Description of varieties of self-fertile low-growing cherries with photos

Growing cherries in various regions of Russia

Cherry is a garden crop that is popular in many regions. Every year, new varieties are developed that can grow not only in the hot South, but also in the northern territories.

Depending on the region of Russia, certain problems may arise when growing cherries:

1. North of the country. The following varieties are chosen: Pink sweet cherry, Sakhalinskaya, Bigarro Burlat, Ariadna. In winter, trees need to be wrapped. The temperature here can drop to -40...-45°C, which is destructive for trees. Fruiting occurs towards the end of August.
2. Middle lane. Frost-resistant and late-flowering varieties are suitable for this region due to frequent reverse frosts. It is recommended to plant varieties: Rechitsa, Odrinka, Fatezh, Symphony.
3. South. Early and mid-season varieties grow well here. The varieties usually chosen are: Italian, Krasa Zhukova, Rodina, Iput, Poetry.

On a note!

Growing cherries on your own is also valuable because the gardener is confident in the harvest, knows exactly when and how the berries were processed, in what conditions they grew, and by whose hands they were picked. The same cannot be said about the purchased one.

Reviews from gardeners

At first I grew only flowers and shrubs at the dacha, and then I tried to plant dwarf fruit trees. As it turned out, in our Podolsk you can grow good cherries. The main thing is to cover the trees well for the winter so that they survive the winter.

Previously, we had never even heard of cherries in our area. Then varieties began to appear specifically for the middle zone. I planted a couple of trees, but they didn’t take root with me. But I have been growing low-growing cherries for three years now. I am growing Saratov baby and am going to plant a couple more trees of a different variety.

The benefits of low-growing cherries become especially obvious in harsh climates. Not only do short trees cope better with droughts, winds and frosts than their tall counterparts, but they are also easier to care for.

Source

Features of low-growing or dwarf cherries

One of the main indicators is the size of the tree. As a rule, its height does not exceed 2 m, in rare cases it reaches 2.5 m. Although literally 1 m2 of land is enough for a cherry tree to fully develop, it is important to plant it so that other trees do not shade it from the sun.

Like many crops of southern origin, this one needs good lighting. Otherwise, it is the same cherry, with a beautiful ovoid crown and large leaves. She needs the same care as her full-sized relatives.

Landing

The tree loves light very much, so it must be planted in an area well lit by the sun. The soil for planting can be any. It takes root well in areas with densely planted trees.

Dwarf cherry seedlings take root quickly. They also produce rapid growth within a minimum time. Before planting, you should inspect the roots of 1-2 year old seedlings. They must be intact, not affected by diseases and pests. If there are such areas, they should be trimmed. The roots should be placed in water for several hours.

In autumn, the soil is fertilized with manure, potassium and phosphorus. In spring, urea (nitrogen) should be added.

The hole for the bush should be deep enough so that the wind does not damage the plant. The optimal size is half the length of the seedling. A peg is driven into the center of the planting hole, to which the seedling is subsequently tied. The hole is filled with earth and compacted. It is necessary to make a small depression around the trunk for watering. After planting, you immediately need to water the seedling with 2 buckets of water.

Advantages of growing low-growing cherries

The demand for dwarf cherry varieties is constantly growing. There are many reasons for this:

1. Attractive view. Small but densely leafy trees decorate the garden well. They can easily be used in landscape design.
2. Small area for planting. Allows you to grow several varieties of trees simultaneously in a limited area. This promotes better pollination and increased yield.
3. Small height of a mature tree. It greatly facilitates both the necessary care, in the form of pruning, pest control, and harvesting. For example, an ordinary cherry tree reaches a height of several meters by the age of 10 years. And all of the above procedures are much more difficult to carry out.
4. Dwarf trees grow to their adult size faster. They begin to bloom and produce berries earlier than usual.
5. With proper care, the yield per tree is at the same level as that of standard species.

On a note!

In addition, due to the compact size of the tree and the strength of its branches, the shoots are not so damaged by the wind, and the roots do not reach groundwater.

Features of cultivation

Low-growing cherry seedlings are purchased only from specialized nurseries. This is the only way to be sure of the varietal characteristics of the tree. When choosing a variety, it is necessary to compare its frost resistance with the climate of the region.

Features of planting and growing:

1. The planting of seedlings is planned for spring or autumn. Moreover, in the Krasnodar Territory and Crimea, fruit trees, including cherries, are planted in the fall. In other regions, preference is given to spring planting - so that the seedling, having grown stronger over the summer, will better survive the winter. Minimum disembarkation temperature: +5°C.
2. Dwarf trees are planted in well-lit areas. The culture does not tolerate shading. It negatively affects the growth of the tree and its yield. It is recommended to plant trees near fences, walls, and other structures. Moreover, the barrier should be on the north side.
3. Pit preparation begins at least two weeks before planting. For dwarf trees, the optimal depth of the hole is 70 cm. Drainage is laid at the bottom, and then fertile soil mixed with humus and sand is poured. The pit is filled 2/3. The seedling is placed in the center of the hole and tied to a peg.

4. The tree is pruned annually. The best time for pruning is early spring. The tree tolerates injury better before sap flow begins. It is recommended to leave no more than a dozen branches. Their location should be symmetrical. Be sure to trim branches that grow inside the crown. Remove all dry, diseased and damaged branches. To destroy pests and prevent the spread of infection, all trimmed biomaterial is burned.
5. Be sure to cover it for the winter. Dwarf trees can be completely covered. It is only possible to not insulate wood in the southern regions. For insulation, use burlap or spunbond. In winter, the shelter is covered with snow.

On a note!

If the cherry tree is fed with complex fertilizers and well covered, it will be able to safely endure the harsh winter.

Dwarf varieties of cherries

Many low-growing varieties have been developed that can be grown in gardens from the Moscow region to the Krasnodar Territory. Unregistered dwarf species, as a rule, do not tolerate frost well. Therefore, when choosing a seedling from a nursery, you must make sure that it is suitable for the region in which you plan to plant it.

The ability to self-pollinate is a very valuable feature if a dwarf tree is planted due to site size limitations. Self-fertile varieties set most of the berries without the participation of pollinating insects. And with their presence, especially bees, productivity increases significantly. Self-sterile varieties require planting a pollinator nearby, without which you may not get a harvest.

Self-pollinating "Winter Pomegranate"

The Winter Pomegranate variety appeared relatively recently. It was bred by foreign breeders specifically for regions with a harsh continental climate. Feels good both in the summer heat and in severe frosts. At the same time, it has proven itself excellent among domestic amateur gardeners.

It is distinguished by decorative flowering, which is confirmed by its photo and description. In spring it can decorate any garden. The fruits of this variety are small, the berry is up to a centimeter in diameter, but this is the difference between almost all dwarf varieties.

The variety got its name, “Winter Pomegranate,” because the ripe berries do not fall off, but remain hanging on the branches. They can stay like this until October or the first frost. The sweet, sour taste will appeal to many berry lovers. The yield is large for such a compact size, impressive.

On a note!

The variety is self-pollinating; one tree can be planted.

Very early "Saratov baby"

This variety is a product of domestic selection. They brought him out in the mid-90s. Known for quite a long time. Both summer residents and professional gardeners who are passionate about gardening still have a liking for it.

Baby is a small tree, even closer to a bush. It develops its maximum qualities in terms of yield and taste in its native region. This is the optimal variety for the Black Earth Region, where you can get up to 15 kg of berries from one plant. Its bright red, very juicy, glossy fruits harmoniously combine sweetness and acidity, and begin to ripen towards the end of June. The tree is not self-fertile; plantings must be grouped.

Miniature variety "Anthracite Dwarf"

It is in the leading positions of the lists, which include the best varieties for the Moscow region. The tree grows only 2 m in height. But it is very spreading, so it is necessary to carefully shape the crown. True, the compact height allows you to do this without difficulty.

The variety got its name from the color of the berries, dark burgundy, almost black, with an anthracite sheen. Red juicy berries are one of the largest in size among similar varieties. "Anthracite dwarf" has very high winter hardiness. It can easily withstand frosts down to -35˚C.

The variety is partially self-fertile. Without a pollinator in the neighborhood, only 20% of the flowers will be able to produce berries.

Climate of central Russia

This region is very vast, its climate is defined as temperate continental. Temperatures in winter range from -8 ⁰С to -12 ⁰С. In summer it is +17…+28 ⁰С.

Winters are moderately frosty but snowy, and summers are humid and warm. Therefore, gardening is fully developed. Many varieties of cherries are suitable for cultivation in this region. But there are signs that you definitely need to look out for when choosing.

Other varieties of low-growing cherries

In addition to those listed above, there are many more varieties of dwarf cherries. Anyone who wants to plant this wonderful tree on their plot can choose the right seedling.

"Bryansk pink"

This variety is distinguished by its late flowering and ripening periods. The buds bloom in mid-to-late May, which reduces the risk of crop failure due to return frosts. This is relevant for the middle zone. It also ripens later than other varieties, usually from late July to early August. Pink-yellow small berries have a pleasant sweet taste and dense pulp. The variety has good storage and transportation. The tree tolerates winters well and is also resistant to fungal diseases.

On a note!

The tree is self-sterile and needs a nearby pollinator.

Late ripening "Veda"

The variety is quite young. It began to be actively cultivated in the middle zone after 2009. It is not a very tall tree, up to 2.5 m. Its berries are dark red, juicy, but not as sweet as other varieties of cherries. They are good to use for making jams or compotes. The structure of the fruit makes it easy to separate the stone, making it easier to process the crop. The tree is winter-hardy, quickly gains strength, and 4-5 years after planting it is already possible to harvest a full harvest.

The tree is self-sterile and requires a pollinator. "Bryansk pink" is considered one of the shortest cherries.

Large-fruited "Michurinskaya"

A versatile variety in terms of hardiness, named after the famous scientist-breeder. She is not afraid of either summer drought or winter frosts. That's why they plant it everywhere. Excellent for both the Krasnodar Territory and the Leningrad Region. Although, the colder the region, the fewer years the tree will live there.

The berries are dark red, with thick skin. Because of this, they are not susceptible to cracking. They are easy to store and transport. When ripe, they actually do not crumble, which contributes to long-term preservation of the crop. Self-sterile tree, there must be a pollinator nearby.

Yellow and yellow-pink varieties

Suitable for growing in the Moscow region:

Rules for growing dwarf cherry varieties

In order for the tree to form correctly, grow and produce a good harvest, it is necessary to follow the planting rules. The main ones:

1. The seedling must be strong, with a developed root system. Unlike full-size varieties, less attention can be paid to the crown. The small height of a mature tree makes it easy to shape it as the gardener sees fit.
2. It is advisable to plant the tree on loose sandy loam soil. If the soil on the site is heavy, it is worth adding sand or peat to the planting hole. The tree needs good moisture and breathability of the soil. Stagnation of water is detrimental to cherries.
3. Self-pollinating varieties can be planted one at a time. Those that need neighbors are at a distance of 2-3 m from each other. This is true when we are talking about varieties of low-growing cherries. For standard trees the distance should be greater.
4. It is worth choosing a site that is not only well-lit, but it is advisable that there are no strong drafts. The tree does not like this, and the yield can be significantly reduced.
5. If the groundwater in the area lies close enough to the surface, this is not a problem for low-growing varieties. Their roots are not very deep.

On a note!

Swampy areas with possible flooding are not suitable for growing these trees.

Why is what you grow yourself always healthier?

Summer residents have always been in a privileged position. They could always purchase the necessary seedlings to grow the fruit trees they were interested in. The gardeners had full control over the entire process, so they had no doubts about the quality of the finished product. Among all the varieties and names of vitamin products, various varieties of cherries occupy a special place.

This sweet stone fruit has been known to people since the times of Ancient Greece, where it was called Cerasus avium. Cherries managed to leave their mark in various literary works, songs and even poems. This attention to cherries is very easy to explain. Firstly, its taste pleases not only adults, but also children. Unlike cherries, which have a sharp, specifically sour taste, various varieties of cherries are characterized by sweetish organoleptic properties. Secondly, cherries grow on a rootstock, which simplifies the process of picking berries.

Summer residents should take into account the following important points. In a modern garden, cherry seedlings will fight with surrounding trees for access to sunlight. That is why this tree is characterized by an extremely active growth process. Under natural conditions, the tree can grow from 10 to 20 meters. As a rule, individual trees are capable of annually bringing their owners up to 700 kilograms of berries per year. Agree that this amount of natural vitamins will last you for a long time.

Dwarf cherry variety

In a traditional garden, such records are not welcome. Many gardeners prefer seedlings that grow up to 4 meters. The process of selective selection aimed at breeding low-growing cherry species was not simple. Modern varieties of cherries differ not only in size, but also in taste. Botanists note that today gardeners truly have a choice. For example, some varieties of cherries do not exceed 0.2 meters in height. These options are perfect for those who are short on space.

The selection process does not stand still

Radiation is one of the most effective ways to develop new varieties of cherries. For example, Canadian scientists were able to obtain low-growing varieties Compact Lambert and Compact Stella in this way. It is important to note that such varieties of cherries not only acquired a useful quality in the form of a relatively small size, but also became less resistant to various pathogenic factors. Yes, interference in the natural course of evolution does not pass without leaving a trace. For example, new varieties of cherries are less resistant to temperature changes and pests.

These changes are especially noticeable in domestic conditions. In our country, not all winters are characterized by mild temperatures, so this can fully lead to a significant reduction in tree yields. Speaking about selective methods for growing cherries, it is important to note a number of other important features. Many seedlings are characterized by tiered placement of branches. In practice, this means that they will be less susceptible to branching, which will make it impossible to create intensive gardens.

The most common technology for growing these trees involves the formation of a crown based on a sparsely layered system. Gardeners should place trees in twos based on a number of factors:

• soil fertility;
• the region from which the seedlings were delivered;
• individual characteristics of a particular cherry variety.

Some gardeners place special emphasis on the ineffectiveness of certain selective technologies. For example, many varieties of cherries significantly accelerate the growth process with the slightest attempt to achieve the opposite result. This effect is, according to some botanists, the result of ignorance of the characteristics of this tree. Many people think that a cherry tree, like a classic apple tree, can be shortened in the same way. However, this misconception has been repeatedly proven wrong.

Most actively now, summer residents are using another method of creating intensive gardens based on the principle of hedges. Trees are planted in rootstocks in a row at a distance of 1.5 to 3 meters from each other. However, this technique does not find support from professional botanists. They say that planting trees in twos is effective only in the first 1-2 years. The rest of the time, the gardener risks a significant reduction in yield. This occurs as a result of excessive thickening.

Practical advice

The main problems arise in the twelfth year of tree life. Tree growth is at its maximum during this period, which leads to several problems. Firstly, the harvesting process turns into a real challenge. Not everyone wants to climb the Eiffel Tower to get the desired fruit. Secondly, at this time trees begin to be more actively exposed to pathogenic factors. For example, any errors associated with feeding or grafting plants will make themselves felt at this time. This is why it is recommended that gardeners be very active in their garden. Today there are many techniques that allow you to completely avoid many problems. The main thing is that the gardener strictly follows professional advice.

Dwarf cherry berries

At the initial stage, it is recommended to form trees in the form of bushes. The rootstock is formed without a standard. It is advisable to prune 10 centimeters above the grafting level, while removing about seven or nine skeletal branches. At the same time, the gardener must always remember one of the most important features of the dwarf cherry - it rarely forms lateral branches. In practice, this means that skeletal branches can already be formed at first. It is important not to overdo it in this process so that your tree does not turn into a time bomb.

It must be remembered that cherry shoots always tend upward, which requires their constant shortening. Excessive growth leads to their branching, and this requires cutting out part of the main branches. This may not mean anything to a non-professional gardener, but an experienced summer resident will immediately understand everything. Excessive pruning of the main branches will lead to the rapid death of the tree. It turns out that your seedlings will not last even a year. You can get out of this situation as follows. You can lighten the central part, while reducing the number of skeletal branches. In this case, it is advisable to shorten the planted seedlings by forty or fifty centimeters, leaving five to six shoots. It is extremely important that these shoots are spaced evenly.

On the rootstock, it is advisable to cut out everything in the central part and bend the branches so as to form a bowl. It is necessary to keep it at a relatively low height, cutting off any growth. The emerging skeletal branches begin to branch. New shoots are thinned out. It is advisable to cut them out from the central part, while leaving the crown of the tree directed outward. The main thing is that the gardener does not overdo it. Otherwise, there is a high probability of the crown breaking and the death of the entire tree.

Features of caring for low-growing cherries

Not only the correct fit is important. Only by providing appropriate tree care can you obtain abundant fruiting. There are mandatory care procedures.

Watering

If the tree grows in a dry area, be sure to water it in spring. And then regularly, but not too much, once every 2 weeks, until the ovary appears.

During the fruiting period, it is better not to water so that the berries do not crack. After harvesting, if there is sufficient rainfall, no additional water is needed. Only before winter is it worth generously shedding the soil so that the roots are saturated with moisture.

Top dressing

At the first stage, fertilizers are placed in the planting hole. Their type and quantity depends on the composition of the soil. But gardeners usually recommend superphosphate, compost and potash fertilizers.

Nitrogen compounds should not be used; they can burn the delicate surface of young roots. These fertilizers can be used in the future, for the 4-5th year of the tree’s life, applying them to the tree trunk.

Aeration

The tree trunk circle needs weeding and loosening, especially after watering or rain, and also before applying any mineral fertilizers.

The root area can be mulched with sand or sawdust if the soil is not acidic.

Treatment

If harmful insects appear, the tree should be immediately treated with insecticides. Black aphids are especially dangerous. Small insects settle in colonies on the tender leaves of the ends of branches, suck out the juices from the leaf blade and can ruin an entire tree, especially a young or small one, like bush cherries.

Aphids are often carried by garden ants. As an additional measure of protection, you can put a special insect catching belt on the trunk. When fungal diseases begin, the tree also needs to be treated, but with fungicides.

Trimming

The rules for crown formation are, in general, the same as for full-size representatives. Don't cut off too much at once. It is necessary to remove dry and damaged branches and not leave shoots growing inside the crown.

On a note!

It is desirable that the remaining branches are distributed evenly. The compact size of the crown will help you do this without extra effort.

Care before winter

It is imperative to remove fallen leaves. It is advisable to burn them along with the cut branches. This will help destroy overwintering larvae and eggs of parasites, as well as fungal spores.

The trunk should be whitened to avoid sun and frost burns, and the tree trunk circle should be dug up. Only after this is the tree ready for wintering.

Advantages and disadvantages of the plant

Dwarf cherry is a plant that is present in the garden plot of every amateur gardener. And there is an explanation for this. After all, it has many advantages. Even from a photo of a dwarf cherry, you can be sure that this variety will be indispensable in your summer cottage.

• High yield. Compared to ordinary cherries, the number of fruits in the plants is approximately the same.
• Actively used in areas with windy climates. The branches of a low-growing plant practically do not break, and in case of strong wind the crown will not be damaged.
• An extensive root system that does not reach groundwater.
• The plant grows faster than an ordinary fruit tree.
• An easy, simple way to harvest.
• Easy care.
• Fruiting occurs much earlier than with ordinary cherries.
• Takes up little space on the site.
• The plant is unpretentious to moisture and undemanding to soil.
• Frost-resistant.
• The harvest is easy to transport.

The disadvantages of this plant include:

• Smaller berry size than regular cherries.
• The taste of the berries is less sweet. There is more sourness.
• Some varieties are characterized by a tart taste.

Late cherry varieties

Late varieties ripen the very last, in late summer and early autumn.

Lyubskaya

Harvest of Lyubskaya cherry variety

The variety is intended for cultivation in central and southern Russia; it is very demanding on soil fertility and quality of care. Produces a large crop with blood-red, transportable fruits with mediocre taste. These berries are ideal for processing. The tree is self-fertile, but with additional pollination it produces larger crops.

Generous

Cherry variety Shchedraya

Bush cherry with shoots raised upward. The weight of one cherry is approximately 4 grams, the shape is round, the color is bright red. The pulp has a good taste and the stone comes off easily. The presentation of the berries is at the highest level; they are resistant to cracking. The Shchedraya variety produces an annual, abundant harvest and ripens in the fall.

Robin

Cherry variety Malinovka

A tree of medium height with a spherical crown. Leaves with a wide plate, glossy, green, crenate edge. Cherries are small, on average the weight of one berry is 3-3.5 grams, and the shape is round. The taste is sweet and sour, pleasant, the flesh is dense. The variety produces an annual, abundant harvest, which ripens in early August. The robin needs additional pollinators and protection from diseases. Frost resistance is average.

Other varieties of late-ripening cherries are Zhuravka, Polevka, Rubinovaya, Lotovaya, Rusinka, Gorkovskaya.

Winter pomegranate

The dwarf cherry variety Winter Pomegranate is a young one, but already well recommended by gardeners. The variety is self-pollinating.

Read more: Forest beauty pear description of the variety, features of tree care photo

The height of the dwarf tree reaches 1.8 m. During the fruiting period, the compact small bush is literally strewn with berries. Dwarf cherry Winter pomegranate is recommended to be grown in the northern regions, because the plant is highly frost-resistant. In regions where there are hot summers and harsh winters, this fruitful tree will delight you with a good harvest. Some gardeners claim that even in harsh conditions you can get a good harvest from this plant.

Fruiting of the dwarf Pomegranate cherry begins in the 3rd year, and by the fifth year of life you can already get a full harvest. The fruits are sweet and sour, tasty. The same taste qualities are characteristic of almost all varieties of dwarf cherries. In 1 season, you can collect up to 10 kg of crop from one tree.

The plant is unpretentious and resistant to many pests and diseases. Harvesting is convenient due to its low height and compact arrangement of branches.

The dwarf tree of this variety is highly decorative. It is especially beautiful in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom with pinkish and white flowers.

Saratov baby

This variety of dwarf cherry was obtained by crossing Duke and Early cherry. Gardeners often call this variety simply Malyshka. This is a small shrub that does well in various climate zones. Characterized by high yield and winter hardiness.

The berries are bright red, beautiful, smooth. The taste of the fruit is slightly sour, pleasant. The harvest can be harvested at the end of the first month of summer. You can collect up to 15 kg of berries from one bush.

Malyshka is a self-sterile variety, so pollinators must also be planted with it. It is better to use the Lyubskaya, Nord Star or Turgenevka varieties.

The variety is resistant to diseases.