French Black Cherry: variety description, photos, reviews

Description of the French black cherry variety

Characteristics of the French black cherry variety.
Western European cherry variety of late flowering and ripening (late June). The purpose of the fruit is universal, the fruit has good dessert qualities and produces high-quality products during technical processing and freezing.

The tree is vigorous, the crown is broadly rounded, spreading, dense, well-leafed, slightly drooping, highly branched. Annual shoots are light brown with a gray coating, without anthocyanin coloring. The vegetative bud is cone-shaped, medium in size, the generative bud is oval, located at an angle of 45° relative to the shoot. The leaf is above average size (1.61 x 7.8), oval or elongated-ovate, dark green, medium thickness, elastic, the apex is strongly pointed, the base is broadly wedge-shaped, the edge is coarsely biserrate, the upper surface is smooth, the lower surface is pubescent mainly along the veins. The plate is slightly raised at the edges. The petiole is of medium size (4.0-5.5 cm) and thick, intensely colored, has two medium-sized round glands, often located oppositely on the petiole. The flowers are medium in size, collected in inflorescences of 2-4 flowers, the petals are white, slightly touching. The main flowering and fruiting is concentrated on bouquet branches of various ages and partly in the lower part of the shoots of the previous year.

The fruits are large (average weight 6.5 g, maximum 7.5 g, size 2.4 x 2.2 x 2.3, elongated oval, small, deep funnel, rounded apex, slightly depressed. Fruits are dark red, full when ripe, almost black. The pulp is dense, dark red with light veins, juicy, good taste (tasting score 4.5 points). The juice is intense dark red. The seed is medium size (90.4 g), elongated oval, beige in color. , the apex is slightly pointed, the base is rounded, separates from the pulp well. The peduncle is of medium length and thickness. The fruits are beautiful, shiny, ripening at the same time, the separation from the fruit is almost dry, resistant to cracking. Contains 13.3% dry matter, 18.5% sugars , 0.8% acids, 7.7 mg/100g ascorbic acid.

In extreme weather conditions of the winter period, the cherry variety exhibits fairly high winter hardiness of wood and generative buds; the buds are not resistant to early drops in temperature; during the flowering period, the resistance of the flowers is average, but they are rarely subject to frost. Drought resistance is high. The variety is practically resistant to the main fungal diseases (coccomycosis, moniliosis, hole spot) and is moderately resistant to the cherry fly.

It begins to bear fruit late - at 6-7 years; the trees are long-lived and provide industrial fruiting for up to 25 years. Almost self-sterile. It is characterized by high productivity, the average yield of the French black cherry variety is 8.5-10.5 t/ha, the maximum reaches 18-19 t/ha.

The value of the variety: fairly high winter hardiness and productivity, large-fruited, high dessert and technological qualities of the fruit. Disadvantages: unstable to early winter frosts, vigorous growth.

The cherry variety has been zoned and approved for use in production in the North Caucasus region. The most common variety in the Krasnodar region.

Variety Melitopol

Cherry variety Melitopol

A mature tree is quite tall with a rounded, sparse crown. The berries are large, one-dimensional, weighing up to 8 g, colored in a rich burgundy, reaching black color. Ripening later.

The skin is smooth, glossy, elastic, and can be removed from the pulp without difficulty. The pulp is dense, juicy, purple in color. The juice of the berries has a pleasant dessert taste with a slight sour note. It is noted that unripe fruits have a spicy bitterness - inheritance from the French black.

You might like the article about the Columnar Cherry. You can read how to grow cherries here.

The purpose of the berries is universal; they are especially good fresh. Melitopolskaya is a self-sterile variety, and without the help of pollinating varieties, ovaries are not formed. Therefore, take this into account: be sure to plant another tree nearby from the Krupnoplodnaya, Kosmicheskaya, Kurortnaya, and Daibera black varieties, which will act as pollinators and positively influence each other’s productivity.

Active fruiting begins at the age of 4, and at the age of 16 years the tree can give you up to 75 kg of fragrant berries. The cherry variety is one of the most winter-hardy, resistant to fruit rot (moniliosis) and bacterial stone fruit cancer.

Description of culture

Description of the French Black cherry variety:

• great growth power;
• the crown is wide, spreading, round in shape;
• shoots branch well, hang slightly to the ground;
• annual branches are light brown with a gray coating;
• leaves are oval, measuring about 16x78 mm;
• the leaf blade is smooth, oval or elongated, dark green;
• the tips of the leaves are pointed.

Cherries produce medium-sized white flowers. Flowers bloom in inflorescences of 2-4 pieces.

The fruits are large, average weight 6.5 g, maximum - 7.5 g. The shape is elongated-oval, with a small funnel, size 24x23 mm. The color is dark red, becoming more saturated when ripe, almost black.

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The pulp is rich red, juicy, and high density. Taste qualities are rated 4.5 points. The juice is sweet, dark red.

The fruits have high commercial properties, do not crack, and the stalk comes off easily. The pulp contains dry substances (13.3%), sugars (18.5%), acids (0.8%), ascorbic acid (7.7 mg/100 g).

According to its characteristics, the French Black cherry variety is suitable for planting in the North Caucasus and other southern regions.

Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention

The main diseases of the crop are given in the table:

Cherry pests are listed in the table:

Characteristics

When choosing a cherry variety, pay attention to its characteristics: resistance to drought, winter frosts and diseases, flowering period and fruit ripening.

Drought resistance, winter hardiness

The French Black variety is highly resistant to drought. The tree receives moisture after rains or from deep layers of soil.

Cherry shows high winter hardiness of buds and wood. With an early drop in temperature at the end of autumn, fruit buds suffer. According to reviews of the French Black cherry, the fruit buds are not susceptible to frost.

Pollination, flowering period and ripening time

The variety is self-sterile; pollinators must be planted to obtain a harvest. The best pollinators for French Black cherries are the Melitopolskaya, Krupnoplodnaya, Krasa Kubani, Black Napoleon, Ramon Oliva, and Prestizhnaya varieties.

Flowering occurs in May. The fruits ripen late. The harvest is harvested at the end of July.

Productivity, fruiting

French Black cherry begins to bear fruit in 6-7 years. The trees bear fruit for a long time, lasting 25 years.

Sweet cherries stand out for their high and stable yields. The largest yield (about 65 kg) is produced by a tree aged 15 years. The maximum recorded yield is 184 kg.

Area of ​​application of berries

The fruits have a universal purpose. They are used as dessert and decoration for confectionery products. Cherries are frozen or processed to produce homemade preparations (jam, juice, compote).

Resistance to diseases and pests

The variety is not susceptible to the main fungal diseases of the crop: coccomycosis, moniliosis, hole spot. Resistance to pests is at an average level.

Advantages and disadvantages

• high winter hardiness;
• stable yield;
• large fruits;
• high commercial and taste qualities of cherries.

Disadvantages of the French Black variety:

• exposure to early winter frosts;
• tree vigor.

Characteristics of the variety

Studying its main characteristics will help you optimize your work on growing and caring for cherries.

Drought resistance and winter hardiness

The culture has a fairly high moisture resistance. Plants tolerate too much soil moisture worse.

In rainy years and with high irrigation intensity, the quality of the crop decreases - the fruits become watery, do not accumulate enough sugar and crack. The purpose of creating the variety was not to obtain a cold-resistant plant. Despite this, Krupnoplodnaya shows average frost resistance and can tolerate temperatures down to -25°C.

But, this applies only to adult, fruit-bearing specimens. Young seedlings do not tolerate cold well. In this regard, trees need to be planted only in spring.

Pollination, flowering period and ripening time

Plants enter the fruiting phase already 4 years after planting. Flowering begins late and depends on climatic conditions. So in the south, trees can bloom as early as April, and in temperate climates only at the end of May. The main condition for entering the flowering phase is an average daily temperature of +15°C. The culture is self-sterile. To obtain a harvest, you need to plant several pollinator trees with similar flowering periods next to the Large-fruited cherry.

• The best pollinators for the variety in question:
• Large-fruited yellow and pink;
• Francis;
• Surprise.

The fruits ripen in late June - early July, depending on when flowering began.

Productivity and fruiting

The crop is characterized by consistently high regular fruiting without periods of downtime. From one tree you can harvest from 44 to 56 kg of crop annually.

Resistance to diseases and pests

The plant is highly resistant to diseases and parasites. However, to maintain this quality, it is necessary to follow all the rules of agricultural technology and carry out prevention. The culture has genetic resistance to moniliosis.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

• Based on the characteristics of the plant, the following advantages can be identified:
• high regular yield;
• good commercial quality of fruits;
• high resistance to diseases and pests;
• genetic resistance to moniliosis;
• resistance to drought and frost.

The only drawback of the plant is its self-sterility.

Landing Features

Cherries are planted at a specified time, depending on weather conditions in the region. Pre-select a location, prepare a seedling and a planting hole.

Recommended timing

In warm regions, work is carried out in the fall after leaf fall. The seedling manages to take root before the onset of cold weather. In the middle zone, planting is postponed until spring, before the buds swell.

Choosing a suitable location

For cherries, choose a sunny, warm area. The crop is not planted in lowlands where moisture and cold air accumulate. The permissible groundwater level is more than 2 m.

Cherries prefer loamy or sandy loam soil. Coarse sand is added to clay soil, and organic matter is added to sandy soil.

What crops can and cannot be planted next to cherries?

Cherries are planted in groups of 2-4 varieties. It is not recommended to grow raspberries, currants, and hazels next to the crop. Cherries are removed 3-4 m from apple trees, pear trees and other fruit crops.

Selection and preparation of planting material

One- or two-year-old seedlings are suitable for planting. Before purchasing, inspect the shoots and root system. Healthy planting material does not have cracks, mold or other defects.

2 hours before planting, the roots of the seedling are immersed in clean water. If the root system is dried, it is kept in water for 10 hours.

Landing algorithm

Planting procedure:

1. Dig a hole 1 m in diameter and 70 cm deep.
2. Compost, 150 g of superphosphate, 50 g of viburnum salt and 0.5 kg of ash are added to the fertile soil.
3. Part of the soil is poured into the hole and waited until it shrinks.
4. After 2-3 weeks, the remaining soil is poured and a seedling is placed on top.
5. The roots of the cherry tree are covered with soil and the plant is watered abundantly.

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Feeding and pest control

To grow hydrangea in harsh climates, it is necessary to fertilize regularly. Liquid manure and mineral fertilizers are used to enrich the soil.

Typically, 25 g of the substance is used per 10 liters of water. It is recommended to fertilize hydrangeas at least 4 times a year.

But this should not be done chaotically and haphazardly. You should adhere to a certain pattern:

• start feeding immediately after the start of sap flow;
• then re-enrich the bush at the time of budding;
• The process is performed 3 times in the 2nd half of July;
• The last feeding is carried out during preparation for winter.

Hydrangeas are shrubs that take unusual fertilizers well. Often kefir or yogurt is used for this.

Such soil enrichment can be carried out at any time and repeatedly. Only dairy products must be diluted with water (1:2).

Sourdough bread is also often used for these purposes. It is soaked to a pulp and dropped into the upper layers of soil under the bushes. To fertilize hydrangeas, you can use lemon juice (freshly squeezed).

In the Ural regions it is necessary to protect crops from pests and various diseases. Most often, flowers are affected by peronosporosis.

This leads to the appearance of oily spots on the leaves of shrubs. To get rid of the problem, you need to use copper sulfate and green soap (20 and 130 g per 10 liters, respectively).

The resulting solution should be thoroughly sprayed onto the plants. It is better to do this procedure after sunset.

Another disease that affects hydrangeas in the Urals is chlorosis. It is formed as a result of an excess of lime. To overcome the disease, it is necessary to water the bushes with potassium nitrogen (40 g of the substance will be needed per 10 liters of water).

The most common pest of hydrangeas is aphids. You can fight the problem with garlic. To do this, you need to take 200 g of the vegetable, pass it through a meat grinder, add 3 liters of water, leave for 2 days, and then add 45 g of grated laundry soap into the solution.

The prepared product should be sprayed on the plants until the parasites completely disappear.

If you follow all the conditions for growing hydrangea in the Urals, you can get attractive buds of this amazing shrub even in harsh climates.

Subsequent care of the crop

Cherries are watered three times during the season: before flowering, in mid-summer and before winter. Each tree requires 2 buckets of water.

The French Black variety is fed in early spring. 15 g of urea, superphosphate and potassium sulfate are embedded in the soil. After harvesting, the tree is sprayed with a solution containing 10 g of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer per 10 liters of water.

When growing French Black cherries, pruning is carried out annually. The conductor and skeletal branches are shortened. Dry, frozen shoots that thicken the crown are cut off.

Only young trees need shelter for the winter. They are covered with agrofibre and spruce branches. To protect the trunk from rodents, use roofing felt or mesh.

Further care for the Leningradskaya cherry variety

This variety needs to be watered several times a season: during the blooming of flowers, during the period of active ripening of berries and in the fall after the end of the deciduous season. At least 20 liters of water are poured into each trunk circle.

Photo of a diagram of proper watering of cherries

Tree trunk circles need to be loosened regularly, removing weeds at the same time.

How to feed cherries

Fertilizers for Leningradskaya cherries are applied every year according to the following scheme:

• in the first ten days of May, a mixture of the following mineral fertilizers is applied to the tree trunk circles - 1 tbsp. l. urea, potassium sulfate and superphosphate for each square of area;
• after the entire harvest is harvested, potassium and phosphorus fertilizers are applied to the cherries;
• After moisture-recharging irrigation in the fall, potassium salt and superphosphate are added to the digging.

How to feed cherries - video

Black cherries: varieties and their characteristics

Cherries have a juicy taste and bright aroma, which is why they are very popular. Gardeners especially appreciate the early fruiting of the crop, because the tree, depending on the variety, can bear its first fruits as early as early June. Black varieties of cherries, which combine practical characteristics, appearance and taste of the berries, have received great attention.

Advantages and features of the Black Sweet variety

Cherry Black sweetness

The berries of the Black Sweet variety grow on a small tree with densely growing branches that form a wide pyramidal crown.

This is a partially self-fertile variety and cross-pollination produces a much higher percentage of useful ovary. The variety is frost-resistant, and at the same time productive. It blooms in the middle period, and the berries will ripen in early July.

Beneficial features

Cherry berries contain a lot of vitamins and microelements that are necessary for the human body. In addition to potassium, iron and iodine, the fruits are rich in citric, malic, salicylic and lactic acid. In addition, they have a low calorie content, which has a beneficial effect on the figure of people on a diet.

Eating berries allows you to normalize metabolism and slow down the aging process. The vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and B6 they contain help form bones and teeth, and stimulate brain and heart activity.

With the help of cherries you can reduce blood clotting and remove excess cholesterol from the body. Black berries are also necessary for people suffering from hypertension, since dark varieties can lower blood pressure and strengthen the walls of blood vessels.

Black varieties of cherries have a beneficial effect on the human nervous system and help cope with irritability, insomnia and headaches. People with problems with the gastrointestinal tract and diabetics should limit the consumption of these fruits.

Otherwise, cherries can be eaten by anyone.

Variety Drogana

Drogan cherry fruits

An adult, rather tall tree has a medium-density crown of a pyramidal shape, closer to round. The fruits are large in size, weighing up to 8 grams (average weight - 6.5 grams), heart-shaped and have an attractive presentation. They ripen late, but at the same time.

The surface of the skin is smooth, thin, delicate, its color lives up to its name - yellow. The pulp is dense, straw-colored, very juicy and sweet. The taste qualities of the fruit were rated 4.6 out of 5 by professional tasters. The small seed is difficult to separate from the pulp.

In the 3rd year the first harvest appears. The berries have a universal purpose: they are excellent fresh, as compotes and jam, and can even be dried. Not recommended for freezing due to the thin skin. Due to the fact that Drogana blooms late, the possibility of death of flower buds from spring frosts is practically eliminated - this allows it to be cultivated in the more northern regions of the country.

Both wood and generative tree buds are resistant to low temperatures. Confidently tolerates dry periods and quickly adapts to various soils.

Disadvantages include the possibility of fruit cracking (in rainy seasons this can lead to gray fruit rot) and their low transportability. It resists well the attack of the pest – the cherry fly.

Description of varieties

Black cherry fruits are dark in color and have a sweet and sour taste. It is best to pick them before they are fully ripe, as overripe berries may burst.

Among the black varieties, the most popular are:

• "Black Prince";
• "Leningradskaya black";
• "French black";
• "Black Sweetness";
• "Rossoshanskaya";
• "Mlievskaya";
• "Daybera";
• "Melitopol";
• "Ilchishina."

"Leningradskaya black"

It is characterized by frost resistance and endurance. It takes root well in areas that do not have hot summers and warm winters. Even being in a place that does not have an abundance of sunlight and heat, cherries consistently produce a good harvest.

The tree grows to a height of 4-5 m and is capable of bearing the first fruits already in the third year after planting. The plant grows so that its branches form a dense crown that does not allow air and sunlight to pass through. You can recognize the Leningradskaya Chernaya variety by its large elliptical leaves and sharp tips.

The crop blooms in May, and the first harvest can be obtained at the end of June. In the coldest areas, the first fruits can be harvested a little later - at the end of July. At the same time, the berries of this variety ripen unevenly, which allows you to enjoy their pleasant taste for a long time.

"Black Sweetness"

It is characterized by partial self-fertility and cross-pollination, which allows for better ovaries. This variety is frost-resistant and easy to care for. He is not afraid of coccomycosis, a disease that negatively affects the yield and viability of the plant.

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“Black Sweetness” blooms at the end of May, and bears its first fruits in July. Its berries are medium in size and have a dark burgundy color. Their flesh is dark red in color and has a sweet taste.

"Black Prince"

It grows up to 3-3.5 m and has a medium spreading crown. It is not afraid of frost and is resistant not only to diseases, but also to pests. An adult plant can produce more than 15 kg of berries, and with proper care this number can increase significantly. “Black Prince” bears its first fruits in early June and has large berries of a dark burgundy color.

This variety is self-sterile and therefore needs pollinators. In order to get a stable harvest, other varieties should be located near the cherries, for example, “Iput” or “Fatezh”.

Cherries grow in temperate climates and can take root even in the middle zone of the country.

In the southern regions, “Black Prince” seedlings can be planted in the fall, but in cold places they can only be planted in the spring.

"Rossoshanskaya"

A medium-sized, self-fertile plant with a pyramidal-stack-shaped crown and an average number of leaves. A young plant can produce more than 5 kg of yield, while mature cherries have a yield of more than 16 kg. The variety is quite frost-resistant, and therefore can be grown in central Russia. But unexpected frosts during budding and flowering can damage the tree.

The berries are almost black with a red tint. They are distinguished by their large size and round or oval shape.

Early varieties of yellow cherries

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Early varieties of cherries with yellow berries do not have a very high price on the market, as they quickly deteriorate. But if you grow them in your own garden, you can get not only good berries for canning, but also an abundance of vitamins, because yellow cherries are very beneficial for the body.

Early varieties of yellow cherries

• “Chermashnaya” has a tall tree with a thick, elongated crown. The berries are up to 5 grams yellow and ripen from the beginning of June. The pulp is fleshy, with a large amount of juice and a honey aftertaste. The pit is separated without problems, which simplifies processing. It tolerates diseases and frosts easily. Pollinators: “Iput”, “Bryanskaya pink”, “Fatezh”, “Leningradskaya black”.
• “Mlievskaya yellow” is an early cherry variety that ripens from mid-June. The berries are 5-6 grams, yellow, with shiny skin. The main difference between this variety is that it does not require pollinators. Winter hardiness is average. The first fruiting can be expected for 4-5 years. Suitable for processing and fresh consumption.
• “Dachnitsa” ripens from mid-June. The berries are light yellow, weighing 7-11 g, heart-shaped. The bone is well separated from the pulp. Fruits from 4 years old. The tree grows low, the crown is spreading. Pollinators: “Talisman”, “Drogana yellow”, “Melitopolskaya”.

Rules for planting cherry seedlings

This variety is recommended for cultivation in steppe and forest-steppe zones. The information below describes in more detail the rules for planting Full House cherries.

Optimal timing

It is recommended to plant cherries, even winter-hardy ones, at above-zero temperatures in early spring before the buds swell. Autumn planting can cause freezing and death of the seedling.

Selecting a location

Cherry is a tree that loves warmth and sun. Therefore, as a place for planting stone fruit crops, it is necessary to choose a well-lit, shadow-free area. The influence of cold winds from the north will be detrimental to the tree.

Did you know? “Dukes” is the name given to crossed cherries and sweet cherries. Such a hybrid was first bred in the 17th century in Europe, and it was then that it was given the name “duke,” which translated from English means duke .

In no case should there be stagnation of moisture in the soil when growing crops. The soil should be loose, not clayey and well drained. If your site still has more clay soil, mix it with sand.

Secrets of care

The Napoleon cherry needs the whole range of agrotechnical practices. Without their implementation, the tree will reduce its yield and become sick.

Watering

An adult tree, which has roots at a depth of up to 4 meters, requires watering in early June, when the ovaries begin to form. During dry, hot summers, water cherries once a month and in the fall - after the leaves fall.

Top dressing

Cherry trees need nourishment in spring and summer. With the awakening of the buds, the plant is watered with a diluted solution of mullein (1:10) at the rate of 5 liters. During flowering, potassium and phosphorus fertilizers (45 grams per square meter) are applied to the tree trunk circle.

Trimming

Cherries develop a multi-tiered crown over the course of 5-6 years:

• the distance between tiers is 50 centimeters;
• number of skeletal branches on a tier – 3-4;
• the height of the central conductor is 3-3.5 meters.

Pruning is carried out in spring (March) or autumn (October). At the same time, all branches growing inside the crown, tops, dry, broken, and with signs of damage are removed. Large branches are removed using a ring. To prevent the crown from growing in width, the branches are cut to a side branch.

Preparing for winter

In dry autumn, moisture-charging irrigation is carried out. All mummified, dried fruits are removed from the branches. Fallen leaves are removed from the tree trunk circle. The soil under the tree is dug up to a depth of 30 centimeters. The lower part of the trunk and the root part are covered with spruce branches from frost, and with netting from mice and hares.

Diseases and pests, their prevention

Timely pruning, watering and preventive treatment of the trunk, branches, and ovaries help avoid infection by pathogens and prevent pest attacks.

Resistant to fungus

Napoleon pink and black are not as susceptible to infection by marsupial fungus (coccomycosis) and ascomycete fungus (moniliosis) as other varieties of cherries. The risk of injury occurs under certain weather conditions.

High immunity to diseases

Despite the low susceptibility to mycotic infection, it is necessary to carry out preventive measures to reduce the spore production of fungi. The best way is to treat with fungicides.

Copper oxychloride

Fungicide with protective contact action against fungal infections. The first spraying is carried out before the start of budding, the second - after the end of flowering. In unfavorable weather conditions, spraying can be carried out up to 6 times per season.

Bordeaux liquid

Bordeaux mixture is a copper-containing preparation. The properties and method of use are similar to products containing copper oxychloride.

cherry fly

The insect is the main pest of mid- and late-ripening stone fruits. It lays eggs in the ovaries of the cherry, from which larvae are shed and eat the pulp of the fruit.

Confidor

Contact insecticide against sucking and gnawing pests. Does not penetrate into fruits, remains effective for a month after spraying.

Aktellik

Strong intestinal contact poison; effective against most garden pests

Requires special care when using. Spray the cherries once, after the formation of ovaries

Cherry aphids attack green shoots and leaves of the tree, feeding on their sap. Systemic pest control involves removing weeds, ants, and chemical treatment.

Sawfly

The insect lays eggs on the underside of the leaf in May-June and late July. Slimy sawfly larvae destroy cherry leaves. Pupation occurs in the trunk circle. Control methods: biological, chemical, manual collection of larvae.

Rot

Infection with gray rot spores occurs at the beginning of flowering, at low temperatures or high humidity. The tree is treated with fungicides before flowering begins.

Whitewash

Applying a solution of lime to the trunk is one of the ways to protect against pests and parasites, as well as sunburn.

Warming the crowns of seedlings

Growing Napoleon cherries in the northern regions is associated with the risk of freezing and death of the tree. The crown of a young tree is covered from the cold with burlap stuffed with hay, attached to the trunk.

During the entire growing season, it is necessary to weed out weeds within the radius of the cherry tree crown and loosen the soil. Autumn and spring digging is necessary to destroy wintering pests and apply fertilizers.