Yellow cherry plum Gek: description of Russian plum, photo, planting and care

History of selection

The Gek variety was bred at the Crimean experimental breeding station. The organizer of the selection work is Eremin Gennady Viktorovich. The variety was registered in 1991 for testing. Included in the register of breeding achievements of the Russian Federation in 1995.

Huck is the result of crossing a winter-hardy, early-fruiting Chinese plum with a hybrid cherry plum Ochlitnitsa. According to other sources, the variety was obtained as a result of breeding work, for which the Kuban Comet cherry plum and common apricot were used.

Pros and cons of fruit crops

The Gek cherry plum has many worthy characteristics, which is why it is grown by amateur gardeners.

Advantages of the variety:

• the berries are large and tasty;
• fruits are universal in use (fresh, canned);
• attractive market appearance, berries are easy to transport;
• the Gek variety easily takes root in a new place;
• frost-resistant;
• unpretentious to growing conditions, soil composition, weather conditions.

Disadvantages of culture:

• hard to tolerate drought;
• the variety is self-sterile;
• difficult to separate bone;
• plums are prone to gray rot disease.

Preventive treatments are required to prevent disease.

The Gek cherry plum has more advantages than negative qualities.

Pollinating varieties such as Naydena or Traveler are planted next to the tree.

Description of the variety

Yellow cherry plum Gek is a medium-sized fruit tree. The plant is characterized by a rapid growth rate. The trunk is smooth, of medium thickness. The color of the bark is gray, with a few large lentils.

Annual growth reaches 25 cm

The side shoots are thick - up to 3.5 cm. On young bushes they are directed upwards. The branches acquire a horizontal position as they grow. The shoots have dark, charcoal-colored bark. The average height of the Gek cherry plum is 2.5 m.

The leaves are sinewy, ovoid in shape. Color – bright green. The foliage on the shoots grows abundantly. The crown is spherical and dense. The average length of each leaf is 6-7 cm, width – up to 4.5.

During the flowering period, the tree is covered with two-flowered inflorescences. They grow densely on the shoots. Diameter – up to 2.2 cm. Petal color – white. The flowers have numerous yellow stamens, 2-5 mm long.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The Gek variety of cherry plum suggests a number of positive and negative properties.

Characteristics

Gek has a specific set of varietal characteristics. Gardeners definitely need to take these characteristics into account to successfully grow crops.

Drought resistance, winter hardiness

The hybrid variety Gek is resistant to cold. This cherry plum can be grown in Siberia and other regions with an unfavorable climate. However, to obtain a regular and abundant harvest, you will need to follow a number of agrotechnical rules.

The drought resistance of the Gek variety is average. The fruit tree tolerates short-term lack of liquid.

Important! Moisture deficiency is most harmful during fruit formation. Drying out of the soil in the roots can lead to a lack of harvest or premature fall.

Young plants are most sensitive to lack of fluid. Adult specimens tolerate unfavorable conditions better.

Pollinators of cherry plum Gek

The variety is classified as self-sterile. In the absence of pollinators, the plant practically does not bear fruit. This leads to the fact that the ovaries on the plant do not form.

Any varieties of Russian plum or cherry plum are used as pollinators. The only requirement is that their flowering period must coincide with the Gek variety. This ensures a complete exchange of pollen for a subsequent abundant harvest. The Naydena and Puteshestvennitsa varieties are most often used as pollinators.

Flowering period and ripening time

The formation of buds occurs at the end of March. They bloom in early April.

The average flowering period of cherry plum is 2 weeks

Fruit ripening occurs in the second half of July. Fruiting period is up to 1.5 months.

Important! Gek belongs to the early-fruiting varieties. You can collect the first harvest from a tree 2-3 years after planting the seedling.

Tree branches are characterized by high strength and elasticity. Therefore, they do not break under the weight of the fruit.

Productivity, fruiting

The Gek variety is universal. It produces tasty, round-shaped fruits. The average weight of each is 30 g, they have a sweet and sour taste. They have juicy yellow flesh that does not darken in air.

The fruits of the Gek cherry plum have a small seed that is easily separated from the pulp

From one mature tree you can collect up to 45 kg of fruit. On average, 35-40 kg of cherry plum is harvested, subject to the presence of pollinators.

Area of ​​application of fruits

The Gek cherry plum, due to its pleasant taste, is consumed fresh. The fruits are also suitable for canning and various preparations. They make jam, jams, and confitures. Sweet fruits go well with various fruits and berries.

Resistance to diseases and pests

The cherry plum variety Gek is characterized by average resistance to infections. Under unfavorable conditions, violation of cultivation technology, or the presence of an affected plant nearby, the fruit tree is susceptible to disease.

The Gek variety does not show specific resistance to insects. It affects most types of pests that spread on fruit trees.

Advantages and disadvantages

Hybrid cherry plum Gek is superior to other varieties in many ways. Therefore, this fruit crop is in demand among gardeners.

Main advantages:

• high productivity;
• ease of care;
• good taste of fruits;
• frost resistance;
• possibility of cultivation in different regions of the Russian Federation.

Cherry plum Gek is characterized by good adaptive ability. The plant adapts to unfavorable conditions without compromising productivity.

The main disadvantages of the variety:

• sensitivity to disease;
• possibility of pest damage;
• average drought resistance;
• need for pollinators.

The disadvantages of the Gek variety fully compensate for the advantages. Compliance with agricultural technology will allow you to get a good harvest every year without loss.

Reviews

Let's find out how experienced gardeners and ordinary summer residents respond to this cherry plum variety.

• Tatyana, Anapa: “Several varieties of cherry plum grow on my site. There is also a variety called Gek. I like this cherry plum because of its large fruits, high and stable yields, and the fact that the fruits are kept fresh for a long time: you can sell them on the market without fear that they will soon turn sour. The care is standard, there is nothing special in this case, the tree survives the winter well.”
• Konstantin, Kazan: “At my dacha I try to grow not only vegetables and herbs, but also fruit trees. Several years ago I planted cherry plum and chose the domestic variety Gek. I am pleased - the yields are high and uniform every year, the fruits themselves are tasty, large, and can be stored fresh for a long time. They make very tasty preparations. Maintenance is simple, and for the winter I cover it with agrofibre.

And here you can read information about the description of the Yakhontovaya plum, and what reviews there are about this fruit.

So, we looked at a cherry plum variety called Gek. As you can see, this domestic hybrid has a number of important advantages that make it a very valuable acquisition for the garden. High yield, disease resistance, large fruits of universal use, ease of care: all these are the undoubted advantages of the variety. Think carefully about this option if you decide to plant cherry plum on your site.

Landing Features

The initial stage of growing Gek cherry plum is planting the plant in open ground. This procedure should be handled competently and responsibly. Improper planting can lead to withering of the seedling.

Recommended timing

The optimal time for planting is determined taking into account the climatic characteristics of the region. In the south and in the middle zone, Gek cherry plum is planted in the fall. The seedling will take root faster and adapt to the gradually increasing cold. Such a plant will be more resistant to temperature changes.

Cherry plum is planted only when there is no risk of night frosts

Spring planting is recommended in Siberia and other regions with cold climates. Young cherry plums are planted when steady warming occurs.

Choosing a suitable location

Cherry plum Gek is considered an undemanding variety. But it is better to choose a good place for the plant.

Primary requirements:

• loose fertile soil;
• lack of surface groundwater;
• protection from strong winds;
• abundant sunlight.

Important! Hybrid cherry plum prefers soils with neutral acidity - from 5 to 7 pH.

It is not recommended to plant cherry plum in lowlands, where water accumulates during precipitation. Also, do not plant in the shade. Lack of sunlight negatively affects yields.

What crops can and cannot be planted next to cherry plum

When growing, it is necessary to take into account the specifics of plant species compatibility. Placing some crops next to cherry plum will negatively affect the amount of harvest.

You cannot plant next to:

• quince;
• apple tree;
• currants;
• raspberries;
• peaches;
• coniferous plants;
• gooseberry.

A plum will be a good neighbor for a hybrid cherry plum. You can also plant mulberries, apricots, and walnuts nearby. Low-growing varieties of cherries and sweet cherries are suitable for joint planting.

Selection and preparation of planting material

For cultivation, seedlings obtained by cuttings or grafting are used. The optimal age of a young plant for planting is 1-2 years. Typically, seedlings are sold in containers with peat-enriched soil.

Important! If the plant is sold with roots cleared of soil, they must be soaked in a solution of potassium permanganate before planting.

When choosing seedlings, you need to make sure there are no defects. There should be a large number of buds on the roots. The main requirement is that there are no signs of rotting or mechanical damage.

Landing algorithm

For growing hybrid cherry plum, a soil mixture of leaf and turf soil in combination with peat and a small amount of river sand is best suited. If the acidity is high, it is reduced with lime.

Planting stages:

1. Remove weeds from the area.
2. Dig a planting hole 60-70 cm deep.
3. Place a drainage layer of expanded clay, crushed stone or pebbles, 15-20 cm thick, on the bottom.
4. Sprinkle with soil.
5. Drive a support stake into the center of the hole.
6. Place the seedling, straighten the roots so that the head is at a depth of 3-4 cm.
7. Cover the tree with soil.
8. Tie to a support.
9. Add water.

Important! When planting in groups, the distance between seedlings should be at least 3 m.

Cherry plum can be planted on small artificial hills up to 1 m high. This will protect the roots from being washed away and freezing.

Subsequent care of the crop

The Gek variety needs regular watering. It is carried out weekly. In summer, the frequency can be increased to 1 time every 3-4 days. Young plants have the greatest need for liquid.

The first year after planting, Gek cherry plum does not need to be fertilized. Subsequently, mineral and organic fertilizers are added. Nitrogen solutions are fed in early spring. Composition with potassium and phosphorus - after flowering. Organic matter is added in the fall. Compost and humus are suitable for these purposes.

Pruning of Gek cherry plum is carried out in the spring. Dried shoots are removed from the tree. The branches are thinned so that the crown is not too thick. Otherwise, the plant will experience a lack of light.

In the southern regions there is no need to cover the cherry plum for the winter, as it tolerates frost well

In the Volga region and Siberia, the Gek variety is advised to be closed in late autumn. A layer of mulch from fallen leaves, tree bark, and compost is scattered around the trunk.

How to plant a tree on a plot

Gek cherry plum is planted in several ways. These include:

• from a seed;
• using a seedling;
• vaccinations - budding.

To preserve properties, they often resort to vegetative propagation. When pollinating trees planted from seed, insects mix pollen from different varieties. Then the taste and appearance of the fruit changes. Propagation of cherry plum by sowing seeds is the most economical way. Buying a seedling requires little financial investment, but the tree grows faster.

Optimal time for planting

In the southern regions, it is advisable to plant cherry plum in the fall. Then she gets used to it better. In regions with frosty winters, it is safer to plant a tree in the spring.

Selecting a location and preparing a seedling

Experienced summer residents advise planting planting material in a place where the soil is fertile, using various agronomic techniques. In areas with a natural depression, in order to avoid overheating of the rhizome, the cherry plum is placed on a mound 60 centimeters high. The root collar should be above the soil.

1. Slopes facing south-west and north-west, where the sun's rays constantly shine, are ideal.
2. The soil should be slightly acidic with a light structure.
3. Groundwater should be located no higher than 1.5-2 meters.

When choosing a cherry plum seedling, you need to pay attention to its appearance. There should be no damage on it, the trunk, leaves and shoots should be free of wrinkles, spots, and curvatures. A normal rhizome is at least 10 centimeters in length, white in color. It is better to buy planting material in nurseries or specialized stores. When purchasing on the market, there is a risk of getting the wrong variety, an infected or wild seedling. There is no need to immediately place it in the soil. First, carefully examine the root system:

• remove deformed and dried fragments with pruning shears, trim healthy ones a little;
• if a brown color is visible on the roots of the cherry plum, cut off this place;
• make a clay, liquid mash with mullein, place the roots in it.

Manipulation maintains the water balance in the plant, preventing it from drying out while it is still in the soil. Due to the presence of mullein in the mash, the planting material is supplied with nutritional components.

Landing technology

Cherry plums are planted using seedlings with closed and open rhizomes. Each option has its own planting technique. The first case is the most labor-intensive, which cannot be said about planting a seedling in a container.

How to plant seedlings with an open root system

You should first prepare holes for cherry plums measuring 60*60 and 80 cm deep. Dig them at a distance of 2.5 meters from each other. Dig up the soil around and remove weeds. Add ash to the ground as a green supplement. From the excavated soil, create a mixture that includes:

• humus 10-15 kilograms;
• nitrophoska – 140 grams;
• ash – 0.5 kg.

See also

How to properly trim and shape the crown of a plum tree in spring, summer and autumnRead

Place drainage made of broken bricks at the bottom and fill the soil mixture halfway. Form a mound and insert a stick into it to support the seedling. Straighten the root system inside the recess, fill it with the rest of the mixture so that the neck of the root does not go deep and remains above the surface. This will help the tree to develop properly. Trample the ground around the trunk and water it generously with warm water.

After absorbing the liquid, loosen and mulch with humus and straw or freshly cut grass.

How to plant seedlings with closed roots

Cherry plum seedlings in containers with a closed rhizome can be planted without digging holes. They are placed in the right place on the plot, held by the stem, and the rhizome is generously covered with soil mixture. Afterwards, trim the trees and water each plant with 3-4 buckets of water. During drought, water young cherry plums every 10 days throughout the growing season.

Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention

Insects often live on the Gek cherry plum tree. Some of them can cause damage to fruit crops.

The following pests are considered the most dangerous:

• plum aphid;
• thrips;
• false scale insects;
• spider mite;
• plum sawfly;
• American butterfly caterpillars;
• codling moths.

If the harvest is untimely, the cherry plum may be favored by bees and wasps. They eat ripe fruits.

For preventive purposes, trees are sprayed with karbofos. Use a 1% solution. In case of insect infestation, broad-spectrum insecticides are used. Spraying is carried out twice with an interval of 2 days to 1 week.

The main diseases of cherry plum:

• brown spot;
• Clusterosporiosis;
• coccomycosis;
• moniliosis

To treat and prevent diseases, Gek cherry plum is sprayed with a solution of copper sulfate. For the same purposes, it is advisable to use fungicides. Treatment is carried out in the early stages of the growing season until the fruits form.

Organizing the care of the Gek plum

Proper care of the crop will eliminate diseases, and the plum tree will grow strong and healthy.

Watering

The Gek variety is watered frequently, especially during prolonged dry weather. Water for irrigation should not be cold.

During the summer season, an adult plum is watered at least three times, 40-50 liters of water are poured just under the root. Young plants are watered more often, but not so abundantly (one bucket at a time).

Top dressing

Before planting the tree, the soil was dug up and fertilized, so a one-year-old plum tree does not need fertilizing. During the summer, cherry plum is fed three times.

1. Nitrogen fertilizers are applied in early spring.
2. The second feeding before flowering begins is mineral (phosphorus, potassium, iron).
3. In autumn, the soil around the trunk is dug up with organic fertilizers (peat, manure, humus).

The crop does not need any other fertilizing.

Crown trimming

The plum crown is formed in the spring, before active sap flow begins. In addition, pruning (sanitary) is carried out. Remove dried, diseased, frozen branches in winter.

Loosening and mulching the tree trunk circle

The ground around the trunk is loosened and weeds are removed to ensure free access of oxygen to the roots of the tree. After watering, the tree trunk circle is covered with a layer of mulch made from sawdust and peat. During the season, add mulch from mowed grass. Mulch retains moisture and inhibits weed growth.

Seasonal treatments

It is easier to prevent a disease than to treat it. Preventive treatments with Actofit and Cesar will prevent the appearance of aphids, a common pest of cherry plums, without harm. To prevent infection with fungal diseases, the tree is sprayed with Bordeaux mixture (1% solution) in early spring, before the buds open.

Other selection criteria

The large-fruited variety is its significant advantage in the eyes of any gardener. But still, this is not the main thing you need to focus on:

• Tent. In the State Register since 1995, the most suitable regions are the North Caucasus and Lower Volga. Cherry plum with good winter hardiness and immunity, self-sterile. The variety is low-growing (up to 3 m), but productive (35–40 kg). Ripens early (10th of July), fruiting is unfriendly, harvesting lasts for 1.5–2 weeks. The berries weigh about 40 g, noticeably asymmetrical. The dense lime-colored skin is almost completely hidden under a raspberry-burgundy blush. The pulp is bright yellow, sweet and sour, practically without aroma.
• Melon. Ripens in mid-July. In the State Register since 2002, recommended for landing in the North Caucasus. Tree up to 3.5 m high, spreading crown, rounded. The variety is early-bearing (2–3 years after planting), fruiting is regular. Productivity - up to 40–45 kg. The berries are burgundy, weighing about 40 g. The pulp is amber, as if grainy, very sweet (4.8 points). Disadvantages - the tendency of cherry plum to be crushed when there is an excess of fruit on the tree, the almost complete lack of immunity against clasterosporiasis.
• Ruddy dawn. In the State Register for the North Caucasus region since 2020. It grows up to 3.5–4 m, the crown is spreading, not too thick. The variety is winter-hardy, productive (45–50 kg), transportable. Begins to bear fruit in the 4th–5th year. The berries weigh about 43 g, the skin is yellow, with a red-orange blush, the flesh is pale yellow, with tangible fibers. The taste of cherry plum is rated 4 points.

The fact that the sweetest cherry plum is the best is a debatable issue. It all depends on personal preference. Many people consider the sweetness too “bland”, preferring the presence of a light refreshing sourness. Some of the sweetest varieties include the following:

• Ruby. Early ripening partially self-fertile variety. Cold and drought resistance is good. Tree up to 3.5 m high, crown “weeping”, sparse. The berries are dark crimson, weighing up to 30 g, the flesh is bright yellow.
• Peach. Mid-early self-sterile variety. Frost resistance is at an average level. Tree height is 3–4 m, the crown is not thickened. The berries weigh 30–35 g, yellow, with a crimson “blush”. The pulp is golden yellow, dense, with a light peach aroma. With a lack of heat, the taste becomes tart and the flesh becomes coarser. It begins to bear fruit 4–5 years after planting. Young trees bear fruit irregularly; mature trees consistently produce 35–40 kg per season.
• Tsarskaya. Mid-early self-sterile variety. Tree 2.5–3 m high, compact crown (about 1.5 m in diameter), flat-round. It begins to bear fruit already in the 2nd year after planting, the yield is 20–25 kg. The berries weigh 18–25 g, bright yellow, with a slight bluish tinge. The pulp is slightly lighter, very tender and juicy, almost without fiber. The taste is a cross between apricot and melon.

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The dimensions are relevant mainly for gardeners who need to save space on their site. A short tree, as a rule, has a compact crown:

• July rose. Early ripening, self-sterile. In the State Register since 1999, recommended for the North Caucasus. Maximum height 3 m, spherical crown. Ripe raspberry berries, weighing about 29 g. The pulp is yellow, dense, noticeably fibrous (taste rated 4.4 points). Productivity - up to 10 kg. There is immunity to clasterosporiasis. Cherry plums begin to be harvested in the 3rd or 4th year.
• Lama. Bred in Belarus. A mid-late, frost-resistant (up to -36°C), partially self-fertile variety with good immunity. It grows up to 1.5–2 m, the crown is flat-rounded and prone to thickening. Cherry plum is purple-burgundy, weighing about 30 g. The pulp is raspberry, medium density, tender, fibrous. Taste rating: 4.4 points. The berries are harvested 2–3 years after planting. Productivity - 20–25 kg. Ripe cherry plum quickly crumbles.
• Precocious. Early self-sterile variety. It is not included in the State Register, but is very common in Russia, as it takes root in almost all regions - from the North-West to the Far East, has frost resistance down to -40°C and good drought resistance. It grows up to 2.5 m, the crown is rounded, less often fan-shaped. The berries are yellow with a reddish blush, weighing 20–28 g (if there is an excess of fruit on the tree, they become smaller). The pulp is bright yellow, almost fiber-free, juicy, very aromatic (taste rating - 4.5 points). The first berries are harvested 2–3 years after planting, then they “rest” every 2–3 years.

The main disadvantage of most cherry plum varieties is self-sterility, so gardeners have to plant 3-4 trees at once. The main selection criterion is adaptation to local climate conditions. The timing of ripening, size and taste of the fruit also play an important role.

Pollination and pollinators

Cherry plum Gek is a self-sterile variety. For it to bear fruit, cross-pollination is necessary. To do this, it is recommended to plant the following varieties of Russian plum in the neighborhood:

• Found;
• Traveler.

For cross-pollination, you can use another cherry plum or Chinese plum. When choosing neighbors, it is important to match the flowering dates .

We organize competent care

Cherry plum Gek does not require special care. It consists only of the following activities:

• timely watering, weeding, fertilizing;
• treatment against pests and diseases;
• shelter for the winter.

For proper care, the tree will reward you with a bountiful harvest.

How often to water?

It is necessary to irrigate the cherry plum regularly, especially in summer with sparse precipitation. Water with warm water, strictly under the root system 3 times a month. It is especially often necessary to irrigate young trees. One plant will need 4 buckets of water.

What and how to feed the plant

In the first year of cherry plum life, there is no need to feed it, since the soil is fertilized before planting. From the 2nd year and subsequent years, the following fertilizing should be applied:

• mineral;
• organic.

In the spring it is worth fertilizing the cherry plum with nitrogenous substances, in the summer and autumn - with potassium-phosphate compounds. After pollen, feed the tree with urea. Every autumn after harvesting, add humus or compost material under the trunk. Half a bucket is enough for 1 tree.

Specifics of crown formation

The cherry plum Gek needs the formation of a bush, but it is insignificant, since by nature it has the shape of a regular oval. You should also thin out the branches so that all the fruits are saturated with sunlight.

Every spring, carry out sanitary pruning of cherry plums, remove all shoots that have frozen over the winter period, as well as old, diseased branches.

Tree trunk care

After watering the tree, mulch the soil along the diameter of the trunk circle and remove weeds. Humus, compost or sawdust are suitable as mulching materials. The layer should be 7-10 centimeters.

Treatment of diseases

The main diseases that affect cherry plum include: gum disease, marsupial disease (plum pockets), clasterosporia blight, fruit rot and rust.

Gum treatment

If preparations for winter are not carried out properly, gum formation may appear after winter. Drops of resin flow down the trunk and branches, which should be cut off with a knife; the sections must be cauterized with copper sulfate. Wounds are treated with garden varnish for complete disinfection. Dwarfism This is the most dangerous disease. The disease can be identified by the leaves of the plant. They grow small, narrow, with jagged edges. Over time, the leaves become thicker and very fragile. This disease is incurable. If you find a diseased tree on your property, it must be uprooted and burned.

Marsupial disease

This is a fungal disease in which seeds in fruits do not form. Fruits that have grown and look like inflated bags signal a dangerous disease - marsupial disease, or plum pockets. The fruits become deformed and a white powdery coating appears on them. After the plaque appears, the entire crop crumbles. The disease occurs when the soil becomes waterlogged in rainy May, during flowering. For treatment, treatment is carried out with Bordeaux mixture (3%) at the time of bud emergence and after flowering.

Fruit rot

Fruit rot, or moniliosis, is visible by the unusual brown color of the shoots, which wither and fall off, and gray growths appear on the bark. At the next stage, the disease affects the fruits, they begin to rot and infect the entire tree. Affected fruits and branches must be removed and burned. To avoid the disease, you need to treat trees with Bordeaux mixture (3%).

Clusterosporiasis

The disease appears on the leaves as brown spots that fall out, forming holes. The disease also affects the fruits and branches of the plant. If a disease is detected, it is necessary to cut off branches that have damaged leaves and burn them. For treatment, Bordeaux mixture (1%) is used, which is sprayed on trees in early spring. To consolidate the result, repeat the event after flowering and 21 days before receiving ripe fruits.

A little about the biological side

Breeding experts from both our country and neighboring countries continued to work on improving the new product. The uniqueness of the hybrid cherry plum was recognized internationally, and the name “Russian plum” was officially established.

The amazing plant summed up in its genetic structure the characteristic features of the North American and Chinese-Ussuri plums, as well as peach, apricot and sand cherry. As a result of this mosaic, the fruit crop has surpassed its “parents” in frost resistance.

Even with a superficial analysis of the photo of this curiosity, the distinctive features of the tree immediately become clear: it looks like a cherry plum or a plum (the determining factor here is the variety), but the leaf is denser and darker than that of the Chinese plum.

The fruit is large (from 30 to 40 grams). Its shape resembles a ball or oval, is distinguished by a variety of colors (from pink to variegated), sweet taste (the slight sourness at the seed only adds additional charm) and has an exotic scent (the aroma contains shades of the smell of cherries and grapes, almonds and peach). The bone is removed without effort.

Various varieties of the hybrid, when properly cultivated, are so winter-hardy that they can withstand even severe frosts, down to -45°C, without consequences. But it’s better not to take risks and use the recommendations for covering Russian plums if they are planted in a region with regular temperatures dropping to -35 °C.

Spring frosts do not cause damage and are easily tolerated by the hybrid, and during the flowering period the tree pleases the owner with its extraordinary beauty.

As for planting the crop itself, it prefers loamy and sandy loam soils, well drained. It feels uncomfortable in areas with high shade and clay soils, and responds gratefully to generous sunshine. Watering should be quite frequent, but without fanaticism - wait until the top layer of soil dries well, as excess water will damage the tree. During drought, water once every five days.

Another advantage of the variety is that its cultivation is successful even for novice gardeners. The tree forgives mistakes in care after they are eliminated, and is also less likely to be affected by diseases and pests.

It is better to have several varieties (2-3) in the garden, differing in terms of ripening - this will help increase the yield and improve cross-pollination.

Russian plum gives you the opportunity to enjoy delicious fruits, the quality of which is not inferior to southern varieties, even in the harsh Siberian conditions. At the same time, the description of the biologically active substances of the fruit is impressive: it contains vitamin C, organic acids, pectin, carotene, and anthocyanin. For prevention purposes, it is used for hypovitaminosis C and A, and is used for hypertension and a number of other diseases (to improve vascular permeability).

Skillful housewives prepare fruits for future use by making marmalade, preserves, and compotes.

How to care for the variety

Adult cherry plum of the Lama variety does not require special care. It consists of the following actions:

• timely watering;
• soil fertilization;
• weeding;
• pruning;
• protection from bugs and diseases;
• timely harvest.

With such care, the cherry plum will reward you with delicious fruits.

Irrigation and fertilization

Water the young tree generously once every 2 weeks. Its root must receive enough water. Adults over 2 years old are irrigated only during dry periods. If the soil is oversaturated with fertilizers or water, aphid infestation may occur. The shoots will ripen weakly and wither away. During the summer, water the cherry plum 2-3 times. There is no need to irrigate the tree in the winter.

Before the buds open, spray the Lama cherry plum with a urea-based solution. The procedure will protect against damage by harmful insects and diseases, and will provide good foliar nutrition. It is necessary to apply nitrogen compounds for the first 3 years of the plant’s life, this will improve its survival rate and accelerate the growth of the variety. The cherry plum is also fertilized with compost and humus.

Formation and trimming of the crown

Adult cherry plum of the Lama variety needs periodic pruning. The procedure enhances its fertility. To properly form a bush, trim up to 10 skeletal branches. Shoots require shortening every year. It is necessary to form a sparse crown, avoid dead wood and crossed branches, since cherry plum has a tendency to thicken the bush.

Tree trunk care

During dry periods, the tree trunk circle of the cherry plum variety is covered with mulch. Where there is a lot of moisture, carry out the procedure for the first 2 years of the tree’s life. It is better to pour a layer of humus or peat around it, 10 centimeters high. When changing mulch, embed the previous layer into the ground with a shovel to a depth of 5 centimeters. This will help not damage the nearby roots of the Lama cherry plum variety.

Preventative work

To prevent the variety from being attacked by diseases, use 1% Bordeaux mixture. Irrigate the plant with it in March. To consolidate the result, repeat the manipulation after pollen and 21 days before fruit ripening.

Sheltering a tree for the winter

It is advisable to prepare the Lama cherry plum for wintering by whitewashing the trunks, this will prevent sunburn in early spring. Put a woolen casing on the stem, cover it with a sheet of iron with a diameter of 40 cm. Bury the end into the soil 10 cm. Wrap the top with mesh and burlap.



Late-ripening cherry plum

Such varieties ripen in the second and third ten days of September. Late-ripening cherry plum varieties are well suited for winter harvesting.

Gift to Primorye

This variety is grown in the Far East and Siberia. The tree has a wide pyramidal, medium dense crown, growing up to 3-4 meters in height. The cherry plum ripens in early September. The plant needs a pollinator. The tree has excellent immunity to disease, tolerates winter frosts well, but does not like dampness.

The oval-elongated fruits are large, weighing up to 35 g. The skin is purple. The fibrous pulp is reddish in color, sweet and sour in taste. Shoots overloaded with cherry plum may break. The tree's yield is 30 kg.

Mara

A hybrid obtained from Chinese plum and cherry plum. Late-ripening “Mara” has good frost resistance (down to –38°C) and high immunity. Fruiting begins at 2-3 years. The tree grows and bears fruit for 50 years.

The skin color is yellow-orange. Sweet fruits with notes of grapes and loose pulp, weighing up to 20-23 grams. The bones are difficult to separate. Cherry plum can be stored for up to three weeks at normal temperatures. Productivity per tree – 25 kg.