouquet separation. During the same period, prevention of clasterosporiasis, moniliosis and other diseases is carried out with a 5% solution of Bordeaux mixture.

After flowering, prevention of flying pests begins. To do this, spray with Karbofos or Novaktion. The last treatment should be carried out no later than 20 days before the crop ripens.

Preparing cherries for wintering

Mature cherries, planted and cared for according to the rules, tolerate winter well without shelter. It is enough to whiten the base of the trunk and skeletal branches, add 150 g of superphosphate to the soil in September, and mulch the tree trunk circle with peat. Also in the fall it is necessary to carry out abundant saturating watering.

Young seedlings need shelter. You should not wrap them with artificial materials (lutrasil, spunbond). It is better to give preference to spruce branches or burlap, under which the trees breathe in winter and will not rot.

Bottom line

Even inexperienced gardeners can grow cherries in central Russia and other regions. By choosing the right seedling and planting site, as well as following simple care rules, you can harvest an excellent harvest of juicy and sweet berries every year.

Sweet cherries and cherries are close relatives of the rose family in taste and appearance. It is not surprising that many people confuse them, and some peoples do not even have a separate name for cherries. And yet these cultures are different - cherries have a sweeter taste and are more whimsical. She loves the sun and warmth, but if desired, she can. The main thing is to approach the matter correctly.

The most important thing is to choose. You need to focus on the winter-hardy varieties Severnaya, Tyutchevka, Fatezh. In order for the trees to bear fruit well, you need to plant several seedlings of at least 2 varieties - cherries do not like being alone. You can select varieties of seedlings so that the cherry orchard will bear fruit from late May to early August. Early varieties include Mayskaya, Rannyaya Duki, and late varieties include Amazon.

If the size of the plot is limited, it is worth grafting several different varieties of cherries onto one tree, choosing those that differ from each other in terms of ripening time and frost resistance. It is necessary to vaccinate before active sap flow begins.

Correct landing is half the success

Cherry is a capricious crop. For her the most best place is a highland, since in the spring the earth warms up there faster, in the summer cold air masses do not accumulate, as in the lowlands, and groundwater is far away. Cherries should be planted in the south or southwest side of the plot in a sunny place. Under no circumstances should you plant it in the shade of a house - it will bear fruit poorly.

Cherries are planted in autumn or spring. The pits are prepared with a depth of 60 cm and a width of 80 cm. The distance between them is 3-3.5 m. At the bottom of each pit it is necessary to pour 1-2 10-liter buckets of humus or rotted manure, 300-400 g of superphosphate, 120 g of potassium sulfate. Cherries love fertile lands.

Care

Care consists of periodically fertilizing the soil, careful pruning, etc. In order for a plant to bear fruit well, it is necessary to attract pollinating insects to it. Therefore, at the beginning of flowering, you can spray the flowers with a solution of honey - for this, stir 1 tbsp in 1 liter of water. l. honey

It is necessary to feed cherries before flowering (one-time feeding is enough), so that the tree receives maximum nutrients even before fruit sets. Cherries really like this mixture: mix 4 parts clay, 1 part mullein, 1 part ash and dilute with water until it becomes thick sour cream. Water the tree with this mixture.

To make cherries lighter, in September you need to feed the plant with superphosphate (50 g of superphosphate per 1 sq. m).

Cherries must be trimmed very carefully. You should not be overzealous with formative pruning; it is enough to carry out sanitary pruning - when dry, diseased and broken branches are removed. They need to be trimmed in early spring before the buds appear. All cuts must be immediately covered with garden varnish - cherries are easily affected by pests.

Green (summer) pruning is also acceptable. It involves removing the tops of green (current year) shoots, as well as shoots growing inside the crown.

Diseases and pests

Sweet cherries are very often affected by pests, especially aphids. To get rid of it, you can spray with tobacco infusion with soapy water (40 g of soap, 200 g of tobacco crumbs diluted in 10 liters of water). This must be done 20 days before fruiting, no later.

Cherries are also affected by the fungal disease coccomycosis. With this disease, the leaves become covered with red spots, turn brown and dry out. To cope with it, you need to remove the affected branches and spray the tree with a fungicide.

Nadezhda Yablokova, Moscow region.

Fruit trees (cherry, apricot, peach and others) are particularly demanding of climatic conditions and soil.

Despite this, there are many varieties of stone fruits that do well not only in southern regions, but also in cooler climates. In central Russia, growing cherries is not at all difficult if you provide the tree with proper care.

Compliance with certain rules will help not only to get a healthy, strong tree, but also to increase its productivity. Thanks to large selection varieties of cherries, you can choose the most suitable for any climate zone.

If you follow expert care advice, growing this fruit tree will not cause much trouble. Some simple secrets They will help you grow a magnificent cherry orchard in just a few years and get an excellent harvest.

The best varieties

When choosing seedlings for growing in a garden or country house, it is very important to pay attention to the zoning of variety and species. Southern varieties may not tolerate frost and die, so it is best to pay attention to breeding varieties.

Bred specifically for the conditions of the middle zone (Moscow, Tula, Ivanovo and other regions), cherry varieties have all the necessary qualities to obtain a good harvest.

Factors to pay attention to when purchasing a seedling:

• Frost resistance level. The higher this indicator, the better.
• Tallness. U low growing plants lower chance of freezing. These varieties are also characterized by high productivity.
• Timing of flowering and fruit set. It is recommended to choose seedlings of not too early varieties. This reduces the risk of freezing during spring frosts.
• The need for pollination. It is recommended to give preference to self-fertile varieties. Even when planting one plant, there is no need for cross-pollination, so you can get a good, abundant harvest.

Taking into account all the factors, as well as the characteristics of the soil and the size of the plot, you can decide on the most suitable varieties of cherries for growing in the garden.

"Adeline"

The medium-ripening variety is perfect for growing in small areas. garden plots. The tree grows up to 3 meters in height, has a comfortable pyramidal crown and does not thicken. The productivity of "Adelina" is above average - a healthy adult tree produces up to 60 kg of juicy berries.

The advantage of this variety is its good winter hardiness and disease resistance. At good care Cherries very rarely get sick with coccomycosis and moniliosis. In dry summers it may be vulnerable to pests.

The first fruits appear in the 4th year of the seedling’s life. The yield will increase as the cherries mature to 45-60 kg. The heart-shaped berries have an average size weighing 5-6 g. The pulp is juicy red and easily separates from the seed.

The cherry variety "Adeline" takes root well in the Middle Zone and in the climate of the Central Black Earth Region. For planting, it is recommended to choose 2-3 year old seedlings - this will ensure their better survival rate and reduce the risk of contracting diseases from other fruit crops.

"Gronkavaya"

The medium-sized variety is characterized by high yield and increased resistance to disease. Excellent for growing in large gardens. The “Gronkavaya” cherry was bred by Belarusian breeders from the “Severnaya” variety.

The large, dark red fruits are quite shelf-stable and easily transported. Suitable for universal use.

Due to the fact that the variety can easily tolerate even very low temperatures, it is recommended for cultivation in the middle zone and other regions with cold climates.

Varietal characteristics and features:

• High yield (up to 70 kg per mature tree);
• Winter hardiness index - above average;
• Early ripening, self-fertility, high disease resistance.

Care requirements:

• Since the tree is tall with a spreading crown, it is recommended to grow on large areas. To obtain maximum yield, it is advisable to provide good lighting and regular soil moisture.

"I put"

The cultivation of Iput cherries in the Middle Zone and the Central region began in the early 90s. The variety was obtained by crossing the hybrid forms “Leningradskaya Chernaya”, “Pobeda” and “Zhabule No. 15”.

Thanks to excellent varietal characteristics and simple care, has gained wide popularity among gardeners. Medium-sized trees have high productivity and are capable of producing more than 90 kg of juicy berries.

Sweet cherries have large, juicy, dark red fruits. The stalk is short, thick, the stone is separated with part of the pulp. Average weight berries 6-7 g, can reach 9 g. The pulp is juicy, sweet, medium density.

Caring for and growing cherries of this variety does not require special skills or conditions. Due to its high winter hardiness and resistance to coccomycosis, it is excellent for growing in the Middle Zone.

Planting seedlings

The place for planting cherry seedlings should be prepared in advance. A well-lit place, protected from drafts, is selected on the site. In the autumn, even before the onset of frost, a hole is dug 70 by 70 cm or more, depending on the growth of the selected variety.

It is advisable to plant several seedlings of different varieties at once, but at the same flowering time, so that they are natural pollinators of each other.

The soil should be fertile, light, well permeable to moisture. The most suitable areas are with loamy or sandy soil. It is not advisable to plant any variety of cherries on clay or peaty soil!

Drainage is poured into the bottom of the hole prepared for planting to avoid stagnation of the inputs. A third of the hole is filled with a soil mixture of fertile soil and humus. In this form, the planting hole remains until spring - the most optimal time for planting cherries in the Middle Zone.

In early spring, when there is no longer any danger of frost, fertilizers are added to the hole and mixed well with fertile soil. 2-3 year old seedlings are planted so that the root neck protrudes several centimeters above ground level.

After planting the tree, the soil is compacted and watered abundantly. For better survival of cherries, the top of the soil is covered with mulch.

Caring for young and mature trees

Young seedlings should be pruned immediately after planting (at approximately 100 cm height). From dormant buds they will develop next season side shoots for crop formation.

In the 2nd year after planting, the tree is pruned by about 1/3, leaving only well-developed skeletal branches at a level of 90-110 cm. In the next season, the crown is formed depending on the plant variety.

Most an important condition The key to caring for cherries is proper watering. It is very important to provide the tree with moderate moisture so that it develops properly and to avoid the development of diseases.

Stagnation of moisture can be detrimental to the plant, so in case of high groundwater, it is recommended to choose varieties with a small root system. Most optimal solution There will be columnar and ornamental trees.

Cherry is a fairly common crop in Russia in general and in the middle zone in particular. This is the oldest variety of cherry. In modern conditions, dozens of varieties have been bred with different size, taste and color of berries, height and spreading of the crown, and timing of fruit ripening.

Sweet cherries: the best varieties for a personal plot

When choosing seedlings, you need to pay attention to its zoning, since southern varieties will freeze or dry out in colder climates with high snow cover. Therefore, before going to the nursery, you should pay attention to some points:

• Frost resistance. The higher it is, the better.
• Stunting. Such plants are less likely to freeze and have higher yields.
• Late flowering. It allows you to escape from the returning cold.
• Self-fertility. Such varieties do not require cross-pollination, therefore, harvesting is guaranteed even when planting one plant.

Taking into account all factors, you can decide on the variety.

And the way

A tree of medium height (4-5 m) of pyramidal shape with a dense crown. Thick shortened petioles with three to four flowers white. Flowering early. Fruits of universal use up to 9 g (considered large) are glossy, burgundy to black in color. Juicy, sweet pulp.

Self-sterile, productive (up to 30 kg) variety, resistant to fungal infections.

Lapins

A variety of Canadian selection with low frost resistance, productive with simultaneous ripening of fruits that do not fall off for a long time. The fruits are large – up to 8 g, transportable.

With enhanced agricultural technology, they reach 13 g. Orange-red color and dense pulp. A variety with great vigor, highly productive, self-fertile, late-ripening. Fruiting begins at the end of July. Universal berries.

Leningradskaya black

The height of the tree usually does not exceed four meters. The crown is spreading. Under good agricultural technology, fruiting can occur in the third year after planting the seedling.

The dark burgundy berries (up to 6 g) do not fall off for a long time, ripen in July, and are picked dry. Used for processing, freezing and fresh.

Summit

The variety is frost-resistant, early-bearing. Berries (10 g) with a wine aftertaste. Transportable. Good fresh and processed. The variety is used for cross-pollination of many types of cherries.

Poetry

Tree up to 3 m with a pyramidal crown shape. Yellow fruits(6 g) with dense creamy pulp. The taste is sweet and sour. Average winter hardiness and drought resistance. The yield is high, the quality of the berries is excellent.

In addition to these varieties, the cherry varieties presented in the table are grown in the middle zone:

Video review of fruitful cherry varieties

When to plant cherries

Spring planting is practiced in Siberian regions with a sharply continental climate - short summers and harsh, long winters. In the middle zone, where the climate is temperate, more humid and warm, cherry seedlings are planted in the fall - in September-October.

This period is considered the most optimal, since the gardener’s task is to allow the seedling to take root well and go into the winter before the growing season (growth and development) begins. If the deadline for autumn planting is missed, then you have to wait for spring. During this period, seedlings are buried in a shallow trench with a slope of 45 degrees until the onset of warm days. In winter, to prevent them from freezing, you need to periodically throw snow on them, and cover them from sunburn with plywood, boards, and non-woven material. Polyethylene cannot be used to avoid spring damping.

If it is necessary to preserve several shoots, they are tied together in 4-5 pieces and placed in a groove with their upper part to the south, with their roots in the deeper part, to the north.

Advantages of autumn planting cherries in the middle zone:

• During this period, there is no need for frequent watering, since there is enough rainfall.
• Seedlings are sold fresh, recently dug up. They still retain young roots and leaves that have not dried out, by which one can determine the condition of the seedling, the presence or absence of infections.
• Large selection and relative cheapness.

And finally, in the fall the gardener has more free time than in the spring.

How to choose and plant cherries correctly

Before purchasing, you need to decide in advance whether this plant will be rooted or on a rootstock. If the second option, then when purchasing, you need to find the grafting site - it has a pronounced thickening just above the root collar.

In addition, the tree must have a main conductor, which will subsequently become the main trunk, and pruning will be done with an eye on it. If there is no central conductor, then the result will be a highly branched plant with a high risk of breaking the crown during the fruiting period.

The root system should be 15 cm long, moist and without obvious damage. It is better to choose annual or biennial seedlings.

Immediately before planting, the plant is inspected again to identify any shortcomings and:

• remove “soaked” roots;
• trim very long root ends;
• cut off those roots that do not fit into the planting hole;
• tear off remaining foliage.

Under no circumstances should branches be cut, unless they are broken during transportation.

If there are dried roots, before planting they are placed in water for several hours (from 2 to 10) to become saturated with moisture.

When the seedlings are dealt with, you need to determine a favorable place for planting cherries. This should be a well-lit area, protected from the north wind.

Cherry does not “like” low-lying areas with high groundwater levels, clayey and acidic peat soil.

It “feels” best on loams and sandy loams with good aeration.

The planting site is carefully dug up, weeds removed, and leveled with a rake. Planting pits are planned at a distance of 4-5 meters from each other. Their diameter and depth are 80-90 cm. When the cherry orchard is planned and the holes are ready, the following is added to them:

• humus - 3 buckets;
• ash – 1 l;
• superphosphate – 0.2 kg;
• potash fertilizers – 0.1 kg.

In addition, if the soil is clayey, a bucket of sand is poured into the hole; if the soil is sandy, a bucket of clay is poured into the hole. Mix everything with a shovel and form a small mound in the center for convenient placement of the roots.

Nitrogen fertilizers at autumn planting do not apply to avoid premature growth.

You can start planting. First, a support peg is stuck into the hole, then the seedling is placed strictly vertically and the roots are carefully straightened along the slopes of the mound. It is necessary to ensure that the root collar and place the scion (if any) was 3 cm above the ground surface. The roots are sprinkled with soil, periodically shaking the tree. When the process is half completed, a bucket of water is poured into the hole and planting is completed. The earth around is carefully compacted.

Then, tie the plant to a support and, stepping back 30 cm around the circumference from the trunk, make a small depression into which another bucket of water is poured. It is advisable to mulch the planting site with rotted sawdust or compost. If the soil settles after a few days, it should be added to the general level.

How to care for cherries

Caring for cherries after planting is practically not required:

• The main thing is to protect it from rodents, frostbite, damping off and sunburn. To do this, the trunk should be whitened, wrapped in burlap and toxic chemicals should be spread out. In cold winters, it is better to add snow.
• In the spring, when the snow melts, the trunk and skeletal branches are whitened to reflect the sun's rays and to prevent disease.
• During the growing season, cherries require watering 1-2 times a month: young ones require 2 buckets, adults – 5-6 buckets of water.
• For the first 2-3 years, only nitrogen fertilizers are applied in the spring - they stimulate the growth of branches and green mass.
• Starting from the 4th year, the full mineral complex is added.

The soil under the trees can be mulched, turfed, or kept fallow.

Pruning and shaping cherries

One of mandatory procedures Cherry tree care involves pruning and shaping the tree. It allows you to achieve regular abundant harvests. Improper implementation of these measures inevitably leads to weakening and death of the plant.

Spring pruning of skeletal branches before the start of sap flow is preferable, since they are clearly visible, and with the onset of a warm period, the risk of freezing disappears. The wounds heal quickly.

For the middle zone, the optimal time for the procedure is the end of March-beginning of April. In the autumn, after leaf fall and until October, sanitary pruning is carried out and the crown is thinned out.

Young seedlings begin to form from the first year when they reach 50-55 cm. If the trees have not yet grown to this height, then pruning is postponed until next year. So:

It is not allowed to remove skeletal branches if they have active buds.

If all agrotechnical practices are followed and with proper formation, the cherry tree will delight you with its flowering and abundant harvests from year to year.

Cherries are valued by gardeners for their high yield and unsurpassed taste of the berries. Many people consider this crop to be too demanding in terms of growing conditions, but this is a misconception. In order for cherries to develop well and bear fruit abundantly, the planting and care of which are covered in detail in our material, you only need to choose the right variety, protect it from frost and ensure timely watering and fertilization.

Sweet cherry is the closest relative of the sour cherry. Thanks to new, cold-resistant varieties, it is possible to grow cherries in central Russia and northern regions, despite the southern origin of the crop.

Choosing a cherry seedling

To plant on the site, you should select several varieties of cherries for cross-pollination. In the middle zone and the Moscow region, the following varieties produce good harvests: Cheremashnaya, Krymskaya, Iput, Bryansk pink, Fatezh, Tyutchevka.

Externally, cherry seedlings are very similar to cherries, but upon closer inspection, it is not difficult to distinguish them:

• Cherry trees are taller with erect branches;
• The bark of cherry seedlings is brown with a reddish tint, while the bark of cherry seedlings is gray-brown.

Growing cherries will be successful if the seedling for planting is chosen correctly. His age should not exceed three years (optimally two years). The recommended height of the purchased seedling is at least 80 cm, and it has 3-4 strong shoots. There must be a grafting site on the trunk, which indicates the varietal identity of the seedling. The bark of a healthy plant is smooth, without signs of disease or freezing.

Cherry seedlings from the nursery prepared for transplanting

The root system of cherry planting material is well developed and has 3-4 branches 20 cm long. Specimens with dried, rotten or frozen roots should not be purchased - they are not viable. If the root system of the seedling is very dry—a light brown core is visible when cut—the seedling can be revived. To do this, the roots are placed in a container with water for a day.

Choosing a location and planting cherries

Improper planting of cherries can lead to the death of the seedling, so this stage must be approached responsibly.

Choosing a landing site

Cherry prefers areas on the south or southwest side, not blown by north winds. It is allowed to plant trees near the southern walls of the house and on gentle slopes.

Cherries bear fruit well in a sunny area on the south side

This fruit crop does not tolerate stagnation of moisture, even short-term. Planting cherries in central Russia should be carried out in areas with deep groundwater. Otherwise, soaking the roots will lead to a delay in the development of the tree, and subsequently to its death.

Soil preparation

Cherries develop and bear fruit well on fertile loams and sandy loams with neutral acidity. The soil should be well aerated and saturated with moisture. Peat bogs, deep sandstones and heavy clay soils are not suitable for growing cherries.

It is necessary to prepare the area where you plan to plant the tree in advance. The site is dug up in the fall, adding organic matter (manure or compost) and mineral fertilizers (superphosphate and sodium sulfate). If you need to reduce the pH level of the soil, add about 500 g of lime or chalk.

Planting seedlings in open ground

Sweet cherries take root and develop well, the cultivation and care of which are planned in advance, and the rules and planting dates are followed. In the southern regions, planting is done in the fall and they have time to get stronger before the onset of cold weather. In the conditions of the Moscow region and the middle zone, transplantation should be postponed until spring. The optimal time for spring planting in open ground is the end of April, before the buds swell.

When planting a cherry orchard, a distance of at least 3 meters must be maintained between plants. A hole for planting is dug two weeks before planting so that the soil is sufficiently settled. The fertile layer of surface soil is tilted in one direction, and the deep layer in the other. The size of the hole should ensure free placement of the root system in it - a depth of approximately 60 cm and a width of 60-100 cm. It is not recommended to add nitrogen-containing fertilizers and lime into the planting hole, as they can cause burns to the roots.

Preparing a planting hole for cherries

At the bottom of the planting hole, a mound of fertile soil is formed, on which the seedling is placed. The root neck of the cherry tree should not be deepened. It should be at ground level or slightly higher. After planting, you need to water the tree abundantly and mulch the tree trunk.

Cherry - care after planting and before harvesting

Caring for cherries in the first year of planting does not take much effort. It is enough to water the plant in a timely manner and remove weeds in the tree trunk circle. In the future, the tree needs additional care.

Watering and weeding

Watering an adult tree is carried out three times a season, adding 20-30 liters of water. In dry summers, the amount of watering can be increased. You should avoid excess moisture, as cherry roots are prone to rotting. The growth of weeds in the tree trunk circle is unacceptable, so they are regularly removed, the soil is loosened and mulched.

Pollination

For fruiting, you need to ensure good pollination of the cherry during flowering. Cherries of other varieties or cherries will become cross pollinators. To attract bees, cherry flowers can be irrigated with honey or sugar dissolved in water.

It is recommended to grow several varieties of cherries for cross-pollination.

Fertilizing cherries in spring and pre-winter

If the soil was well fertilized when planting, additional fertilizing is not needed for the first 3-5 years. Caring for cherries in central Russia in the future includes the application of organic fertilizers, which are applied in the spring: 10 kg of compost or rotted manure. Mineral fertilizers (superphosphate) will help the tree prepare for winter. They are brought in no later than September.

Formative and sanitary pruning of cherries

In the year of planting, you need to shorten the side branches to 40 cm. The intensive growth of cherry shoots needs to be restrained. To do this, formative pruning is carried out in the spring before the buds swell.

Cherry trees are pruned in the spring before the buds swell.

In subsequent years, pruning is carried out to form a tiered crown, shortening last year's shoots. At a height of 3-3.5 m, the growth of the main conductor is restrained by pruning. In the spring, sanitary pruning is also carried out, removing damaged and improperly growing branches.

Harvesting and subsequent care of cherries

Cherries begin to bear fruit 3-4 years after planting. The ripening period of berries may vary depending on the variety. Berry picking often occurs in June and July. Berries with stalks are picked in dry weather.

During the ripening period, starlings and other birds like to feast on the berries. To deter them, you can buy special nets for fruit trees; summer residents also attach rustling and shiny objects to trees. More reliable means of protection are non-woven material or electronic repellers.

Protecting cherry fruits from birds using old computer disks

Caring for cherries after harvest is not difficult. It is necessary to monitor the health of the tree and regularly clean the tree trunk from fallen plant debris. During this period, the amount and rate of watering can be reduced.

Diseases and pests of cherries, and their control

To protect cherries, early spring (during bud swelling) spraying with a urea solution is used as a preventive measure. Prepare a solution from 10 liters of water and 500-600 g of urea. They treat not only the branches, but also the soil in the tree trunk circle, thereby destroying the insects wintering there.

To combat fungi and moss, treat the trunk and crown with a 5% solution of ferrous sulfate before sap flow begins. Such treatment is sufficient once every few years.

Sweet cherries affected by clasterosporiosis

To combat the main pests: sawfly, mites, aphids, they are treated with Karbofos, Askarin, Fitoverm, Novaktion. Spray the trees during the period of bud opening and bouquet separation. During the same period, prevention of clasterosporiasis, moniliosis and other diseases is carried out with a 5% solution of Bordeaux mixture.

After flowering, prevention of flying pests begins. To do this, spray with Karbofos or Novaktion. The last treatment should be carried out no later than 20 days before the crop ripens.

Preparing cherries for wintering

Mature cherries, planted and cared for according to the rules, tolerate winter well without shelter. It is enough to whiten the base of the trunk and skeletal branches, add 150 g of superphosphate to the soil in September, and mulch the tree trunk circle with peat. Also in the fall it is necessary to carry out abundant saturating watering.

Autumn whitewashing of cherries

Young seedlings need shelter. You should not wrap them with artificial materials (lutrasil, spunbond). It is better to give preference to spruce branches or burlap, under which the trees breathe in winter and will not rot.

Even inexperienced gardeners can grow cherries in central Russia and other regions. By choosing the right seedling and planting site, as well as following simple care rules, you can harvest an excellent harvest of juicy and sweet berries every year.

Not every gardener in central Russia grows cherries on their plot - many people think that this crop is more whimsical and heat-loving than cherries. In fact modern varieties allow you to choose a suitable cultivar for almost any climate of our homeland, trees come in different heights, with excellent yield indicators, without excessive care requirements, but with excellent large berries - white, yellow, red. Without extra effort, but with the observance of agricultural technology, you can get a good harvest of selected berries within 3–4 years after planting. If you don't believe me, see for yourself!

How will growing cherries in the middle zone differ from growing cherries?

Cherry, plum, apple trees are not uncommon for domestic summer residents. But not everyone wants to get involved with cherries: some think that this crop has “character”; others find it difficult to choose suitable variety. In fact, the State Register offers a choice of almost a hundred different cultivars of this crop, among which there are about three dozen varieties intended specifically for the climate of central Russia.

The middle zone of Russia or the European (Central) part includes the Moscow, Leningrad, Novgorod, Saratov, Ulyanovsk, Penza, Kirov regions, the Black Earth regions, Mari El, Chuvashia, Mordovia. The Central European part of Russia is characterized by a temperate continental climate.

Cherry is a close relative of Bird Cherry (genus Plum) - the parent of most varieties of cherries and their species. Cherry is self-sterile, characterized by rapid growth of shoots and crowns, especially in the first years of life, feels best in a temperate climate, and can freeze out in regions with harsh winters. Cherry trees reach a height of 3–5 m, with the correct formation of the crown and regular care(this applies to adult representatives of this stone fruit crop) are capable of producing up to 35–40 kg of fruit. In addition, cherries are an excellent honey plant; the wood of the tree is used for making carpentry.

Cherries and sweet cherries are representatives of the same genus Plum

Cherry is a heat-loving tree, its frost resistance is lower than that of cherries. Cherries are planted where there are no drafts, but there is plenty of sun. This crop does not like acidic soil and does not grow well where groundwater is too close. Cherry fruiting usually occurs in the 4th–5th year from the moment the seedling is planted. permanent place, continues until the age of 15–17 years.

From Byzantium the berry came to Ancient Rus'(Kyiv). Since the 12th century it appeared in Moscow. It is believed that the first gardens in the Moscow region were planted by Yuri Dolgoruky. And Russia owes the widespread spread of tasty culture to the monks. For many centuries, monasteries were centers of gardening.

Cherries differ from cherries primarily in their fruits - the large, fleshy drupes of cherries are sweeter, but less aromatic, than cherry fruits. Cherry berries can have bright yellow, whitish, scarlet, carmine skin, some cultivars have round berries, others oval, there are even slightly flattened ones, with a scar on the side, heart-shaped, up to 2.5–3 cm in diameter, the taste is sweetish, without a specific aroma. How else to distinguish cherries from cherries:

• cherry is a powerful, tall tree; cherry can be a bush cherry, with smaller and thinner shoots;
• unlike cherries, sweet cherries have a high, straight trunk and a light crown;
• Cherry leaves are oval, long, strongly serrated, hanging.

Cherry is a berry with many faces, but the taste is always worthy

Choosing the most delicious variety of cherries: descriptions and reviews

The cherry assortment is quite diverse: most varieties are self-fertile, but domestic farmers also cultivate partially self-fertile varieties modern selection(not requiring additional pollination), tall trees and dwarf trees. There are early-fruiting cultivars - fruiting occurs already in the 3rd–4th year, while varieties with low early fruiting are ready to bear fruit only in the 5th–6th year. Variety experts advise choosing more winter-hardy varieties, especially for the middle zone regions located closer to the North-West.

There is an opinion that yellow-fruited cherries are more bland, but sweet, while red ones have sourness and a specific aroma.

Video: Odrinka, Iput, Revna cherries in the Moscow region

Tyutchevka - needs no comment

This is an old cherry variety; for more than 40 years Tyutchevka has been valued for its productivity and tasty berries. The cultivar is practically self-sterile; it is best to plant Iput, Revna or Ovstuzhenka nearby for additional pollination. Winter hardiness of Tyutchevka is average, and fruiting occurs only in the 5th–6th year. The berries of this cherry are carmine, wide-round, with dark subcutaneous inclusions - juicy, aromatic, sweet, weighing up to 6–8 g.

My Tyutchevka grows and bears fruit. But in my conditions it begins to ripen on the twentieth of July, just when the rains begin. This is the third year it has been bearing fruit and not once has it been fully 100% ripe; from the rains it bursts, wasps and flies swoop in. Of course, it is still tasty, sweet and everyone likes it.

Valery Gor.

https://forum.prihoz.ru/viewtopic.php?t=253&start=2145

Tyutchevka's resistance to moniliosis is high, to coccomycosis and klyasterosporiosis is average.

Fatezh: for taste, winter hardiness and productivity - “five”

High winter hardiness and incredible yields from one mature Fatezh tree will make you fall in love with this cherry variety forever. The expert assessment of Fatezh's berries is average, in comparison with other representatives of this crop, the berries of this cherry are small - 4 g each, red, the flesh is gristly, sour, universal in consumption. But the yield of a tree at maturity can exceed 40 kg. The average yield of Fatezh reaches 139 c/ha. Coccomycosis and moniliosis rarely affect the shoots of this cherry; fruit rot is also not scary for Fatezhu. In addition, the variety is early-bearing - berries appear already in the 4th–5th year; pollinators are required for effective fruiting (for example, Iput, Revna).

The Fatezh variety does not have the largest berries, but stable yield and tolerance to weather incidents are more important

Chermashnaya - yellow cherry with melting pulp

The yellow-fruited variety Chermashnaya has been pleasing domestic farmers with good yields - up to 150 c/ha for almost 10 years. In addition, this is one of the sweetest varieties of cherries with golden drupes: the berries of these cherries are round, light yellow, sweet, with an almost imperceptible sourness, weigh just over 4 g, and are suitable for food for allergy sufferers. Most often, the Chermashnaya crop is used for fresh consumption. The cultivar is winter-hardy, bears fruit already in the 4th year, but is absolutely self-sterile - it is pollinated by the varieties Iput, Revna, Tyutchevka. Chermashnaya rarely gets sick: main enemy- fruit rot, often occurs in damp, rainy summers.

Chermashnaya fruits are one-dimensional, slightly flattened, the stone is easily separated from the pulp

Iput is an old proven cultivar with a powerful crown

The early-ripening, vigorous variety Iput is suitable for cultivation in the temperate continental climate of Central Russia. The yield of cherries ranges from 100–140 c/ha; diseases practically do not appear on this cultivar; winter hardiness reaches -36 °C. Iput is self-sterile, the yield in a monoculture will be very low, so additional pollination by Tyutchevka, Revnaya, and Bryanochka is required. The berries of the variety are bright burgundy, egg-shaped, quite large - up to 9–10 g. Thanks to the dense pulp, the berries can be stored for up to 2 weeks and transported over long distances.

Dear friends, you can and should try to grow cherries. The main thing is to look at which varieties are included in the State Register for your region or what is being tested. In the Leningrad region, about six varieties are recommended for cultivation. But the area is not small. From successful cultivation and good fruiting, I currently know Iput and Revna, they are planted together, since cherries are self-sterile, and these varieties are mutually pollinating. But even the perfectly growing, frost-free and fruit-bearing cherry tree has a big disadvantage - it grows as a tall, thin tree (thin, which means that it is problematic to lean a ladder against it), which means it needs shaping. This is what happened to my friends in Len. region: excellent harvests (without shaping), gorgeous berries, but all of them go to the birds.

http://www.tomat-pomidor.com/forums/topic/1728-cherry-try-or-not/

The first ovaries on Iput appear no earlier than in the 4th–5th year

Sweetheart - self-fertile and frost-resistant hybrid of Canadians

The Canadian Sweetheart variety is the standard of productivity and impeccable taste. Moreover, this cultivar rarely gets sick and is not prone to freezing, and most importantly, Sweetheart - self-fertile cherry. The berries of the variety are dark red, heart-shaped, with a red center, very sweet, weigh from 6 to 11 g. Fruiting can be expected already in the 2-3rd year after planting the seedling. The productivity of an adult tree reaches 150 c/ha.

Sweetheart - high-yielding, frost-resistant cherry variety

In 2019, the nursery offered us Sweetheart - we didn’t know where to stop, and the choice of cherries for Central Russia is simply huge. Although literally 20 years ago the supply was limited to 3–5 varieties, all self-sterile and slightly winter-hardy. young tree Sweetheart has grown by more than 0.5 m over the summer. Now we will check for resistance to frost, and if we’re lucky, we’ll try the Sweetheart harvest next year.

Revna is the sweetest cherry, partially self-pollinating

The partially self-fertile variety Revna, highly resistant to coccomycosis, grows no more than 4 m - an excellent option for a small garden where it is not possible to plant many trees. With additional pollination (Ovtsuzhenka, Raditsa are suitable), the cultivar will delight you with unprecedented yields - up to 100 c/ha already in the 5th year, the maximum yield of the tree is up to 137 c/ha. Revna's berries are round, wide-sided, dark scarlet, the center is also dark, juicy, sweet, weight 4.7 g. According to reviews, the cultivar winters flawlessly in the Black Earth and Volga region, and is practically not affected by diseases.

Well, for today - “Revna” cherries -excellent variety for the north (and in Belgorod I think it will be no worse). The taste of the berries is like honey, no worse than any Hungarian and Spanish ones that we sell. The size of the berries is also normal, not small. The downside of the variety (for some it may be a plus) is extremely uneven ripening. The first berries began to ripen about 2 weeks ago. And some of the berries are still unripe.

Tomato expert

Rhubarb is highly resistant to fungal diseases

Bryanochka: cherries for the North-West and Moscow region

The relatively young variety Bryanochka is acclimatized in the Black Earth Region, in the south of the Moscow region, in the Bryansk and Leningrad regions, the Volga-Vyatka region and Nizhny Novgorod. They say that the flower buds of the tree practically do not freeze in the climate of the middle zone; coccomycosis and moniliosis are rare. At regular watering and applying fertilizers, Bryanochka is capable of giving up to 98–110 c/ha. Self-sterility - characteristic Most varieties of cherries, as well as this cultivar, Bryanochka are well pollinated by Tyutchevka and the Iput variety. The tree begins to bear fruit from the 4th–5th year of growth.

Bryanochka's berries are round, some slightly pointed, burgundy, weigh 4.8–5.5 g

Ovstuzhenka is a short-growing species, when the spool is small, but expensive

The mid-early variety Ovstuzhenka belongs to the low-growing cultivars; it bears fruit already in the 4th year, but it sets fruit only with additional pollination - Tyutchevka, Raditsa, Bryansk pink are suitable. Ovstuzhenka berries are medium-sized - up to 4 g, ovoid, dark red, juicy, with a pleasant sourness, do not crack and tolerate transportation well. The maximum yield of the cultivar is more than 200 c/ha; on average, 100–105 c are obtained per hectare of Ovstuzhenka. This cherry has good immunity and is well adapted to wintering in central Russia.

I have 3 cherries growing in the Moscow region: Olenka and Ovstuzhenka (overwintered 3 winters) and Fatezh (overwintered the first winter). They bloom regularly and beautifully, a little earlier than cherries. Last year there were few fruits set on Ovstuzhenki, I think there would have been more if it had not been frost until -3 on the night of May 3rd. This year there were no frosts for flowering, so I hope for a harvest. When planting, I covered all the cherries with coconut tree trunk circles, this is both mulch in the summer and insulation in the winter, in my opinion. I don’t add any additional insulation for the winter.

Striped whale

http://www.tomat-pomidor.com/forums/topic/1728-cherry-try-or-not/page/2/#comments

Ovstuzhenka is a variety developed by M.V. Kanshina

Red slide - for dessert and compote

This cultivar is not in the State Register, but is famous for its excellent yield and good immunity to many diseases of fruit crops. Krasnaya Gorka is partially self-fertile (additionally pollinated by the varieties Iput, Tyutchevka, Bryanochka), early-fruiting - begins to bear fruit in the 4th year. The berries of the variety are golden-brown, with a pleasant sourness, the skin is dense, but easily eaten. The Krasnaya Gorka harvest can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–3.5 weeks, but transporting the berries is difficult - the pulp is juicy and quickly spoils in warm conditions.

The Krasnaya Gorka tree grows no more than 3.5–4 m, this medium-growing variety cherries

In memory of Astakhov - a universal variety with large berries

This is mid-late dessert variety, it is often grown for sale. Ordinary amateur gardeners also appreciated the cherries in Memory of Astakhov, and for good reason: the berries of the cultivar are large - 6–9 g each, blunt-hearted, one-dimensional, very juicy, with a gristly center. The yield of this cherry is about 80 centners per hectare, sometimes reaching 100 centners per hectare. The variety is predominantly self-fertile (pollinators Tyutchevka, Revna, Iput), the first berries appear in the 4th–5th year. Video: a selection of the best varieties of cherries for the middle zone (Veda, Krasnaya Gorka, Revna, Bryanochka, Pamyati Astakhov and others)

Table: other varieties of cherries successfully cultivated by gardeners in the middle zone

Photo gallery of cherry varieties presented in the table

Despite the fact that Odrinka ripens quite late, its fruits are sweet, rich in taste, with pleasant notes of honey. If you have Rechitsa in your garden plot, you don’t have to worry about treating guests. Bryansk pink has been pleasing gardeners with its rich harvests for more than two decades. The Sadko variety is relatively stable. to fungal diseases Teremoshka is not demanding in terms of care and is not afraid of heat Krasa Zhukova adapts perfectly to any climatic conditions Raditsa is suitable for preservation and fresh consumption

Some people think that cherries are a little bland, but few people, with rare exceptions, do not strive to enjoy cherries in June - July. This is one of the first summer berries, healthy and tasty: excellent juice is obtained from cherries, it is irreplaceable in multi-fruit compotes, and gourmets will definitely appreciate pitted cherry jam. And growing this crop is not at all difficult - zoned varieties of cherries will bear fruit every year and will not require much attention. Watering, periodic feeding and disease prevention are standard care, as for most garden crops. All that remains is to choose the appropriate variety. Go for it!

It is a rare summer resident in central Russia who does not try to plant at least one cherry tree on his plot, even knowing that this crop is very whimsical and capricious. When it is possible to harvest the harvest, they talk about the skill of the owner, and if the berries are not forthcoming, then they usually appeal to the fact that the role of the cherry was reduced solely to pollinating the cherries growing nearby.

Cherry varieties for central Russia

The concept of central Russia is arbitrary and does not coincide with the division into regions adopted in the State Register of the Russian Federation. Covers the North-Western region (with the exception of the Kaliningrad region), the Central and Central Chernozem regions, as well as almost the entire Volga-Vyatka and Middle Volga regions. The climate in this area is heterogeneous, but is generally characterized by warm, fairly humid weather in the summer and moderately cold, snowy winters. Average temperatures range from -12 o C in winter to +21 o C in summer.

The first scientific attempts to adapt southern culture to new conditions were made by I.V. Michurin. The bred cherries became the foundation for further breeding work to create new cold-resistant varieties. The variety of obtained types of cherries allows them to be classified according to many characteristics, primarily by the color of the fruit.

Yellow-fruited cherry varieties

Cherry fruits are colored red, yellow, pink and orange. Sweet cherries with yellow berries are not as picky about climatic conditions as their relatives, therefore they are more suitable to grow and bear fruit in the climatic conditions of the middle zone, where severe winters are not uncommon.

Drogana yellow

Drogana yellow - an old variety with amber large fruits. Their average weight is approximately 6–7 g, some reaching 8 g. The taste of the berries is sweet and dessert, but they are poorly transported.

Drogan yellow cherries are suitable for compotes and jams, but not for freezing; after defrosting, the shape of the berries is not preserved

The fruits of Drogana yellow ripen by the end of June or July and do not fall off. Trees are productive from 4–5 years old and bear fruit for another 20 years. The yield is stable, up to 30 kg per tree.

The variety is self-sterile; pollinating cherries are Denissena yellow, Gaucher. Frost-resistant and, thanks to late flowering, does not suffer from return frosts. Approved for cultivation in the Lower Volga and North Caucasus regions, but through the efforts of gardeners it has successfully expanded the distribution zone.

Yellow drogana tolerates drought well, and in rainy summers the skin of the fruit cracks and is affected by fruit rot. The cherry fly also does not ignore Drogana berries. However, cherries are not susceptible to fungal diseases.

Leningrad yellow

Leningrad yellow is a common late-ripening cherry; the berries ripen at the end of August. The skin is honey-yellow, the flesh is moderately tart, but sweet and juicy. The fruits weigh 3.4 g.

Leningradskaya yellow cherry berries do not spoil, do not lose their taste and appearance within two weeks after picking

On average it yields 15 kg per tree. Winter-hardy. Immune to bacterial rot, does not suffer from insect pests, including fruit flies.

Self-sterile. Pollinated by Leningradskaya black or Leningradskaya pink varieties. These three types of cherries were obtained at the Pavlovsk experimental station of the VIR, located near St. Petersburg. Pomology scientists at the station have created winter-hardy varieties of cherries that are successfully cultivated in the North-West region, although they are not formally included in the State Register.

Orlovskaya amber

Orlovskaya amber is an early ripening cherry; berry picking begins in the second half of June. The fruits are intense yellow with a slight blush, weigh 5.6 g. The pulp is dense, juicy, sweet. Cherries are most often consumed fresh.

Orlovskaya amber berries have a very thin skin, which attracts bees; in addition, ripe fruits are prone to shedding

From the age of 4, Orlovskaya amber bears fruit, increasing its yield every year. From one mature tree you can collect up to 33–35 kg of berries. Needs pollinators; the varieties Vityaz, Iput, Gostinets, Severnaya and Ovstuzhenka are suitable.

The variety is not included in the State Register. Grows in the Central Black Earth and Middle Volga regions.

Homestead yellow

Homestead yellow was obtained at the end of the 20th century. The round, rosy berries weigh an average of 5.5 g. The flesh is pleasantly gristly, sweet, with slight sourness.

Home garden yellow is not intended for growing in industrial scale, because it is poorly stored and transported

It blooms early and produces an early harvest, which begins to be harvested in the second half of June. Regular fruiting from the sixth year without the participation of pollinators. The yield is up to 15 kg per tree.

The advantages of this variety include high frost resistance. Homestead yellow is zoned in the Central Black Earth region.

Chermashnaya

Chermashnaya is a medium-sized, early-ripening and early-fruiting cherry. The berries are round, yellow, some develop a blush. The taste is dessert, sweet and sour (sweetness is more pronounced, sourness is subtle). The average fruit weight is up to 4.5 g. The berries are consumed fresh.

Chermashnaya cherries are transportable both close and long distances, the main thing is to harvest in dry weather and tear off the berries along with the stems

The variety is productive, produces up to 30 kg of berries from one tree. When planting two-year-old seedlings, the harvest is harvested after four years. Self-sterile. The varieties Fatezh, Crimean, Bryansk pink, Iput, Leningradskaya black or Shokoladnitsa cherry are recommended as pollinators.

Chermashnaya is resistant to fungal diseases of stone fruits. Included in the State Register for the Central Region.

Winter-hardy cherry varieties

In unstable winter weather, when cold weather gives way to periods of thaw, the wood of cherries is affected and frost holes appear. And returning spring frosts are destructive to the buds, which is why the harvest suffers. Breeders have managed to develop cherry varieties that are resistant to cold weather in their buds and wood. In addition to the yellow-fruited Leningradskaya and Priusadebnaya, it is worth remembering several more winter-hardy varieties.

Veda

Veda is a late cherry. The fruits are flattened, heart-shaped, medium-sized. Weight - a little more than 5 g. Beneath the ruby ​​skin lies juicy, tender flesh. The yield of the variety is up to 25 kg per tree. Bears fruit from 4–5 years. The State Register recommends growing in the Central region.

To improve pollination of any cherry, including the Veda variety, during the flowering period you can spray the branches with water and honey or sugar, bees will flock to the sweets

Bryansk pink

Bryansk pink is a very late cherry. The berries are round and coral. Veins are visible through the thick skin. Cartilaginous elastic flesh with a rich sweet taste. Fruit weight - 4.5 g. Needs pollinators; the best varieties are Iput, Ovstuzhenka, Revna, Tyutchevka. The yield is average - 20 kg per tree. The trees are early-bearing, winter-hardy, and not susceptible to coccomycosis. Bryansk pink cherries are included in the State Register for the Central Region.

100 g of any cherry, for example, the Bryansk pink variety, contains 14–15 mg of vitamin C ( daily norm adult - 70–100 mg)

And the way

Iput is a variety of cherry with fruits the color of dark pomegranate. Heart berries weigh on average 5 g, although the weight can reach up to 10 g. The skin cracks under conditions of excess humidity. The pulp is dense, dark red, sweet and juicy.

Iput blooms early and produces an early harvest. Fruiting from 4–5 years. The average yield is 20 kg per tree, twice as much in good years. It produces crops only in the vicinity of pollinators. Varieties Revna, Bryanskaya rozovaya, Tyutchevka are suitable for pollination.

Winter-hardy, not affected by fungal diseases. Iput cherries are included in the State Register and approved for cultivation in the Central Black Earth region.

For the Iput cherry, the breeders chose a name that seems strange to many, and the name was given in honor of the river flowing through the Bryansk region

Odrinka

Odrinka is a late cherry with round, dark red berries of rich taste. The maximum fruit weight is 7.5 g, the average weight is 5.4 g. It blooms late and produces a medium-late harvest. Begins bearing fruit at 5 years of age. Productivity - 25 kg per tree. Self-sterile, the best pollinators are Ovstuzhenka, Rechitsa, Revna. Winter-hardy, not susceptible to fungal diseases. In the State Register for the Central Region.

In addition to other advantages, any cherry, like the Odrinka variety, is very decorative - in the spring it is covered with fragrant flowers, in the summer - with juicy fruits

Revna

Revna is a mid-late cherry. The flattened-rounded fruits weigh no more than 5 g, although some are almost 8 g. The skin is red to black on ripe berries. The pulp is dark, dense, juicy, and has an excellent taste. Revna bears fruit from the age of 5. Partially self-fertile, the best pollinators for this cherry are Ovstuzhenka, Tyutchevka, Raditsa, Iput. When combined with other varieties, the average yield is 25 kg per tree, and the maximum reaches 30 kg. Shows winter hardiness and resistance to fungal pathology. The variety is included in the State Register for the Central Region.

Pink pearl

The berries of the winter-hardy cherry Pink Pearl are not very large, weighing on average 5.4 g. The taste characteristics of the fruits are pleasant, they are characterized by sweetness. The variety tolerates temperature changes, is drought-resistant and actively bears fruit. The first harvest appears in the 5th–6th year, and the first berries appear in mid-July. The figure for one mature plant reaches 13–18 kg. The variety is self-fertile and needs pollinators. For these purposes, the cherry varieties Michurinka or Michurinskaya late, Adelina, Ovstuzhenka, Plaziya, Rechitsa are used. It is currently undergoing state variety testing.

To enhance pollination and attract insects next to any cherry, including the Pink Pearl variety, you can plant honey-bearing herbs: lemon balm, mint, oregano

Fatezh

Fatezh is a dessert variety of cherries. The berries are small, round, mid-early ripening, weighing 4.5 g. The skin is red or red-yellow. The pulp is juicy, has a cartilaginous structure and a pale pink color. The taste is sweet with sourness. The fruits are well transported. The variety is self-sterile; Chermashnaya, Iput, and Bryansk pink are recommended as the best pollinators for it. With the presence of pollinators, it produces up to 35 kg of harvest from one tree. Resistant to fungal diseases and frost-resistant. Included in the State Register for the Central Region.

The Fatezh cherry variety is a recognized pollinator for almost all other cherry varieties, with the exception of low-growing ones.

Gardeners often increase the winter hardiness of cherries through grafting. In this case, the seedlings retain the characteristics of the selected varieties, while showing resistance to cold and disease thanks to the hardy rootstock.

Low growing cherry

In small garden plots, tall cherry trees with a spreading crown cause a lot of trouble. Breeders offer varieties with limited growth, easy to care for and harvest. Such cherries are called dwarf or columnar. Fruiting in such trees occurs earlier than in tall cherries, sometimes even in the year of grafting. However, it is recommended to pick off the flowers of the first year.

In fact, these trees are an overgrown central conductor 2–3 m high with short skeletal and bouquet branches . To facilitate care and limit the growth of trees, it is also practiced to form cherry trees in the form of a bush, with several trunks. Due to their structural features, compact seedlings occupy less space on the site, they are planted closer. Columnar trees often require additional support.

Dwarf trees are more demanding of external conditions than other types of cherries; they need high illumination of the area, lack of wind and sharp changes temperature. In addition, they do not tolerate irregularities in watering and are not drought-resistant.

Seedlings of dwarf trees retain their maternal properties, therefore not only grafting is used for propagation, but also planting seeds. As a rule, seedlings obtained from seeds are better adapted to the local climate.

Dwarf trees look great on small areas due to its unusual shape and dense flowering. They are often self-fertile, and the taste is not inferior to large ones. There are not many varieties yet that can survive harsh winters. Most often, suppliers offer Helena, Sylvia and Little Sylvia, Black Columnar cherries. The Sam variety is proposed as a pollinator; it is as tall as large trees.

Photo gallery: columnar varieties of cherries

Columnar trees can be planted close to each other, at a distance of 1–2 m Helena cherries can tolerate cold weather, but it is better to create additional protection for the winter so that they do not die Cherries of the Silvia variety are very valuable industrial grade, suitable for transportation and storage in normal conditions up to 7 days The Little Sylvia variety retains all its properties for several weeks if the berries are stored in the refrigerator Trimming low-growing varieties cherries, like the Black Columnar, are not needed, they themselves stretch upward The Sam cherry has the highest resistance to fruit cracking among all cherries, therefore it is valued in regions with high rainfall

Cherry with large fruits

As a rule, large-fruited cherries grow in warm regions, are susceptible to various diseases, and do not tolerate cold and temperature fluctuations. In particular, this is the yellow Drogana already described above - its fruits reach 8 g. There are other varieties that are worth talking about.

It can be noted that it is winter-hardy, the weight of the berries is within 8 g. These dark, sweet berries with a slight sourness have one drawback: with excess humidity or temperature changes, the skin of the fruit cracks. Due to this, quality and transportability deteriorate. In the presence of pollinators (varieties Iput, Ovstuzhenka, Tyutchevka), Ox's heart can produce up to 40 kg of berries from one tree. The berries ripen by the end of June. Grown mainly in the southern Black Earth region.

Cherry berries Bull's heart produce some of the largest among all varieties, but they do not tolerate transportation well and immediately burst (because the pulp is very juicy)

To increase the size of the fruit, some gardeners cut off up to a third of the flowers, artificially reducing the number of ovaries. In this case, the remaining berries receive more nutrition and develop better.

Self-fertile cherry varieties

Due to the structural features of the flower, cherry is mainly a cross-pollinated plant. Most varieties of cherries are self-sterile, however, self-pollinating cherries also exist.

The berries of the Narodnaya Syubarova cherry reach a weight of 5–7 g. This is an example of an unpretentious cherry that grows on any soil and in almost any climate. Despite the cold, snowy winters and strong winds, bright scarlet berries ripen on the cherry trees in the second half of July. Up to 40–50 kg of harvest is harvested from a tree without the presence of other varieties. Not included in the State Register. It is widespread in the Crimea and the Volgograd region, but gardeners are able to expand the growing area of ​​Narodnaya Syubarova due to the unpretentiousness and winter hardiness of the variety.

Self-fertile cherry Narodnaya Syubarova, like other self-fertile crops, will bear more fruit in the presence of pollinators

Partially self-fertile varieties include the early-medium Ovstuzhenka, whose average berry weight is 4 g. The berries are dark cherry in color, medium-sized, slightly elongated, with dark, sweet pulp. Without pollinating trees, only 10% of the flowers produce berries. The best neighbors are considered to be Iput, Raditsa, Bryansk pink. Yield variety(up to 20 kg per tree). Ovstuzhenka is not affected by coccomycosis and is resistant to cold, withstanding frosts down to -40 o C without damage. In the State Register for the Central Region.

Cherry Ovstuzhenka does not like weeds very much, you need to weed the tree trunk circle in a timely manner, increasing it by 50 cm annually

There are other partially self-fertile varieties, for example, Revna, but it also bears fruit better in the presence of pollinators. Without proximity to other varieties, 5–10% of flowers are produced.

Early fruiting cherry

Cherries begin to bear fruit at 5–6 years. Cherries Iput and Veda bear fruit from 4–5 years. The four-year-old Orlovskaya Yantarnaya and Chermashnaya are not inferior to Adelina in terms of yield. But there are also record holders.

There is a cherry tree that produces a harvest already in the third year after planting. This is the Orlovskaya pink variety, the flattened-round berries of which are smooth, with an average weight of 3.5 g. Peel and pulp Pink colour. The taste is sweet with a gentle sourness. The yield of the variety is 20 kg per tree. Self-sterile, pollinating varieties - Vityaz, Iput, Gostinets, Severnaya and Ovstuzhenka. Its advantage is its resistance to fungal diseases and early pregnancy. Approved by the State Register for cultivation in the Central Black Earth region.

The Orlovskaya pink cherry variety is superior to all varieties in terms of frost resistance: after being tested by severe frost, the tree continued to bear fruit

Adelina is slightly behind the Orlovskaya rose, giving the first harvest in the 4th year. The variety is mid-season. The heart-shaped berries are ruby-colored. The average weight of Adeline's fruits is within 5.5 g. The pulp is juicy, cartilaginous in structure. Due to the dense consistency of the pulp, the fruits are perfectly transportable. A self-sterile variety, the best neighbors will be the varieties Poeziya and Rechitsa. The yield is low, a little more than 20 kg per tree. Included in the State Register for the Central Black Earth Region.

If you want to protect the entire and so small harvest of Adeline cherries from birds, then the nets that cover the trees can help

Sweet cherries

The sweetest cherries for the middle zone:

• Adeline;
• Bryansk pink;
• And the way;
• Revna;
• Ovstuzhenka;
• Chermashnaya.

In addition to these varieties, it is worth mentioning the mid-season Tyutchevka cherry, the fruits of which are dark red, juicy, dense, weighing 5.3 g. They require pollinators; the varieties Bryanskaya rozovaya, Iput, Ovstuzhenka, Raditsa, and Revna are recommended. In a typical year, 25 kg of fruit is harvested from a tree. Excellent cold-resistant and disease-resistant sweet cherry. Included in the State Register for the Central Region.

Sweet cherry variety Tyutchevka Sweet cherry has good resistance to many diseases, but can be affected by coccomycosis and klyasterosporiosis

Features of planting and growing cherries in central Russia

When planting cherries, you need to take into account the climatic characteristics of the region, the composition and acidity level of the soil, as well as the varietal characteristics of the cherries themselves. According to I.V. Michurin, the variety ensures the success of the business.

Cherry prefers to grow in warm, illuminated areas, protected from piercing winds. It does not tolerate stagnant water and acidic soils, therefore, before planting trees, the soils are deoxidized by adding 3–5 kg of dolomite flour to the planting hole for these purposes. All stone fruits love light soils, so sand is added to the soil mixture to improve its composition (in proportion to dolomite flour), and crushed limestone is poured into the bottom of the pit to improve drainage and provide the cherries with calcium.

Seedlings are purchased from reliable suppliers or large nurseries. Check the condition of the buds and root system. The buds must be awakened, and the root system must be developed and completely cover the container.

It is preferable to purchase containerized cherry seedlings, since the closed root system is not damaged during transportation and is subject to less stress during planting.

Prepare the site in advance. The crown projection area corresponds to the prevalence of roots, therefore, for high grades leave more space. In addition, the need for pollinators is taken into account. Planting holes are dug at a distance of 3–4 meters from each other. To plant one seedling:

1. Dig a hole with a diameter of 80 cm and a depth of up to 70 cm.
2. The top fertile layer is separated.
3. Crushed stone is poured onto the bottom for drainage.
4. Dolomite flour and sand (1:1) are mixed with your own fertile layer soil, adding organic matter (humus, compost or peat in equal quantities), and filling it back.
5. The planting stake is secured and the seedling is placed nearby so that the root collar rises above the soil level.
6. They tie the tree to a peg.
7. Compact the soil around the seedling, forming a watering hole.
8. Water generously (up to 3–4 liters of water).
9. To reduce moisture evaporation, cover the tree trunk circle with mulch.

Cherry trees are characterized by intensive growth, so it is advisable to immediately cut the central conductor to a height of 50–60 cm in order to subsequently form a tiered crown. If the skeletal branches are already formed, then cut them so that they are shorter than the trunk.

The formation of a sparsely-tiered crown ensures optimal development of the plant

When planting, organic fertilizers are applied so that the soil under the trees does not need to be fertilized in the next few years. Further watering of seedlings is carried out if necessary. Excessive soil moisture leads to rotting of the roots, and during the period of fruit ripening - to their cracking. Important periods for watering cherries are the time of flowering and the formation of the ovary, immediately after harvest and a month before the expected permanent cold (beginning or mid-October). The rest of the time, cherries are watered based on the climate.

Video: planting cherries

It is recommended to preventively treat cherry seedlings with a 1% solution in early spring. copper sulfate or Bordeaux mixture to prevent fungal diseases. If necessary, repeat the procedure before flowering.

Regular pruning is carried out in early spring in order to remove damaged branches and properly form the crown. Weak, thickening, intersecting branches growing inside the crown are removed, thereby indirectly regulating flowering and ensuring the harvest.

In the fall, it is recommended to whitewash not only the trunks, but also the main skeletal shoots to protect the bark from frost damage. In the first years it is recommended to winter cold cover the seedlings by wrapping the trunks corrugated cardboard or other material to protect plantings from rodents.