15 Best Cherry Varieties

Large-fruited cherry variety Bull's Heart for summer residents in central Russia

Every year, cherries gain more and more fans among gardeners not only in the south, but also in central Russia. Everyone wants to get sweet, full-bodied fruits, such as, for example, the Bull's Heart cherry, which is considered the largest-fruited variety obtained by domestic breeders.

The culture received its name due to the rich dark red hue of the fruits and their external resemblance to the heart of a large, powerful animal.

In Soviet times, this variety, also called Oxheart, was recommended for cultivation in Georgia, Azerbaijan and the south of the RSFSR, but today the boundaries of the comfort zone for the variety have expanded somewhat. There is successful experience in obtaining stable harvests on farms in the Black Earth Region and even in the center of Russia.

However, success accompanies only those who patiently take care of the plantings, follow agricultural practices and are well aware of the features, advantages and weaknesses listed in the description of the Bull's Heart cherry variety.

Cherry Napoleon

The Napoleon cherry variety was one of the oldest and undeservedly forgotten for a long time, but today its merits have been able to pull it out of the veil of oblivion due to its positive properties on the domestic market.

Externally, the fruits are very similar to the fruits of the best varieties of cherries.

Such a tree can be grown both in the southern part and in the central, northern part - the universal variety is interesting to different people, regardless of their residence in any part of Russia.

The Bigarro group, to which the plants belong, is a European variety that came to us from Western Europe.

Description of the cherry variety Napoleon

Yes, this plant has many advantages, but you need to understand that the first harvest grows quite late - in the 4th or 5th year of growth.

Until this moment, the tree is actively developing, but this needs to be taken care of in a timely manner.

The tree grows up to 6 meters, the crown is spherical.
Flowering begins in late March - early April, here you need to take into account the climate of the planting site.
An inflorescence is formed from 2-3 flowers, most of them grow on bouquet branches, and on about 5 buds of young branches.
The bigarro group is characterized by hard flesh and thick skin. It has a sweet and sour taste and a dark pink peel color, heart shape, weight up to 7 grams per berry.

Characteristics of the variety

Harvest is ready by mid to late June (again, climate dependent).

A great variety of dishes can be prepared from cherries of this variety, so Napoleon is valued for its versatility - fresh or dried, frozen, etc. At one time, cherries were widely used in medicine, and now even in cosmetology.

Napoleon cherries are moderately resistant to cold, the best terrain is southern, but in one season, following all the recommendations, you can collect 70 kilograms from one tree.

cherry fly

The tree is afraid of attacks by fruit tree pests, for example, the cherry fly, but, nevertheless, it copes well with fungal infections.

The self-pollinating nature of the variety is another advantage, so you will not need any pollinators to form cherries.

A tree can grow for more than a hundred years.

Planting cherry Napoleon

As for care, cherries are simple in every sense, but the composition of the soil can play a very cruel joke - due to its pickiness, the wrong soil can lead to the death of the tree.

Cherries grow poorly in swampy areas and where the sun does not warm the ground well.

It is necessary to properly prepare the soil before planting cherries.

Planting stages:

The pit is prepared in the fall, the soil must be properly infused;
Please note that an adult tree will be large; this must be taken into account when calculating the interval between plants (3-4 meters would be the most acceptable option);
Humus and organic fertilizers are placed in the finished pit;
It is necessary to place a stick to straighten the trunk of the tree and its subsequent straight growth;
The root collar, even when planting, should point to the south, and it should also protrude above the ground;
When you are done, compact the soil and water it with water.

Cherry care

Before the first harvest of fruits, simple care measures must be taken - watering, weeding, loosening.

Previously, we told you how to properly graft cherries.

And only after 3 years you will need to invest more effort:

Fertilizing with nitrogen-containing fertilizers in the spring (so that greenery grows);
Regular small waterings - the tree does not tolerate large amounts of moisture. The older the tree becomes, the less watering is carried out - more precisely, they are reduced to three;
The root system should be mulched to make it easier to get rid of weeds (green manure should be planted nearby);
At the end of watering, loosening to a depth of 5-7 centimeters is necessary in order not to touch the root system;
After you pick the cherries, adding phosphorus and potassium supplements will have a positive effect on the fruit buds next season;
Feeding with organic matter is desirable for the entire growing season - chicken droppings, manure, etc. can help the plant (for soil with a poor composition, the norms need to be increased);
Pruning branches is an annual task. In the spring, useless branches are removed, and in the fall you need to create a crown with the correct shape. Upon completion, treat the areas with garden varnish; you need to trim everything with sterile instruments so as not to introduce any disease;
For preventive purposes, the plant should be irrigated in March with Bordeaux solution and copper sulfate.

Characteristics of the cherry variety Bull's Heart

Like other varieties of cherries, Bull's Heart shows high growth rates at the beginning of its life, and already at 4–5 years the seedling forms a fairly strong, medium-density crown.
Subsequently, annual growth decreases somewhat, and an adult tree with a pyramidal crown, narrower than that of related plants, reaches a height of 3–5 meters. Skeletal branches are characterized by a low degree of branching. The shoots are sparsely covered with foliage, which provides good ventilation of the crown and access deep into the crown for pollen-carrying insects. The Bull's Heart cherry, as in the photo, has large leaves:

rich green color;
wide lanceolate shape with a pointed tip and a rounded base, turning into a strong short petiole;
double-serrated edges of leaf blades.

The foliage on young shoots is usually larger than on perennial branches. The appearance of greenery practically coincides with the opening of the buds, which occurs in mid-May.

Most of the flower buds are formed on short bouquet branches.
The flowers are collected in groups of 2–4, have a wide-open, saucer-like shape and a bright snow-white color. Bull's Heart cherries are characterized not by massive, but by gradual ripening, the beginning of which in different regions may vary depending on the climate of the region and the weather in the spring-summer period. More often, you can enjoy the first sweet cherries in the second half of June or early July.

Landing Features

Before planting a young seedling, several important points should be completed: choose the ideal place, treat the area with fertilizers, etc.

Recommended timing

Planting young cherries is recommended by experts in early spring. This is worth remembering when growing Chermashnaya cherries, despite the high frost resistance of the variety.

Choosing a suitable location

An ideal site would be one with good air flow and normal access to sunlight, but not a low-lying one. The soil is recommended to be loose with good moisture permeability, no closer to groundwater than 1.7 m. Dense soils are strictly not suitable: peat, sand, clay. Soil acidity should not exceed pH 6.5.

What crops can and cannot be planted next to cherries?

Nearby you can plant varieties that are pollinators for Chermashnaya cherries, for example cherry, it will act as a pollinator, like other types of cherries. Stone fruit trees require separate planting from other fruit varieties. It is not recommended to plant it near bushes. Also, cherries can ruin an apple tree if they are in close proximity.

Selection and preparation of planting material

Some gardeners make cuts at the tips of thick roots just before planting in the ground.

Important! This should be done very carefully and with a sharp instrument to prevent the root from being bruised, otherwise it will rot. It is best to buy seedlings in nurseries and specialized stores. It is best to buy seedlings in nurseries and specialized stores

It is best to buy seedlings in nurseries and specialized stores.

What you should first pay attention to when choosing planting material for the yellow cherry variety Chermashnaya:

Roots. They should not be frozen or dry.
The root length is at least 25 cm.
The presence of a sufficient number of fibrous roots.
White color of the root in section.
Check to see if there are any growths or swellings on the roots.
The trunk of a young plant should have a smooth, undamaged texture.
The ideal age of a seedling is 2 years.
Leaves. If they are present, the plant may be dehydrated.
If the root is in the ground, you need to make sure that it is in order.

Landing algorithm

First of all, you need to prepare a place for planting. This should be a recess approximately 90x90x90 cm. A small mound should be left at the bottom, and a support should be hammered in at a short distance from the middle. Next, the seedling is covered with earth.

Important! The neck of the cherry root should rise above the soil at a height of 5 to 7 cm. After filling it with soil, you need to lightly trample it with your foot and make a border in a circle at a distance of 25 cm from the seedling. At the end, be sure to water the young cherries with a sufficient amount of water (about 3 buckets)

You can add compost, ash or peat to the mound

At the end, be sure to water the young cherries with a sufficient amount of water (about 3 buckets). You can add compost, ash or peat to the mound

After filling it with soil, you need to lightly trample it with your foot and make a border in a circle at a distance of 25 cm from the seedling. At the end, be sure to water the young cherries with a sufficient amount of water (about 3 buckets). You can add compost, ash or peat to the mound.

Subsequent care of the crop

Just like planting and caring for Chermashnaya cherries should be proper. Before the tree enters the period of fruiting in the first years, 1/5 of all shoots should be cut off. You can fertilize cherries in the fall with superphosphates. Calculation: approximately 2-3 tablespoons per 1 square meter. m crown projection and water generously.

Fruiting and photos of the Bull's Heart cherry

Very large fruits weighing from 7 to 10 grams are the pride of this cherry variety. Very attractive in appearance, they are distinguished by their dark, sometimes almost black skin and red juicy pulp.

Despite the sufficient density, the skin cannot protect ripe fruits from spoilage and crushing, so it is almost impossible to transport or store the cherry harvest.

Smooth fruits with melting pulp without rough gristle and medium-sized creamy seeds are held on dense, short stalks. If not harvested immediately after ripening, they can remain on the branches for about a month. In this case, the loss of quality is insignificant. When harvesting, the drupe is easily separated from the stalk without damage. The stone comes away from the pulp with little effort.

According to the description, the Bull's Heart variety deserves the highest rating on a five-point scale for its taste and can be used both fresh and as a raw material for canning. The content of sugars and acids in the dense, pleasant-tasting pulp may vary. Their ratio and the taste of the fruit depend on the weather and the care that the tree regularly receives.

Planting care

Sweet cherries need a balance in watering - both waterlogging and drying out are equally harmful. In summer, the tree must be watered three times - during the development of buds, during the flowering period and after the harvest is harvested. Water closer to the root, preferably with not very cold water. The best option would be collected rainwater or pre-settled water supply.

Around the trunk it is necessary to make a small depression with a diameter of 1-2 meters, which is important for better nutrition of the roots. Don't forget to maintain this area and get rid of weeds regularly

Before winter, it is necessary to mulch the area near the trunk, this will prevent loss of moisture from the soil, preserve the necessary nutrient medium and acidity level, and protect the roots from hypothermia. There are many types of mulch. Hay, straw, peat chips and even seed shells are widely used. The lower part of the trunk also needs to be prepared for winter. Paint the part of the trunk close to the root with lime, this will protect it from rodents and also get rid of parasites and harmful insects that were going to spend the winter there.

Advantages and disadvantages of cherries Bull's heart

Among the cherry varieties grown in Russia, there are no completely self-fertile varieties.
Without pollinators growing nearby, the Bull's Heart cherry does not bear fruit to its full potential, forming only 5–10% of the possible ovary. Compared to similar large-fruited, but southern varieties, the Bull's Heart cherry is quite well adapted to harsh winters. It enters spring without serious damage after frosts of about -25 °C. Perennial wood is not affected, but flower buds may die. This also happens during spring frosts, but the next year the trees make up for the loss and are ready to show themselves in the best light.

To simplify the care of the Ox Heart cherry, choose a sunny place for planting, protected from autumn and winter winds. Pollinator varieties that bloom at approximately the same time must be planted in the neighborhood.

Large-fruited varieties are often susceptible to cracking. Bull's heart is no exception. Usually the skin cannot stand it and bursts when pouring occurs during a wet period. To prevent ripening fruits from being spoiled in favorable weather, it is worth limiting watering the trees.

In most cases, plantings successfully resist infection by harmful fungi, but prevention will not be superfluous. Spraying is carried out in the early vein before flowering and in the fall, when the trunk circles are cleaned and sanitary pruning is carried out.

Cherry ripening Bull's heart - video

Rules of care

The Ox's heart cherry is extremely picky in care, so in a suitable climate it can be successfully cultivated even by novice gardeners. Let's consider the main features of caring for cherries of this variety.

Watering

The tree requires mandatory watering, especially in dry, hot weather. Note that young plants are watered more often, but less abundantly, and adults - less often (4 times per season), but in a much larger volume.

It is recommended to loosen and mulch the soil around the tree after the watering procedure. This measure will help retain moisture at the roots, saturate the soil with air, and protect from weeds. It is better to make a mulching layer from compost or peat - in this case it will also serve as additional nutrition for the tree.

You should not overfill the tree with water; however, you should not allow the soil to dry out either. It is important to stick to the golden mean and water the tree in such a way that its roots are always in moderately moist soil.

Feeding

Cherry Bull's heart needs proper feeding. You shouldn’t be overzealous with fertilizers: it’s enough to dig up the soil with mullein every few years. In addition, every spring it is recommended to apply a solution of ammonium nitrate to give strength to the cherries and activate their growing season. It is also worth learning more about existing fertilizers, as well as sensor reviews about Tyutchevka cherries.

Trimming

This procedure must be started starting from the second year of the tree’s life. During the first few years, you need to use pruning to form the skeleton of the plant and shape its crown.

Formative pruning should only be done in spring.

In addition, every spring and autumn it is necessary to carry out the so-called sanitary pruning of cherries, removing old and diseased branches, diseased and deformed shoots in the process. But how cherries are treated against aphids, and what products should be used, is described in this article.

In the video - pruning cherries:

Growing cherries Bull's heart

The unpretentious cherry Bull's Heart has earned recognition in many countries for its special taste, ease of care and a small number of shortcomings. The tree is resistant to diseases, tolerates winters well and does not require constant feeding. To obtain a large harvest, cherries need pollinators. The berries are incredibly sweet, and the taste of the variety has received the highest ratings from experts.

Oxheart is a large-fruited variety that bears heart-shaped berries.

Reviews from summer residents about Bull's Eye cherries

Kuznetsova Tatyana Valerievna, 56 years old, Saratov, planted an apple cherry on her plot. I've read a lot of reviews on forums about this strain, both positive and negative. My experience has been very positive, the tree is constantly growing and requires little to no maintenance. Ermolaev Sergey Leonidovich, 63 years old, Kharkov I have long wanted to renovate my garden and in 2014 I planted an apple cherry tree. Reviews about it are only positive, the tree has begun to bear fruit well, rarely gets sick and does not need special care, which is very pleasant.

Source – https://agrognom.ru/berries/sweet-cherry/chereshnya-bychij-glaz.html

Description of the tree

The homeland of the delicious cherry variety Bull's Heart is Georgia, where it was given the name Ox's Heart. This type of cherry grows up to 5 m, the crown is pyramidal, slightly compressed. The tree does not need frequent pruning, but responds well to shaping. The shoots are straight and growing actively. There are few main branches, which explains the average density of the crown. The variety has large dark green leaves.

The tree begins to bloom in May, oval buds appear on short branches called buds. The inflorescence consists of 2-3 flowers. They are white, medium-sized, the petals are located at some distance from each other. The shape of the cup resembles a glass.

Agricultural technology

Tomato Oxheart

When choosing seedlings, you need to look at the roots and make sure there are no external defects. The roots should be separated and massive.

Important! It is better to purchase trees from trusted garden stores or nurseries. Then the plant will definitely be of the right variety and will be adapted to the local climate.

It is better to plant young trees in the spring, then they will have enough warm days to get used to the new place. The tree can be planted in the fall, but this must be done several weeks before the first frost. Before this, you should carefully dig and water the soil. You definitely need to take care of shelter for the tree so that it can survive the first winter.

The distance between cherries should not exceed 3-3.5 m.

Cherry garden

Landing

If, on the eve of planting, dried areas of the root system were noticed on the seedling, the roots should be immersed in water overnight.

Landing rules:

You cannot bury the root collar in the ground to prevent the growth of wild shoots that will interfere with the development of the plant.
During planting, you need to shake the seedling a little. This way the soil will sufficiently fill the inter-root area.
After planting, you need to tamp down the soil and water it well.
It is advisable to trim the branches by a quarter. This way the root system will grow effectively and the correct crown will be formed in the future.

Care

Oxheart is a fairly unpretentious tree, but still needs some care.

Cherries love moisture. You should not water too often, as the berries may crack. The soil is moistened approximately once a month, but weather conditions must be taken into account. Young cherries will need up to 3 buckets of water. An adult fruit-bearing tree will need up to 6 buckets.

Watering a tree

When planted, the seedling receives nutrients that will be sufficient for the first 2 years. Next you need to fertilize with ammonium nitrate. Sometimes diluted manure is chosen for fertilizing; such fertilizer should be applied no more than once every 2-3 years. In the autumn, organic additives are used.

Features of the fetus

The berries of the Bull's Heart variety delight the eye with their large size, rich color in shades of red and excellent taste. The harvest ripens by the end of June, the weight of one fruit reaches 7-10 g, the shape of the berry resembles a heart. The tree requires pollinators to mature. Cherries cannot be transported. Description of characteristics:

elastic and smooth skin;
average length of the stalk, dry detachment;
dense pulp, color less saturated than that of the skin;
a large amount of juice.

Experts assigned the highest score to the taste of the berries, which allowed the variety to surpass Turkish cherries in the ranking. Unripe fruits have a slight sourness, ripe ones are very sweet. The berries can be used to make compotes and jam.

An example of a healthy root system of a cherry seedling

Late varieties

Late varieties are very appropriate: by the time many of the fruits are gone, they begin to bear fruit. Most often, the berries ripen towards the end of summer.

Late types include:

Bryansk pink;

Regina;
Cordia;
Melitopol black;

Daibera.

Bryansk pink cherry . The trees grow to small, compact sizes. The fruits are sweet with juicy dense pulp. They tolerate transportation well and rarely crack. The plant is resistant to fungal diseases and winter cold.

Cherry Regina . Also a low grade. It has large dark garnet-colored berries that can easily withstand transportation and long-term storage. They do not crack during rains. Another great advantage is that after ripening the berries do not fall off for a long time. The productivity is quite high. The tree is resistant to severe frosts.

Cherry Cordia . One of the varieties of dwarf cherries. Ideal for production for sale. It has high transpontability, the berries rarely rot or crack. The plant produces high regular yields. After ripening, the fruits do not fall off for a long time, which makes harvesting easier.

Melitopol black cherry . Grows to medium size. It has juicy, aromatic berries with dense pulp. The fruits are used for sale both fresh and processed. Excellent for preservation. Very good yield. Tolerates frost normally.

Daibera cherry . One of the most ancient varieties. Has a very high yield. The fruits are large, juicy with a pleasant sourness. The berries are suitable for any processing. But the plant has a significant disadvantage, namely: poor resistance to disease.

Cherry is a wonderful plant that will always delight you with sweet, juicy berries. Select and arrange different varieties so that the flowers are well pollinated. This will help you get a high yield. Do not forget about proper care, feeding and prevention against diseases. Then your table will always be rich in these wonderful fruits. Also read our article “How to prune cherries correctly.”

Selection of seedlings

The tree is unpretentious; to maintain a good level of fruiting, you need to take into account several nuances and observe them throughout the entire period of cherry growth. When purchasing a seedling, special attention is paid to the condition of the root system. There should be no damage to it. The roots of a healthy tree are massive and large.

It is recommended to make a purchase in local stores or nurseries - in them the tree is prepared for the weather conditions of the region.

Pollinators ensure a good harvest. To do this, you need to take care of purchasing several cherries at once and planting them at a short distance from each other. You can buy different varieties, taking into account the requirement that they bloom simultaneously.

Purpose of the variety

Cherry tomatoes are used whole or in halves to decorate meat dishes, salads, and appetizers. Thanks to the sweet dessert taste, the fruits can be used not only in regular vegetable salads, but also in fruit and berry salads.

According to its characteristics, “Bull’s Eye” is ideal for drying. Skillful housewives have adapted to drying tomatoes at home using electric dryers, ovens and convection ovens. In winter, such preparation will give any dish a unique taste and aroma.

Using these small and strong tomatoes, you get not only tasty, but also beautiful preservation. Preparations with cherry tomatoes “on a branch” look especially impressive.

Both adults and children eat Bull's Eye tomatoes in their natural form. Even those children who do not like vegetables enjoy eating them.

It is also profitable to grow this variety for commercial purposes. A long growing season and high yields allow for good profits. In addition, the price for this variety of tomatoes is always an order of magnitude higher, and demand remains at a consistently high level all year round.

Landing

The tree is planted in open ground at the very beginning of spring or autumn, a month before the onset of the first frost. The soil is dug up and watered well. For planting, you need to choose a sunny place and the right type of soil - the Bull's Heart cherry does not tolerate clay, peaty and sandy soils. Up to 3 m of free space is left between the trees.

The pit for planting is prepared in advance. Its depth should be twice the length of the seedling. Width - about 60 cm. Drainage is laid at the bottom and a stake is secured to ensure the possibility of gartering in the future. The top part of the soil must be combined with organic fertilizer.

The process of planting cherries has several nuances:

The root collar should be located above the soil.
It is recommended to shake the seedling, ensuring good filling of the inter-root space.
After completing planting, you need to thoroughly water the tree and compact the soil around it.
In the spring, the branches are cut to a quarter of the existing length, which has a positive effect on rooting and the process of crown formation.

How to plant

Let's find out the main points of planting the Bull's Heart cherry.

Place

Choose a sunny area for this tree, saturated with warmth and light. It is better not to plant Bull's Heart in the shade: the taste of the berries will not be sweet enough. In addition, it is absolutely not suitable for growing cherries in swampy soil, as well as in lowlands where water often accumulates.

Selection of seedlings

In general, the plant takes root easily, however, when purchasing, in any case, you need to pay attention to its general condition. It is important that the seedling has no external damage, is not sick or deformed. It is recommended to purchase planting material from good nurseries: in this case, there is a guarantee that the seedling will grow into a strong and productive tree and will not be sick or infected. Information and photos will help you understand where to plant Fatezh cherries.

In the video - planting cherries:

It is very important that the seedling has a vaccination mark.

Timing

It is best to root the seedling in the spring - in this case, it will have the entire warm summer period available for successful adaptation.
On the other hand, in the fall there is a much larger selection of healthy and strong seedlings in nurseries. And if you decide to plant cherries in the fall, then no matter what warm climate you live in, be sure to take care of covering the young plant to help it survive the first winter. For autumn planting, choose a time when there are about 2-3 weeks left before a major cold snap. At the same time, it is important to thoroughly loosen and fertilize the soil so that the young plant can safely survive the winter.

Summer care

The tree grows quickly and does not require constant attention. The main condition for the good condition of cherries is regular watering. It should be carried out once a month; violation of the regime due to rains and downpours is acceptable. You can navigate by soil moisture - it should always be moderately wet. A young tree requires up to 3 buckets of water per watering, an adult - up to six.

The next day, the soil needs to be processed: loosened and mixed with peat.

The tree does not need feeding for the first three years. In autumn, cherries are fed with organic matter. Diluted manure is added every two to three years. Fertilizers are distributed over an area one and a half times larger than the shadow of the tree.

The branches are formed at the beginning of the second spring after the cherry trees are planted. In the process, the crown is thinned out, weak and diseased shoots are removed, and excessively long shoots are shortened. Before frost, improperly growing branches are removed. All sections are treated with copper sulfate.

Recommendations for planting

To better secure the seedling and protect it from gusts of wind, drive a stable peg into the hole to secure the plant.
It is recommended to place pieces of drainage at the bottom of the hole: broken slate, broken brick: this measure will prevent rotting of the roots if groundwater lies close to it. Be sure to first enrich the soil in the hole: use complex mineral fertilizers for this. When planting in spring, it is advisable to plant them in the fall. Sprinkle the roots of the plant with a mixture of soil with peat, compost and river sand: this light nutritious mixture will be “to the taste” of the young plant and will help it take root. It is also worth learning more about existing Napoleon cherry pollinators.

When planting, be careful not to deepen the root collar of the seedling: it should rise 5-6 cm above the ground.

Diseases and pests

The Bull's Heart cherry variety is particularly resistant to diseases. Rodents can be a problem. To combat them, the trunk is wrapped with burlap or birch bark, and in particularly difficult cases - with roofing felt. You can scatter a special poison around the tree, making sure there is no danger to the berries.

The trunk, wrapped in spruce branches, is well protected from rodents

Coating the trunk with lime and spring treatment with urea or more suitable means help prevent pest attacks. Repeat fertilizing after flowering.

In rare cases, the Bull's Heart variety is susceptible to coccomycosis. This is a fungal disease that causes brown spots to appear on the leaves. After some time, they dry out and fall off, which can cause the tree to freeze. The fungus develops on the back of the leaf; the spores can be seen by the characteristic white growths. The disease can also affect fruits.

The fight against mycosis begins with pruning all affected parts of the tree. They need to be burned. Before flowering, the shoots are sprayed with special compounds. After the ovary is treated with Horus, diluting 3 g of the product per 10 liters of water. Before winter, cherries are sprayed with a mixture of 100 g of copper sulfate and 150 g of quicklime. Their description will help you figure out the correct dosage of medications.

Reviews

Let's find out what opinions gardeners in our country share about growing cherries.

Natalya, Rostov-on-Don: “We’ve been growing Bull’s Heart cherries on our property for a long time; we have several trees of this variety. I really like the variety for its large fruits, very tasty and juicy. Of course, the berries don’t last long, but they can be sold quite successfully at the local market: the entire volume is quickly taken away. As for care, it is standard: it is only important to water and prune the tree, and, of course, protect the berries from birds. I recommend this variety: it is the largest-fruited domestic variety and, in my opinion, the most delicious.”
Pavel, Voronezh: “I have a large garden: I grow fruit crops for sale. There are also several varieties of cherries: Bull's Heart among them are three trees. I like this variety for its high yields and very large berries. I’m one of the first to sell it: the berries are very beautiful and impressive, but they don’t last long, so it’s important to sell them right away, or only make preparations later. Maintenance is simple: fertilizing, watering, pruning - everything is standard. It is better to cover it for the winter, since the tree does not tolerate low temperatures.”

And here you can read reviews about Black Prince cherries.

We looked at the features of cultivating such a variety of cherries as Bull's Heart. As you can see, despite the amazing yield and large size of the fruits, the variety also has its drawbacks in the form of low keeping quality and the tendency of the berries to crack. Therefore, it is better to grow Ox Heart for personal use, and if for sale, then only on the local market: the delicate fruits will not tolerate long-term transportation.

Cherries - a pantry of health

Early cherries open the season for eating fruits, so their consumption is of great importance for the body, given the amount of vitamins and nutrients it contains. It is recommended to eat cherries in small portions, about 300 grams several times a day. Treat yourself to every berry, savor it - this is the way to eat cherries that will save you from bloating caused by excessive consumption of this delicious product. The calorie content of cherries is 47.8 kcal per 100 grams of product, but if you cook compote from it, the calorie content will increase to 87 kcal. If you eat a few cherries before lunch, you can quickly feel full, and your body will not be loaded with extra calories. This effect is achieved due to fructose, which gives the berry a sweet taste and is quickly absorbed by the body, turning into glucose - becoming the body’s energy fuel. Cherry stimulates kidney function, has a diuretic effect, promotes weight loss, and improves the general condition of the body. Stimulates digestion, relieves stomach pain, and also has an analgesic effect for arthritis, gout, and rheumatism. Relieves swelling. If you have problems with the gastrointestinal tract or constipation, it is useful to eat cherries in their entirety and drink cherry juice.

The element coumarin, which is part of cherries, maintains healthy body tone and gives vigor to recovering or weakened people. Coumarin compounds reduce the threshold for blood clotting, thereby preventing the formation of blood clots and plaques, and help with anemia. A large amount of potassium is beneficial for those suffering from hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Dark red cherries contain carotenoids and anthocyanins, which strengthen the walls of blood vessels during atherosclerosis, as well as inositol, a vitamin that promotes metabolism and the removal of cholesterol from the body. Cherries are rich in zinc and copper, which are involved in the production of collagen, the main protein of connective tissue. In the body, it performs connective and construction functions, and is responsible for the elasticity and youth of tissues. Cherries improve the condition of the skin because they quickly remove harmful toxins from the body. The skin becomes more attractive and looks younger, and you can also make face masks from the cherry pulp. For skin diseases such as acne, eczema or psoriasis, cherries promote healing. Cherries are rich in microelements involved in the production of melanin, which contributes to the improvement, speed and quality of tanning. Eat cherries and you won’t worry about sunburn.

Attention: cherries are contraindicated for patients with diabetes mellitus, as well as people with intestinal obstructions. Eating berries can aggravate the patient's condition.

Growing technology

It is best to buy seedlings in specialized stores and nurseries. The plant for planting must have an even trunk of a single color, without damage to the bark. The presence of buds and green foliage is a must.

The roots of the seedling must be moistened, well developed and free of damage, knots and compactions.

Optimal conditions

Ox heart cannot be planted in regions where in winter the thermometer drops below -25°C . Areas located in lowlands are not suitable, since stagnant water significantly affects the yield of trees. They will grow and bear fruit best in fertile and loose soil with moderate acidity.

The soil is prepared 1-2 months before planting. The selected area is dug up, loosened and cleared of weeds and roots. The soil is mixed with humus and fertilizers. If the soil is highly acidic, it is limed.

The hole for the seedling must be prepared 2-3 weeks before planting. The top soil (about 20 cm) is the most fertile, so it is mixed with humus and laid on the bottom on top of the drainage. The soil is watered and a support peg is driven in.

Landing dates and rules

Planting is carried out in early spring, after frosts have ended. This time is enough for the seedling to take root and properly prepare for wintering.

Some gardeners plant Ox's Heart in the fall, but then the tree may not survive the winter and die.

The variety is light-loving, so the best place for it is a sunny area on the south side, protected from drafts and the north wind. Groundwater should be no higher than 3 m, otherwise the roots will rot.

The distance between plants is about 1.5-2 m, and between rows - 3-5 m. It is important to choose the right location, which will increase productivity and protect trees from pests and diseases. Ideal neighbors would be other varieties of crops and cherries.

Important! Cherries will not make friends with apple trees, pears, gooseberries, raspberries, tomatoes and peppers.

Further care

The seedling is watered regularly - about 2 times a month, at least 3 liters at a time. Young trees are fertilized with manure or ammonium nitrate solution. After each watering, the soil is loosened to make it easier for the plant to obtain oxygen. The last time the tree is watered is in the fall, before the leaves fall.

The crown is formed during the first 3 years. Every spring, cherries are cleaned - dried, damaged branches are cut off. The root growth is removed, and if the crown is too dense, it is thinned out to ensure air flow.

Possible problems, diseases, pests

In late spring or early summer, you may notice small brown spots on tree leaves . After some time, the affected foliage dries out and falls off. In rare cases, spots occur on fruits. This is how the fungal disease coccomycosis manifests itself.

The affected parts of the plant are removed and burned. During bud ripening, trees are treated with fungicides, and after harvesting they are sprayed with Bordeaux mixture.

Gray rot (moniliosis), which manifests itself in the form of burn spots and gray plaque on the fruits and leaves of the tree, is also dangerous. For the purpose of prevention and treatment of diseased plants, preparations with a high copper content are used.

During the flowering period, cherries can become infected with verticillium. The fungus creates wounds on the bark and causes flowers to wilt, putting the harvest at risk. A solution of copper sulfate can solve this problem.

The most dangerous pests are:

Cherry fly. The insect lays eggs in green berries. Immediately after hatching, the larvae begin to devour the flesh from the inside.
Cherry moth. Affects buds, leaves and young shoots of cherries.

Solving pest problems comes down to the use of special insecticides. They should not be used several weeks before harvest.

Wintering

With the onset of autumn, trees prepare for winter rest:

Water abundantly - up to 100 liters of water throughout the autumn season for each tree.
The soil around the tree is cleared of branches and withered grass, loosened and covered with humus.
The lower part of the trunk is wrapped in mesh or burlap.
If severe frosts are expected, the roots are covered with spruce branches.
The seedlings are hidden for the winter under special materials.

Reproduction

Cherries are propagated by cuttings. The cuttings are taken from the lower branches of the mother tree at the end of summer, after harvesting. This method helps to obtain seedlings that can bear fruit before 4 years. The grown tree will be similar to the mother tree; The main thing is to provide proper care.

Features of cultivation depending on the region

In the southern zone of Russia, the Bull's Heart cherry does not require special conditions other than sufficient watering during periods of drought.

In colder regions, special attention is paid to organizing wintering and insulating trees during flowering, if there is a threat of severe frosts.

Pollinator varieties

Ox heart is a partially self-fertile variety. Some varieties of this crop and cherry trees are suitable as pollinators. The main condition is the coincidence of flowering dates.

The most suitable varieties of cherries:

And the way;
Ovstuzhenka;
Tyutchevka.

Cherry:

Putinka;
English early.

Storage and use

Early varieties of cherries are not suitable for storage and freezing for the winter, so do not regret it and eat it fresh for your health. Fruits intended for transportation are harvested 4 days before full ripening along with the stalk and stored at low temperature for up to 10-15 days. Heat treatment of cherries, unlike cherries, does not allow them to retain most of the beneficial substances, so they are often eaten raw. Medium and late ripening varieties are suitable for drying, freezing, making compotes, candied fruits, preserves and liqueurs. In industrial cooking, compotes and jams are made from cherries.

Harvest and storage

You should start harvesting the berries when they gain juiciness, become large and dark red. The stalk should still be green. In order not to injure the fruits of the Ox Heart variety, it is better to cut them with scissors, leaving the stalk on them, and carefully place them in the container in which they are planned to be stored or transported.

Plastic boxes are best suited for this. For berries that are immediately processed, the stems may not be left. You won't be able to store the berries for a long time. They can survive in low temperatures for a maximum of 5–7 days.

Berries can be used for universal purposes - eaten fresh, canned, prepared compotes, jam. To preserve healthy fruits for the winter, they can be frozen. Transportability of the fruit is poor, since the skin has a tendency to crack. It can easily be damaged during collection or transportation.

So, the Bull's Heart variety is annually capable of producing a large number of large, appetizing-looking and tasty fruits. Caring for her does not take much time and effort. The fruits of this variety are suitable only for personal use. They are not suitable for sale.

Growing conditions

The tree loves moisture, so watering should be plentiful, but not frequent - once a month. It is necessary to take into account weather conditions and monitor the condition of the soil. Up to three buckets are poured under a young tree, but twice as many under an adult cherry tree. The procedure is carried out from the moment the foliage appears until it completely falls off.

In the first year of growth, the tree does not need feeding. But then you will need to apply fertilizer compounds containing nitrogen. It is allowed to feed with organic compounds in the form of rotted manure diluted with water.

Suitable mineral compounds include superphosphates and nitrate. They are added periodically, in small quantities. If the soil acidity is high, it can be reduced with lime.

Planting and care

Since cherries tolerate severe frosts well, they can be planted not only in spring, but also in autumn. But gardeners recommend doing this after winter so that the tree has time to take root well in its new location.

When choosing a place for planting, you need to take into account that the plant needs a lot of heat and sunlight. The southern side of the site, well protected from drafts, is best suited for this.

The southern side of the site is best suited for planting Bull's Heart seedlings.

The soil composition should have good fertility and moisture permeability. Groundwater should be at a depth of more than one and a half meters from the surface of the earth. It is best if the soil is loamy or sandy loam. Swampy areas are not suitable for planting seedlings.

Planting is carried out at an interval of 3-3.5 meters. The interval between rows must be at least five meters.

The planting pit is prepared several weeks in advance. Its depth should be at least sixty centimeters. The top layer of soil is mixed with several buckets of organic fertilizer and used for planting.

It is recommended to bury the seedling gradually, shaking it periodically so that the soil fills the voids between the roots well. The root collar should remain on the surface. Simultaneously with planting, a garter stake is installed.

Everything ends with watering, for which at least three buckets of water are used. The tree trunk circle is mulched with humus or peat.

The sweetest and most delicious options according to experienced gardeners in Russia

For many lovers, size is not the main thing in fruits, since, first of all, their taste is valued. Over the past 15 years, more than 80 varieties have been developed with a sugar content above 5%, which is a very good indicator for such fruits. They immediately gained great popularity among summer residents and began to spread not only throughout Russia, but also to other countries. We bring to your attention the most prominent representatives of this class.

Chereshnya Julia. It is a very tasty fruit that every summer resident who loves to eat sweets should grow. 5.9% sugar, more than 2% ascorbic acid make it extremely tasty and healthy. The flesh is firm, slightly crunchy. Over many years of cultivation in Russia, it has established itself as a reliable, proven, constantly fruiting option. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to collect a large number of berries from it, but you can count on 15-20 kg from one mature tree, both in a fruitful year and not so much. The crown is not spreading, the branches are directed upward and do not hang down, which significantly complicates harvesting in the middle of summer. Late (mid-late) cherries have excellent resistance to pests and diseases; only one treatment with pesticides against caterpillars is required throughout the entire season.
Chereshnya Yaroslavna. If you want to grow a really tasty fruit at home or in the country, Yaroslavna is the best choice for this. The average sugar content is up to 14.2%, which is a record for domestic selection options. It is a worthy competitor to European trees, since, in addition to everything else, it produces up to 60 kg from one tree. That is why it has become the choice of many gardeners and farmers who are seriously involved in growing products for sale and export. Keeping quality is very good, does not crack when ripe, tolerates prolonged rains well, and can remain on the tree for a couple of weeks after technical ripening. All late cherry varieties cannot compare with it in this category, which is why it has earned such popularity in Russia.
Ostozhenka cherry is another representative of the “delicious” category. It contains up to 13% sugars, at the stage of technical ripeness it has an unsurpassed taste, perfect for canning, preparing desserts, dishes, selling on the market (has excellent keeping quality) or simply for eating raw. This is where its advantages, perhaps, end. The disadvantages include low yield (harvesting 25 kg from one tree can already be considered a record), its poor resistance to frost (down to -20C), as well as weak biological protection against pests. It requires careful care, otherwise it will bear little fruit.

It’s not for nothing that the above options are so popular. They not only produce tasty berries, but have excellent resistance to pests and can withstand cold winters and temperature changes, which cannot be said about large-fruited varieties. The load on the branches is small, it is easy to form a crown, they grow with minimal care, and constantly produce average yields.

CHERRY OX HEART

Description
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Cherry Ox Heart. An old Western European cherry variety. Mid-season (fruits ripen in mid-June). The tree is medium-sized, early-bearing, high yield. The fruits weigh 8-10 g, very beautiful heart-shaped, dark cherry color. Transportability of cherries is good. The pulp is medium dense, sweet, very pleasant taste (4.7 points). The variety is quite winter-hardy and resistant to major diseases.

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How to plant

To grow healthy, strong and fruitful cherries, you need to choose the right place for planting seedlings, determine the timing of the work and purchase high-quality planting material.

Recommended timing

In the southern regions, fruit trees are planted in open ground in the fall, 4-6 weeks before the first possible frost. The seedlings will have enough time to take root and prepare for wintering.

In temperate climates, Bull's Heart cherries are planted in the spring so that the trees become stronger and grow during the summer.

Selecting a location

Light-loving cherries are planted on sunny plots of land located on the south side, protected from the north wind and drafts.

The occurrence of groundwater is allowed no higher than 3 m, otherwise the roots of the tree will rot.

Lowlands and swampy areas are not suitable for growing fruit crops.

Preparing the planting hole

The Bull's Heart cherry is demanding in terms of soil composition. Berry trees prefer to grow and bear fruit in fertile, loose soil with moderate acidity and humidity.

Prepare the soil 6-8 weeks before planting seedlings.

The selected area is carefully dug up, cleared of roots and weeds, and loosened.
The soil is mixed with humus, organic and mineral fertilizers, and the acidic soil is limed.
In the prepared area, planting holes are dug with a depth and width of 70 to 90 cm.
The distance between plants is left at least 1.5-2 m, between rows from 3 to 5 m.
Drainage is laid at the bottom of the hole, a fertile mixture is poured on top, a support peg is driven in and watered.

Advice! Clayey, heavy soils are diluted with humus and river sand; compost and peat are added to sandy soil.

How to select and prepare planting material

It is recommended to purchase seedlings of varietal cherry species from nurseries or specialized garden centers.

For planting in open ground, 1-3 year old plants are chosen.
The trunk of the seedling is smooth, uniform in color, without obvious damage or disease.
The presence of twigs, fruit buds or green foliage is required.
The roots are moistened, well developed, without damage, putrefactive deposits, compactions and nodules.

Important! Before planting in open ground, the seedling is placed in a container of water for 10-15 hours. Afterwards, the roots are treated with a solution of manganese and a growth stimulator.

Requirements for neighbors

Properly chosen neighbors increase productivity and reduce the risk of the spread of diseases and pests.

The best neighbors for the Bull's Heart cherry are other varieties of crops or cherry trees.

It is not recommended to plant apple trees, pears, gooseberries, raspberries, tomatoes and peppers next to cherries.

Planting scheme

Fruit trees are planted in dry, warm weather.

Prepared seedlings are placed in the middle of the planting hole.
The roots are evenly distributed in the hole and covered with fertile soil.
The soil is compacted from above, the seedling is tied to a peg and watered abundantly.

After planting is completed, the tree trunk circle is mulched with humus or peat mixed with sawdust.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the advantages it is worth noting:

large fruit;
excellent taste;
early ripeness;
greater productivity.

Minuses:

the tendency of berries to be damaged when removed from the tree;
non-transportability of the crop;
low keeping quality of fruits.