Sweet cherries for the Leningrad region: the best varieties with photos and descriptions

Until recently, the list of fruit crops recommended for cultivation in the North-West of Russia and the Non-Black Earth Region was very small.
Gardeners could only dream that their gardens would one day have cherries specially bred for the Leningrad region, varieties of which would withstand difficult winter conditions and cool, not at all southern summers. Today the situation is gradually changing, and enthusiasts are happy to share their successes in obtaining stable yields of these tasty, beloved fruits.

Do cherries grow in the Leningrad region?

The Leningrad region has continental climatic conditions: winters are mild, summers are warm. The northwest is characterized by unstable weather in summer. Changeable climatic conditions provide specific conditions for growing cherries in the northwest. The fruit and berry plant loves warmth.

For a long period, summer residents preferred to plant cherries only in the south. But thanks to the meticulous work of breeders, it was possible to plant and grow varietal species for the north-west. For many years, scientists have experimentally proven the possibility of:

disembarkation;
growth;
development of cherries in changeable climatic conditions.

Thanks to their work, fruit plants have taken root well in the dachas of the Leningrad region. Gardeners plant the best varieties on their plots. They are happy to grow early and late varietal species.

On a note! Among the varieties of cherries for the Leningrad region, there are very few self-fertile varieties.

For good fruiting, additional winter-hardy pollinator varieties are required. To successfully grow cherries, it is important to provide the plants with proper care. Trees are fertilized, pruned, and treated against diseases and parasites. When cultivating in the Leningrad region, attention is paid to fertilizing with nitrogen.

Feeding rules:

If feeding compounds were placed in the hole before planting, then the trees are fed for 2-3 years. Every spring, the plant is fertilized with mullein infusion.
Cherries respond positively to the supply of nitrogenous substances and grow branches and foliage. Instead of organic matter, minerals are used. 40 g of urea are diluted in a bucket of water.
During flowering, nitrogen replaces phosphorus and potassium. Fertilizer is obtained by adding 30 g of superphosphate and potassium salt to a bucket of water. Feed no more than once every 14-21 days.

Fertilizing is allowed before watering. Every 3-4 years it is necessary to dig in the tree trunk circle. At the same time, fertilize with humus or compost.

Note!

For all varietal types of cherries, a tiered crown circle is formed. In the Leningrad region, it is necessary to prune for the first time in the spring, 14-21 days after planting.

A fine day is suitable for processing. The top and side shoots are cut off by no more than 50% of the length. The conductor is left 200-300 mm higher than the branches. As the tree grows, 2-3 tiers are formed at intervals of half a meter. Each tier should contain 3-4 thick branches. Every year, dry, broken and diseased branches are removed.

In the Leningrad region, cherries suffer from low temperatures, which cause burns and death of the buds. If the shoots are frozen, then you need to wait until the leaves appear, and only then cut off the dead branches. The sections are covered with garden varnish or sealed with a special paste. Such crops are especially important to care for:

fertilizing with nitrogen;
adding mulch or humus.

Fruits and berries are disease resistant. In the Leningrad region, cherries are usually affected by fungal pathologies, which spread during rains and when it’s cold outside. Moniliosis and clasterosporiasis are dangerous for plant crops. Moniliosis provokes drying of shoots and berries. Gray spots containing fungus form on the tree. To combat the disease, the tree is treated after coloring:

Bordeaux mixture;
chemicals based on copper.

The treatment is carried out after picking the berries. Clusterosporiosis is characterized by the formation of dark brown spots with a border on the foliage, which fall out and form holes. On painful branches, tissue death begins and the cherry begins to dry out. To treat pathology, the plant is treated with Nitrafen or copper sulfate.

On a note!

In the Leningrad region, cherries can be affected by cherry flies, aphids, sawflies, lacewings, and leaf rollers. Insecticides Actellik, Karbofos, Iskra will help destroy parasites.

The treatment is carried out until the buds have blossomed. Between treatments it is necessary to maintain a time interval of 14-21 days. Chemicals should be stopped three weeks before picking berries.

Birds seriously damage crops in the Leningrad region. They begin to fight the birds as the cherries ripen. Fruit plants are covered with nets. You can install a stuffed bird of prey, mirrors made from metal lids, or old CDs on your site.

The nuances of growing a tree

The main feature of the Leningrad black cherry is its self-sterility. To form the ovary, it is necessary to plant a pollinator nearby, which is usually a different variety of cherry. Conditions for successful pollination:

coincidence of flowering period;
the distance between trees is no more than 3 m;
persistently warm weather;
absence of prolonged rains or prolonged drought.

To save space in the garden, you can graft cherry varieties suitable for cross-pollination onto one rootstock.

Cherry varieties recommended as pollinators for Leningrad black:

Leningrad yellow or pink;
Revna;
Michurinka;
And the way;
Bryanochka;
Teremoshka;
Tyutchevka;
Seda.

Time and place for landing

The Leningradskaya black cherry variety was bred for cultivation in cold climates. Seedlings will take root best if planted in early spring, before the growing season begins. In warm climates, autumn planting is recommended, when the growing season is over and the plants have already lost their leaves.

To grow Leningrad black cherries and pollinating varieties, choose a place with suitable conditions:

abundant lighting;
the surface of the site is flat or with a slight slope;
reliable protection from blowing winds;
the distance to the nearest trees is at least 3 m;
groundwater not higher than 2 m from the surface;
acidity within 6.5-7.0 pH;
loose loamy or sandy loam soils.

Seedling preparation

It is recommended to purchase seedlings from reliable nurseries and garden centers. Their age should be 1-2 years, and their height should be about 1 m. Before planting, the seedling must be inspected and carefully prepared:

The trunk and shoots should not be damaged or moldy.
The seedling must have a central conductor and several side shoots.
Dry twigs are removed.
If humidity is low, the roots are soaked in water for several hours.
To enhance subsequent root growth, a small amount of stimulant is dissolved in water.

Planting process

The technology for planting Leningradskaya black cherries is carried out according to the general rules:

The planting pit is prepared in advance. In the fall for subsequent spring planting or 3 weeks before planting cherries in the fall. Its depth is 60 cm, and its diameter is 70-100 cm.
The pit is filled to the middle with a nutritious mixture of chernozem and humus. 270 g of fertilizers are also added there: 1/3 potassium and 2/3 phosphate.
Up to 40 liters of water are poured into the pit.
The extracted soil is stored until planting begins.
A third of the soil is poured into a heap at the bottom of the hole.
The roots of the seedling are evenly laid out along the slopes of the hill and covered with earth, holding the tree upright. In this case, the neck should remain approximately 5 cm above the surface.
The soil is compacted.
Water the seedling with 20 liters of warm water.
The tree trunk circle is mulched with crushed peat.

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Cherry varieties for the Leningrad region

If you want to grow cherries for the Leningrad region, the best varieties can be selected from frost-resistant ones. Unique varietal species respond well to the rather harsh St. Petersburg weather. Cherries will grow well in the Leningrad region:

Orlovskaya amber.
Ovstuzhenka.
Victory.
Pink Bryansk.
Leningradskaya black.
Tyutchevka.

Cherry trees are demanding of light; they produce a good harvest if they grow in sunny areas. When planting a plant, it is necessary to ensure that the plantings are not exposed to shadows from other plant crops. For fruit and berry plants, it is correct to choose a place in the south of the garden, protected from windy currents. Cherries do not like lowland areas or wetlands where cold air accumulates.

Protecting cherries from birds, cold, pests and diseases

Not only people love to eat cherries, so the tree must be protected. Primarily from birds. Fortunately, not every garden is attacked by birds. But, if such a problem occurs, you should throw a special net over the crown of the tree.

For the middle zone, choose cold-resistant varieties

Among the insects that like to eat cherries are cherry aphids, moths, weevils, and cherry slimy sawflies. This tree is afraid of fungal diseases such as moniliosis, clasterosporiasis, and coccomycosis. To protect cherries from diseases and pests, you need to follow the rules of agricultural technology, remove and destroy fallen leaves, broken branches, and diseased shoots.

Advice. Those who do not want to use pesticides on the site can fight diseases and pests using a solution of laundry soap, infusions of tobacco, ash, dandelion, garlic and onions.

As for the cold, even frost-resistant varieties often need additional protection. Interestingly, it is not winter frosts that are especially dangerous, but late spring frosts. Trees are saved from them using smoke.

Sweet cherries are not just delicious berries, but also gorgeous blooms in May. Watching this tree from the veranda and inhaling the sweet aroma of its flowers is a pleasure. Almost the same as eating its fruits.

Winter-hardy cherry varieties for the Leningrad region

Increased winter hardiness is a feature of varietal species for planting in the Leningrad region. Winter time here can be very frosty. The plant must withstand severe changes in low temperatures. The best varieties of cherries for the Leningrad region with increased frost resistance are as follows:

Here we go. It will not die even at -32°C.
Revna. Frost resistance is above average. The plant is able to tolerate cold without much damage to the trunk and branches.
Drogana yellow. It has increased resistance to low temperatures in the northwest. Cherry buds feel great even at -20°C.
Fatezh. The buds of the plant crop have average frost resistance. The stem part and branches cope well with low temperatures.
Bryansk pink. The variety has increased winter hardiness. The buds of the plant must be protected from sudden temperature changes.
Leningradskaya black. The varietal species is the leader in terms of frost resistance. That is why it is planted in the Leningrad region more often than others.

On a note!

The cherry fully develops, grows and gives a rich harvest if it is adjacent to the cherry, which plays the role of a pollinator, and with rowan, a lot of fruits are laid, and all ripen.

You cannot plant plums, which have the weakest rhizomes, together with cherry varieties.

Requirements for soil and planting site

The tree, both young and fruit-bearing, cannot tolerate dampness, cold moldy soils, and lowlands and shallow groundwater (from one and a half meters) are contraindicated for it.

Likewise, soils that retain moisture for a long time are detrimental to the health of the root system, which is why they try to ensure that the soil where the seedling will be planted drains well and has the following composition:

sandy loam;
loamy.

In addition, this fruit tree does not tolerate acidic soils.

Cherry is a light-loving plant that requires increased insolation, especially during the growing season. Therefore, the most preferred areas of the site for cherries are located on:

south;
southwest.

In addition, cherries practically do not tolerate wind, so you will have to take care of protecting the area from the wind.

Low-growing varieties of cherries for the Leningrad region

In the Leningrad region, due to climatic conditions, squally winds often blow in autumn and winter. Low-growing varieties of cherries will be less susceptible to the destructive influence of bad weather.

Varieties suitable for the Leningrad region:

Raditsa. A medium-sized plant up to 2-3 meters, with a compact crown.
Ovstuzhenka. Low grade with good characteristics.
Regina. Compact tree up to 3 m.
Revna. A neat columnar appearance with a pyramid-shaped crown. On average it grows up to 2 meters.

It is correct to buy seedlings from a nursery or game reserve. The plant is grafted onto Vladimir cherry or other varietal species that are frost-resistant.

When is it better to plant: autumn or spring?

The answer to this question directly depends on the climatic characteristics of the region!

Due to the vulnerability of young trees, they are planted in such a way as to minimize the adverse seasonal effects of the environment.

Thus, in the southern regions, with their relatively mild winters and early heat, it is more advisable to “bury” cherries in the fall, so that during winter dormancy the root system has time to form and meet dry winds, insects and the drying southern sun “fully armed.”

In cold climate zones, they avoid planting cherries in winter, because they can simply freeze. Planted in late spring, during a relatively favorable summer the tree will be able to take root and become strong enough to meet the winter as a more or less viable seedling.

Self-fertile cherry varieties for the Leningrad region

Self-fertility of a plant crop is the ability to bear fruit without the presence of pollinators. Among the varieties of the Leningrad region there are almost no fruit and berry plants with this characteristic.

You can find the following self-fertile varieties:

Ovstuzhenka. Has conditional self-fertility. Pollinated within the same tree.
Revna. The plant does not require pollinators to bear fruit.
Homestead yellow. The varietal species does not require a pollinator and is characterized by high productivity.
Large-fruited. The plant partially needs pollinators Bigarro Oratovsky, Valery Chkalov, Francis.

On a note!

Fruit and berry trees should not be placed close to fruit crops, the rhizomes of which produce many compounds.

They do not get along well with the apple tree.

The best varieties for cultivation in the Leningrad region

Winter-hardy cherries, created by domestic breeders, are suitable for growth in mid-latitudes. A one-year or two-year-old tree takes root well. For transportation over a considerable distance, the rhizome is covered with wet newspapers in several layers, packed in polyethylene or simply covered with sphagnum.

Seda

A varietal species whose berries ripen in mid-summer, resistant to fungi and not susceptible to attack by parasites. Ruby-colored cherries ripen on a tall tree with a spherical crown.

Ugra

The medium-sized tree delights with sweet and sour berries shaped like a heart. The plant crop withstands low temperatures well.

Productivity is average and largely depends on care, feeding, and wintering conditions.

Red dense

A tall plant, but despite this, it tolerates frost well. It has poor tolerance to fungal diseases. Yellow cherries with beautiful rosy cheeks weigh about 5 g.

Leningradskaya pink

A tall plant, the branches of which form a lush crown, produces a harvest after 5 years; it needs pollinators. The fruits ripen in July and have a soft pinkish color.

On a note!

From one bush you can collect up to 20 liters of cherries. Weight of berries is approximately 3 g.

Muscat

Through the symbiosis of varietal species Severnaya and Pobeda, scientists created a frost-resistant species, characterized by rich yields, on wild cherry rootstock.

Almost black, heart-shaped cherries have a sweetish taste and nutmeg aroma.

Chermashnaya

The plant is medium-sized and frost-resistant. The varietal species gives a large harvest in moderate climatic conditions, with the correct selection of the growing location. The fruits are yellow and can be collected in early summer. The berry weight is approximately 4.5–4.7 g, the cherries are juicy and sweetish.

Valery Chkalov

The variety ripens early, was bred in the 50s, and is now relevant among Russian gardeners. Fruit plant:

with a pyramid-shaped crown;
grows up to 6 meters in height.

The weight of ruby cherries is about 8 grams. The branches can withstand low temperatures, but the buds can freeze at -23 °C.

Leningradskaya black

Cherries with a lush crown begin to produce fruits already in the third year of growth. Cherries weighing up to 3.5 g acquire a ruby color when ripening. The berries are used to make compote, drinks and alcoholic liqueurs. Receives positive feedback from summer residents of the Leningrad region.

Knight

As the description says, the plant, bred on the basis of the varietal species Valery Chkalov, by Belarusian breeders, is distinguished by its high yield and frost resistance. Scarlet small berries are juicy and ripen on the 15th of July.

Revna

A plant with a pyramid-shaped crown, has high immune resistance to fungi, and tolerates cold and dampness well. Ruby berries weighing 4.6–4.8 g do not crack from moisture and are covered with thick skin.

Gift for Stepanov

Winter-hardy cherries, created not so long ago, bear fruit in the north, are easy to care for, and have high yields. Cherries weighing up to 5 g, glossy, burgundy shade.

Zorka

The plant grows successfully in the Leningrad region and in the Moscow region, is not afraid of low temperatures, and tolerates dry weather. From a bush you can collect up to 30 kilos of orange-colored cherries, which are characterized by good transportability, as they are covered with a compacted peel.

Leningrad yellow

An easy-to-care varietal species that bears fruit only in the 5th year of growth. On a tree with a lush crown, amber-colored cherries hang until the beginning of autumn.

Bryanochka

The plant is self-sterile and easily withstands low temperatures and does not suffer from coccomycosis infection. Tree:

grows up to 3–3.5 m in height;
pollinated well if the Tyutchevka or Ovstuzhenka species are planted nearby.

Pinkish sugar fruits do not crack when damp and ripen in mid-summer. One plant produces up to 30 kilos of cherries.

Fatezh

A tree with a ball-shaped crown and drooping branches can tolerate very low temperatures, but the flower buds may freeze. In order for the tree to be pollinated, self-fertile varietal species are planted nearby.

On a note!

Small sour-sweet fruits weigh about 4 g and ripen in mid-summer.

Tyutchevka

The fruit and berry crop grows up to 4 meters in height and produces berries in the 4th year. Cherries:

not afraid of frost;
curbs drought;
resistant to fungi.

The fruit has a unique, sweet ruby pulp. The thick stalks come off easily and the berries can be easily transported.

And the way

The plant culture of this species forms a pyramidal crown circle. Cherry buds do not freeze at -31–32 °C. The fruits, which ripen in early summer, have a small seed that easily comes away from the sugar pulp.

It’s not difficult to choose a suitable variety; today you can see reviews and photos on forums. You can contact a specialist who will select a seedling from a photo so as not to make a mistake.

Reviews

Thanks to the work of domestic breeders, gardeners can grow heat-loving crops not only in the south, but also in regions with a cool climate.

Kuznetsov Petr Vladimirovich, 53, Vyborg: “Five years ago I planted 2 cherries: Bryanochka and Tyutchevka, which survive in the conditions of the North-West. I picked off the first flowers, and this summer I have already harvested them. I really liked the taste of Bryanochka’s pink berries. I bought Tyutchevka as a pollinator, but the dark red fruits of this variety are also sweet and juicy.”

Ivanchuk Svetlana Sergeevna, 47 years old, Tikhvin: “I heard that cherries are grown in our region, but I didn’t really believe it. In the nursery I actually saw seedlings of a southern culture, and the seller said that they were adapted to the North-West region. With Leningradskaya black, in the 4th year I was already eating berries. The Fatezh variety has not yet borne fruit, but the tree has grown well.”