Miniature columnar cherry - the empress of small areas and dense planting

Why is it called that?

Reference. Columnar cherries got their name due to the special shape of the crown.
At first glance at such a tree, it seems that it consists of one trunk without side shoots. In fact, it has branches, they are just very short and grow mainly upwards. The buds, and later the fruits, are formed as close to the trunk as possible. In autumn, the tree is literally strewn with juicy red berries. The original appearance, reminiscent of a cylindrical column, prompted breeders to call this cherry columnar.

These types of fruit trees take up little space and are suitable for dense planting . Taking into account the number of seedlings per unit area, the garden fully pays for itself in 3-4 years. Miniature cherries are also used to form landscapes and are grown in greenhouses and winter gardens.

Varieties for the southern regions

In the south, almost all columnar varieties of cherries can be grown. Winter hardiness is no longer so important here, so when choosing, they pay more attention to yield, resistance to heat and drought.

Delight

This variety is of Dutch origin. Compact sizes allow you to grow cherries even in large flowerpots. Main characteristics of the variety:

• miniature sizes – height 1 m, less often up to 2 m;
• narrow pyramidal crown;
• dark green foliage with white veins;
• fruit weight up to 15 g;
• color bright burgundy;
• the juicy pulp is bright red, there are small pink veins;
• taste sweet;
• pleasant aroma;
• Recommended use for canning, freezing, drying.

The winter hardiness of the Delight cherry is low. The variety is partially self-sterile; pollinators are needed for good yield. The fruits are prone to shedding, so it is important to harvest in a timely manner. The tree begins to bear fruit in 2-3 years and produces up to 35 kg of cherries.

The Delight cherry has good immunity and good resistance to pests. The variety attracts with its high decorative properties. Despite the compactness of the trees, they are not afraid of strong gusts of wind.

Delight

Cherry Delight is described as one of the varieties for the middle zone.

Dessert Morozova

Dessert Morozova cherry has been listed in the State Register of the Russian Federation since 1997 with approval for the Central Black Earth region. The variety is early, the harvest is harvested in the last ten days of June. Main characteristics:

• height up to 3 m;
• fruit weight 7-8 g;
• the skin is bright red, when transilluminated, small subcutaneous dots are visible;
• juicy pulp;
• The sweet taste is more reminiscent of cherries.

In the conditions of the Central Black Earth region, the Dessert Morozova cherry has good frost resistance; shelter for the winter is not required. The variety is productive, up to 40 kg of berries are collected from the tree. The crop bears fruit regularly, starting 3-4 years after planting. The berries have high transportability.

Dessert Morozova cherry is a partially self-fertile variety. For good yields, pollinators are needed.

Curly

The characteristics of this variety can be seen above.

Baby

A description of the Malyutka cherry is in the section on varieties for the middle zone.

What does the tree look like?

Neat, low-growing trees grow up to 2.5 m in height. Dark green shiny leaves are densely located on the trunk, giving the cherry a decorative appearance even outside the flowering period. In spring, the plants are completely covered with fragrant pink flowers.

Attention! Columnar cherries planted in flower pots and along garden paths give the area a chic look.

The pyramidal crown grows in width by no more than 1 m. This is convenient for care and harvesting, when there is no need to use pole-cutters and ladders. Young cherry seedlings have a thickened trunk and are distinguished by the almost complete absence of lateral branches.

As the tree develops, it requires regular pruning and crown formation, but to a lesser extent than conventional varieties.

The root system of plants is fibrous and more superficial than that of tall species. The fruits of columnar cherries are juicy, aromatic, with a well-separable stone. The skin of the berries is soft and thin. This limits the shelf life to 7-10 days.

To protect the upper roots from damage, cereals or herbs are sown around the trunk.

Do you protect the roots of your cherry tree by planting grasses and grasses around the trunk?

Of course! No, but should I?

Features of the view

The expressive feature of the variety is reflected in the name - the tree trunk is shaped like a column, from which short branches extend. It does not take up much space in the garden; dwarf subspecies are grown in open ground, as well as in pots. The largest variety, Columnar Queen, reaches a height of no more than 2.5 m.

Columnar trees are miniature, they will decorate any garden and complement the composition in landscape design. Suitable for growing in a greenhouse or winter garden. At the same time, the advantages of the variety are not only in appearance, but also in the yield and taste of the berries.

Basics of agricultural technology

Columnar cherries are quite unpretentious and do not require special knowledge from the gardener. Like other garden trees, they are sensitive to light and air temperature. Proper fertilizing in combination with watering will help you get maximum yield.

Selecting a location

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Yulia Safronenko

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Stone fruit crops are planted in April-May or late autumn. For regions with a temperate climate, the first method is preferable. Rooting and adaptation of columnar cherry seedlings are better on warm, fine days.

To plant trees, choose a sunny place, protected from the wind.

The soil should be:

• fertile;
• loose;
• preferably slightly acidic.

Cherry grows slowly in waterlogged soil, so you need to choose a hilly site or ensure good drainage.

Seedling preparation

The quality of planting material is very important for the rapid growth of the tree and early fruiting. A promising columnar cherry seedling has:

• intact upper kidney;
• smooth trunk with smooth bark;
• evenly branched root system.

Advice. Seedlings purchased in advance are stored in a cool place, wrapping the lower part with a damp cloth.

Landing rules

Compact columnar cherries are planted at a distance of 1 m from each other. If there is little space on the site, the distance can be reduced to 0.5 m. When planting in rows on plots, the 0.7 x 2 m pattern is followed. The roots of dwarf trees lie shallow in the soil, so there is no need to dig up the soil much.

Columnar cherries are planted in pre-prepared holes. Sequence of work:

1. Dig a hole 40 cm deep and 60-80 cm in diameter.
2. Add fertilizer: a mixture of humus and black soil 3:1.
3. Place the seedling in the middle of the hole, straightening its roots.
4. Cover with soil up to the level of the root collar.
5. Water and mulch the root zone.

In the initial period, it is necessary to maintain soil moisture. Well-rooted cherry trees only need watering during dry periods. The next portion of fertilizers is applied in August or September, and in the case of planting before winter - in April.

Attention! Good survival rate is ensured by soaking the rhizome in a root formation stimulator (for example, Kornevin). It is recommended to add wood ash to soil with high acidity.

Rules for growing and planting columnar cherries

It cannot be said that columnar cherries are too demanding in terms of growing conditions and care, but at the same time there are several basic rules for growing them. First of all, pay attention to choosing a suitable site for planting.

Familiarize yourself with the features of planting cherries in the fall.

This should be the sunny and warmest place in the entire territory, with protection from drafts and flooding with groundwater.

Be sure to take into account the area of ​​the territory, especially if you plan to plant several trees at once: the minimum distance between neighbors should be at least 0.5–0.8 m so that the root system of each tree develops freely.

In addition, the composition of the soil on it is of great importance when choosing a suitable site. The ideal option for columnar cherries would be loose and fertile soils, enriched with a sufficient amount of nutrients.

On depleted substrates, when preparing a planting hole (in the fall or 2 weeks before the intended planting of a seedling), humus and superphosphate fertilizer must be used, mixing them with the top layer of soil. The optimal dimensions of such a pit are 40–45 cm deep and 50–60 cm in diameter.

When choosing planting material for the described crop, always pay attention to the integrity of the upper bud and the condition of the root system: all roots should be elastic, flexible, without signs of damage by pests or fungal diseases.

If everything is fine with the seedling and the planting pit for it has had time to settle, you can proceed to the planting procedure itself, which is preferably performed in the spring.

It consists of several sequential actions:

1. Forming a small mound of fertile soil at the bottom of the planting hole.
2. Place the prepared seedling on it (all roots should be even and evenly distributed over the surface).
3. Organization of support in the form of a peg driven nearby.
4. Sealing the hole with soil, followed by compacting the substrate and moistening the soil.

Upon completion of planting, the tree trunk circle can be mulched with humus or a layer of sawdust, which will help retain moisture for a long time.
Did you know? Cherry came to Russian territory around the 12th century, and the first cherry orchards in Moscow were planted by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky. Subsequently, the spread of this culture was carried out by monks who grew plants in the territories of their monasteries in different parts of the state.

Reproduction methods

Garden trees with drupes are propagated in three ways:

• growing from seed;
• graft;
• cuttings

The first of them will obviously require a lot of effort and time.
A sprouted seed can be planted outdoors only in the second year. Until this time, the sprout should remain warm. When propagating by seed, there is no guarantee that the varietal qualities of the cherry will be preserved.

For cuttings, cut off the top shoots 10 cm long and root them in a pot of soil. The cut is treated with root formation agents . At first, a rooted cutting requires especially careful care.

Advice. The most popular propagation method is grafting columnar cherries onto young two-year-old trees.

The cuttings with growth buds are given the desired shape and inserted into a T-shaped cut in the bark of the rootstock. The grafting site is tightly wrapped with film. Over time, a full-fledged tree is formed from the cuttings, possessing the original varietal characteristics.

Garden care

Columnar trees do not require complex care. Like other crops, they require:

• Watering - at least 10 liters. On hot days, the superficial root system cannot provide itself with moisture.
• Feeding . In the spring, nitrogenous fertilizers are applied to the cherries, and in the fall, phosphorus fertilizers are applied. Complex preparations are combined with organic matter. In summer, foliar feeding of cherry trees is possible.
• Shelter for the winter . In general, frost-resistant, cherries respond gratefully to abundant mulching with sawdust or straw, as well as covering the trunk with burlap.

The unusual shape of the columnar cherry tree raises questions among many about its pruning. This procedure is carried out only for young trees:

• for the first time, the top and side shoots are shortened to a size of 10 cm;
• every next year the top and branches are cut 10 cm longer than before;
• When the tree reaches full growth (usually 2.5 m), it is stopped by pinching the top bud.

In the future, in the spring, they only shorten the side shoots and carry out sanitary pruning of dry branches. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, an adult tree can do without crown formation.

Important! Regular pruning increases the life and fruiting life of the tree.

Description of columnar cherries

Columnar varieties got their name because of the cylindrical shape of the crown, reminiscent of a column. The branches do not grow long, but they have many shoots. The crown does not exceed 1 m in circumference, so harvesting is easy. The culture trunk is compact and grows straight up. The tree has little foliage, but bears fruit abundantly. Its height usually does not reach more than 2.5 m.

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Flowering of columnar cherries occurs in May and begins from the first year of planting. The ripening time of berries depends on the variety. Most varieties of the berry develop sweetness throughout June. The variety also determines the color of the fruit: they can be red, yellow or black. They completely cling to the trunk of the cherry tree, which becomes like an ear of corn. On average, 12-15 kg of sweet crop is harvested from one tree.

Note! The culture is unpretentious, but to get a large and tasty harvest, it is advisable to plant the tree in a suitable place and provide it with proper care.

Diseases and pests

Thanks to the efforts of breeders, columnar cherries are highly resistant to diseases and pests. In sunny, ventilated plots without excess moisture, you can usually find healthy, full-fledged trees. However, in some cases, problems such as:

• fungal infections (coccomycosis, clasterosporiasis);
• viral diseases (sharqi potyvirus, irrvirus);
• pests (cherry weevil, codling moth, aphid).

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For preventive purposes, plants are sprayed with intexicides twice a year. Fruits and leaves affected by fungus and insects are destroyed, for example, burned along with garbage.

It is strictly forbidden to treat plants with poisons during the period of ovary and fruit ripening.

The best varieties suitable for growing in the Moscow region

The columnar variety of cherries combines several different varieties. The following plants are best for growing in the Moscow region:

• Delight. The tree is about 3 m high. The variety is notable for its berries - they are large, very juicy, and sweet in taste. The color of the fruit is deep red, ruby, the flesh is burgundy. Cherry is highly resistant to fungal diseases and easily tolerates night frosts in spring.
• Curly. The taste of the berries is sweet, with pronounced sourness. The tree is very decorative, the yield is average. Tolerates frosts no more than -25 °C. If there is a possibility of more severe frosts, the plant will need additional shelter made of breathable materials in winter.
• Queen. The tree is attractive, especially during its flowering period. The berries are large, burgundy in color. Height - about 2 m. Feature - high resistance to diseases.
• Ashinsky hybrid. Medium height tree (2 meters), with a stable high yield. The description of the Asha hybrid, this variety of columnar cherry, is as follows - the berries are large, very tasty, distinguished by their pronounced aroma. The advantage of the hybrid variety is the long-term storage of berries and the ability to transport them without losing their marketable appearance and taste characteristics.

Additional Information! All columnar cherries are self-fertile, which means they do not need pollinators.

Different varieties of berries differ in size, color and taste

Advantages and disadvantages according to reviews from gardeners

The decorative properties of dwarf trees and their high productivity attract the attention of gardeners to them.
Lovers of new products have already tried various varieties on their plots and are actively sharing their opinions on gardening forums. At the same time, experts note that from the point of view of a biologist, only an apple tree can be called “columnar,” while for cherries, plums and pears it is rather a popular name based on the appearance of the trees.

As a definite plus, users note the beauty of spring flowering and the pleasant taste of the berries. In temperate latitudes, trees sometimes bloom only in the fifth year . Also, cold and little snowy winters affect the number of berries collected, their sweetness and size.

Important! Gardeners are advised to plant plants on gentle southern slopes and insulate them before wintering. Protection from cold winds has a good effect on the safety of trees.

Reviews can be read here and by following this link.

Prices

Columnar cherry seedlings can be purchased at garden nurseries and shopping centers. Their cost ranges from 300 to 700 rubles . There are also sets of several copies of different varieties on sale. This is an advantageous proposition because cross-pollination of species leads to increased yields.

The cost of a kilogram of ripe cherries is 150-200 rubles. The harvest will quickly pay for the cost of planting material.

Prices for columnar cherry seedlings depend on the following factors:

• distance to the place of cultivation;
• quality of packaging (ensures the preservation of roots);
• the survival guarantee that some sellers provide;
• uniqueness of the variety.

As a rule, seedlings are sold at the age of two years. Goods are sent to remote corners of Russia by mail. Properly packaged plants tolerate shipping well.

How to care for culture

Caring for columnar cherry seedlings involves timely watering and fertilizing, crown formation, and protection from diseases and pests.

Regularity of watering

For normal growth and development of seedlings, moist and oxygenated soil is necessary. To do this, as it dries out, water and loosen the near-trunk soil. One tree should receive from 2 to 5 liters of water

During the period of ovary formation, it is important to increase the amount of watering, especially in dry times. Immediately after watering, loosening and weeding, mulching is carried out

Young trees benefit from frequent weeding. Weeds take away nutrients and moisture from them, which significantly slows down growth and development.

What and when to feed a tree

During the year, cherries need to be fertilized three times:

• in spring, nitrogen-based preparations (ammonium nitrate or urea) are used;
• in the fall, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are applied;
• at the end of flowering, half a bucket of rotted manure mixed with a small amount of ash is poured under each tree.

Features of crown formation

Pruning is carried out according to a specially designed scheme, since classical methods do not give the desired result.

1. In the first year, the top is removed, and the side branches are also pinched at a distance of 10 centimeters from the main trunk.
2. In the second and third years, side shoots are pinched at a distance of 20-30 centimeters from the trunk. The top is trimmed to approximately the same distance.
3. In the fourth year, thin branches shading the trunk are cut off.
4. In the fifth and subsequent years, the top is trimmed to prevent the tree from growing upward.
5. In the sixth and subsequent years, they get rid of side shoots that break the shape of the crown.

Susceptibility to diseases and pests

Through long-term selection, varieties resistant to diseases and pests were bred, but some susceptibility to fungal and viral infections (coccomycosis, moniliosis), brown and perforated spot (klyasterosporiosis) still remained. Trees may also suffer from attacks by caterpillars, cherry weevils, codling moths, and cherry aphids.

Treatment

The most effective method of protection against coccomycosis and moniliosis is spraying with Bordeaux mixture and fungicidal preparations (Pthalan, Kuprozan, Zineb).

The most popular methods of controlling garden pests are the use of universal insecticides, such as Intra-Vir, Iskra.

Traditional methods of treatment are also used - treatment with a solution of laundry soap with the addition of tobacco extract.

Preventative treatments

Numerous preventative measures help reduce the risk of disease. They regularly inspect cherry trees, remove diseased leaves, spoiled and rotten fruits. Spraying with infusion of garlic, onion peels, and a solution of wood ash is also used. To protect against hares that damage the bark, tree trunks are covered with a special net or spruce branches.

Preparing plants for winter

Most varieties of columnar cherries are not resistant to winter frosts. In the fall, special preparation of plants begins to help them survive the cold season safely. The main measures to protect against frost are as follows:

1. Treating trunks with lime mortar will help protect plants from frost and bright sun.
2. Abundant watering and mulching will saturate the plants with moisture before the onset of the dormant period.
3. Insulation with burlap or agrofibre will protect the trunk and apical bud from freezing.
4. A wooden frame around the trees and subsequent wrapping will serve as protection in severe frosts.