The best cherry variety for the Moscow region
Cherries grow in almost every garden, even if there is no garden - at least one or two trees are always present near the house or even in the middle of the flower bed. The northern regions of our country are no exception, however, not everyone succeeds in choosing the best cherry variety for the Moscow region. First of all, this is due to the special climatic conditions of the Moscow region, because often frosts in this region reach 35 degrees.
Before figuring out what characteristics cherry varieties should have for growing in the northern regions, and which cherry will successfully take root here, it is worth talking a little about the climate of the Moscow region.
Harsh winters of the Moscow region
- good frost resistance - to withstand such a low temperature regime;
- winter hardiness - to endure sharp frosts or icing.
The most common diseases of fruit trees
Fruit trees growing on the territory of the region are very often susceptible to diseases, among which the palm was given to:
- Coccomycosis... It affects the deciduous part - the leaves gradually change color, turn yellow and crumble.
- Moniliosis. It affects the fruits - the cherries become covered with a white bloom and rot.
That is why cherries for the Moscow region must also have increased resistance to these diseases, since cherries can only be eliminated with the help of chemicals, and this will make the fruits unsuitable for human consumption.
Comparing all the necessary characteristics that the best cherry varieties for the Moscow region should have, there are several species among them that feel great in the local climate and are not prone to diseases:
- Lyubskaya cherry;
- Apukhtinskaya cherry;
- Turgenevka;
- Youth cherry.
Cherry variety Lyubskaya
One of the advantages of this variety is its small height upon reaching adulthood - cherries grow no more than 3 meters, which greatly facilitates harvesting.
It is also important that the Lyubskaya cherry forms a crown of moderate density, albeit a spreading one. This makes it easier to follow it while trimming. The side branches are arc-shaped and located at an acute angle to the main trunk. Cherry bark color is brown with a gray tint, the surface of the bark itself is covered with cracks.
The berries are of a beautiful deep red color; sourness prevails in the taste. For this reason, cherries of this variety are most often used when rolling compote or jam, where the acidic note can be smoothed out by adding sugar.
Variety Lyubsky belongs to self-fertile varieties of cherries for the Moscow region, and bears fruit even alone. It is possible to harvest from the second year of the tree's life, upon reaching the age of 9, the cherry comes into full force and bears fruit abundantly, while the fruits are resistant to transportation. However, after 20 years, its life cycle comes to an end and the tree is depleted.
The disadvantages of the Lyubskaya cherry variety include the peculiarities of the bark. Through the cracks in it in severe frosts, the cherry can get burned, so the trunk, as well as the roots, need additional shelter.
When growing Lyubskoy cherry on acidic soils, before planting a seedling, it is necessary to lime the ground, since this variety does not grow well with high acidity.
Also, cherries of the Lyubskaya variety do not react well to frequent chemical fertilizing, but they will accept organic matter with gratitude. In care, the variety is unpretentious, does not need pruning (except for the removal of dry shoots) and abundant watering (watering should be done sparingly, so that there is no stagnation of water near the root system).
Cherry variety Apukhtinskaya
The variety also does not differ in its high height (2.5-3 m), it resembles a bush in shape. Bears abundantly in the second year with large dark red cherries, a bit like a heart. The fruits are slightly bitter.
Apukhtinskaya cherry belongs to late self-fertile varieties, blooms in June, the harvest is harvested in late summer. Due to its late flowering, cherry is quite winter hardy, but at the same time, because of this, it is not suitable for use in cross-pollination. In addition, in the event of an early fall and a sharp cold snap, the cherries may not have time to ripen and will fall off. But the variety is almost immune to coccomycosis.
When planting Apukhtinskaya cherry for the Moscow region, you need to choose a two-year-old seedling. The most suitable place for the tree will be the south side of the garden, where the seedling will get enough sunlight necessary for normal development.
It is better to plant cherries in autumn, while choosing a place away from groundwater (no closer than 2.5 m to the ground).
This variety can be attributed to the best cherries for the Moscow region, since it is absolutely unpretentious in care. It is enough to fertilize and prune the tree in time. The first feeding is applied at planting (superphosphates, potash and organic fertilizers), subsequent feeding is carried out once every three years. When pruning on a tree, only 5 shoots should be left per crown. The first pruning is carried out immediately after planting. Then, every fall, the crown is simply cut open to maintain its shape and obtain a bountiful harvest.
As for watering, it is mandatory only when planting a seedling and during a drought. In the future, cherries do well with natural precipitation.
Cherry variety Turgenevskaya
Cherry Turgenevskaya is derived from the Zhukovskaya cherry variety. The tree is also short, no more than three meters, the crown is in the form of an inverted pyramid. Fruit ripening begins at the beginning of July, with a sunny summer with sufficient precipitation, there is practically no acidity in juicy cherries.
Unlike the previous two varieties, Turgenevka has a low self-fertility, therefore it needs pollinating varieties. The best neighbor in this case will be Lyubskaya cherry.
In general, Turgenevka is the best cherry variety for the Moscow region. It hibernates well at low temperatures, has a resistant disease resistance. Also, the variety is characterized by a high yield, large fruits are well transported.
When caring for this cherry variety, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Avoid low-lying areas when planting.
- Prune the tree annually, paying attention to the lower branches, to thin the crown.
- During the ripening period of berries, carry out additional watering.
- To protect the tree from pests, it is better to cover it for the winter.
When choosing a cherry of the Turgenevka variety for cultivation in the Moscow region, it is worth considering that cherries begin to bear fruit only 5 years after planting, and flower buds are afraid of spring frosts.
Cherry variety Molodezhnaya
Youth cherry - a hybrid bred by crossing two varieties - Lyubsky and Vladimirsky. Cherries of this variety can grow in the form of a tree or a bush. The tree grows to a maximum of 2.5 m and is harvested at the end of July.
The fruits are deep red in color, have a juicy pulp and sweet and sour taste. Most often, Molodezhny cherries are consumed fresh, and they are also good in conservation.
Cherry bears fruit annually and abundantly, tolerates winter frosts well. But, just like in Turgenevka, flower buds are not frost-resistant in spring.In addition, with a rather humid summer, which is accompanied by high temperatures, they are often affected by fungal diseases.
To grow cherries of this variety, you need to choose a well-lit place, it is better if it is on a hill. Juvenile cherries love sandy, neutral soil and moderate watering, and also need pruning to form a crown and remove dry branches. Young seedlings need additional shelter for the winter.
The listed varieties of cherries perfectly survive in the climatic conditions of the Moscow region. They will bear fruit abundantly with proper care and the creation of the necessary conditions for their development.