Shpanka cherry: growing an early-ripening hybrid beauty in the garden

Everything new is well forgotten old. This applies not only to inventions, but also to varieties of fruit-bearing trees. A hundred years ago you could see cherry orchards at every step. Now there are fewer and fewer of them. But in gardens and on personal plots, slender beauties with sweet red berries are sure to show off. Breeders are constantly inventing new hybrids that are characterized by frost resistance and abundant fruiting. Shpanka cherry is one of the old, time-tested varieties. There are different types of this variety, adapted for cultivation in different regions of the country.

Historical reference

The Shpanka variety was first mentioned 200 years ago. It combines the qualities of several plants growing in different regions. The first trees of this species appeared in the gardens of Ukraine. They appeared thanks to the natural cross-pollination of cherries and sweet cherries.

Sprouts began to gain popularity in the southern regions. In a short time, the variety began to be cultivated in Moldova and the Krasnodar Territory. Currently, trees can be found in regions with harsh climates: in the Moscow region, Siberia, and the Urals. Such relocation became possible thanks to the improvement of the hybrid. He acquired frost resistance and endurance.

Growing

For normal growth, Shpanka cherries need proper agricultural technology:

1. Climatic conditions - despite the high resistance to negative environmental factors, the site for planting Shpanka should be chosen that is protected from cold winds, warm and sunny. High humidity is not desirable for shrubs. The groundwater level should be at least 2 m; whenever possible, planting is done on hills and other elevations.
2. The soils are slightly acidic, nutritious, neutral and fertile. Mechanical composition – sandy, loamy, sandy loam. If the soil is acidic, add 5 kg of dolomite flour to the hole before planting. If desired, you can also add a bucket of sand to each hole. In poor soils, Shpanka grows poorly, practically does not bear fruit, and becomes susceptible to bacterial blight.
3. Plant using fresh, high-quality seedlings - they are guaranteed to sprout. Planting material should be purchased in specialized stores and trusted nurseries. Give preference to trees that have already formed and have a developed root system. Constantly water the soil - it should not dry out.

Before planting, additionally check the roots and buds of the seedling for damage, diseases, etc.

The roots of the seedling must be treated before planting for better rooting. For soaking, use Korevin or another special preparation.

The procedure for planting a tree is as follows. Markings are made for the holes at a distance of 3-4 m from each other (2 m is not enough for a tall cherry). Do not forget about the need to plant pollinators - you also need to provide a place for them. Dig a hole to a depth of at least 80 cm, separate the top layer of soil, mix with compost, peat, manure (take strictly rotted manure) 1:1. Remove the clayey parts of the soil from below or throw it to the side to form the sides of the hole. If the soil is poor, phosphorus or potassium fertilizers can be added to the hole to prevent diseases. Line the bottom of the hole with gravel or crushed stone to create a high-quality drainage system. Mix dolomite flour, humus, humus-soil mixture and fill the hole with the resulting mass about half or a little more, drive in a peg. Form an earthen mound and straighten the roots. First place the seedling in a hole, then cover it with soil. Now tie up the young tree, compact the soil, and make a hole for watering. It is also recommended to mulch the soil immediately after planting. Read about cherry varieties for the Urals here.

Characteristics of the variety

Due to the fact that the species has existed for several centuries and has repeatedly undergone selection changes, it is called a “folk variety”. The tree can reach 6 meters in height. It has a round, not very thick crown.

Shpanka belongs to the duki category, as it is a hybrid of cherry and sweet cherry. It retains the specific distinctive features of these plants

The variety does not belong to the early-fruiting category. The first harvest appears only 5-6 years after planting. If you make a rootstock, the berries will set by the 3rd year of cultivation. The bark is dark brown on old branches and light on young ones. The shoots are located from the trunk at right angles. They often break off. The reason may be: a bountiful harvest, careless berry picking or strong winds.

The plant has large dark green leaves with pink stems. They are pointed towards the edge, and a light coating is noticeable along the edge. In spring, the tree is covered with large white flowers collected in inflorescences. In the fall they grow into large, juicy, dark burgundy berries. Their skin is thin but elastic, and the flesh is dense and sweet.

Since the Shpanka cherry variety originated from one of the types of cherries, it bears fruit in the form of a cluster. Berries appear on annual shoots. Breeders are constantly improving the variety. Now there are trees that can easily tolerate harsh climatic conditions. Shpanka does not grow only in the Far North.

The productivity of the plant increases every year. It reaches a special blossoming and a record number of berries by the age of fifteen.

Plant hardiness

Regardless of the variety of Spanka, it tolerates drought well and is not afraid of a long absence of moisture. There are differences between species. Some plants can survive forty-degree frosts, while others are able to grow and develop only in the southern regions. Shpanka is not afraid of pests and diseases to which other plant varieties are susceptible. To avoid problems, you can treat trees for preventive purposes.

From flowering to harvest

The plant has below average self-fertility, so it is recommended to plant pollinators nearby. Varieties such as Stoykaya or Griot Ukrainian are suitable for this role. Cherries begin to bloom and bear fruit early, but this depends not only on the variety, but also on the climate. In the southern regions, trees become covered with inflorescences and bear fruit at the end of June. In the middle zone, the berries ripen in late July. Harvesting must be done en masse as soon as the fruits reach ripeness, otherwise they will fall off.

Productivity

The first berries begin to appear on young trees 5-7 years after planting. One plant can produce 35-50 kilograms of fruit. Productivity depends on the variety and age of the tree. A plant that has reached 15-18 years old can produce about 60 kilograms of berries per season.

What are cherry fruits used for?

Shpanka is quite sweet, so it is pleasant to eat it fresh. The berries are also suitable for canning. They make preserves, compotes, jams and even homemade wines. Due to the weak skin, cherries cannot be transported over long distances.

When processing, it is necessary to take into account that a large amount of hydrocyanic acid is concentrated in cherry pits. It is recommended to remove them before preparing winter preparations.

Origin and zoning

There is no exact data from two hundred years ago about the breeding of “Shpanka”. There is an opinion that it is of Ukrainian origin - the result of folk selection, which gradually spread to the south of Russia and Moldova. According to other sources, the variety appeared as a result of a natural interspecific crossing of Prunus Cerasus and P. Avium, that is, it is a cherry-cherry hybrid (duc).

Varieties common in certain areas differ from each other in size, color and taste of the fruits

Cherry-cherry hybrids (duki) have been known in world gardening for a long time. The English variety "Maidyuk" ("English Early", "Duke of May") has been cultivated in England since the 17th century. I.V. Michurin developed two cherry-cherry hybrids “Beauty of the North” and “Black Consumer Products”. In the second half of the twentieth century, Soviet breeders created large-fruited cherry varieties (with fruits weighing up to 10-12 g), which were crossed with cherries, which made it possible to increase the size of duki berries (about 6-10 g). In terms of taste, dukis are closer to cherries, but are distinguished by greater sugar content, less acidity, and lack of astringency. They often ripen much earlier than regular cherry varieties. The most popular domestic dukes: “Donetsk Giant”, “Ivanovna”, “Nurse”, “Nadezhda”, “Night”, “Spartan” and “Miracle Cherry”.

Alexander Ivanovich Sychov, the author of a number of varieties, the head of the Belgorod Rostok nursery, talks in more detail about dukes in the following video:

The cherry variety “Shpanka” has been perfectly adapted to the local climate over many centuries of cultivation in the natural conditions of a number of regions of central Russia, the Lower Volga and North Caucasus regions.

In the Central Black Earth Region and other regions there are still old plantings of “cherry-spankies” that have been growing since the late 40s - early 50s of the last century

Some gardeners are sure that all the talk around the numerous (about 10) names of this cherry is nothing more than a desire to appropriate the Ukrainian “Shpanka”, to call it “our” landrace variety. In part, such opinions are confirmed, but on the other hand, this is not entirely true.

Indeed, in certain regions of our country, “their own” varieties of this variety have long been cultivated. For example, “Kursk”, “Shim”, “Dagestan”, “Bessarabian”, “early”, “large-fruited”, “dwarf”, “local”. In addition, there are separate recognized varieties: “Shpanka Donetskaya” and “Shpanka Bryanskaya”.

Variety varieties

There are a large number of varieties of Shpanka, bred through selective breeding. Before making a choice, you need to understand the characteristics. The main attention should be paid to frost resistance and productivity. A description of the Shpanka cherry and its varieties allows you to make the right choice.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The description of the variety includes both positive and negative characteristics. For those who decide to start growing cherries, you need to know exactly what to expect from the plant.

Positive qualities include:

• not afraid of prolonged absence of moisture;
• the berries have a pleasant sweet taste with a slight sourness;
• consistently high productivity;
• resistance to species diseases;
• early ripening of berries;
• long fruiting period, up to 25 years.

Shpanka has a number of minor disadvantages. Trees begin to bear fruit only after 6-7 years. In the case of a rootstock, the harvest can be obtained in 2-3 years. The berries are not suitable for long-term transportation. They must be recycled immediately after removal. The tree is very fragile, and branches can break due to the weight of the fruit, strong winds, or careless picking of berries.

Reviews from gardeners about the Shpanka cherry variety

My sister planted Shpanka cherry trees at her dacha. Now that the tree bears fruit well, she says that it was in vain to bother with Spanka, she needs to be removed. They say that the berries are “second grade”, not red enough, small and sour. But I, on the contrary, am going to plant Shpanka instead of the old cherry and I think that it is very good both for food and for compotes. And it ripens early.

Sergey11

https://chudo-ogorod.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1713

Shpanka cherries are large, juicy and sweet and sour. Advantage: early ripening. Previously, I had the Shpanka large-fruited variety, and now Shpanka Donetskaya. Both varieties are good both fresh and for juices or wine.

Nikolash

https://chudo-ogorod.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1713

Shpanka is an excellent cherry variety. Indeed, it is not as burgundy as most varieties of cherries and even “glows” in the sun. But, despite this, we eat it with pleasure, and preserve it, and make compotes.

Slavuta_M

https://chudo-ogorod.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1713

From experience in growing cherries, I can say that Shpanka, like any budding stone fruit variety, tolerates frost very poorly. If the tree is frozen, the fruits will be small and sour. It is impossible to restore the tree; it is necessary to uproot it and plant a new one.

Valenti65

https://chudo-ogorod.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=1713

Every year Shpanka early is pleased with the harvest, although some may criticize it for its low marketability and weakly colored juice, but when other varieties are poorly pollinated, this one always produces a harvest. Goes very well with strawberry compote.

Andrey Kamenchanin

https://forum.vinograd.info/showthread.php?t=351&page=172

Shpanka is still a flask, “underwhelming”. It is early, there is a lot of it, but it is light and even translucent. Sweet in the sun, sour in the shade. But it is very tender, juicy, and in rainy years it is watery and often rots right on the tree. We make jam from it anyway, but we blend it with black mulberry - for a beautiful color and to give it a special flavor.

Elol

https://sazhaemsad.ru/forum/vishnya-t414.html

Shpanka is the sweetest cherry I've ever eaten!! It is very watery (sometimes the pulp would fall off into your hand, but the bone would remain on the tree), so it’s great to eat in the summer and preserve it in a different variety, although we made jams and juices from it, and it was super!!!

Yanochka

https://podrugi.net.ua/index.php?showtopic=4108

The slender and tall Shpanka cherry tree will delight its owners with juicy berries at the beginning of the hot summer season. A real winter delicacy will be a ruddy pie with cherry jam or aromatic tea with jam the color of the evening dawn.

• Author: Vita Gornaya
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How to plant correctly

In order for a tree to grow strong and healthy, several factors must be taken into account: lighting, saturation of the soil mixture and proximity to other plants. Planting timing and proper care are also of great importance.

Features of choosing planting material

The plant must be chosen to be healthy, without visible damage and with a developed root system. One or two year old seedlings are best suited for planting. In order for the tree to take root well, it must be placed in cold water for several hours. A growth stimulator added to it will strengthen the roots and give them a good start.

How to care for spanka in the garden

Fertilizing, irrigation and crown formation are mandatory measures for garden trees. If necessary, they also provide winter shelter.

Regularity of irrigation

Shpanka cherry can grow for up to a month without watering, without suffering from lack of moisture. But this affects the quality of the berries, which become dry and lose their inherent taste and aroma. The most important periods for watering:

• in spring and after fruiting is completed;
• in mid-May, when Shpanka is covered with flowers;
• in mid-June, when ovaries are forming.

Application rate – 25-30 l or 2-3 buckets. For irrigation, ring grooves are prepared that are wider than the diameter of the crown, since the root system does not grow in depth, but in breadth. Water should penetrate to a depth of 40-50 cm. To ensure that the soil is well saturated, drip irrigation is preferable.

Note: In a cold and rainy spring, problems with pollination may occur. Cherries are sprayed with honey solution, banana peel infusion or sugar syrup at intervals of 2-3 days. This attracts bees, which are more actively involved in the pollination process. .

What and how to feed cherries

The Shpanka seedling has enough nutrients for a year. Then, for growth and subsequent fruiting, it needs feeding. Application sequence:

1. In early spring, nitrogen compounds are applied by sealing the granules dry before rain or followed by watering. This allows for rapid growth and active collection of green mass.
2. During flowering, organic matter is used: an infusion of bird droppings or mullein, a mixture of greens, is added to the tree trunk circle. Comply with breeding standards.
3. In mid-June, complex fertilizing is useful, which enriches the soil with a set of nutrients.
4. After fruiting has finished, superphosphate and potassium nitrate are added to the soil so that the plant gains strength and overwinters well.

Over the summer, it is recommended to fertilize cherries 2-3 more times with any organic mixtures.

Tree trunk care

During the growing season, the cherry tree trunk circle is loosened, freed from weeds, and watered. It needs mulching, for which straw, dry leaves, humus or compost are used.

This helps protect the soil from freezing or overheating, retains moisture, and prevents weeds from growing.

It is advisable to add mulch periodically. Add a layer in the fall before the tree goes dormant.

Cherry crown formation

Pruning is carried out 2 times a year. In the spring, before awakening from hibernation, branches that have suffered from frost or broken under the weight of snow are cut off from the tree. In the fall, sanitary pruning is recommended, and diseased branches are removed during the summer. Shpanka cherry forms a tiered crown, which consists of 12-16 skeletal branches on 3-4 tiers.

As the cherry tree grows, it rejuvenates. Every 6-7 years, old branches are removed in three steps so that the plant does not suffer or weaken. Age-related shoots are classified as skeletal shoots and replacements are prepared for them in advance (2-3 years in advance).

Note: If the pruning procedure has not been carried out and the Shpanka cherry is neglected, then the crown must be renewed in several stages over a long period of time, otherwise the plant will die. No more than 1⁄4 of the green mass is cut at a time.

Protecting cherries from insects and pests

Shpanka cherry suffers from fruit rot, scab, and anthracnose. It is sometimes attacked by pests such as black aphids, cherry flies, and weevils. Preventive measures apply:

• cleaning up fallen leaves;
• autumn digging of soil in the tree trunk circle;
• pruning shoots that thicken the crown;
• treated with “chemistry” or folk remedies.

But there is little information that this variety is susceptible to diseases. Shpanka rarely gets sick and is not often affected by pests.

Cherry care

It is recommended to water cherries abundantly during flowering. If there is insufficient rainfall in the region, then at least 4-5 buckets of water must be poured under the root. It needs to be left out and placed in the sun to warm up.

The tree needs feeding. The best time for this is early spring, when the snow has just melted. Cherries are great for organics. It is recommended to water it with a solution of water and chicken droppings or mullein. This mixture will allow the plant to produce green mass and strengthen it. Before and after flowering, you also need to water the trees with a potassium-phosphorus mixture.

Cherries need to be specially prepared for winter. It is hilled up, watered heavily, and then the soil in the root zone is generously mulched with humus. In winter, trees are threatened by rodents. To prevent them from harming the plant, the trunks must be wrapped with roofing material or covered with spruce branches at ground level. A mesh is also often used for protection. Many gardeners set traps or leave poisonous substances.

In spring and autumn, it is imperative to prune the trees, ridding them of dry, broken or damaged branches.

Landing Features

Young cherry trees are best planted next to a low fence, wall, or border. These structures will protect the still fragile seedlings, and in winter snow accumulates in such places.

Landing dates

In the central and southern regions of the country, autumn planting is recommended (late September - October), about a month before the soil freezes. Warm temperatures in the Moscow region, Kursk region, areas of the Central Black Earth Region, and Belgorod region persist for a long time, and seedlings have time to take root in a new place.

However, in the regions of the middle zone and in the eastern regions of the country (Sverdlovsk and Chelyabinsk regions), seedlings often freeze slightly. Therefore, it is best to plant cherry trees in early spring (April). At this time, the soil has already warmed up sufficiently, but has not dried out; the planted tree has time to take root well before the onset of cold weather.

Place

The root system of the Shpanka cherry variety, which is 1.5–2 times larger than the diameter of the crown, can go deep up to 1.2–1.6 m, so it is very important that underground sources lie at a depth of 1.5 m. Otherwise, the roots cherries may rot.

If groundwater is close to the ground in the area, it is better to plant cherry trees in sunny and elevated places.

Selection of seedlings

Despite the possibility of planting seedlings in spring or autumn, it is recommended to prepare planting material in the fall. In the case of spring planting, seedlings should be buried near the living space in a semi-horizontal position.

It is recommended to purchase one-year or two-year-old seedlings, as they take root much better

Criteria for healthy planting material:

• Seedling height: up to 1 meter.
• Color and quality of bark: light brown color of the seedling with a lighter, dark green zone at the base, clean and smooth bark without damage or signs of fungal diseases.
• Condition of the central shoot and the presence of lateral branches: flexible seedling and 10–15 lateral shoots.
• Root system: diametrically located and well developed; the presence of 3–4 flexible and moist skeletal roots, from each of which 5–6 lateral processes have already grown.

When transporting, you need to wrap the root system of the seedling in a damp cloth and put a plastic bag on top. Immediately before planting, the roots should be dipped into a solution of clay, manure and water (1:1:1, stir until a creamy mass is obtained).

Site preparation

The Shpanka cherry variety takes root best on loose, fertile soils, the acidity of which is close to neutral (their indicators are ordinary field plants: wheatgrass, chamomile, coltsfoot). On compacted and poor soils, the tree's root system will develop poorly, which may affect the viability of the plant.

Pits for spring planting of cherries are prepared in the fall. The excavated soil is mixed with organic (manure or compost at the rate of 8–10 kg per 1 sq. m.) and mineral (150–200 simple superphosphate and 100 g of potassium fertilizer per 1 sq. m.) fertilizers.

Acidic soils (indicator plants: horsetail, sorrel, caustic buttercup, wood sorrel) are limed: on sandy loam soils, 400–500 g of lime per 1 sq. m. is added to the soil. m, and on heavy loamy soils - 600–800 g per 1 sq. m. m. The lime is thoroughly mixed and ground with soil to avoid burning the roots.

Seedlings need additional nutrition, so the following is added to each hole:

• 10–15 kg of aged compost or humus;
• 200 g superphosphate;
• 600 g of potassium sulfate;
• 500 g wood ash.

In the case of autumn planting, holes for cherry trees are dug and filled no later than 2 weeks before the planting process.

Step by step planting process

In one place, cherries can bear fruit abundantly for about 17 years, but if mistakes were made during planting, the tree will produce a poor-quality harvest all its life

1. Holes for cherries are dug to a depth of 50 cm, the diameter of the hole is 100 cm.
2. Between individual holes, 2.5–3 m is usually left, but it should be remembered that the width of the cherry root system will be twice the height of the tree. For row spacing, 3.5–5 m is left - this is exactly how much the tree will need to develop and form a crown.
3. We conveniently place the root system of the seedling across the entire width of the hole.
4. Sprinkle the seedlings with pre-prepared soil.
5. At a distance of 30 cm from the trunk, we form an earthen roller, marking the circle around the trunk and the area for watering the seedling.
6. In the area of ​​the trunk circle, we form a hole into which we pour 20–30 liters of water (before the seedling takes root and the first lateral branches appear, the tree must be watered daily with the same volume of water).
7. Make sure that the root collar of the tree (the place where the light green color of the shoot gives way to the light yellow color of the root system) is at ground level. Add more soil if you notice bare roots and a root collar that is too high.
8. After the first watering, the tree must be mulched with rotted manure or compost (10–15 kg per seedling) in the tree trunk area.
9. After planting, tie the seedling to a peg (peg height 70–100 cm) driven into the ground at a distance of 5–10 cm from the cherry stem.
10. In order for the seedling to take root faster and be stronger, it is necessary to cut it by 1/3.

How to protect a plant from diseases and pests

Shpanka is quite resistant and is not afraid of diseases to which other varieties of cherries are susceptible. But to avoid problems, it is necessary to carry out prevention at the first signs of disease. To do this, you need to remove fallen leaves in the fall and burn them so that the infection does not spread. Damaged or infected shoots are pruned. Before the sap begins to flow in the spring and after the leaves fall in the fall, trees must be treated with fungicides.

Most often, cherries are exposed to several main diseases:

• If dark spots begin to appear on the berries and then spread, it means they are damaged by fruit rot. The fungicide “Topaz” can help against this disease.
• The appearance of yellow spots on the leaves is an indicator of scab. Due to this disease, the berries do not develop and fall green. Spraying with Bordeaux mixture will help get rid of the infection.
• Anthracnose manifests itself as multiple white spots on the fruit that quickly darken. The tree needs to be treated with the fungicide "Poliram".
• If the leaves curl and begin to fall off, then the plant has been infected by black aphids. It is urgently necessary to treat it with Fitoverm.
• Holes in the fruit and damage to the pulp indicate the presence of cherry flies. “Kemifos” will help against this pest.
• Damaged buds, flowers and leaves are the work of the weevil. The beetle must be shaken off the branches and collected, and the tree must be sprayed with Fufanon.

Plants must be regularly inspected for diseases and pests in order to take adequate measures in time. Reviews from experienced gardeners indicate that preventive spraying allows you to avoid problems and preserve the harvest.

Pros and cons: is it worth planting on the site?

Before planting Shpanka cherries, you should carefully weigh the positive and negative aspects that the berry crop has.

Pros:

• high winter hardiness of cherries (withstands up to – 40C);
• cherry resistance to drought;
• rare diseases and pest damage;
• early ripening;
• long fruiting;
• The berries are dense in consistency and have good taste.

Minuses:

• the tree is large, which complicates fruit collection and preventive treatment;
• the berries have poor shelf life and low transportability;
• other cherry varieties are needed for pollination;
• fragility of branches from winds and under the weight of berries;
• is not a fast-growing variety.

Note: Due to early flowering, the harvest is lost during return frosts. Shpanka blooms in May, and begins to bear fruit in June - early July. Ripe berries fall quickly, so you should harvest quickly, in several stages.

Benefits and harms of fruits

Not every cherry can be called healing, but Shpanka is distinguished by these qualities. It contains a large number of useful vitamins and microelements. Shpanka serves for rejuvenation, due to its property of improving blood circulation and strengthening capillaries.

It is recommended to include cherries in the diet during exacerbation of bronchitis and problems with the cardiovascular system. The berries have low calorie content, so they are suitable for diets. The only contraindication for consuming cherries is personal intolerance or the presence of diathesis in a child. The benefits and harms of this product are incommensurable. It is highly fortified, tasty and differs in healing properties from representatives of a similar species.

It is not recommended to cook compotes and jam with seeds. They must be cleaned and thrown away so as not to harm the heart.

Spanka can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. It should be dry. Washed berries spoil much faster. Shpanka can be dried and frozen for the winter. It makes excellent compotes and jams. Berries can only be thawed before use. It is suitable for desserts, baking and fresh consumption.

Taste and application

Shpanka cherry variety has a pleasant sweet and sour taste. The fruits contain a fairly high level of sugars - about 11%, which is a high indicator for cherries growing in the Central region.

The pulp is juicy, soft, non-fibrous, and much lighter than the skin. The stone is medium in size and in ripe fruits is easily separated from the pulp. Cherries are rich in vitamin C, folic acid, fiber and B vitamins. The highest content of nutrients is found in fresh drupes, so they are recommended to be eaten immediately after harvest.

Shpanka does not tolerate transportation well - the fruits become wrinkled and quickly release juice. Because of this, it is rarely used for export in commercial orchards.

Cherries can be frozen, thanks to which they will be well preserved all winter without losing their beneficial properties. You can also make preparations (jams, jams, compotes) and wine from them.

Reviews

Alexander, Novgorod region Shpanka shimskaya has been growing on our site for a long time. Cherry is resistant to frost, grows and bears fruit better on loamy soils. The fruits are large, red, beautiful in appearance, with good taste. What is also important is that the variety is early ripening, the berries ripen in early July.

Alena, Smolensk Usually there is a lot of Spanka, it is early, light, it tastes sour to us, especially if it grows in the shade, in rainy weather it can be watery, and rots on the tree. You can’t eat a lot of it, but it’s just right for preparations; I make compotes and jam from it.

Evgeniy, Kursk I like Shpanka for its unpretentiousness and resistance to disease. We had to wait quite a long time for the first harvest - 6 years, but it bears fruit every year, the berries ripen very early - already at the end of June.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of the variety are: large fruits with a pleasant harmonious taste, high yield, heat resistance and drought resistance. In addition, there is relative resistance to damage by coccomycosis, clasterosporiasis and moniliosis; sufficient frost resistance in temperate climates.

The disadvantages are:

• dependence of most varieties on other pollinating varieties;
• late precociousness;
• tallness;
• average winter hardiness under unfavorable climatic conditions - frequent changes of rainy and dry periods, etc.

The tree grows very tall and takes up a lot of space in the garden.

For example, in the natural conditions of the Saratov region, “Shpanka Kurskaya” is characterized by reduced winter hardiness; during tests it demonstrated freezing of buds, wood, branches, trunks, and severe bark burns. The plant is often affected by fungal diseases, which actively develop in areas with a humid climate and high rainfall: the Black Sea coast of the North Caucasus, the Lower Volga region and all horticultural zones of the European part of the country.

Description of the best varieties of dwarf cherries, planting and care, disease control

The insufficient territory of a personal plot forces gardeners to more carefully plan plantings and choose garden crops.
If space is limited, experts advise paying attention to varieties of dwarf cherries. Despite its small size, such a tree can surprise you with its yield, but to do this you need to know about the peculiarities of its cultivation.

Features of dwarf cherry

Dwarf cherry grows from 1 to 1.5 meters in height. Thin spreading branches give it the appearance of a bush. The leaves are small in size and shape; they grow no more than 5 cm and have a pointed end. The flowering period of dwarf cherries lasts from 2 to 3 weeks and, unlike traditional varieties, is accompanied by a rich aroma.

The berries of the dwarf tree can be from light to dark red, some varieties become almost black when ripe.

The diameter of the fruit is on average 1 cm, and the average weight is no more than 5 g. A distinctive feature of low-growing trees is the early period of yield and its high yield.

They can reach 10-12 kg, which is ensured by the density of the berries on the branches.

Growing principle

The tree should be planted in a well-lit place, since cherries require sufficient light. It is recommended to choose the south side of the garden; the elevation of the area is not an obstacle. Low-growing trees do not respond well to even slight shade, so despite their short stature, they should not be planted under large trees.

It is undesirable to be near coniferous trees near cherries; they are carriers of infections dangerous to them.

To avoid disappointment, the plant should be purchased from specialized nurseries. The following rules should be followed:

• choose a one- or two-year-old plant for planting, as they are acclimatized and have a sufficient degree of hardiness;
• carefully examine the roots, removing dry shoots;
• before planting, perform the soaking procedure for 10 hours in water or in a growth-stimulating solution;
• Planting should be carried out in previously prepared soil; enrichment with manure and fertilizers should be carried out in the fall.

Sandy loam soil is considered ideal for growing low-growing species, since it is characterized by sufficient looseness and easily allows air and water to pass through. The depth of the dug hole should be equal to 1⁄2 the height of the seedling. After planting, the soil needs to be moistened with 2 buckets of warm water.

Care

Caring for dwarf cherries is standard and does not require much time or effort.

For successful cultivation, it is important to control watering and trim branches in a timely manner.

Moisturizing is carried out as needed, increasing it during the dry season and at the time of ripening of the berries. During prolonged rains, loosening the soil is required.

This will allow excess moisture to drain away in a timely manner and eliminate the risk of water stagnation.

Before flowering begins, a tree inspection is required. If there are frozen, dried shoots, you need to remove them using pruners. Pruning is carried out in early spring before the sap begins to flow. Such actions help to enhance the growth of shoots and make it possible for the tree to grow stronger during flowering. Autumn removal of branches is carried out only when absolutely necessary.

For better fruiting, it is recommended to periodically fertilize with fertilizers. The first is carried out before flowering begins after bud formation. After the flowers bloom, it is permissible to add organic matter. In the autumn, after harvesting, mineral fertilizers in the form of potassium, phosphorus and calcium are added to the soil.

How to harvest and store it?

The harvest must be harvested as it ripens, because it very quickly begins to rot and fall off the tree, which will attract pests to the site. The fruits are collected in the morning, when the dew has disappeared.

To collect berries, prepare wicker baskets that can be covered with paper. The berries are picked from the branch along with the stalk and carefully placed in baskets so that the cherries are not damaged.

Without the stem, cherries have a shelf life of only 48 hours. The fruits can be preserved for 3 weeks if placed in a dark room at a temperature of +3°C to +7°C - this could be a basement or a refrigerator.

general description

Shpanka is a vigorous tree, reaching a height of 6 m. The crown is spherical, the branches are located almost at right angles to the trunk. This arrangement explains the fragility of the branches, which sometimes break under the weight of the berries.

Duke's leaves are medium-sized , elongated, pointed at the end, with pinnate venation. The color changes from light green to deep emerald. The leaves have a pink petiole.

The edge of the leaf is serrated. Shpanki cherry flowers are white, five-petaled, collected in brushes of 2-3 pieces.

Attention! Shpanka is partially self-fertile, that is, without additional pollinators, the tree will produce only 10% of the possible harvest.

In order for all flowers to be pollinated, it is necessary to plant pollinating varieties nearby.

Varieties of pollinating varieties for Duke:

• Persistent;
• Lyubskaya;
• Chocolate girl;
• Brunette;
• Dawn of Tataria;
• Fiery;
• Juno.

Shpanka fruits are large and beautiful, round in shape, slightly flattened, dark burgundy in color, 1 cm in diameter. They grow in clusters, like cherries. The average weight of each berry reaches 5 g. The pulp is yellow and the juice is light pink.

The fruits have a pleasant sweet taste with barely noticeable sourness. In ripe berries, the stone is easily separated from the pulp. Jams, compotes and jams are prepared from the fruits ; they can also be dried and frozen.

Ripe fruits do not last long when fresh, no more than a week in the refrigerator. In this case, the berries are collected together with the stalks so as not to be damaged. If juice is released during collection, the shelf life will be even shorter. The fruits are not transportable.

Important! Shpanka cherries contain vitamins B, A, PP, K, amino acids, antioxidants, fiber and microelements (calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, copper, iodine, zinc). The calorie content of the fruit is 52 kcal per 100 g.

conclusions

1. Shpanka cherry is an interesting selection, a high-yielding crop. Easy care. Growing Nochka cherries is also easy to care for.
2. The variety grows well in the Central regions; shelter for the winter is a must, despite its high frost resistance.
3. Basic crop care includes watering, fertilizing, soil mulching, and forming cuttings.
4. Be sure to carry out preparatory work before winter.
5. Fruiting occurs 6-7 years after planting. Self-fertility is very low.
6. For better rooting, use young seedlings, do not forget about fertilizing.

Buy Fungicide METAXIL, SP

Reliable fungicide against downy mildew fungi.

• Double action – contact and systemic;
• protection from infection by pathogens from the outside and inside;
• long-term preventive and curative effect.

Two-component fungicide for controlling diseases of potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, grapes and onions.

Purpose

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Combined contact and systemic fungicide to protect crops from a range of diseases.

Mechanism of action

Metalaxyl - within 0.5 - 1 hour after treatment, penetrates the plant through leaves and stems, moves acropetally, is able to cure the plant in case of early infection and protects it in the future.

Mancozeb - enhances the effect by creating a protective layer on the surface of the leaf.

Metaxil provides crop protection from peronospora fungi for 10–14 days from the date of treatment, depending on the infectious background and weather conditions.

Metaxyl is used for spraying plants during the growing season. The first treatment is preventive, subsequent treatments are done at intervals of 10–14 days. You need to spray young, actively growing plants, as the drug moves faster on them.

The maximum frequency of treatments is 3.

The waiting period for open ground cucumbers and tomatoes is 10 days, for grapes, potatoes and onions – 20 days.

Compatibility

Metaxyl is compatible in tank mixtures with neutral or acidic pesticides. Before use, it is necessary to check the mixture for compatibility and phytotoxicity in relation to the treated crop.

Attention!

Open the sealed packaging in which the water-soluble bags are placed, immediately before placing it in the sprayer tank! Do not allow water-soluble bags to get wet! It is not recommended to prepare the working solution through a pre-dissolution tank (mixing tank).

On potatoes - 400 l/ha, open ground cucumbers - 400 - 600, open ground tomatoes - 300 - 500, vineyards - 800 - 1000, onions - 600 - 800 l/ha.

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Useful qualities of cherries

Cherries have a list of beneficial properties that are unique in their combination: good for anemia; relieve pressure; strengthen ships; stimulate the functioning of the kidneys and liver; digestive; contain vitamins that promote the growth and development of the child’s body - vitamins B and C, PP and provitamin A, as well as a whole complex of minerals - iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium.

Dark varieties contain antioxidants and melatonin, giving these sweet berries even more beneficial properties:

Help with joint diseases such as rheumatism or arthritis, and muscle pain associated with sports injuries; has a calming effect on the nervous system and allows you to cope with irritability, headaches and insomnia (melatonin is responsible for sleep patterns).