Cherry plum is considered a representative of the plum. It is in demand among gardeners because it has a compact size, rich color and sweetish flesh. Self-fertile tree varieties are considered the best because their yield will not depend on the weather and pollinators.
The fruits can be eaten just like that, or used for making desserts. Trees can be found not only in Central Asia and the Caucasus, but also in the Moscow region. The culture is considered undemanding. However, you need to know some of the nuances associated with transplantation and care.
Cherry plum Kuban comet
Cherry plum for the Moscow region (the best self-fertile varieties are presented in the article for informational purposes) of the Kuban Comet variety is considered one of the best varieties of tree. It has spectacular flowering and lush trees, and the berries are juicy and smell nice.
Characteristic
The tree has a small stature and a flat-round crown. The bark is smooth and gray, and the shoots are short. Each flower bud has 2 flowers. Winter hardiness is at an average level. Flower buds can tolerate deep frosts. The variety is resistant to drought and has immunity to diseases.
The yield is quite high; every year the plant can produce from 10 to 50 kg. Berry picking is carried out from July to early August. Self-fertility in cherry plum is partial, so the presence of pollinators is necessary. The variety begins to bloom at the end of April.
Features of planting and care
Cherry plum can be propagated using various methods.
The grafted cherry plum should be propagated:
- green cuttings;
- lignified cuttings;
- vaccination.
Self-rooted cherry plum has a bushy, multi-standard form.
This will allow you to obtain seedlings:
- root shoots;
- root cuttings;
- layering.
The best time for planting is considered to be early spring, until the sap begins to flow. The seedlings must be at rest and at the same time be ready to awaken. If they have a closed root system, the time of planting is not critical.
It will be possible to plant cherry plum from April to October.
It is necessary to irrigate the tree during the growing season once every 30 days, and fertilizing should be carried out from the 3rd year after planting the plant in the soil layer. Cherry plum needs regular pruning, especially formative and regulating. To protect the plant from frostbite in winter, it is recommended to completely cover the seedlings.
Since the variety is considered partially self-fertile, it needs to be sprinkled with a honey-based solution to attract insects. To do this, you will need to dissolve 25 g of honey in 1 liter of liquid. If it is not possible to plant several varieties of cherry plum in the garden, it is permissible to graft a branch of the desired pollinator onto the variety. Additionally, the area around the trunk will need to be kept clean and constantly loosened.
Vulnerability to diseases and pests
If you thin out the crown in a timely manner, properly care for the tree and carry out preventive measures, the cherry plum will be inaccessible to diseases and pests.
The crop can suffer from the following diseases:
- brown spotting;
- gum flow;
- rust;
- gray rot.
To treat the plant, you can use Bordeaux mixture, copper oxychloride or copper sulfate.
The following insects can be pests for cherry plums:
- fruit sapwood;
- codling moth;
- downy silkworm.
To control pests, you should use insecticidal compounds such as Aktara and Confidor.
Care
In order for the fruit plant to be healthy and produce large yields annually, the following care recommendations must be followed:
Protection from diseases and pests
With the beginning of spring, it is advisable to spray the tree for preventive purposes against possible diseases and pests. At the end of autumn, this procedure is repeated again. During the spring-summer period, the root zone is kept clean - dry leaves, fallen flowers after flowering, and broken branches are removed.
Top dressing
Regular fertilization helps:
- vegetative growth;
- abundant flowering;
- fruiting.
In mid-spring, nitrogen fertilizer is added to the soil around the tree. It helps young seedlings to take root better, and provides adult plants with the necessary elements for growth. They can also be fed with potassium and phosphorus.
Experts recommend spraying the cherry plum with urea before budding - it will enrich the branches and foliage with useful substances, and at the same time protect against diseases and pests.
Watering
The varieties zoned for the Moscow region are resistant to dry weather, but for seedlings or young trees it is better to maintain regular watering . In the first days of June, immediately after flowering, watering will help fruit set.
In July, when the fruits gain weight and ripeness, watering is necessary to ensure an abundant harvest of juicy fruits. In order for the fruits to have the strength to ripen and grow in August, good watering is also required. Experienced gardeners, after harvesting at the end of September, water the cherry plum again - the last time, to restore the tree’s strength.
Trimming
Pruning provides better plant immunity and healthy, larger yields. This operation helps shape the tree's crown , removing the "excessive" density of branches that grow inward, blocking the penetration of sunlight. Seedlings are pruned the next year after planting, in the spring. Leave no more than 9-15 forming branches.
Proper and timely pruning ensures the best formation of young buds. It should be done in early spring before the buds open. For large branches, the cut is carefully lubricated with garden varnish. This guarantees quick recovery as well as protection against disease.
Additional information about care in the video:
Cherry plum Mara
Cherry plum for the Moscow region (the best self-fertile varieties will tell gardeners where it is advisable to plant the tree) of the “Mara” variety can produce a lot of fruit. The plant is resistant to many insects and diseases and does not require special care.
Characteristic
The variety has a round crown and grows actively. The stems are brown and slightly curved. The foliage is elliptical with sharp ends. The fruits weigh 23 g. The taste is sweet and sour and juicy, the color is bright yellow. The crop bears fruit in September.
Since the fruits do not last long, they should be consumed fresh. The planted seedling will begin to bear fruit after 6 years. 1 hectare of area can produce about 35 tons of crop.
Features of planting and care
Cherry plum requires a lot of daylight, because if there is not enough of it, the fruits will become sour and the harvest will be small. The culture is able to withstand light frosts. Severe cold weather can cause significant damage to the tree.
Therefore, it must be planted between 2 buildings, for example, between a fence and a barn. On the north side, the plant should be covered with a wall, as it will help protect it from the wind.
The cherry plum is badly affected by stagnant water. It is recommended to drain or raise the planting area. Stagnation of liquid can weaken the crop and lead to its death. In order for cherry plum to grow well, it should be planted in a loamy soil layer or sandy loam soil mixture. In heavy soil cover, you need to make a deep hole, making the acidity neutral.
Caring for a plant involves performing the following activities:
- In the first 12 months, it is necessary to remove the ovaries, as this will help the tree adapt better. After a year, you will need to remove half the flowers. Selective pruning will allow the remaining fruit to become sweeter and larger.
- Cherry plum loves moisture very much, so it should be irrigated in the morning and evening. To water a tree you need 1 bucket of liquid. It is necessary to moisten the soil layer during the formation of ovaries and ripening of fruits.
- A crop sometimes develops root shoots that need to be gotten rid of. If it is not removed immediately, the tree will direct nutrients to it, and the harvest will be weak.
- To protect the cherry plum from frost, it is necessary to mulch the soil layer with horse humus. It is placed in a circle around the barrel and the stamp is wrapped with protective material.
Vulnerability to diseases and pests
The Mara variety is very resistant to fungal viruses and pests, but some problems can affect it.
Such diseases include:
- gommosis (the deformed part is cleaned and treated with copper sulfate, and then garden varnish is applied);
- milky sheen (during the treatment process, the affected branch must be completely cut off);
- moniliosis (branches that have been damaged are cut off);
- polystigmosis (it is recommended to use fungicides for control).
The Mara cherry plum can be affected by the following insect pests:
- plum moth;
- plum sawfly;
- thick-legged
As a preventive measure and control, the plant should be treated with insecticides before the formation of ovaries.
Frost-resistant
Most varieties require winter shelter, but there are frost-resistant crops that can easily tolerate even low or unstable temperatures.
Timiryazevskaya
An early ripening hybrid characterized by productivity. Withstands temperatures up to 35 degrees.
Vladimir comet
Even 35-degree frosts will not harm the tree, which, with stable warmth, begins to bloom profusely. The yield is excellent - up to 50 kg per adult plant.
Rocket Seedling
Despite withstanding low temperatures, the variety is afraid of diseases. You will have to use drugs to protect against viruses and infections.
Gift to St. Petersburg
The endurance of the Gift to St. Petersburg allows you not to worry about freezing or diseases. The variety thrives in the unstable conditions of the Moscow region and does not require shelter.
See also
Description and characteristics of the Red Ball plum variety, planting and careRead
Ruby
Cherry plum with bright red berries that look great in preserves and desserts. The fruits are sweet, without sourness.
Cherry plum Traveler
It is characterized by rapid fruit ripening and low maintenance requirements. Since the tree ripens early, it is permissible to collect the fruits in the middle of the summer season.
Characteristic
The trees grow quickly and can reach 3 m in length. Large inflorescences are formed in pairs, and flowering occurs in mid-April. The fruits reach up to 28 g and have a round shape with a seam on the side. The skin is compacted and difficult to peel away from the orange flesh with fine fibers.
Cherry plum Traveler has high frost resistance, good immunity to disease and is not demanding on irrigation. The tree is capable of producing a large harvest, which is an advantage of the variety.
Features of planting and care
Cherry plum loves illuminated places that are protected from the winds. The tree prefers fertile soil mixtures with carrying capacity. Seedlings must be purchased at one year of age, which were bred by root shoots or cuttings.
The “Traveler” variety is considered partially self-fertile. To get a high yield, other cherry plum trees should be planted in the garden. Regular irrigation, disease prevention, and fertilizing will help provide the tree with a strong immune system.
Vulnerability to diseases and pests
Cherry plum Traveler is a very resistant variety to viral diseases. To increase resistance, it is recommended to carry out preventive measures.
The following parasites can attack a tree:
- brown fruit mite;
- plum moth;
- aphid.
To combat parasites, the plant should be treated with colloidal sulfur, Karbofos or Bordeaux mixture. Since chemicals pose a threat to insects and humans, treatment must be stopped 20 days before the start of harvest.
Self-fertile varieties
Cherry plum
Most garden trees require pollinators for high yields, and cherry plum is no exception. However, there are some varieties that do not require pollinators.
Traveler
Traveler
Traveler An early variety, a descendant of the Chinese plum. It has an average height and early fruiting period (2-3 years). It has high frost resistance (but the fruits fall off when frozen) and disease resistance.
The fruits are round in shape. The skin is yellow with a large purple blush. The pulp is orange, moderately juicy. The taste has banana notes.
The plant needs regular watering.
Monomakh
Monomakh
Monomakh An early ripening frost-resistant tree of low stature. The crown is spherical and dense. The foliage is average.
The fruits are medium-sized with thick purple skin. The pulp is dense, the bone is easily separated from it. Ripening occurs at the end of July/beginning of August. The variety is characterized by stable yields even from old trees.
Kuban comet
Kuban comet
Kuban Comet A variety obtained by crossing Pioneer and early-fruiting plum. It has increased winter hardiness and average ripening time. The crown is sparse and wide.
The fruits are ovoid, covered with a waxy coating. The color of the skin is burgundy, the flesh is rich yellow. The pulp is juicy and tasty with an apricot flavor. The bone is difficult to separate.
The plant requires regular and abundant watering.
Cherry plum Cleopatra
The best self-fertile cherry plum variety for the Moscow region is the Cleopatra variety, which has good taste and a late ripening period.
Characteristic
A tree of medium length produces fruits weighing up to 40 g. The color of the cherry plum is reddish-lilac with a slight waxy coating. The variety is considered frost-resistant and can withstand temperature drops down to -40 ℃. In the first season, the tree produces from 25 to 40 kg of harvest. It can be stored for about 45 days.
Features of planting and care
The variety is planted in the autumn and spring seasons. The cherry plum will bear fruit on sandy soil and black soil. To plant a tree, you will need to take a seedling up to 2 years old in a container. Afterwards it is necessary to immediately plant it in a pre-prepared place. Before purchasing, you need to inspect the material for damage to the bark and root system.
Caring for the plant mainly consists of loosening the soil mixture and removing weeds. Every spring it is necessary to trim the shoots so that the crown does not thicken.
Vulnerability to diseases and pests
Cherry plum Cleopatra is resistant to diseases and parasites. Hole spot, which can affect foliage, has never been detected in the crop. Aphids and codling moths appear quite rarely, especially if the care is high-quality and correct.
Winter-hardy cherry plum, or Russian plum
Winter-hardy forms of cherry plum with a variety of fruit colors - red, pink, burgundy, yellow, etc. - were isolated.
A wide range of cherry plum forms has been obtained by ripening time: from early (ripen simultaneously with late cherry varieties) to late (ripen simultaneously with late plum varieties).
Under the skillful hand of breeders, selected forms of cherry plum became varieties. Now these varieties are ready to become the decoration of any garden and the pride of every owner. Moreover, growing a cherry plum is no more difficult than an apple tree.
Particular attention should be paid to the fact that the vast majority of cherry plum varieties are self-sterile: for normal pollination and harvesting, it is necessary to have at least two different varieties of cherry plum. Plums or thorns are not suitable for pollinating cherry plums!
Cherry plum Pearl
The variety is characterized by a universal culinary purpose, so it is often planted in open areas.
Characteristic
The fruits weigh up to 30 g and have an oblong ovoid shape. The flesh is reddish, compacted, the skin is reddish-lilac, and the bone comes off freely. The variety is suitable for fresh consumption and canning.
Features of planting and care
Type of soil layer on which a varietal seedling can be cultivated:
- soddy-podzolic;
- light loam;
- loam;
- black soil
When purchasing seedlings, it is necessary to inspect them for defects in roots, bark or shoots. The roots should be about 25 cm.
The hole should be up to 50 cm deep and the same in diameter. Spring or autumn is considered a good time for planting. After planting, the tree must be irrigated and the soil around the plant must be mulched.
Vulnerability to diseases and pests
Cherry plum Zhemchuzhina has good immunity to moniliosis, powdery mildew and bud mite, but there is a risk of infection with clasterosporiasis. Therefore, the tree must be constantly inspected and treated with fungicides.
Where did the “Moscow region” cherry plum come from?
Cherry plum grows wild in the Caucasus, the Balkans, Western and Central Asia. For a long time, the best forms of cherry plum have been actively cultivated in Transcaucasia, Central Asia, the North Caucasus, Iran, Turkey, and Afghanistan.
Currently, there are three groups of cherry plum varieties:
- typical cherry plum - wild forms of the Caucasus, Balkans and Asia Minor;
— eastern cherry plum – wild forms of cherry plum from Iran and Afghanistan;
— large-fruited cherry plum – this group includes local varieties of cherry plum and hybrid large-fruited forms obtained through centuries of selection.
For the widespread southern varieties of cherry plum, a significant drawback was their low winter hardiness. This feature did not allow the advancement of this culture to the north. But then the problem was resolved. The winter hardiness of cherry plum was increased by its “distant relative” - Chinese plum.
It is known that the wood of the Ussuri plum (a variety of Chinese plum) can withstand frosts down to -45...-50 0C. Crossings of cherry plum and Chinese plum made it possible to obtain interesting winter-hardy forms of cherry plum with high marketable fruit quality.
Some scientists attribute the resulting forms of cherry plum to a new species - Russian plum.
Cherry plum Vladimir comet
Cherry plum for the Moscow region (the best self-fertile varieties will help you plant the seedling correctly) of the Vladimir Comet variety is a less common species and is used by amateur gardeners.
Characteristic
The plant's winter hardiness is high and exceeds that of the Kuban Comet variety. Used for making homemade preparations and canning. A plant of medium height, which has a wide round or oval crown shape with a small amount of foliage. It is a self-fertile variety, which allows it to avoid proximity to other types of trees.
Features of planting and care
It is very important to provide for the protection of plants on the north side and the occurrence of groundwater at a depth of up to 1 m from the surface, since the roots of the cherry plum are located directly at a depth of about 1 m. The cherry plum is not demanding on the composition of the soil mixture. Grows well on all types of soil layer. The tree can grow in a flooded area for up to 45 days. The best period for planting is spring.
Planting material can be a seedling on its own roots, root shoots or a grafted seedling. In the first year, young plants should be irrigated, weeded and preventive measures taken against diseases and pests. If humus and mineral fertilizers were added during planting, the trees are not fed until fruiting.
Vulnerability to diseases and pests
The variety is highly resistant to pests and diseases, but preventive measures are recommended to be carried out regularly. However, the plant may develop fungal diseases that must be treated with fungicides.
The main pests of the tree are beetles and butterflies, which lay eggs on the foliage and flowers of plants. Later, caterpillars emerge from them. Pest control should begin in the spring. It consists of spraying the tree crown with insecticides before and after flowering in an amount of 2 times. For these purposes, use “Decis”, “Fufanon” or “Iskra-Bio”.
Fertilizers and fertilizers
Cherry plum, like any plant, is quite favorable to fertilizing. In the first year after planting a tree, additional fertilizer is usually not required if a sufficient amount of nutrients has been added to the planting hole. Further, as the cherry plum grows, and especially during fruiting, it must be regularly fed with both organic matter and mineral fertilizers. Nitrogen is added in the spring, and potassium and phosphorus are added in the fall. You can fertilize the tree with manure or compost both in spring and autumn.
Apply fertilizer twice a year
Cherry plum loves neutral soil, so it is necessary to monitor its condition. Those that are too acidic need to be limed or ash added to them about once every 5 years. And when the soil on the site is alkalized, you can add gypsum to the soil.
Cherry plum July rose
Cherry plum for the Moscow region (the best self-fertile varieties will tell you how to properly care for the crop) of the “July Rose” variety is characterized by excellent taste and ease of care. The variety is considered early, opening the berry season.
Characteristic
The trees are of medium height, smooth trunk and medium density. The diameter of horizontal shoots reaches approximately 25 mm. Fruits form on short bouquet branches.
The variety produces a harvest every year. An eight-year-old crop produces approximately 10 kg of fruit. Cherry plum is winter-hardy and drought-resistant. The tree begins to bear fruit for the first time after 3 years from the date of planting.
Features of planting and care
For planting, it is recommended to use seedlings that are free of damage and any signs of disease. The area should be illuminated and protected from the wind. Planting work is recommended to be carried out in March before the start of sap flow.
If the procedure is performed in the autumn season, the seedling will not be able to get stronger in the cold, and the roots will not form.
To obtain healthy seedlings and a stable harvest, you must follow some agrotechnical rules:
- trim branches and thin out the bush in time;
- the soil layer must be cleared of weeds and loosened;
- treat wood against diseases and pests;
- timely harvesting;
- fertilize the crop with nutritional compounds.
Vulnerability to diseases and pests
To prevent the development of the disease or the appearance of pests, it is recommended to carry out the following measures:
- The tree should be treated with 1% Bordeaux mixture before and after flowering. The procedure will also need to be carried out after 14 days.
- In the spring, before the start of sap flow, the crop must be sprinkled with 3% iron sulfate.
Features of growing crops
To grow a full-fledged plant, you need to plant it correctly and follow basic care recommendations.
Planting dates and technology
In the Moscow region, it is recommended to plant the crop in early spring - immediately after the snow melts. It is important to plant before the buds swell. A plant that has begun to develop has difficulty taking root.
Crops with a closed root system can be planted later. However, to do this, it is worth removing a seedling with a lump of earth.
It is not recommended to plant cherry plum in the fall. She will not be able to take root until frost. In addition, the culture is characterized by low winter hardiness. Therefore, a fragile tree will not be able to survive severe frost.
It is recommended to plant cherry plum in an open place. It should be illuminated by the sun for at least half a day. It is important that the site is reliably protected from the north wind.
The culture is not too demanding on the composition of the soil. However, good drainage and a high content of organic fertilizers will ensure rapid development and excellent fruiting of the plant. When choosing acidity, you should give preference to neutral indicators. It is not recommended to plant cherry plum in very acidic or overly alkaline soil.
To plant a plant, you should follow these steps:
- Dig a planting hole. Its size should be 50x50 centimeters. The depth is 40-60 centimeters. The specific value depends on the size of the roots.
- Mix the top layer of soil with fertilizers. This will require half a bucket of compost or humus, 300 grams of double superphosphate and a handful of ash. Place the fertile composition in the soil.
- Place a stake or stick in the hole, to which you can then tie the seedling. It is recommended to place the plant vertically in the hole. It is important to straighten the roots.
- Cover the tree with soil manually. It is recommended to compact each layer well to avoid the appearance of voids.
- After planting, the plant should be watered at the root. This will require 1 bucket of water.
- Carefully tie the seedling to the stake using twine.
- It is advisable to sprinkle the tree trunk circle with peat or compost. Mulching will help the soil stay moist longer.
When planting several trees on a site at once, it is worth correctly calculating the distance between them. It is recommended to take into account the height of the crops, the shape and size of the crown. For small plants with a compact crown, a spacing of 3 meters will be sufficient. To plant a medium-height cherry plum, a distance of 4-5 meters will be required. For tall plants, a spacing of 6 meters must be maintained.
Cherry plum Soneika
Cherry plum variety "Soneika" is a promising hybrid species with an average ripening period.
Characteristic
The productivity is quite high. From an adult tree you can get approximately 40 kg of fruit. The latter are quite large, ripen in early autumn and have a sweet and sour taste. The weight of 1 cherry plum reaches 50 g. The height of the tree varies within 3 m. The variety is early-bearing, since the harvest can be harvested within 3 years from the date of planting. Has good resistance to frost.
Features of planting and care
For planting, you need to take two-year-old seedlings that have healthy roots and an even trunk. Planting work must be carried out in spring or autumn. In the spring, the deadline falls at the end of April or the beginning of May, and in the fall, in October.
The article discusses cherry plum varieties for cultivation in the Moscow region.
The site must be elevated. The soil can be sandy loam or sandy. Caring for plantings involves the formation of the crown, as well as regular irrigation, loosening and clearing the soil cover of weeds in the tree trunk circle.
Vulnerability to diseases and pests
The variety is characterized by high immunity to fungal diseases. However, it is rarely attacked by insects. For prevention, it is permissible to treat the crop with “Fitoverm” or “Fitosporin-M”. The procedure must be carried out before foliage forms.
What you should know before planting cherry plum in the Moscow region
To choose the right variety of this crop, it is worth considering many important features. First of all, the climatic conditions of the region matter.
Climatic conditions
The Moscow region is characterized by fairly frosty winters and cool summers with high humidity. Cherry plum is considered a southern heat-loving crop that must withstand unfavorable conditions. Therefore, breeders have developed many varieties of crops that produce a good harvest in a short summer.
Variety selection criteria
To grow a good tree in the Moscow region, it is recommended to take into account the following features:
- You should definitely choose a powerful and adapted seedling. It is recommended to choose crops that are suitable for the region and suit the gardener's preferences.
- It is better to give preference to early-fruiting varieties. Thanks to this, it is possible to get a harvest within 1-2 years.
- It is worth familiarizing yourself with the agrotechnical characteristics of the variety. Be sure to follow all the rules literally from the first day of cultivation.
- When choosing a seedling, it is necessary to select the correct soil composition, take into account the duration of warm weather, general climatic conditions and other features.
- When purchasing a plant, you should find out whether it is self-fertile or pollinated. In the second case, it will not be possible to get a good harvest without pollination.
Advantages and disadvantages
When growing self-fertile cherry plum varieties, it is necessary to take into account all the nuances that will help facilitate the process of planting and care.
The “Kuban Comet” variety is characterized by the following advantages and disadvantages:
Positive traits | Negative qualities |
The yield indicator is always high and stable. | It is quite difficult to separate the stone from the pulp. |
The fruits are large enough, transportable, do not crack or fall off when overripe. | When overloaded, the size of the fruit decreases. In this case, thinning is required. |
Has high resistance to frost. |
Advantages when growing the “Mara” variety:
- is not susceptible to the disease kleasterosporiosis;
- excellent frost resistance;
- The yield is always stable and high.
Among the disadvantages are the following:
- taste qualities are no different from other varieties of cherry plum;
- the bone does not separate from the pulp.
The advantages of cherry plum variety “Traveler” are the following:
- early ripening of fruits;
- rarely suffers from clasterosporiasis and moniliosis;
- precociousness;
- the harvest is abundant and annual;
- good winter hardiness.
Among the disadvantages are the following:
- during early flowering, the buds freeze slightly;
- the seed is difficult to remove from the pulp;
- small fruit size;
- falling of the cherry plum when overripe;
- fruits are not suitable for transportation and long-term storage;
- average resistance to drought.
Advantages of cultivating cherry plum variety “Cleopatra”:
- easy to care for;
- withstands winter cold well;
- has good marketability and transportability;
- is a large-fruited variety.
Among the disadvantages it is permissible to highlight the following:
- the bone does not come away from the pulp well;
- average yield.
The “Pearl” variety is characterized by the following positive and negative qualities:
Advantages | Flaws |
It is a mid-early variety. | Characterized by average resistance to frost and drought. |
The fruits are quite large in size. | Clusterosporiasis is susceptible to the disease. |
Cherry plum is characterized by its universal purpose. |
Cherry plum variety “Vladimir Comet” has the following advantages:
- quickly adapts to any conditions;
- withstands winter cold well;
- fruits are not subject to shedding and cracking;
- The yield is regular and high.
The variety has the following disadvantages:
- drought resistance at an average level;
- the tree trunk circle needs to be mulched from mice.
The “July Rose” variety has the following advantages in cultivation:
- has a dessert taste and high productivity;
- has good immunity to diseases;
- withstands frosts well.
Among the negative qualities are the following:
- poorly separated bone;
- drought resistance is at an average level.
The variety "Soneika" is characterized by gardeners on both the positive and negative sides.
Among the advantages are the following:
- dessert taste;
- large fruit;
- super early pregnancy;
- resistance to klyasterosporiosis.
Among the disadvantages are:
- thick skin;
- difficult to remove bone.
The best varieties of cherry plum are considered to be self-fertile, since they do not require pollinating insects to produce a good harvest. For the Moscow region, it is necessary to choose those varieties of crops that will have good resistance to frost and various diseases.
Mid-season varieties
Cherry plum
The ripening time of these plants occurs in the second half of August. The fruits have predominantly universal uses - they are used both fresh and canned (jams, jams, compotes, etc.)
Peach
Peach
Peach A medium-late variety, characterized by large fruits and early fruiting. The crown shape is spherical, the foliage is medium.
The fruits are red in color and have a peach aroma. The weight of the fruit in some cases reaches 70 g. The skin of the fruit is thick, covered with a waxy coating on top.
The variety is self-sterile. For pollination, varieties with similar flowering and ripening periods should be used - Chuk, Nesmeyana, Tsarskaya or Lamu.
Chuk
Chuk
Chuk Obtained about 40 years ago as a result of crossing Excellent and Skoroplodnaya Chinese. Compact but relatively tall tree with a pyramidal crown. Requires pollinators. Winter-hardy and drought-resistant plant with good immunity.
The fruits are medium-sized with burgundy skin and reddish-orange flesh. Their shape is oval. The seeds are difficult to separate from the dense pulp. The taste is sweet and sour.
Gift garden giant
Gift garden giant
Gift garden giant Frost- resistant variety, which is a hybrid subspecies of Russian plum. A weak-growing fruit tree (bole no more than 1.2 m), having a medium-dense, flat-round crown. It has good frost resistance and average immunity.
The fruits are large, with purple skin covered with a waxy coating. The flesh is yellow, turning red as it approaches the skin. The consistency of the pulp is dense and dry. The taste is standard sweet and sour. The bones separate well. The pulp freezes well without cracking.
Lama
Lama
Lama Low trees with high yield parameters for their size. They bear fruit in the second year. Increased winter hardiness. They can be grown in the harsh conditions of Siberia and northern regions. An additional advantage is good resistance to drought and disease. The variety requires pollinators of other varieties that bloom at the same time, optimally Mara.
The fruit has a sweet and sour taste and is oval in shape. The color at the beginning of ripening is purple; fully ripe fruits change color to burgundy. The flesh is pink, fibrous, slightly crispy. The bones separate well. The productivity of the variety is very high - I can harvest up to half a centner of crops from trees.
Columnar
Columnar
Columnar Medium-sized trees with a compact crown of an elevated pyramidal shape. Young trees resemble shrubs in appearance. They have good unpretentiousness: winter hardiness, the ability to tolerate drought. Disease resistance is also high. They are self-sterile, therefore they require planting pollinators (Soneika, Lama, Mara, Asaloda).
The fruits are large, oval in shape. The skin is rich red, dense and elastic. The pulp is slightly loose, tender and dry. The color of the pulp is reddish-yellow. The taste is dessert, the acid is felt weakly. It has good shelf life and transportability.
Mistakes gardeners make when growing cherry plums
Incorrect landing. Cherry plum trees will die if they are planted in deep holes filled with fertile, loose soil in the lower part of the site. As a result, the plants will grow greatly and settle from their own gravity, and rain and melt water will stagnate in them. Then - rot the bark at the bottom of the trunks. "
Gardeners still have little experience in growing cherry plum in the Moscow region. It has not yet experienced extreme conditions of unfavorable winters with very low temperatures, with sudden cold snaps after sudden warmings.
Tip #2. It is worth growing different crops and observing their growth and development depending on weather conditions.
One of the main mistakes even experienced gardeners make is the desire to buy the largest seedlings. Most often, the largest seedlings are the worst. The fact is that plants in nurseries are dug up with a plow, which in a large seedling leaves only half of the suction roots, or even less. In order for such seedlings to take root in a new place, almost all of its crown should be removed. In addition, such plants will suffer for a very long time.
And in small, ugly seedlings, the crown is not yet developed, or is completely absent, but their roots are much less damaged when dug up. Such seedlings take root much faster and in the future will outstrip three-year-old seedlings in growth. You should not buy seedlings at spontaneous markets or from cars driving into gardens parked along the road. Buy seedlings exclusively zoned and only in the nursery, those that are zoned specifically for your climate.
Another mistake is purchasing and planting seedlings that have an open root system very early. Planting of seedlings of most garden crops occurs from September 15 to October 5-10. For cherries and plums - until September 25.
When choosing a cherry plum variety, pay attention to all the details of the plant
Top 10 best varieties for the Moscow region and their descriptions
Varieties bred for cultivation in the central zone of the Russian Federation have a common characteristic - early ripening. Before the onset of cold weather, the harvest of such trees has time to fully ripen.
Traveler
Low (3–4 m), with a small crown, self-pollinating variety. It begins to bear fruit by the 3rd year, the harvest ripens by the beginning of July. The tree consistently produces 30–40 kg annually. The berries are medium, about 28 g, orange. The pulp is fleshy and juicy.
- Positive characteristics of the Traveler:
- tolerates cold and short-term drought well;
- enters the fruiting phase early;
- has immunity to common diseases;
- undemanding to soil and care;
- serves as a pollinator for many varieties.
- Among the negative qualities of the variety are noted:
- insufficient fruit density;
- their modest size.
This variety is popularly called “Russian plum”. A fairly frost-resistant hybrid, valued for its sweet berries. It has been cultivated in the middle zone since 2002 after being included in the State Register. The trees are vigorous, up to 5 m high, active growth occurs in the first 3–4 years. The branched part is spherical, well developed.
The plant begins to bear fruit in the 2nd–3rd season after planting, and produces consistently high yields in the 6th–7th year. The fruits are yellow, round, slightly flattened at the edges. The average weight of one fruit is 23–25 g. The pulp also has a yellowish tint.
- Benefits of Mara cherry plum:
- rich harvest (up to 40 kg per tree);
- rapid ripening;
- resistance to frost and typical diseases;
- fast acclimatization.
- Among the shortcomings are noted:
- small, difficult to separate bone;
- the need to plant pollinator plants.
Scythian gold
Trees of this variety are relatively low - 2–3 m. The crown is cone-shaped and spreading. The variety is medium-yielding (20–25 kg per tree), early-ripening (harvested starting in mid-June). Fruits are not formed every year - there are seasons when the plant rests. The fruits are bright yellow, large (35–40 g), juicy, sweet.
- Among the advantages of the variety, gardeners note:
- insensitivity to temperature changes;
- good taste characteristics;
- resistance to most common diseases of fruit trees.
- Among the disadvantages are:
- the need for pollinating neighbors and poor stone separation.
Cleopatra
Late-ripening hybrid of medium height (3–4 m). The branched part is wide, with sparsely spaced branches. It is not highly productive (20–30 kg per tree), but bears fruit annually. The harvest is done late, in September. The berries are large, 37–40 g. A shallow seam is noticeable on the sides. The skin is red-violet, with a slight waxy tint. The pulp of the ripe fruit is pink, fleshy, sweet and sour.
The advantage of this variety is considered to be high cold resistance (withstands down to –25°C without shelter). Among the disadvantages are insufficient resistance to diseases and poorly separated bones.
Nesmeyana
The variety is medium-yielding, appeared not so long ago and was included in the State Register in 2005. The yield of the hybrid is average. The tree is tall (5–6 m), with spreading branched parts. The fruits are large (25–30 g), reddish in color, round with smooth skin. When ripe, the pulp is dense, pink in color, and fibrous. The taste is sour-sweet.
- The main advantages of Nesmeyan cherry plum:
- precocity;
- high frost resistance;
- good resistance to diseases;
- The bone comes off freely.
- Among the shortcomings are noted:
- self-sterility.