Description of the cherry variety Lyubimitsa Astakhova, planting and care diagram

It is difficult to meet a person who would be indifferent to the sweet and juicy berries of cherries. For a long time, this fruit tree could only bear fruit if grown in a warm southern climate. But, fortunately, with the development of selection, many varieties have been bred, which, due to their winter hardiness and unpretentiousness, easily take root in the regions of the middle zone, and the quality of the harvest is no different from their southern relatives. One of the brightest representatives of such varieties is the Lyubimitsa Astakhova cherry.

Description of the cherry variety Lyubimitsa Astakhova

The main indicators of Lyubimitsa Astakhov are presented in the table:

Suitable region and climate

The variety was created for cultivation in the Central region of Russia (Bryansk, Vladimir, Kaluga, Ivanovo, Ryazan, Smolensk, Tula, Moscow regions). Astakhov's favorite is distinguished by its high winter hardiness of trees and flower buds. But it is better to plant it in places sheltered from the wind. Young trees (trunks) need to be wrapped for the winter. In the spring, if night frosts threaten, the crowns are covered with lutrasil.

There is successful experience in growing Astakhov's Lyubimitsa by gardeners in the Non-Black Earth Region and the Southern Urals. In the northern regions, low-growing varieties of cherry trees are chosen for rootstocks and the trees are covered for the winter.

Advantages and disadvantages of Memory of Astakhov

Although Pamyati Astakhov cherries are a hybrid variety, they have both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

1. Resistant to temperature changes and cold climates.
2. High quality fruit and taste.
3. With proper care, the crop shows high productivity.
4. Since the variety is hybrid, it is resistant to some diseases.
5. Small tree size.

Flaws:

1. The plant does not tolerate frost well during the flowering period.
2. The fruit crop has poor self-pollination rates.

Important! The Lyubimitsa Astakhova cherry, resistant to winter frosts, is not particularly difficult to care for, so it is suitable for growing even for a novice gardener .

Rules for planting cherries

The process of further preparing seedlings for planting is one of the fundamental stages of growing cherries, as well as a factor that is directly related to future productivity. That is
why it is so important to carefully read the basic rules of this procedure and take care in advance of the conditions for healthy growth and development of cherries in the garden

Landing dates

When determining the timing of planting, you should take into account the climatic and weather conditions of the region in which the garden plot is located. In the temperate climate of the middle zone, the optimal time for planting seedlings in a permanent place will be the end of March-early April - when the soil has already thawed, but the process of swelling of the buds has not yet begun

During this period, the plants are still in the dormant stage and easily tolerate the stress associated with transplantation

During this period, the plants are still in the dormant stage and easily tolerate the stress associated with transplantation.

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

But the autumn period is not suitable for planting cherries - there is a high probability of them freezing in winter. If necessary, the place where the seedlings grow can be changed before the onset of summer heat, but only if the root system is closed.

Choosing a landing site

The decision in choosing a place for the future growth of cherry seedlings should be made based on the following signs:

• the plot of land on which the tree will grow should ideally be located on a slight elevation, which will ensure sufficient sunlight and eliminate the possibility of close groundwater (at least 2 m);
• the place must be reliably protected from drafts and north winds.

Preparing the landing site

Preparing the site for seedlings begins in the autumn: the soil must be dug to a depth of 30 cm, and organic fertilizers (manure, rotted compost) and complex mineral fertilizers must be applied. Lime is added to acidified soils.

At the same time, the planting hole for the seedling is being prepared - the time before planting will give the soil the opportunity to sink and be evenly moistened. The depth of the hole is 60–80 cm, the diameter is 80–90 cm (these figures may vary slightly depending on the size of the plant’s root system).

Direct landing

The landing procedure consists of several stages:

1. When digging a planting hole, the top layer, which is more fertile, is mixed with fertilizers, such as humus, superphosphate, wood ash or potassium chloride - this will enable the seedling to take root more easily and develop faster.
2. The root system of the seedling is carefully examined: damaged areas or fragments with putrefactive formations are removed. If the root has dried out somewhat, it is immersed in water for several hours. Immediately before planting, the root is dipped in a solution of clay or manure.
3. A peg is hammered into the bottom of the hole, then the entire hole is filled with a mixture of the top layer of soil and fertilizer, and then with the bottom layer of soil, until a low mound is formed.
4. The root collar of the seedling should be 6–7 cm above ground level.
5. The roots of the seedling are carefully straightened by shaking, and then placed on a mound, covering the roots halfway with soil.
6. Pour 1 bucket of water under the root of the plant and completely cover it with soil.
7. The earth is carefully compacted, the seedling is tied to a peg, and a tree-trunk hole is formed around it.
8. The planted plant is watered with another bucket of water, and the hole near the trunk is mulched with sawdust.

History of variety selection

Breeder M.V. Kanshina is the creator of the cherry Lyubimitsa Astakhova, who gave it the name in honor of her husband A.I. Astakhov. The developed variety belongs to the northern group: winter-resistant, highly productive. The final work was carried out in the 70s under the guidance of prof. A. N. Venyaminova in Bryansk. The Lyubimitsa Astakhova variety was created on the basis of selected samples of hybrids, and its genotype was formed under the influence of Voronezh and Leningrad selections. In the State Register since 2011.

Planting and care

Before planting, it is important to choose a suitable location for the crop. It should be the warmest, fully lit, protected from cold northern winds by a wall or fence. If the site is on a slope, then a southern exposure is best.

Cherries also do not tolerate high groundwater levels. If there is a risk of flooding, to prevent the root system from getting wet, trees are planted on a raised hill. The soils are good, non-acidic, fertile, but breathable. Their structure can be improved by applying organic fertilizers, growing green manure, and mulching.

Planting is preferable in spring, after the ground has thawed, but before the buds open. In the first years, the trunks are wrapped against frost for the winter, and in case of return frosts, lutrasil is thrown onto the trees.

Watering of young trees is done in the circle around the trunk, which is more rational to keep mulched. Later, when the size of the crown increases, a groove is dug along its perimeter into which water and nutrient solutions are poured.

Features of care

The Lyubimitsa Astakhova cherry tree does not need special care. Standard agricultural technology includes watering, tree trunk care, formative and sanitary pruning, prevention and protection from diseases and pests.

Watering mode

An adult tree needs 3 waterings per season. For the first time, Lyubimitsa Astakhova cherries are irrigated immediately after flowering. The second time during fruit filling. The last watering is needed to increase the winter hardiness of the crop after leaf fall. If during the first two irrigations the soil is moistened to a depth of half a meter (3–5 buckets), then with moisture-recharging irrigation 7–8 buckets of water are required.

The first year seedling is watered every 2 weeks, in hot weather - every week.

Top dressing

Before the beginning of the growing season, immediately after the snow cover melts, the tree is watered with mullein solution through a groove in the tree trunk circle or 10 g of urea per 1 sq. m is added. m.

At the end of May, Lyubimitsa Astakhova cherries are fed with a mixture of 1 tbsp. urea, 2 tbsp. superphosphate and 0.5 tbsp. potassium sulfate.

After harvesting, phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are applied. In September, fertilize cherries with 1 tbsp. l. superphosphate per 1 sq. m or a solution of mullein, bird droppings.

Crown formation

The tiered-sparse method of forming the crown of the cherry Lyubimitsa Astakhova increases the resistance of the buds to recurrent frosts.

In the year of planting, the seedling is shortened to 60 cm, leaving at least 4 buds. In the second year, 3 multidirectional strong shoots are selected, spaced at the same distance from the ground, which will create the basis of the first tier.

Above the top branch, measure half a meter and another 4 buds on the conductor, shorten the top.

In the third year, the branches of the first tier are shortened, matching the weakest and shortest. For the second tier, 2 branches are selected, growing in different directions. They are cut so that they become 15 cm shorter than the skeletal branches of the lower tier. The conductor is shortened according to the same pattern as in the second year.

In the fourth year, the third and final tier is formed in the same way as the second. Its branches should be 20–25 cm below the conductor.

If second-order branches grow longer than 70 cm, they are shortened to this value.

Preparing for winter

Preparing cherries for winter Lyubimitsa Astakhova includes the following activities:

• digging up tree trunk soil;
• abundant watering;
• whitewashing the trunk and lower branches with the addition of copper sulfate;
• mulching the tree trunk circle with a thick layer of humus, peat, sawdust.

Seedlings tolerate frost worse than adult trees, so they need insulation. The soil under the cherry tree is covered with spruce branches and organic mulch. The trunk of the seedling is wrapped in burlap and agrofibre. You can build a frame around the cherry tree from stakes, and stretch covering material over it in the form of a dome. In this case, the entire seedling is protected from frost.

Sanitary pruning

Every year, before the beginning of the growing season in March or immediately after leaf fall, sanitary pruning of Lyubimitsa Astakhova cherries is carried out. Remove broken, deformed branches with signs of disease and pest damage.

They get rid of thickening shoots that grow at an acute angle to the trunk, inside the crown.

In the fall, the branches of the current year are cut back by a third.

Weeding and loosening

After each moistening, the soil is loosened, accelerating the delivery of water, air, and microelements to the cherry roots. A year after planting, a circle around the trunk with a diameter of 1 m is dug up shallowly. Each subsequent year until the tree is fully formed, the circle is increased by 0.3 m.

Weeding must be done regularly, at least once every 2 weeks. Getting rid of weeds preserves soil fertility longer and serves as a measure to prevent diseases and pests. It is recommended to sow clover and mustard in the tree trunk, which attract bees and inhibit the growth of weeds.

Protection from diseases and pests

The cherry variety Lyubimitsa Astakhova, resistant to diseases and pests, can develop coccomycosis and suffer damage from the cherry fly if agricultural practices are incorrect.

Before buds open and after flowering, the tree is treated with copper sulfate or Bordeaux mixture.

Watering the tree trunk in the fall with Actellik solution and spraying the tree with Aktara and Karbofos will protect the crop from insects.

Origin and region of cultivation

The Bryansk Research Institute of Lupine is an innovator in the development of new varieties of fruit plants, and the leading role in the development of the cherry variety Lyubimitsa Astakhova belongs to the famous breeder - Academician Kanshina. The cherry tree got its name thanks to her husband, the famous scientist Astakhov. Another name for the hybrid variety of this cherry is “In Memory of Astakhov”.

A new frost-resistant type of cherry was registered in 2011 and is recommended for cultivation in the central regions of the country, the Urals, the Non-Black Earth Region and the southern regions. The new hybrid was bred from Leningrad and Voronezh plant varieties.

Therefore, gardeners in the Moscow region now grow fruit crops in gardens and vegetable gardens with great pleasure.

More details about cultivation

Scheme (photo):

The key to a good cherry harvest is a successful location of the tree. The most suitable place is a well-lit, sunny place protected from the north wind by a wall or fence. The variety will develop well in the southern part of the site.

Cherries do not tolerate swampy places. If the groundwater is high and there is a risk of flooding, it is planted on an embankment.

For Lyubimitsa Astakhov, fertile soil is suitable, not acidic, breathable. This can be achieved by planting green manure plants in the ground, applying organic fertilizers, and mulching.

The variety is propagated by grafting, but it is better if the rootstocks are short, then short trees are easier to protect from frost. A winter-hardy rootstock adapted to the terrain will guarantee the longevity of the tree.

Varietal cherries can be purchased in nurseries, at thematic exhibitions and fairs (“Vegetable Garden”), and in specialized stores. If you plant trees in the fall, there is a high probability that the fragile roots will freeze in winter. If you purchase planting material in the fall, it is better to save the seedlings until spring, burying them in the basement. It is better to plant them in the spring, when the earth has already melted, but the buds have not yet bloomed.

The hole for planting cherries should be about 80 cm in diameter and about half a meter deep. You can prepare it in the fall. When planting, you need humus and ash as fertilizers. They can make up half of the soil mixture; in the future, the seedling will have something to eat.

When planting, the roots are carefully straightened and covered with soil. The tree is placed so that the root collar is on the south side (this way the grafting site will be warmed up more by the sun) and 5 cm higher above the ground level. If the root collar is buried, the plant may be stunted in growth, and the yield will be low.

General information about culture

This cherry was bred in Bryansk at the local lupine research institute, where specialists created many new varieties of fruit trees (including stone fruits). The author and originator of the Pamyat Astakhov cherry is the breeder Kanshina M.V. It was based on varieties grown in the Voronezh and Leningrad regions. This variety was named after the husband of the creator of this cherry.

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The variety was tested, was included in the State Register in 2011 and zoned for cultivation in the Central region and other regions of our country with a similar climate.

Characteristics of culture

The cherry variety Pamyati Astakhov is a hybrid variety, therefore it has distinctive features that allow the tree to be grown in any climatic conditions.

Sustainability

When developing new varieties of cherries, breeders take into account the climatic conditions of the regions where the crop will be grown and susceptibility to the most common diseases. Therefore, hybrid varieties of fruit crops acquire new characteristics that simplify their care.

To frost

The new cherry variety was bred specifically for cultivation in the middle zone, the Urals and the Siberian region. Therefore, the plant’s resistance to frost and sudden changes in temperature is much higher than average. But young seedlings need to be additionally insulated in winter.

To the drought

Fruit crops do not like excess moisture. But in particularly dry climates it requires additional irrigation work.

Pests and diseases

Hybrid varieties of fruit trees are created taking into account increased immunity to many fungal diseases.

Lyubimitsa Astakhova has high resistance to coccomycosis and moniliosis. And in order to protect the plant from other diseases and pests, preventive measures are necessary, which are carried out annually from spring to autumn.

Methods for propagating cherries

Gardeners always want to increase the yield of tasty and healthy berries. But for this, the culture needs to be propagated.

Cherry varieties Lyubimitsa Astakhova can be propagated in several ways:

1. Seeds. In this case, you should not expect that the new plant will have all the properties of the mother tree.
2. Using cuttings. The upper shoots of an adult tree are cut off, which after 2-3 months acquire their own root system and are ready for independent growth.
3. But the best way for hybrid crops is propagation by grafting cuttings onto an adult plant. This method rejuvenates old trees whose yield has decreased.

Important! A grafted cutting of any variety onto a Lyubimitsa Astakhova cherry can also serve as a tree pollinator .

Characteristics and features of the variety

The shoots of this tree have an average growth force; the height of the Astakhov cherry can reach 3.5-4 m. The crown is not too thick, has an oval, round or fairly spreading shape. The bark of the trunk and skeletal branches is prone to peeling and has a dark gray color. Usually the formation of this culture is carried out in tiers.

Cherry Lyubimitsa Astakhova

The foliage is medium in size and elliptical in shape. The ends are elongated and slightly pointed, the leaves are of a matte emerald hue. Buds form on bouquet branches, and then ovaries form. Flowers are collected in inflorescences (2-3 pieces each). They are saucer-shaped and the cups are goblet-shaped. The color of the skin and pulp of ripe fruits is dark ruby. The berries have a regular oval shape, elastic, with a slight shine. Their weight can be up to 7.5-8 g. Ripe, fleshy, dense pulp is easily separated from small-sized seeds.

Gardeners note the good taste of ripe berries, their tasting score is 4.8 points. The yield of Astakhov memory cherries is not too high and amounts to 9-11 kg per tree.

When harvested fresh, the harvest is poorly stored; in the fresh air, the fruits begin to rot within a day after harvest. But in the refrigerator, in a box of fruit, the shelf life of cherries can be up to a week. These berries should not be stored in plastic bags. It is also not recommended to put washed berries in the refrigerator - this leads to their rotting.

Cherry harvest

The harvested crop is used for fresh eating; the berries are dried, canned and frozen, and juice is also prepared. The taste of cherries does not change much after freezing.

This cherry is highly resistant to moniliosis and coccomycosis, as well as some other diseases that damage stone fruit crops.

The frost resistance of the variety is much higher than average, so it can be grown in the conditions of the Urals and some Siberian regions. In the north of our country, Astakhov's Lyubimitsa is grown on low rootstocks to make it easier to cover these fruit trees before the onset of winter.

The lower branches are parallel to the soil. The Lyubimitsa Astakhova cherry produces its first harvest 5 seasons after the seedlings are planted in a permanent place. The variety is partially self-fertile, so it is better to plant pollinator trees nearby (the distance between them should be no more than 6.5 m). In this case, the yield of cherries of this variety will increase significantly.

It is best to plant several varieties of cherries nearby that bloom at the same time.

The best pollinator varieties for Lyubimitsa Astakhov:

• And the way;
• Cooled;
• Revna;
• Red hill;
• Baby;
• Large-fruited.

Often, summer residents who have a small garden plot simply graft cuttings from pollinating trees onto this varietal tree.

Characteristics of the variety

The cherry tree, named after Astakhov, was developed only a few years ago. Therefore, many gardeners know a minimum of information about it. And before purchasing seedlings for your plot, you would like to get acquainted with the characteristics in detail.

Drought resistance, frost resistance

Among the unique qualities that make this variety popular are two features: the tree’s high resistance to low temperatures and arid climates.

• The variety's tolerance to lack of moisture is assessed as average. However, in reality, a tree can survive completely without watering for a month. We are talking not only about artificial, but also about natural hydration. Drought does not affect the yield properties of cherries.
• Even more surprising is the frost resistance of the Memory of Astakhov. The buds of the fruit tree can withstand temperatures down to -32 degrees - for cherries this is a very high indicator. This is precisely the reason for the widespread distribution of the variety beyond the Urals: in cold winter conditions, hardy fruit trees are worth their weight in gold.

Cherry pollinators In memory of Astakhov

Unfortunately, this variety is self-sterile: on its own it is not capable of producing rich harvests. In order for the maximum number of berries to appear on the branches, pollinating varieties are required that are planted in close proximity.

For the Memory of Astakhov, these varieties are:

• Cherry Revna - the variety blooms in the 3rd decade of May, and the fruits appear on the branches by the end of July.
• Cherry Ovstuzhenka is a variety with medium flowering periods and early fruiting: berries appear on its branches in early June.
• Cherry Iput - the fruit tree blooms in May, and the first berries appear on the branches in early summer, in June.

All of the listed varieties, like Pamyat Astakhov, were bred at the All-Russian Research Institute of Lupine and are similar in flowering time. That is why they are ideal for pollinating the Memory of Astakhov - gardeners with extensive practical experience advise planting several different pollinators in the immediate vicinity of the variety to increase productivity.

Important! For pollination of this variety, not only related varieties of cherries are suitable, but also cherries. However, it is believed that in this case the quality of the fruits deteriorates and the yield decreases, so it is preferable to use pollinators of the same species.

Productivity and fruiting

Memory of Astakhov bears its first fruits 5 years after planting on the site. Productivity is defined as average and largely depends on specific climatic conditions and care. Under favorable circumstances, one cherry can produce up to 80 kg of berries, but in practice, about 50–70 kg of fruits are more often collected from Astakhov’s Memory.

Area of ​​application of berries

The tasty and tender berries of the Memory of Astakhov are usually consumed fresh, since early varieties of cherries are stored for a very short time. Until the berries begin to deteriorate, they can be used to prepare desserts and baked goods, to create juices, fruit drinks and compotes.

Resistance to diseases and pests

Diseases affect Astakhov's Memory cherries quite rarely. The variety also has good immunity to pests. However, sometimes fungal diseases, such as gray rot and tinder fungus, still affect the health of the tree.

In this case, it is necessary to promptly remove the diseased parts of the plant and carry out treatment with special preparations: antifungal agents or a classic solution of copper sulfate.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The variety has both pros and cons. The undoubted advantages include:

• highest resistance to low temperatures down to -32 degrees;
• good tolerance to dry weather;
• high level of productivity and pleasant taste of fruits;
• strong immunity to diseases and insect pests.

The main disadvantage of the variety is its self-sterility. Along with the Pamyati Astakhov cherries, you will definitely have to plant related varieties with similar flowering periods, otherwise you may not expect a good harvest.

Fertilizers

Nitrogen fertilizers are used in the spring, potassium fertilizers are used during flowering and a little later, and phosphorus-containing fertilizers are used in the fall. Before winter or early spring, trunks and forks are whitened with garden paint with the addition of adhesive and - sometimes - insecticides. To combat diseases and pests, the crown is sprayed prophylactically with chemical solutions.

If necessary, sanitary and thinning pruning is done, and after fruiting the shoots are shortened by a third to stimulate the formation of flower buds for the next year.

Reviews from summer residents about the variety

Maria Vasilievna, Kaluga.

Four years ago I persuaded my husband to buy seedlings of Astakhov’s Lyubimitsa, and did not regret it for a day. The first harvest has already been harvested. The berries are tasty, juicy and sweet. We eat mostly fresh, but in the future I plan to make compotes and jams.

Egor Petrovich, Vladimir.

Several years ago, the nursery advised me to buy a new cherry variety, Lyubimitsa Astakhov. The yield is excellent, does not require special care, and is resistant to diseases.

Features of cultivation

In the first year, the seedling is watered weekly, preventing the soil in the tree trunk from drying out. In the future, Lyubimitsa Astakhova cherries are watered as needed, depending on the weather. A minimum of 3 waterings are required: in May during the period of rapid growth of shoots, in June, with the beginning of fruit ripening, and immediately before the end of the season (pre-winter watering). Watering is contraindicated 3 weeks before harvest; otherwise, a significant part of the harvest will be lost, since the fruits of this cherry are prone to cracking. Watering is also undesirable in the second half of summer, when young shoots should become woody and their growth should stop.

A year after planting, the cherries begin to be fed. In early spring, 100–150 g of urea is scattered into the tree trunk circle, lightly embedding it into the soil. As the tree grows, the spring urea rate is increased to 200 g. At the end of summer, superphosphate (200 to 400 g) and potassium sulfate (50–100 g) are added in the same way. From time to time, the tree trunk circle is sprinkled with wood ash (there is never too much ash!).

Any cherry tree does not like weeds, so loosening the soil and weeding the tree trunk are carried out systematically.

Southern varieties of cherries must be pruned annually. But stone fruits are very sensitive to this procedure, especially in cold climates. Therefore, pruning of Lyubimitsa Astakhova cherries, grown mainly in the middle zone, is carried out only as necessary, cutting out diseased, broken and dried branches. But in the summer, after harvesting, the fruit-bearing shoots are slightly shortened so that new flower buds can better arise. In the most severe climatic regions, this procedure is undesirable. Even the smallest wounds on the cherry tree should be covered with garden varnish.

For the first 3–4 years, while this is physically possible, young trees should be wrapped in spruce or pine spruce branches, pieces of roofing material or non-woven materials for the winter.

Lyubimitsa Astakhov will only need serious shelter for the winter for a couple of years

Diseases and pests

Sweet cherry Lyubimitsa Astakhova has stable immunity to various diseases that affect fruit trees. However, every gardener is recommended to know the main signs of the most common diseases and plant damage by pests, treatment rules and methods of prevention:

1. Scab is a disease in which green-brown spots appear on berries. The consequence of the disease will be cracking of the fruits, their drying out and falling off. Treatment of wood with Kuprozan solution is used as treatment.
2. Clusterosporiasis (hole spotting) - the main symptom is brown spots, about 5 cm in diameter, which appear on various parts of the tree. On the leaves, such spots dry out and crumble within just a few days, which leads to the destruction and death of the cherry tree foliage. On berries, hole spotting appears in the form of dark red spots, which lead to drying out of the fruit. Having noticed the first signs of the disease, the affected tree fragments are removed from the tree and burned, and the plant is treated with Bordeaux mixture (2 times every 10 days).

3. Coccomycosis - has the appearance of bright red spots that appear on cherry berries and its foliage. The consequences of this disease can be the loss of deciduous cover of the tree and a general decrease in winter hardiness. Treatment with Bordeaux mixture is used as a control, and prevention consists of removing the affected fragments and digging up the soil around the tree trunk in spring and autumn.

4. Moniliosis (fruit rot) - at the initial stage of the disease, small spots appear on the surface of the berries, which in just a few days can lead to blackening of the cherries and their drying out. After removing all fruits affected by the disease, the tree should be treated with fungicidal preparations.

5. Brown rot - has the form of small spots with a dark burgundy border that appear on the outside of the leaf and quickly increase in size. In this case, the back side is covered with black specks. The consequence of the disease is drying out and falling of the leaves. Prevention and treatment consist of treatment with Bordeaux mixture.
6. Fruit moth - These are pests that feed on the foliage of a tree and can lead to its complete destruction. Traditional methods are used as treatment: dilute 2 tbsp in 3 liters of water. wood ash and infuse for 20–24 hours. Next, add soap shavings, 40 ml of vinegar to the solution and add water to the full volume of 10 liters. The first time the treatment is carried out in mid-spring, the second time - after the tree blooms.

7. Leaf aphid - insects that feed on the sap of leaves, which leads to its death. Chemical treatment or traditional methods (for example, an infusion of soap and tobacco) are used against pest invasions.

Landing Features

Planting Memory of Astakhov differs little from planting other types of cherries, but you need to know some features and rules.

Recommended timing

Theoretically, the variety can be planted in both spring and autumn. But, since young seedlings are still sensitive to low temperatures, experienced gardeners prefer spring planting.

Advice! It is best to root the seedling at the end of April, when the soil has already thawed and there is still about a month left before flowering.

Choosing a suitable location

It is best to place seedlings in a well-lit place, on the south side. Particular attention should be paid to the soil: cherries do not take root well on deep sandstones and wet clay. The ideal soil would be loam or sandy loam.

What crops can and cannot be planted nearby?

• It is recommended to plant pollinating varieties or cherries in close proximity.
• You can also place rowan or grapes nearby.
• But apple trees, plums and pears do not get along with cherries at close range.

Selection and preparation of planting material

It is recommended to use seedlings of the second or third year of growth. Before purchasing, you must make sure that the roots of the tree are well developed and not damaged, and that there are a small number of buds on the branches.

Landing algorithm

The hole for the cherry seedling must be dug a month before the actual planting.

1. The bottom of the recess is filled in advance with a mixture of humus and ordinary soil, about 400 g of superphosphate and 1 kg of ash are added, and mixed.
2. The seedling is placed in a hole, the roots are sprinkled with soil so that the root collar remains above the surface.
3. The tree is watered with 10–20 liters of water, having previously formed an earthen “roller” around the trunk, and the soil is mulched.

Agricultural technology

Young trees must be planted correctly. Ideally, the seedling was purchased with a closed root system - in this case, the acclimatization of the crop will take place in a short time.

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The planting hole is prepared a couple of weeks before the tree is supposed to be planted. The size of the pit is up to 1 m in diameter and 0.5 m in depth.

The top fertile layer of soil is laid on one side of the hole, and the rest of the soil is laid on the other side. Fertile soil is laid out on the bottom in a mound. A stake is dug nearby, to which the seedling will be tied after planting. The seedling is placed on a mound, the root system is straightened along its slopes, the tree is tied to a peg and covered with the remaining soil. The tree trunk circle is carefully compacted from above and at least 20-30 liters of water are added under each tree.

The root collar is not buried in the ground; it should rise 4-5 cm above ground level.

To get good cherry harvests, you need to know which areas this crop can “love.” The place where cherries are grown should be well lit and protected from strong gusts of wind. The soil should be loose and absorb moisture well. The groundwater level should be at a distance of 1.5-2 m from the surface of the earth, since excessive soil moisture is detrimental to this variety of stone fruit trees.

The acidity of the soil should be neutral or slightly alkaline. Lime or dolomite flour must be added to excessively acidic soil in the fall. Also, during the autumn digging, organic matter must be added - well-rotted compost or humus.

Check soil acidity

It is better to propagate Lyubimitsa Astakhova cherries by grafting cuttings onto rootstocks. In the northern regions, low-growing rootstocks are selected, which are easier to cover before the onset of frost.

Further care includes:

• regular watering;
• loosening the tree trunk circle;
• mulching;
• regular weed removal;
• fertilizing several times per season;
• formative and sanitary pruning.

In addition, a number of agrotechnical measures should be carried out to care for this fruit crop in the fall in order to prepare it for the coming winter: add nutrients in a timely manner and carry out moisture-charging irrigation, which will help the root system to absorb moisture and prepare for the cold.

Sanitary and formative pruning is best done in the spring before the buds swell, and in the fall you can carry out the rejuvenation procedure, as well as remove damaged or dry and weak branches.

Cherry pruning

Caring for cherries In memory of Astakhov

The procedures for caring for Pamyat Astakhov cherries also do not have any features associated with varietal differences. Standard care techniques include watering, fertilizing and pruning.

Feeding and watering

Water the cherries in the evening once a month. The volume of water ranges from 10 to 40 liters per tree, taking into account the degree of aridity of the soil. During active growing season, flowering and fruiting, the frequency is reduced to once every two weeks. If the summer is dry, moisturize once a week.

Excess fertilizer forms many young branches that do not have time to ripen by the end of summer and may freeze in winter. It is recommended to fertilize cherries once per season, in early spring. This can be either fresh or rotted manure or compost. The application rate is 10-15 kg per tree.

An alternative is another feeding scheme, which is used on poor soils. It involves the application of mineral fertilizers before flowering and after fruiting, as well as organic fertilizer at the end of the season. The proportions correspond to the standard for medium-sized fruit trees.

Weeding and loosening

Weeding is carried out regularly under the crown of the plant. This is important in the first five years of his life. In the future, when the root system of the cherry tree becomes stronger, only the young growth that forms around the trunk should be removed. Inside the side, the soil is loosened after watering. If mulch is used during the summer season, there is no need for fluffing.

Crown formation

Pruning of the Pamyati Astakhov variety is carried out in early spring. The crown is formed as follows:

1. The first tier consists of three branches. The lower ones should be adjacent, the upper one should be 20-30 cm higher.
2. The second tier is 70 cm away from the first and consists of two branches.
3. The third tier consists of one branch.

The shape is maintained throughout the life of the plant. During the first 5 years the branches are pruned. Afterwards, the shoots directed into the crown, which are dry and diseased, are removed.