Columnar cherries: description of varieties and features of pruning, planting and care

Features of the view

The culture has a number of features that distinguish it favorably from other varieties that are less suitable for cramped areas:

A tree of compact shape, the growth of which goes straight upward.
An adult tree has a cylindrical shape and reaches a height of no more than 3 meters.
Due to the fact that the branches do not grow in width, cherries can be planted close to each other, which significantly saves free space on the site.
The fruits grow comfortably, and the gardener does not have to bother during harvesting
The culture is not only fruitful and compact, it also has decorative properties, decorating the site with its unusual appearance.

Note! When purchasing this variety of cherries, make sure that the top bud is not damaged. Otherwise, the tree will not be able to grow, and you will be wasting your time and money.

Varietal columns for northern regions

Many people want to know whether columnar cherries exist for planting in cold regions of Russia. Typically, these are the most winter-hardy varieties, but even they must be protected from frosty temperatures. The best varieties for cold weather are as follows:

Black. Grows up to 2 meters in size. The yield is excellent. It can grow in Krasnodar, the Moscow region and the northern regions of the Russian Federation. The berries of columnar black cherries are large and black-red in color, which is why the species is called that way. The skin is shiny and dense.
Revna. The description of the variety says that the plant ripens by the first days of July. The fruits are tasty and last a long time. The weight of the berry is approximately 8 grams. This is a frost-resistant species suitable for cultivation in the northern regions. The variety is resistant to fungi.
Baby. A very productive variety. The plant reaches a height of 2 meters, but is usually lower, with a crown circumference of up to 800 mm. The fruits are sweet and sour, aromatic. Universal. The fruits can be eaten fresh or canned. Suitable for Siberia, but the plant must be covered for the winter.

If in doubt with the choice of species, it is correct to contact a professional, he recommends the variety.

Characteristics

Columnar cherries have the following characteristics:

An adult tree does not grow higher than 3 meters. The average size of the crop is 2 meters.
The branches do not grow in width, and the diameter of one seedling is no more than 1 meter.
The first harvest is harvested 3 years after planting.
The life cycle of a tree is 20, and in rare cases, with good care, 30 years.
It has an impressive yield - on average, 13 kilograms of cherries are harvested from a tree.
The variety is distinguished not only by the pleasant taste of the fruit. The fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals of various groups.

Resistance to drought and frost

Columnar cherries have average frost resistance and are suitable for growing primarily in regions with a warm, mild climate. Of course, the crop is also planted in regions with cold climates, but in this case the gardener will have to spend more time and effort on growing and caring for it.

The tree does not like excessive dryness, but do not overdo it by flooding the seedlings with large amounts of water. It is optimal to water with a moderate amount of water, which is increased only during particularly dry periods. Gardeners can also slightly increase the amount of water when watering during fruit set.

Pollination, flowering period and ripening

For crop pollination, the Sem variety would be a good choice. It is a kind of universal pollinator that goes well with other popular varieties. For pollination of the Sem variety, the following varieties are suitable:

Van Big;
Helena;
Hedelfinska.

The Cordia and Silvia varieties also grow well together.

The flowering period of cherries is late, but due to the resistance of flowers to low temperatures, they can withstand frosts down to -2 o. Most varieties ripen in June, closer to the middle of the month, approximately on the 15th.

Yield quantity and taste of berries

Cherry has a high fruit yield and begins to bear fruit already 2-3 years after planting. Experienced gardeners who have been growing this crop for several years recommend removing all ovaries that form on the tree in the first two years after planting on the site. This will allow new seedlings to take root on the site and subsequently produce a stable, high-quality harvest.

Young trees bring the owner, on average, about 14 kilograms of fruit from one seedling.

Adult specimens can produce a harvest of up to fifty kilograms of cherries. Such intense fruiting negatively affects the lifespan of cherries. Most trees live no longer than 20 years. The fruits of the tree have a pleasant, rich taste that can compete on equal terms with other varieties.

Immunity to diseases and pests

Susceptible to the following diseases:

scab;
brown spot;
tinder.

If signs of these diseases are detected, the affected leaves are torn off, after which the tree is treated with Bordeaux mixture.

Care

Although cherries are unpretentious, proper care will allow the seedling to adapt faster .

Watering

Columnar cherries are very demanding when it comes to watering . The soil should not be allowed to dry out: it should always be slightly moist; but at the same time, moisture should not accumulate in the root part.

Therefore, young trees are watered with a small amount of water, up to 5 liters per tree, but every 2–3 days . If the weather is dry, watering can be increased slightly.

Attention! Mature trees do not require as frequent watering, but they are still watered at least once every 4 days.

Fertilizer

During the active growing season, the tree is fertilized at least 3 times .

In the spring, after the snow melts, nitrogen fertilizers are applied, which will help the tree grow green mass.
In the summer, potassium-phosphorus fertilizers are used, and in the fall, superphosphate is added to prepare for winter.

Treatment

To minimize the risk of disease development and reduce the likelihood of pest activity, in the spring the cherry crown is treated with fungicides or Bordeaux mixture .

Weeding and loosening

After watering, it is necessary to loosen the soil in the tree trunk circle : this will allow you to painlessly weed the area and prevent the formation of a hard salt crust.

Crown formation

Due to the structural features of the crown, columnar cherries do not require formative pruning . But this does not mean that you need to completely abandon them.

Sanitary pruning is carried out regularly , removing damaged or broken branches.

Cherry pollinators

Even self-fertile varieties of columnar cherries need nearby pollinating trees . This allows you to increase the fertility of each tree.

Universal pollinators - varieties Helena and Sylvia .

Shelter for the winter

Although many varieties of columnar cherries successfully withstand even extremely low temperatures, young plants need shelter from low temperatures .

For successful wintering, the cherry tree is well watered in the fall, the tree trunk is generously mulched, and the plant itself is covered with a triangular structure of pegs and covering material.

How and when to plant cherries

The time for planting cherries depends on the region where you live. If you live in the southern regions, with a warm climate favorable for growing, the tree can be planted in both spring and autumn. In cold areas, the situation is more complicated, and a seedling planted in the fall may not have time to gain a foothold before frost, which is why it will die in the future.

Therefore, in such conditions, it is recommended to plant young shoots in the spring, when the temperature at night stabilizes and becomes above zero - this is the best time for cultivation.

Growing in containers

In regions with a harsh climate, you can grow columnar cherries in containers, and we’ll look at how to do this below. Cherries of this type are short and miniature, so cultivating them in tubs or containers does not pose any difficulties. In this way, the industrial cultivation of columnar fruit plants can be promoted to the north.

If you plan to grow cherries on the balcony, then it is recommended to select a place on the south side. Peat garden soil is used as a soil substrate in a ratio of 1:8. Mineral fertilizers of 30 g per ten-liter bucket and dolomite powder are added to it. To retain moisture, hydrogel is poured onto the bottom.

Homemade columnar cherries begin to be fed from the second year after planting. Why use complex mineral supplements and water-soluble organic matter? For the winter, it is better to take the tubs with plantings into the basement, where the ambient temperature is kept between -10 and +5 degrees.

Caring for young and mature trees

The culture is unpretentious and does not require special care. The most stressful time for a gardener is only the first year of a tree’s life, when it needs protection from wind and excessive dryness of the soil. Otherwise, the care technology is not very different from other types. The important steps are:

timely and correct watering;
proper soil fertilization;
treatment.

Watering

One of the most labor-intensive processes, during which the gardener must walk a fine line, not allowing the soil to dry out and not turning the area into a swampy area. To properly maintain balance and get a good harvest, the gardener needs the following watering scheme:

The first few years of life, cherries are watered almost daily. For the growth and formation of a tree, 4 liters of water per day is enough.
As the tree ages, it will need more water to produce a decent harvest.

Keep in mind that excessively wet soil will lead to the formation of fungus in the roots and trunk of the tree, which will negatively affect the size of the harvest. Adjust the frequency and intensity of watering depending on weather conditions.

Fertilizer

You need to fertilize the soil in the garden where columnar cherries grow about 3 times per season:

The first time the soil is enriched with fertilizers is in early spring, after the snow has completely melted. Fertilizers that contain potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus are best. After the soil is enriched with fertilizers, do not forget to water the area.
The soil is fertilized a second time in the summer, and urea is used as the main component.
The last time the soil is fertilized is at the end of autumn. Potassium sulfide is considered the best fertilizer during this period.

Note! Nitrogen-containing fertilizers are added to the soil exclusively in the spring.

Treatment

Treating cherries against diseases and pests is an important and responsible step. It is done as follows:

Spring treatment begins in April, when the buds are treated with a weak, 1% solution of Bordeaux mixture. The process is repeated in May, which helps protect the garden from various fungal diseases.
The next stage occurs in the summer, during the formation of the first buds on the branches. Iron sulfate is used as a preparation.
The onset of autumn signals that it is time for the gardener to treat the soil around the trunk with a urea solution. They do this before the leaves fall. At the end of autumn, the leaves on the site are collected in one pile and burned.

How to plant

In order for the tree to quickly take root and actively bear fruit, it is important to choose a healthy seedling and root it correctly .

Selection of seedlings

Try to purchase seedlings from trusted nurseries or specialized garden stores. This way, the risk of introducing spores of pathogenic microorganisms and eggs of pests into the garden will be minimal.

How to choose planting material:

The trunk of the plant must be smooth, without mechanical or other damage, with uniform coloring of the integumentary tissues.
There are live buds on the top of the seedling, but the foliage has not yet blossomed. If there are leaves, they must correspond to the stated age of the plant.
The root system is healthy, without signs of rot or mechanical damage. It is moist enough for successful rooting.

Planting dates and scheme

Cherry planting dates may vary depending on the region . Thus, in the northern regions and areas of risky farming, plantings are carried out in the spring, and in the southern regions they are planned for the fall about a month before the onset of the first frost.

Important! When planting several trees, the distance between plantings will be of great importance for cross-pollination. The distance between seedlings should not be more than 2 m, and the interval between rows should not exceed 1.5 m.

Pit preparation

The pit is prepared in advance. Its diameter is not less than 100 cm, depth 60 cm.

A drainage layer is placed at the bottom to prevent prolonged contact of the roots with moisture. Loose fertile soil is poured onto the drainage in a heap, and a stake is driven in to secure the seedling.

Then the seedling is carefully placed on the mound, the roots are straightened and the hole is filled with soil. The root collar of the seedling should be 3–5 cm above ground level.

Design schemes

Tree pruning occurs according to the following schemes:

Basic or classic scheme. The principle of pruning is to pinch the shoots, which leads to their rapid formation.
If there is not enough space on the site, you can use a scheme that forms a garden like a hedge. To do this, trees are planted close to each other, and side shoots are pruned by 10 centimeters every season. This scheme will allow you to collect a stable, large harvest for no more than 5 years. Afterwards, the crowns of the trees will begin to intertwine, and the amount of harvest will drop. The method is used for decorative purposes, to decorate the site.
With due diligence, a gardener can form a cup-shaped crown. This is possible if the upper part of the trunk, including the shoots, is trimmed annually. Thus, the crown will begin to form not upward, but in breadth. This method can be applied to low varieties of cherries.

Cherry Revna is a winter-hardy variety with partial self-fertility

The Revna cherry was bred by breeders from the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Lupine in Bryansk at the end of the 20th century. This is a winter-hardy variety with increased resistance to fungal diseases, especially coccomycosis. Zoned since 1994 in the Bryansk region. It is also found in amateur gardens to the north of Bryansk; in areas with a favorable microclimate it bears fruit well in the southern regions of the Moscow region.

Located in the southwestern part of the Central zoning region, the Bryansk region, in its natural and climatic conditions, is much closer to the northern part of the Black Earth Region than to the Moscow region.

Cherry Revna - a winter-hardy variety with very tasty fruits

Cherry Revna is a fast-growing tree up to 3–4 m high, with a pyramidal crown and a characteristic large angle of branches from the trunk. The fruits are very tasty, sweet, juicy, transportable, late ripening (July), weighing about 4.7–5 g. The skin and pulp are dark red, dense, the juice is bright pink, the stone separates well. The variety is partially self-fertile.

Ripe rhubarb fruits are very dark red in color, from a distance they appear black

Varieties and descriptions of columnar cherries

Columnar cherries are becoming more popular day by day due not only to their bright and rich taste, but also to the wide variety of varieties. Today, breeders have developed various species that grow not only in favorable conditions of the southern climate, but also in regions with cool weather. Popular varieties include:

Helena variety.
Black cherry.
Silvia.
Delight.
Queen Mary.
Baby.
Sabrina.
Sem.
Revna.

Helena

Distinctive characteristics:

crown diameter – no more than one meter;
height – 3 meters and below;
the berries weigh 13 grams and are ruby in color;
The taste of the berry is intense, rich, and the pulp is dense and juicy;
About 14 kilograms of harvest are harvested from one tree per season;
tree life cycle – 25 years;
refers to frost-resistant varieties. Can be grown in regions where the air temperature in winter drops to at least 25 o.

Black

Peculiarities:

the variety is resistant to temperature changes, but in winter it is better to cover the trees to avoid their death;
the tree is compact in size. The crown diameter does not exceed 0.5 meters, and the height fluctuates around the two-meter mark. Great for small areas;
sweet cherries are distinguished by the ruby color of their fruits;
the taste is bright, rich;
the fruit is large, juicy;
the skin has a glossy tint.

Silvia

In its features, this cherry variety is similar to Helena. They differ in the following details:

early period of maturation. Ahead of Helena by 2 weeks;
the variety is protected from the effects of harmful microorganisms and insects;
frost resistance is lower than that of Helena. For the winter, it is advisable to snatch the tree from severe frosts;
the yield from the tree is consistently high;
The fruits easily tolerate transportation and do not lose their presentable appearance.

Growing in the same area, Sylvia and Helena pollinate each other, which is a pleasant bonus to the other characteristics of both varieties.

Baby

Characteristics:

small tree size. It rarely reaches two meters in height. Most often, growth stops around 1.5 meters. The crown in diameter does not exceed 80 centimeters;
the berries have a strong, pleasant aroma, which is much more intense than that of other relatives;
the taste of the fruit is sweet and sour;
if desired, you can grow the variety even in northern regions, for example, in Siberia, if you take care of reliable shelter for the winter;
suitable for various preparations and preservations;
good decorative properties.

Delight

Another popular variety with decent yield and taste. Distinctive features include:

the height of an adult tree reaches 2-2.5 meters;
the crown diameter also does not shine with miniature dimensions, and is equal to 1 meter;
crop yield is consistently high, not changing from year to year;
According to the ripening period, it belongs to the mid-early varieties;
The cherry fruit is scarlet in color and weighs up to 15 grams;
the berries taste sweet and juicy;
just like yellow cherries, it has good protection against fungal diseases and parasites;
The harvest is harvested already in the second year after planting the seedling.

Queen Mary

The variety is not suitable for areas with harsh winters. The regions of Central Russia are considered a halo of growth. Weak resistance to frost is balanced by excellent taste and intense yield. The berries are juicy, have a bright color and a pronounced aroma.

Revna

Another popular variety in Russia, which stands out for the following qualities:

very juicy and tasty berries that are stored for a long time and do not lose their original, marketable appearance;
the skin is dark in color, almost black;
suitable for transportation;
The berry size is smaller than other varieties. For Revna, berries weighing 7-8 grams are considered the norm;
the tree is protected from harmful insects and diseases. There is no need to be afraid of losing your harvest due to an unexpected illness;
a frost-resistant crop that is grown even in the northern regions of our country;
Rhubarb is not afraid of sunburn.

Sabrina

It has poor frost resistance and is not suitable for regions with harsh climates. The tree reaches large sizes, growing at least a meter in diameter. The height of an adult tree reaches 3 meters. Weakly susceptible to attacks by insects and pathogens. The yield is good, the berries are tasty and juicy.

Sam

The main feature of the variety is that it is a universal pollinator. Combines with other varieties in one area, significantly increasing the overall yield. The berries grow medium in size, but taste very sweet. The ripening period occurs earlier than all other varieties, at least 10 days. The life cycle of a tree is 15 years.

As you can see, columnar cherries can please even the most fastidious gardener, providing high yields and improving the appearance of the site.

Advantages and disadvantages

Also check out these articles

Strawberry variety Tago
Rose Victoria - a climbing garden decoration
Grape variety Giovanni
Selection of high-quality agricultural feed for animals and poultry

Columnar cherries have a lot of positive qualities.

The tree takes up minimal space on the site.
No pruning needed. And this greatly simplifies care, especially for young gardeners. Only in rare cases can sanitary pruning be carried out if the pagons are frozen or some diseases appear.
Productivity is high, regardless of the variety.

Important!

Any varieties of columnar cherries, even frost-resistant ones, must be insulated for the winter!

The first fruiting is observed in the year the seedling is grafted. If the tree is planted, then the harvest can be expected for about 3 years.
The berries are tasty, usually large and juicy.
The harvest can be harvested either manually or mechanized.

Any varieties of columnar cherries, even frost-resistant ones, must be insulated for the winter!

Although there are not many disadvantages of this type of cherry, they do exist.

Such trees need to be planted next to natural or artificial protection from the winds, because during a storm the branches and the tree trunk itself can break.
The tree requires watering. It does not tolerate drought, but it will not be able to develop normally in marshy soil.
Productivity is considered high for a columnar tree. But since these trees do not have many branches, about 15 kg of berries are collected per tree. Compared to simple cherries, this is not much. But if you grow berries for your own needs, and not for sale, then the harvest will be enough.

Collection, use and storage of crops

The Revna cherry begins to bear fruit in the fifth year after planting. The harvest is 10–30 kg of fruit from one tree. The berries ripen quite late, in July. The variety is universal, suitable for canning and fresh consumption. Dense, transportable fruits are stored in the refrigerator for up to one and a half weeks.

Cherry fruits are better stored if picked with the stems.

The dense fruits of Revna cherries are perfect for making delicious compotes

Landing procedure and preparation for it

In order for cherries to please with good harvests, it is necessary to take into account some features of planting the tree.

Selecting a location

Cherry is very demanding on soil conditions and the microclimate of the site. She is light-loving and does not tolerate excessive dampness. Absolutely not suitable for planting:

northern slopes;
lowlands and basins in which cold air stagnates in winter and spring;
undeveloped areas open to all winds;
heavy peat and clay soils;
places where groundwater approaches the surface closer than 2 m.

Good fit:

areas with a slight slope to the south or southwest;
gardens protected from cold winds within the city or at the southern edge of the forest;
chernozems, sandy loam and loamy soils of neutral reaction within 6–7, with good drainage.

Planting near the southern walls of buildings provides good protection from the north wind. But premature snow melting in such areas provokes too early awakening of the buds, which are damaged during recurrent frosts.

If the distance from the wall to the tree is less than 3–4 m, there is a risk of damage to the foundation by growing roots.

Revna cherries produce the highest possible yield only in favorable conditions

Selection and purchase of seedlings

The best time to buy and plant cherries is April, from the snow melting to the awakening of the buds. Seedlings with a closed root system (bought in a pot or tub) can be planted a little later, in early May. A proper tree should have live buds (green under the shell), healthy bark without visible damage, and light-colored wood when cut. Buy cherry seedlings only from trusted nurseries in your region or further north.

Seedlings of any variety brought from the south freeze to death in the Moscow region!

Landing in the ground

Dig planting holes (approximately 70x70x70 cm in size) in advance in the fall, maintaining a distance of 3–4 m between them.

Step-by-step instructions for planting a tree:

Secure a stake for gartering the tree in the hole, stepping back a little from its center.
Mix the soil from the pit with 3 buckets of completely rotted manure or compost and a liter jar of wood ash. On loamy soils, add a bucket of coarse river sand.
Place the prepared soil mixture in a mound at the bottom of the hole.
Place the seedling on it, carefully straightening the roots. The root collar after planting should be located slightly above the surface of the earth.
Carefully fill the hole with the remaining soil mixture, periodically compacting the soil to avoid the formation of voids.
Make a hole around the seedling for watering. Carefully pour 2-3 buckets of water into it without washing away the soil.
When all the water has been absorbed, mulch with straw or humus.
Tie the tree to the stake.

Water the planted tree carefully, without eroding the soil at the roots.