Description of the steppe cherry variety Zhelannaya
Cherry Zhelannaya grows in bush form. The crown forms a rounded, wide, raised crown. An adult tree has numerous branches, and the density of the bush is average. The bark is smooth brown with a gray coating, the lentils are small grayish-white. Internodes are short. The buds are shaped like a cone.
Cherries of the Zhelannaya variety are distinguished by their scarlet color and the same size of fruits
The leaves of the variety are smooth and light green in color. The size of the leaf plate is medium, the shape is elongated with a pointed top. The flowers are pink, about 20-25 cm in diameter, white, collected in inflorescences of 2-6 pieces. The buds are light pink.
Zhelannaya cherry is widely zoned and is suitable, among other things, for growing in the Western Siberian region.
Height and dimensions of an adult tree
The mature crop forms a medium-sized bush. It reaches a height of 1.7 m, the density of the crown is low. The thickness of the shoots is average; after regrowth they sag. According to the photo, description and reviews, the Zhelannaya cherry forms a small amount of basal shoots.
Description of fruits
The fruits of the Desired cherry are one-dimensional, weighing 3.5-4 g. They are round in shape with a slight flatness. The stone weighs about 0.16 g and is easily separated from the pulp. The skin is scarlet or red of medium thickness and density.
The fruits contain:
- 13.0-16.0% dry soluble substances;
- up to 10.6% sugars;
- up to 1.4% acids;
- up to 20.0 mg vitamin C;
- 150.0-165.0 mg P-active substances;
- 0.26% tannins.
Cherry Zhelannaya has a pleasant sweet and sour taste. The pulp is pink-red juicy. The purpose of the variety is universal.
Tasting evaluation of fruits:
- 4.5 points fresh,
- 4.1 points in the form of jam;
- 4.3 points in compote.
The berries are well attached to the stalk, so they are little susceptible to shedding when ripe.
Pollinators of the Zhelannaya cherry
Cherry Zhelennaya is partially self-fertile. To increase productivity, it needs pollinating trees or shrubs.
The best cherry varieties for pollination:
- Altai Swallow;
- Selivertovskaya;
- Subbotinskaya;
- Maksimovskaya.
It is best to plant trees in groups of 3-5 pieces. The Zhelannaya cherry variety has a medium-late flowering period, which occurs at the end of spring - beginning of summer.
Criteria
Whether you will be able to grow an abundantly fruiting tree with juicy and tasty fruits in your garden or whether your efforts will be in vain depends mainly on which varieties of this crop are chosen. The criteria for selection, depending on the region, are the following factors: winter hardiness, early fruiting, resistance to drought or disease, timing of flowering and ripening, need for light, etc.
In the Russian climate, the best varieties of cherries are those that can withstand cold and are self-fertile. This criterion is explained by the fact that even under unfavorable weather conditions, when bees do not fly, normal pollination of flowers must still occur.
If cherry varieties are initially highly resistant to the most common diseases in a given region, then caring for them is greatly facilitated, and fruit loss is minimized. As for yield, each adult tree should produce at least seven kilograms of berries per season.
Main characteristics
Zhelannaya steppe cherry is a fruit crop with a medium-early ripening period. It is attractive for cultivation due to its high yield and good taste of the fruit.
Drought resistance, frost resistance
Cherry variety Zhelannaya was bred specifically for cultivation in the climate of Siberia and is one of the most winter-hardy species. Withstands frosts down to -25°C. In more severe winters, the tops of annual shoots and flower buds may freeze.
The crop has good resistance to damping off of branches and root collars under snow cover. Therefore, it is recommended to bend the branches and cover them with snow. Cherry Zhelannaya is also highly drought-resistant.
Productivity
The yield of the variety is high, given the compactness of the bush. The average declared volume is 6.7 kg per bush. Under favorable growing conditions, the maximum amount of cherries can reach up to 12 kg per plant. The productivity of the crop is long-lasting; active fruiting occurs over several decades.
Cherries of the Zhelannaya variety are well attached to the stalk
The variety's early fruitfulness is average. The first harvest is obtained in the third year after planting. The period of flowering and fruiting is mid-late. Shoot growth ends in early July, fruits ripen in mid-summer.
Important! The berries of the Zhelannaya variety are more concentrated on annual growths and short fruit formations.
To increase productivity, bushes are planted in groups, including using other varieties. At the same time, it is not recommended to thicken the plantings so that each shrub has a sufficient feeding area.
The fruits of the Zhelannaya cherry are suitable for both fresh consumption and various preparations. The berries have average suitability for transportation. Fresh fruits can be stored at room conditions for one week, in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
Advantages and disadvantages
Cherry Zhelannaya has long-term productivity and is suitable for growing in various climatic zones. According to reviews of the Zhelannaya steppe cherry, it is distinguished by large fruits and small seeds.
Other advantages of the variety:
- productivity;
- pleasant taste of fruits;
- universal purpose;
- relative frost resistance;
- drought resistance;
- partial self-fertility.
Disadvantages include the variety's instability to a fungal disease - coccomycosis. And also low transportability due to the thin skin and juiciness of the berries. The fruits of bush cherries are smaller than those of tree cherries, and their taste has a significant sourness.
Agricultural technology
Caring for this cherry will not burden the gardener. The agricultural technology used is standard for bushy crops. But the place for planting must certainly be sunny; in the shade the variety almost does not bear fruit. If the winter is very cold and snowless, insulation will be required.
Zhelennaya is an excellent variety for unfavorable regions such as the Urals and Siberia. Resistance to damping off is especially valued in snowy areas. The small size of the tree simplifies care and makes harvesting easier. The crop is distinguished by a long period of productivity, good yield and taste. Our heroine can be grown not only in the garden, but also used for landscape design or as a hedge. A big disadvantage is poor resistance to coccomycosis.
Landing rules
To plant steppe cherries of the Zhelannaya variety, a sufficient area of fertile land is required. It is best to plant bushes in high places without stagnant melt and rain water. The acidity of the soil should be close to neutral.
Recommended timing
Spring or autumn is suitable for planting. Spring planting is preferable immediately after the snow melts. In this case, the landing pit must be prepared in advance.
Site selection and soil preparation
Plants are planted in a place protected from cold winds. The distance between bushes is maintained at about 3 m. The soil at the growing site should be permeable and light. To do this, depleted and heavy soils are improved in a separate planting hole or trench.
How to plant correctly
It is recommended to lower the seedling into the planting hole on a constructed earthen roll and sprinkle it with a fertile layer of soil. The root collar is not buried, leaving 3-5 cm above the general soil level. After planting, the soil is compacted along the tree trunk and watered abundantly.
Reviews from gardeners
Irina Artemovna, 63 years old, Leningrad region.
Unfavorable climatic conditions in the region force the selection of resistant varieties of fruit and vegetable crops. My husband and I planted the “Desired” cherry in 2003. Fruiting is abundant year after year. We collect an average of 5-6 kilograms of fruit from one plant. In spring and autumn, we treat the crown with a solution based on copper sulfate, and also whiten the trunk with lime to protect it from attacks by rodents and other pests.
Oksana Romanovna, 40 years old, Moscow region.
I planted the “Zhelannaya” cherry on my summer cottage in 2010. I bought a seedling quite by accident when my friend invited me to visit a garden fair. Cherry fruiting is abundant. The appearance and taste of the berries are amazing. I use the fruits for processing into juice and fresh consumption. I am 80% satisfied with the variety.
Rules for growing steppe cherries Zhelannaya
For favorable cultivation of crops, weeding and shallow loosening of the soil are necessary.
Proper pruning of cherries increases the yield
The agricultural technology of the crop also includes periodic watering, fertilizing and thinning pruning of shoots.
Watering and fertilizing schedule
For additional watering of cherry bushes, the drip method is most suitable, as fungal infections are less likely to occur. Depending on environmental conditions, up to four additional heavy waterings may be required. Particularly important periods are flowering and the beginning of fruiting.
Advice! Watering cherries is stopped a month before harvest.
After planting in a well-filled hole, the next fertilizing is applied in the year of the first fruiting. Fertilizers are used at the rate of: 100 g of superphosphate and 1-2 kg of ash per bush. The components are applied along its perimeter at the end of summer after picking the berries. Compost is added in early spring or late autumn. Once every 5-6 years, the soil under the bushes is deoxidized with dolomite flour.
Trimming
Pruning is carried out in April along dormant buds. It consists of forming a crown and removing damaged shoots. Thickening branches are also cut out so that all fruits have enough light. An indicator of the correct development of the crop is the annual growth of shoots of 30-40 cm. Excessive, as well as insignificant, growth of branches has a bad effect on the yield and winter hardiness of the crop.
Preparing for winter
The bush-shaped shoots of the Zhelannaya cherry are flexible, which allows them to be freely bent and covered in preparation for the winter period. Unprotected branches, like fruit buds, can be significantly damaged in harsh winters.
Types of Harvest
Important: after picking, cherries do not ripen, so you need to pick ripe berries.
Small farms and summer residents use the manual harvesting method:
- Cut off with part of the stalk.
- Plucked from the cuttings.
- They are picked without cuttings (milking).
Important! Harvesting with cuttings is done to preserve the berries for a longer period of time. Zhelannaya cherries are picked without cuttings if the berries are intended for canning or consumption within 2 days. If processing requires more time, it is not advisable to use this method.
Every summer resident or homeowner is waiting for the moment when the long-awaited cherry, after all the work and hassle, hits the table or is sold.
Desired cherry harvest
Diseases and pests
Cherry Zhelannaya is susceptible to fungal diseases that can significantly damage the crop. The variety is especially unstable to coccomycosis. To prevent the occurrence of infections, spraying with Bordeaux mixture, as well as with the preparations “Horus” and “Skor” is used.
Advice! It is recommended to carry out several antifungal treatments: before bud break, before and after flowering.
Spraying with insecticides against pests is used together.
