Features of planting and caring for Napoleon cherries

History of variety selection

Napoleon is a representative of ancient cherry varieties, bred by European scientists back in the 19th century using the Antipka Magaleb cherry rootstock. In past decades, fruit trees were grown mostly in the southern regions of the Russian Federation, a little later the seedlings came to the city of Khasavyurt (Dagestan), and then the variety spread throughout Russia and today is found in various regions of the state.

Did you know? Regular use of cherries in food reduces the human body's need for sugar. So, with a daily consumption of 100–200 g of such berries, cookies, sweets and other products containing sugar, you will crave much less, which is important when fighting excess weight.

The history of the Napoleon variety

The sweet southern cherry was known in Europe even before our era. The domestication of many varieties contributed to the emergence of stable ecotypes in the territory of the former USSR. This is how the Caucasian, Crimean, Moldavian, and Central Ukrainian groups of this berry crop appeared, distinguished by inherited characteristics.

The Napoleon cherry variety is considered an old variety, bred by breeders in Western Europe. Previously it was grown only in the southern regions of Russia. The horticulturist Volganov first brought cherries to the Dagestan city of Khasavyurt, after which the variety spread on a wide scale and was zoned in Dagestan in 1931.

Napoleon is a proven cherry variety that has stood the test of time.

The fairly famous Antipka (Magalebian cherry) became the rootstock for Napoleon. Therefore, it is resistant to arid climates and has a fairly developed root system that can reach even deep groundwater.

Botanical description of the variety

The described cherry variety is a representative of the mid-late ripening group, since the trees begin to bear fruit only 4-5 years after the young plant is placed on the site. Up to this point, the growth and development of the plant is characterized by increased intensity, and then decreases slightly.

The height of a ten-year-old plant often reaches 5-6 m, although taller specimens up to 7 m are also found. The crown is of a standard spherical shape, very spreading. The leaf blades are light green, oval and slightly elongated at both ends.

During flowering (usually April), lush white inflorescences form on the shoots, with two or three flowers in each

At the end of flowering, dark red or pink fruits are laid in place of the buds, which weigh at least 5–10 g each when fully ripe. All of them have an elongated oval shape, which in some cases becomes broadly heart-shaped over time. Under the medium-thick skin lies a dense, gristly and very juicy pulp, with a richly sweet taste, sometimes with a slight sourness. The berries reach ripeness in early July, although they are often harvested earlier - at the end of June.

Cherry Napoleon: description of the variety and characteristics, rules of planting and care with photos

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Sweet cherry Napoleon (late) Sweet cherry Napoleon (late) Prunus avium Napoleon

Planting: in order for the Napoleon Cherry to grow well, the soil must be well prepared before planting, free from weeds, especially perennials, and rich in nutrients (chernozem or any healthy humus-rich dark meadow/garden soil). The holes should be approximately 60 cm in diameter and 30 cm deep, the size dictates the size of the seedling. We transfer the plant from the temporary container without destroying the earthen lump (if the plant has a bare root system, then pour an earthen mound onto the bottom of the hole and distribute the moistened roots down over it). We fill it with fertile soil and trample it lightly. There is no need to buy special substrates. The larger the fertile layer, the less min. you will have to apply. fertilizers We make a tree-trunk circle with a roller for natural collection of rainwater and pour it generously into several parishes.

Type of soil/soil: like all other plants, it responds well to the application of organic and mineral fertilizers. On poor sandy soils (Ukrainian woodland, including most of the Kyiv region), we recommend adding old organic humus from composted manure, or compost obtained from waste from your garden, kitchen, or vegetable garden. Organic matter improves the structure of “light” soils and “starts” the natural perpetual motion machine of soil bacteria. The worms themselves migrate from their neighbors to you and start a chain reaction of a perpetual organic motion machine. If we learn to “maintain” it, we will forget about expensive imported mineral fertilizers forever. It is foolish to fertilize fruit plants with nitrates, then trapping them in the body in the form of nitrites and methemoglobins, which destroy the body. By throwing organic waste into the trash, we deprive our plants of the best fertilizers. It's time to get rid of the lousy Soviet habits of destroying (conquering) nature for the benefit of people, and start sorting waste, like in Europe, taking care of future generations.

All varieties of cherries in our online store are produced in Ukraine, are frost-resistant and do not require any shelter for the winter, except for the mandatory protection of the bark from hares to a height of 120 cm. Ukraine is traditionally the largest producer of fruit trees in Eastern Europe, so you can be 95% sure that a seedling purchased in Ukraine is guaranteed to be frost-resistant.

Our garden center does not sell imported fruit. If you purchased imported varieties of fruit trees brought from Europe (zone 6-9), then before the onset of the first frost they must be protected. A small mound of soil or mulch is poured around the root collar, which will need to be uncovered in the spring, but in winter it will protect the collar and the grafting site from freezing.

It is better to buy seedlings in a plastic container with fertilizers, so the plant is not dug up with inevitable damage to the root system and is guaranteed to take root after planting. You can buy plants with bare roots (in early spring or late autumn without leaves ), which also take root well.

Watering: Napoleon cherry is a moisture-loving plant and needs watering: during active growth of trees (in May), when fruit is filling (in June), during drought and before winter (before the onset of cold weather). In this case, it is enough to water once a week, but thoroughly, to wet the soil layer to a depth of 30-40 cm. It should be remembered that watering during the period of fruit ripening leads to their cracking. Also, you should not water cherries in the second half of summer, as this contributes to prolonged shoot growth and reduced winter hardiness. Do not forget about autumn watering, which all fruit trees need so much to survive the winter.

Pruning: Cherries are characterized by intense shoot growth, so it must be restrained by annual formative pruning in early spring until the buds swell. During the growth period before the start of fruiting, annual shoots are shortened by 1/5. At 5 years of age, the tree is rarely thinned out due to weak branching. In the future, all branches going into the crown, as well as those that are poorly located, should be removed. Form a spreading and well-lit crown so that you can easily reach out to the fruit. When sanitary pruning, remove diseased, dry, broken branches, and be sure to clean the cuts and treat them with garden putty.

Diseases: Untreated plants can be damaged by aphids, leaf-eating caterpillars, cherry weevils, as well as diseases: fruit rot, moniliosis, cocomycosis.

Fertilizer/protection: Planted trees should be immediately fed with mineral fertilizers. The first portion of nitrogen is applied in the first year in mid-May. The second is in mid-June. Thanks to this, powerful growths necessary for the formation of a crown are formed before autumn. If the growth of seedlings in the first year is too intense, the next year we limit nitrogen fertilizer, leaving only the May application, but at the beginning of the month. To provoke fruiting, in the third and fourth years we reduce nitrogen fertilization to a minimum. The good development of trees and shrubs, especially on light soils, is facilitated by mulching with humus or compost.

It is very important to protect your tree from various types of diseases and pests that can damage your harvest. And the best way of this protection is the correct use of chemicals at different stages of development. In the budding phase (green cone “bear ears”), in order to protect against bud weevils, aphids, as well as against diseases such as cocomycosis, moniliosis, clasterosporiasis, tank mixtures of fungicides + insecticides should be used: Aktara, Enzhio + Horus. In the bud opening phase, tank mixtures of fungicides and insecticides are used to combat bud weevils, aphids, leaf-eating pests and against the diseases moniliosis, cocomycosis, and leaf spot: Horus + Enzhio.

In the end of flowering phase (petal fall) against aphids, sawflies, mites, leaf-eating caterpillars, cherry weevils, as well as diseases of moniliosis, leaf spot, cocomycosis, use Enzhio or Actellik + Horus. Tank mixture of fungicides + insecticides. In the fruit growth phase, Actellik + Horus is used against cherry flies, aphids, sawflies, cocomycosis diseases, leaf spot, and fruit rot. Tank mixture of fungicide + insecticide. Treatment is carried out 10-12 days after the previous one. The best way to determine the timing of processing is to catch cherry flies using traps (ordinary “flycatcher” tapes). When catching 3 individuals of cherry flies in a week, it is necessary to spray.

After harvesting, Horus is used against leaf spot, moniliosis, fruit rot, cocomycosis, and clasterosporiasis.

In October-November, against weevils, sawflies, mites and diseases: leaf spot, clasterosporiosis, it is necessary to dig around the tree trunks, bury or burn fallen leaves, as well as apply fertilizers. All of these drugs can be mixed without restrictions and without the risk of decreased effectiveness. Consumption rate of the working solution: young tree - 1 l, middle-aged tree - 2-3 l, tree with a large crown - more than 3 l. All materials used are for the convenience of the user from one company - Syngenta.

Characteristics of the variety

The main characteristics of fruit trees that are of most interest to gardeners were and remain productivity, level of frost resistance, the ability of the plant to pollinate itself, and resistance to diseases and crop pests. For this reason, it makes sense to study these features before planting Napoleon cherries.

Napoleon is a proven cherry variety that has stood the test of time.

Winter hardiness

The winter hardiness and drought resistance of trees of this variety are at an average level, therefore, with stable temperature drops to -30°C, it is better to cover young plants for the winter. For this, artificial or natural materials are used, but always after preliminary treatment of the soil, whitewashing of trunks and other activities related to preparing plants for the winter season.

Important! You should not wrap tree trunks with burlap alone, especially if rodents have been spotted in the area. Trying to protect the plant from the cold, you can attract mice and rats to it, which will negatively affect the condition of the bark and shoots.

Best pollinators

Variety Napoleon belongs to self-sterile plants , which means that in order to form tasty berries you will have to plant pollinating trees in the garden. The best of them are considered to be the varieties Valery Chkalov, Drogana yellow, Zhabule, Cassini early, Early mark. When growing cherries on a mass scale, it is advisable to arrange paired rows.

Large Napoleon cherries are stored for a long time, are transportable, and have excellent characteristics

Productivity and fruiting

With proper organization of care, at least 28-30 kg of berries can be removed from 1 tree, although such results can be achieved no earlier than 5-6 years of growing the grafted young plant. In the southern regions, one 10-year-old tree can produce up to 70 kg of berries, but this is rather an exception to the rule and it is better to focus on the given averages.

Area of ​​application of berries

Ripe Napoleon cherry fruits are excellent for any culinary use, not only fresh, but also dried or frozen. They go well with other berries and fruits, and can also be used when harvesting for the winter. Some gardeners even use the fruits in folk medicine and the culinary industry, which is partly due to their high tasting score of 4.9 out of 5 points.

Napoleon cherries are suitable for winter harvesting

Resistance to diseases and pests

Thanks to the efforts of breeders, Napoleon cherries (both black and pink varieties) are highly resistant to moniliosis, coccomycosis, fruit rot and other fungal diseases , but at the same time suffer from pest attacks. Among insects, trees are afraid of aphids, sawflies and cherry flies, although the latter is less relevant for pink “Napoleonic” cherries.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The advantages of Napoleon cherries are obvious to many gardeners, and to ensure their presence it is enough to simply plant the plant on your site.

• The strengths of the variety are deservedly considered to be the following characteristics:
• high yield rates;
• excellent keeping quality of the harvested crop (berries can be stored in a cool place for up to 2 weeks);
• excellent presentation, and it does not suffer at all even during long-term transportation;
• possibility of universal use (cherries are equally tasty both fresh and after freezing or processing into compotes and preserves);
• comparative ease of crop care.

• As for the disadvantages of growing Napoleon cherries, it is worth remembering:
• average resistance to winter temperature drops;
• the need for the presence of pollinating varieties;
• low resistance to cherry fly.

Pollinators of the Napoleon cherry

Before planting, it is important to know who pollinates the Napoleon cherry. Pollen is carried by the wind, as well as by bees and other insects. Fruiting is possible only in the presence of pollinators. These are cherry varieties that bloom at the same time. If there is not enough free space on the site, then several different varieties are grafted onto one rootstock. Additional conditions for cross-pollination: stable air temperature above 10-15 ° C, absence of heavy rains and heat.

Description of pollinating varieties of Napoleon cherries:

• French black. A productive and winter-hardy cherry variety. The fruits are large, elongated oval in shape. The pulp is dark red, dense, juicy, and has good taste. The variety is resistant to major fungal diseases and produces a consistently high yield.
• Big Star. A new variety of Italian selection. Bears large burgundy fruits weighing from 9 to 12 g. The taste is wine-sweet. The yield is stable and high, about 45 kg of fruit per tree. Cherry is resistant to fungal infections and does not crack after rain.
• Large-fruited. A productive and winter-hardy variety. The fruits are large, weighing 10-16 g, round in shape with a strong dark red skin. The pulp is juicy and fleshy, the taste is sweet and sour. The tree has increased resistance to coccomycosis and moniliosis.
• Drogana yellow. The variety is widespread in Western Europe. The fruits weigh up to 8 g, are yellow in color, have a dessert purpose, and are suitable for processing. Transportability of cherries is low. The variety tolerates drought well. Requires additional protection from cherry flies and gray rot.

Diseases and pests of Napoleon cherries

Pink Napoleon cherry is resistant to the fungus moniliosis, coccomycosis and other diseases. The Napoleon black variety exhibits high immunity to diseases. Preventive spraying, rationing of watering, and pruning shoots help to avoid the spread of diseases. When signs of damage appear (drying of shoots, spots on leaves and fruits), spray with copper oxychloride or Bordeaux mixture. Diseased parts of the tree are first removed.

Advice! Treatments are carried out with caution when forming the crop. Chemicals are not used 3 weeks before harvesting.

The Napoleon variety is susceptible to attack by the cherry fly. Its larvae feed on cherry pulp and severely damage the fruit. The drugs Confidor and Actellik are effective against the pest. Spraying is carried out no more than once every 2 weeks.

Cherry processing Napoleon

When the air warms up to +5 ° C, they begin to process the Napoleon variety. For spraying, prepare a solution of Nitrafen or urea. The product should not come into contact with tree buds. The trunk is also cleared of moss and dry bark, and the cracks are covered with a special paste.

Preparing Napoleon cherries for winter

In late autumn, cherries are watered abundantly. Wet soil freezes more slowly and protects tree roots. The soil is mulched with humus or peat. Young trees are covered with agrofibre and burlap.

Landing Features

Planting any fruit tree begins with choosing a suitable site and proper preparation of planting material, not to mention the rules and technology for performing the planting process itself. Each of these actions has its own characteristics, which should not be forgotten at the stage of planning the procedure.

Did you know? Boiled cherry juice is an excellent remedy in the fight against dry cough, as it helps remove phlegm.

Recommended timing

The optimal time for planting seedlings of the Napoleon variety is mid-autumn, but in accordance with weather conditions. Typically, planting work is carried out at least 2-3 weeks before the expected frost, so that the plants have enough time to fully adapt and prepare for the winter season.

In northern growing regions, with early winters, spring planting will be more preferable, carried out immediately after the snow melts, but before buds appear on the seedlings. With a high degree of probability, this will avoid freezing of the plant root system, but to be on the safe side, you can install a temporary shelter over the seedling.

Video: Instructions for planting cherries

Choosing a suitable location

Cherry is a sun-loving plant, so when choosing a suitable site for placing a seedling, you should give preference to well-lit areas, previously cleared of weeds and plant debris of other crops. About a month before the proposed planting, you should dig up the soil using a spade and, if necessary, fertilize it with organic compounds, at the rate of 4-5 kg ​​per 1 m² of area.

As a result of planting, the root collar of the seedling should protrude above the soil surface by about 3-4 cm , and to prevent it from freezing with the arrival of winter cold, it is worth spudding the young cherries generously, removing the shelter immediately after frost.

When organizing a planting hole, be sure to take into account the dimensions of the root system of prepared seedlings and calculate the depth of the hole, taking into account the thickness of the lower nutrient layer with fertilizers

Selection and preparation of planting material

The best specimens for growing will be Napoleon cherry seedlings on Antipka rootstock, which increases the plant's frost resistance and will also contribute to its better growth and development. Any soil composition is suitable for such planting material, with the exception of very clayey and saline soils.

Find out also about the rules for planting cherry seedlings in the spring.

The root system of plants penetrates to a depth of 4 m, grows shoots more slowly, but at the same time begins to bear fruit earlier. The optimal age of a seedling is 1-2 years, although 3-year-old plants are also allowed for planting, but no older.

A prerequisite when purchasing a Napoleon cherry seedling will be the presence of healthy buds and at least 3 well-developed roots, each 0.2 m long

Of course, before carrying out planting activities, you should carefully examine the prepared cherries for signs of disease development or pest activity, which can be noticeable both on the rhizome and on the aerial parts. The roots and shoots of a high-quality seedling will always be elastic and “alive”, with a uniform surface color. Therefore, if there are a large number of rotten or broken parts, it is advisable to find a more suitable option.

Important! If, when making a cut, the brown inside of the root is visible, it means there has been frost damage and it is better to refuse to purchase such a plant.

Planting scheme

Considering the considerable dimensions of adult cherry trees of the Napoleon variety, it is not surprising that already at the stage of planting seedlings it is worth maintaining a distance of 3-4 m between neighboring plants. All further actions are performed in the following sequence:

1. Pour a mound of fertile soil into the prepared hole and lightly level it.
2. Drive a support wooden stake into the center.
3. Place the selected seedling on the surface and straighten all the roots, carefully cover it with soil, compacting the soil so that there is no free space between the individual roots.
4. Tie the trunk to the support stake, leaving the root collar on the surface of the ground and oriented it to the south.

At the end of the procedure, all that remains is to water the young cherries and, if necessary, mulch the tree trunk area with peat or sawdust to maintain a high level of humidity in the thickness of the substrate

Pollinators

The variety is declared as self-fertile, that is, nearby pollinators are not required. Fruiting begins at the age of 4, life expectancy is significant, up to a century. Winter hardiness is sufficient only for cultivation in the southern regions. Withstands winds well.

Watering is especially important after flowering, when the fruits are growing, and in late autumn, for better overwintering. In summer, the deep root allows it to extract moisture from the lower layers and the plant can survive relative drought. The rootstock most often is the unpretentious magaleb. In this case, a deep, hardy root system is formed.

Napoleon black is considered a resistant cherry, but can still be affected by diseases such as moniliosis, fruit rot and coccomycosis. Among the pests, the cherry fly can spoil the harvest; aphids, sawflies and leaf-eating caterpillars sometimes appear on trees.

Planting and care

It is better to carefully prepare the planting site - by digging it up, clearing it of weeds and fertilizing it. The planting hole must be spacious so that it can accommodate both the “nutrition” for the first years of growth in the form of fertilizers and the root system of the seedling. A tree with bare roots is the easiest to purchase, and it costs less than one with a ball of earth. It is convenient for two people to plant it to control the depth. The root collar is slightly raised, and in the case of autumn planting, it is hilled up only for the winter, and uncovered in the spring.

Caring for a tree involves a number of activities. In addition to watering, this includes keeping the tree trunk clean and applying fertilizers. To maintain health, the crown should be treated with fungicides and insecticides for preventive purposes.

Aftercare for cherries

After a short process of planting a Napoleon cherry seedling, a long stage of caring for the plant begins, on which the abundance of fruiting and the quality of the future harvest depend. The main activities in this case will be the following.

Watering and fertilizing

The regime of watering and fertilizing the planted crop depends on the region where the fruit trees are grown. For example, in the southern regions of the Russian Federation, emphasis should be placed on regular moistening of the substrate (especially during dry periods), and fertilizers are usually needed for depleted soils. In this case, you can limit yourself to organic matter in the form of rotted cow manure or plant waste, which is added to the soil mainly in the autumn and soon after the next watering of crops.

In general, the substrate moistening scheme looks like this:

• in May, immediately after the trees bloom, watering is needed for optimal development of already set fruits;
• during the period of filling berries, liquid is important to increase their juiciness and brighter color;
• Before winter frosts, timely moisture-recharging watering will contribute to better frost resistance of plants.

During periods of drought, it is important to moisten the soil well so that the water reaches a depth of 40 centimeters. Surface watering will not bring the desired result, since the moisture simply will not reach the roots of the tree.

The liquid consumption rate for 1 adult plant is at least 40–50 liters of water

Trimming

The process of pruning Napoleon cherries is not much different from similar actions in relation to other varieties of cherries, therefore the general rules apply in this case:

• annual shoots are cut to 1/5 of the trunk length;
• sanitary pruning involves the complete cutting out of all improperly growing branches, dry and damaged specimens.

Both options for the procedure most often occur in the spring, but if absolutely necessary, sanitary cleaning of the crown can be repeated in the fall (after all the leaves have fallen).

Upon completion of the procedure, all large sections should be treated with garden varnish, which is an excellent prevention of diseases and pests, and also promotes faster regeneration of wood tissue

Treatment against pests and diseases

Preventive treatment of cherry trees with insecticidal preparations is rarely carried out, but in case of severe pest infestation (especially cherry weevil), it would be appropriate to spray the crown and trunk with Aktara, Actellik or Enzhio preparations. The solution is prepared in accordance with the available instructions.

We recommend reading about the fight against cherry diseases.

Standard, non-chemical methods of prevention would be timely burning of plant residues and weeds in the tree trunk circle, pre-winter digging of the soil using a shovel, and dosed fertilizing and watering.

With the arrival of spring, during the swelling of the buds, you can spray the trees with a solution of copper sulfate (100 g of the substance is dissolved in a bucket of water)

Features of cultivation

The agricultural technology of this variety is common for southern cherries and is no different from growing other varieties. Napoleon cherries are planted in early spring in well-lit areas with fertile, non-acidic soil. The planting pattern is 6x8 meters for trees on a vigorous seed rootstock and 4x6 meters for seedlings on a dwarf rootstock. During drought, watering is needed 2 times a month, from 1–2 buckets of water per young plant in the first year of planting to 10–12 buckets per adult tree.

Fertilizers are applied in the spring when digging the soil in the following doses per 1 square meter of tree trunk circle:

• 20–40 g of potassium sulfate;
• 40–80 g superphosphate;
• 20–50 g of ammonium nitrate.

In early spring, before the buds swell, formative pruning is carried out on young trees up to 5 years of age. Mature trees need sanitary pruning, which is carried out at the same time, and if urgently necessary, at any time of the year, except winter. It consists of removing dry and broken branches.

Typical defeats of Napoleon

The main problems of this cherry are fruit rot and cherry fly.

Fruit rot

Fruit rot is a fungal disease that is especially rampant in humid climates. To prevent fruit rotting, cherry trees are sprayed with Horus twice a season: before flowering begins and immediately after it ends.

Fruit rot is especially dangerous in rainy summers

cherry fly

The cherry fly lays eggs on the ovaries of the cherry, and the larvae develop inside the fruit. To combat this pest, cherries are sprayed with Decis immediately after flowering.

Cherry fly makes cherries wormy

Harvest and storage

At the end of June or beginning of July, you can already begin harvesting Napoleon cherries, removing the berries along with the stalk. When fresh, they can be stored for no longer than 14 days, but even in this case, you will have to place them in a cool place, having first placed them in shallow, spacious containers. For processing for canning, drying or freezing, recently harvested cherries, previously washed and cleaned of dirt, are ideal.

Despite the average frost resistance of Napoleon trees, it is better to plant them in the southern and central regions, where temperature fluctuations are not so significant. Otherwise, these cherries will be an excellent option for the garden, especially if other varieties of this type of fruit tree grow on the site.

Reviews

Summer is considered a great time for sweet lovers, of which I am one. After all, during this period I can satisfy my craving for my favorite treat without harm to my health. Therefore, I decided to plant a cherry orchard in my garden. I chose the Napoleon cherry variety, which was undeservedly forgotten. Its characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, biological characteristics completely satisfy me.

Cherry Napoleon is an ancient variety, well known in Western Europe. Since the 19th century it has been grown in the south of Russia. In 1981, it was regionalized in the Republic of Dagestan. However, the variety is also planted in other regions.

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.

Young trees are watered regularly: during dry periods - once every 5-7 days. With sufficient rainfall - at the end of flowering. Water consumption rate: 50 liters for a seedling, 100 liters for a mature tree.

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 ovaries form.

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.

Wrapping the trunk

Covering the lower part of the trunk with netting, roofing felt, and spruce branches is necessary to protect against frost and rodents.

Mulching

For young cherries, mulching the tree trunk circle is important in hot, dry summers.

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.

Treatment in spring

Before the buds open, the cherries are sprayed with a fungicide. The soil near the tree trunk is dug up.

Tree trunk care

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.

Features of further care

Subsequent tree care includes standard agrotechnical procedures. But each of them is carried out according to certain rules.

Watering

The event is held as needed. Cherry does not tolerate either excessive moisture in the soil in which it grows or “overdried” soil. The tree must be watered abundantly in the autumn, before the winter cold. This will protect the root system from possible freezing, and therefore minimize the risk of plant death.

Feeding

The tree needs fertilizers only when the phase of abundant fruiting begins - in the fourth year of life. The following fertilizers are required for cherries:

Nitrogen. Preparations based on it are applied during active sap flow, in March or April (depending on the region)

It is important to apply such fertilizers before the flowering period, using them as tree-trunk watering. At a distance of 1.5 meters around the tree, a ditch is dug into which fertilizer is poured.

The solution is prepared from chicken manure (1 kg) diluted with water (20 l). The mixture is mixed well and allowed to brew for 24 hours, stirring from time to time.

Potassium. Potassium compounds are used during berry formation. Nutrient liquid is prepared from wood ash (300 g) and warm water (20 l). The mixture is stirred and left for 2.5–3 hours until cooled. Apply the solution to the soil “in its pure form” or during watering.

Superphosphate. It is added to the soil before the winter period, when the tree sheds its leaves. The drug is scattered on the surface of the soil around the trunk and covered with a thin layer of earth to prevent it from being blown away by the wind. Weather precipitation will dissolve the drug, and it, together with water, will penetrate the rhizome.

Did you know? At one time, cherry resin was used as chewing gum.

Tree trunk care

The tree trunk area absolutely requires care - it is periodically cleared of weeds and fallen leaves are removed. In addition, the soil is periodically loosened. This ensures better penetration of moisture to the roots. You should not neglect mulching the tree trunk circle - it will help moisture stay in the soil longer and reduce the number of waterings.

The following materials are used as mulch:

• needles;
• compost;
• hay;
• straw;
• wood sawdust.

Mulch will protect the plant from pests and diseases, insulate the roots and eliminate the need to loosen the soil once again

Pruning and crown formation

This procedure is mandatory for the tree, especially after five years of age. It helps to increase productivity, and also facilitates the process of picking berries, eliminates thickening, development and spread of diseases.

Important! A dense crown is the main enemy of productivity. The plant needs plenty of sunlight to bear fruit well. It is recommended to prune in late autumn or early winter when the tree is dormant.

In spring, the damaged areas will heal and the plant will continue to actively develop. During pruning, old and damaged branches are removed, as well as dried and overgrown shoots. The main branch of the tree should protrude 20 cm above the others. When forming the crown, you should control the length of each branch

It is recommended to prune in late fall or early winter when the tree is dormant. In spring, the damaged areas will heal and the plant will continue to actively develop. During pruning, old and damaged branches are removed, as well as dried and overgrown shoots. The main branch of the tree should protrude 20 cm above the others. When forming the crown, you should control the length of each branch.

Protection from cold and rodents

Before the onset of cold weather, the tree must be protected from frost and protected from rodent infestations.

This is especially important for young plants and immature seedlings. Burlap, special non-woven material or thick polyethylene film are used as covering material.

We advise you to read about grafting sweet cherries onto cherries in spring and summer.

The insulation process is simple: pegs are driven vertically into the soil near the tree and a covering layer is pulled over them. Such a dome creates a microclimate favorable for cherries around the above-ground part of the plant. The soil near the trunk is covered with a layer of mulch for the winter. The lower part of the trunk is covered from rodents with roofing felt or metal mesh.

Description

Cherry Napoleon is a mid-season, large-fruited variety. Grow in sun-warmed areas with structured, nutritious soil. Damp, cool weather leads to a decrease in yield and damage by pathogens.

general description

The trees are tall, with a dense crown in the shape of a ball. Flowering - at the end of spring, fruiting - for 4-5 years, at the beginning of summer. The Napoleon variety is self-sterile. It has 2 subspecies: Napoleon black cherry, Napoleon pink cherry. The differences also concern the shape and size of the fruit.

Advantages

Napoleon cherry can withstand short-term temperature drops to -30 degrees, provided the trunk and root zone are covered. Deep roots allow it to withstand long dry periods. Late flowering eliminates the impact of return frosts on the ovaries. Flowering trees serve as decoration for the garden plot.

Flaws

Prolonged low temperatures cause the death of Napoleon's flower buds and frost. For cross-pollination, it is necessary to plant other varieties of cherry trees on the site. Does not withstand proximity closer than 5 meters to an apple, pear, or plum tree. Napoleon rosea adapts less well in cool and rainy summers, which is why it is not widely distributed

Bud

On the bouquet branches there is a growth bud in the center, and flower buds on the sides.

Leaf and flower

Cherry leaves are large, dark green, elongated, with a pointed tip. White buds are collected in inflorescences of 3 flowers on bouquet branches.

Napoleon cherries are oval or round, average or above average, juicy.

Weight

Black fruit - from 6 to 6.5 grams, pink - up to 9-10 grams.

Height

Cherry Napoleon black – 1.8 centimeters; Napoleon pink - 2.0 centimeters.

Width

Black berry – 2.0 centimeters, pink – 2.2 centimeters.

Thickness

Napoleon black - 2.2 centimeters, Napoleon pink - 2.4 centimeters.

Color

At the ripe stage, the color of the fruit is dark red and bright pink. The ovary of Napoleon rose is pink-yellow, while that of black is red.

peduncle

Long, thin, well fixed.

Bone

The stone is medium, slightly narrowed, easily separated from the pulp.

general characteristics

The berries have an attractive appearance. Used fresh and for preservation.

Taste qualities

The fruits are sweet when ripe. When unripe, the pink-yellow fruits have a bitter taste.

Nutrient content

100 grams of Napoleon cherries contain high levels of:

In addition, there are:

Eating cherry fruits can provide a balanced intake of vitamins, micro- and macroelements.

Tree height and growth rate

The crown height of the Napoleon cherry reaches 6.5 meters. The annual growth of shoots is 70-80 centimeters.

Flowering and ripening period

The buds bloom at the end of May. Berry picking begins after 3 weeks and ends at the end of June.

Productivity

The average yield of Napoleon is up to 30 kilograms.

Transportability

Napoleon fruits have dense pulp and skin, which ensures shelf life and transportation over long distances.

Drought resistance

After 3-4 years, Napoleon cherries develop a powerful root system that provides the tree with moisture. Young seedlings and adult plants need watering during the flowering and fruiting period.

Frost resistance

Fruit trees tolerate air temperatures as low as -30 degrees.

Disease resistance

Napoleon cherries are susceptible to pathogenic damage at high humidity and temperatures below 0 degrees.

Application of fruits

Taste qualities, composition of useful substances, properties of pulp and skin allow the fruits of Napoleon cherries to be used not only in fresh form.

In cooking

Summer and canned compotes and juices are prepared from Napoleon cherries. Jams and jams are made from a mixture of cherries, cherries and black currants.

In dietetics

Low-calorie cherries: 50 kilocalories – 100 grams. Eating fruits satiates you and at the same time reduces the energy content of food. If you want to lose weight, the cherry diet is the best way.

In folk medicine

Fresh fruits have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the intestinal tract. High potassium content is beneficial for the heart muscle. Vitamin C helps restore hemoglobin levels.

In cosmetology

Lighting and nourishing masks made from crushed fruits are useful for the skin of the face and décolleté.

Basic soil requirements

Cherries require loose and fertile soil: black soil, loam, sandy loam.