Plum in the Leningrad region: choosing the best variety, nuances of planting and care in the North-West

They bloom but do not bear fruit

Beginning gardeners are faced with the fact that the plum blossoms beautifully, but does not bear fruit.
Self-sterile plums cannot bear fruit without a pollinator. For such purposes, pollinating plums are planted. Each variety has its own pollinator, but if for some reason you do not know the pollinator of your variety, you should follow some rules when choosing:

• tree with annual flowering;
• the life expectancy with the main variety is the same;
• There is plenty of benign pollen.

Among the self-fertile varieties, the following varieties are distinguished:

1. Early blue.
2. Memory of Timiryazev.
3. Common Hungarian.
4. Spark.
5. Red early ripening.
6. Hungarian homemade.
7. Hungarian Moscow.

Trees are planted within 60 meters.

Other reasons:

• The ovaries are destroyed by pests.
• Insufficient fertilizing in autumn. Fertilizers during this period are responsible for future fruiting.
• The trees did not have enough moisture.
• The region does not correspond to this variety.
• Soil with high acidity. Does not like trees or swampy places.
• Incorrect agricultural technology when planting. When planting, the root collar is buried and the tree becomes sick. The tree spends all its energy on restoration and fruiting does not occur.
• Plum age.

Diseases and pests

The plum was confirmed to have coccomycosis. This is a disease in which leaves dry out and fruits and flowers fall off. The tree needs to be treated with fungicides. Bordeaux mixture is perfect for this. The procedure is carried out in the spring. To prepare the mixture you will need:

• 10 liters of water;
• 10 g Bordeaux mixture 20%;
• 20 g of karbofos.

A gardener may also encounter manifestations of moniliosis: spots that resemble burns appear on the leaves.

For prevention, spraying with soap-containing substances is used every spring, and before flowering they are treated with Bordeaux mixture 3-4%. If the moment has been missed and the disease develops, the following drugs will help: “Abiga-pik” - 40-50 g per 10 liters of water, “Chorus” - 3.5 g per 10 liters of water.

In addition to diseases, plums can be attacked by pests - leaf rollers, aphids, fruit mites. Prevention consists of treating crops before flowering with copper sulfate: 100 g of the substance is diluted in 10 liters of water. Universal-purpose products are “Confidor”, “Aktara”, “Fufanon”. They are diluted in 5-8 liters of water and sprayed on branches, leaves and soil around the trunk.

Rules of care

Planting a seedling is only part of the work done. It is important to remember that every plant needs complete and high-quality care. Watering is carried out according to certain rules.

1. You can water only in the morning or evening so that the sun's rays do not evaporate moisture from the soil.
2. You can only water with warm water, as it is better accepted by the roots.
3. Watering interval - once every 7-10 days.
4. At least 10-20 liters of water are poured under each tree.

Feeding is carried out several times during the entire growing season. The first, using potassium and nitrogen (20 g of ammonium nitrate and 30 g of potassium nitrate per 10 liters of water) is carried out before flowering begins. The second feeding (dilute 40 g of superphosphate in 10 liters of water) is carried out 10 days before fruiting.

10 days before fruiting, the plum must be fertilized with a superphosphate solution

Released and promising plum varieties for gardeners in the North-West

The correct selection of varieties for each region, each specific garden is decisive in obtaining high plum yields. Practice shows that seedlings of varieties of this crop, imported from regions with a milder climate, usually freeze out in the conditions of the North-West. It is more reliable to grow on your plots proven and recommended by the state commission varieties zoned for each region and new promising varieties recommended by scientific institutions for the conditions of the North-Western region.

Plum varieties

to the greatest extent should combine such characteristics as winter hardiness, self-fertility, high yield, taste of fruits, resistance to diseases and pests. Preference is also given to varieties with small, compact crowns, which are suitable for compacting plantings and convenient for caring for the crown and collecting fruits. It is advisable to have 4-5 trees in the garden of different ripening periods and with fruits of universal use.

The zoned assortment of plums in the North-Western region is represented by the following varieties: Skorospelka red, Skorospelka round, Vengerka Pulkovskaya, Renklod kolkhozny, Livlyandskaya yellow egg (Ochakovskaya yellow) - for the Leningrad, Pskov and Novgorod regions and Western European varieties Victoria, Emma Lepperman, Edinburgh - for the Kaliningrad region areas.

Long-term study of plums at the Pavlovsk Experimental Station VIR and the Leningrad Fruit and Vegetable Experimental Station indicates the possibility of successfully growing varieties bred from the Volga region and some other regions in the North-West region. The promising group includes the following varieties: Volzhskaya Krasavitsa, Mirnaya, Druzhba, Smuglyanka (Kuibyshev Horticulture Experimental Station), Volgogradskaya, Ternosliv, Dubovsky, Zolotoe Fleece (Dubovsky fruit and grape stronghold of the Volgograd region) and a variety of folk selection of the Moscow region - Chernaya Zyuzina. Below is a description of the main regionalized promising varieties.

Endurance and unpretentiousness

Have you been to St. Petersburg?
If yes, remember what the sky is like there. Usually gloomy, gray. It rains often. Due to high humidity, gardens are more susceptible to rot and other fungal diseases. Severe winters also pose a danger. Where dachas are located close to the forest, animals may chew on the bark in winter. Therefore, growing plums involves using only hardy, winter-hardy, best varieties with early ripening. Priority is also given to samples with compact, low crowns - gardeners, as elsewhere, save space.

Taking into account the climatic characteristics of the North-Western region, it is advisable to grow several related self-fertile trees on the site at once. Firstly, they will become pollinators for each other. Secondly, with different ripening periods, they will provide the family with fruit for the summer and autumn.

Choosing planting material

When choosing planting material, take into account varieties that are adapted to the conditions of a particular region.

Trees are divided into self-fertile and self-sterile varieties. If you choose the second option, then you need to take care of purchasing pollinating varieties.

When buying a seedling, pay attention to the appearance:

1. the root system must be healthy, without dried out parts;
2. It is mandatory to have a tag containing information about the manufacturer and the characteristics of the variety;
3. seedlings with an open system should not have signs of disease, spots, damage, roots of a light shade;
4. annual seedlings should be 1-1.3 m in height; those grown from seed should be 1.5 m. Deviation from the norms indicates improper care and violation of cultivation technology.

Experienced gardeners advise choosing two-year-old seedlings. They quickly take root and tolerate stress more easily than older specimens.

For spring planting, seedlings are purchased in the fall and dug into the ground at an angle of 60 degrees. to a depth of 40 cm.

Difficulties in growing plums in the Leningrad region

Unpredictable weather reigns in the Leningrad region, where winter with its thaws resembles spring, and summer does not indulge in generous warmth every year. Spring here is wet and cool, so the weather is often unpleasant for natural pollinators. Thermometers usually reach above zero in early April, and the average daily temperature of 15ºC is reached in the second half of June. The east of the region is the coldest, while the southwest is more or less comfortably warm.

The region is also not rich in agricultural land. The plum tree prefers neutral soils. Suitable soils are carbonate silts with a neutral pH of 7. Such soils are found only in the Izhora Upland (Lomonosovsky, Gatchina, Volosovsky districts). Others are sodium-porous (pH 3.3-5.5) and podzolic (pH 4.0-4.5) soils, which are also poor in phosphorus and nitrogen.

Planting plums on acidic soils should be preceded by liming the soil.

When planting plum trees, the desired height of the groundwater level is 1-1.5 m. However, swampy soils and spring floods are a common occurrence in the Leningrad region. Such soils require drainage, and the tree is planted at a height of 0.6-1.2 m. The diameter of the artificial embankment is from 2.5 to 3 m.

Video: how to plant a fruit tree on a hill

It turns out that growing plums in the Leningrad region is associated with certain risks. When choosing a variety, we focus on those properties that will allow the tree to take root in difficult conditions.

How not to make a mistake with the variety

Buy seedlings at a tree nursery, where they will offer you a specific variety. Shopping online or at a market can be confusing and frustrating.

Meanwhile, real Renklod collective farms bear fruit every year, and their cuttings serve as excellent rhizomes. The disadvantage is the shedding of overripe fruits.

The Renklod collective farm plum does not surprise with its external beauty, you just need to try it

Cherry varieties: names, features, photos

Variety: Cherry “Molodezhnaya” (with photo)

Hybrid early-fruiting, bred as a result of crossing the varieties “Vladimirskaya” and “Lyubskaya”. A tree up to 2.5 meters in height, with sweet and sour fruits. “Youth” cherries are juicy, with an easily separated pit - perfect for making jam and marmalade. From one tree or bush you can easily harvest a decent harvest - up to 12 kg per season!

It begins to bear fruit at the age of four, and the first berries can be enjoyed around mid-June. A feature of the variety is also its resistance to diseases, severe domestic frosts and the ability to withstand transportation.

However, gardeners should remember that this variety requires annual treatment with fungicides to prevent fungal diseases and feeding with useful minerals (phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen). In addition, the planting area should be well ventilated and flat.

Variety: Cherry “Mayak”

Refers to large-fruited bush varieties with high yields and high “resistance” to pests and diseases. The height of the bush reaches 1.5 meters, which is extremely convenient for harvesting - it should be expected only 3 - 4 years after planting the seedling. One bush can produce up to 12 - 16 kg. The fruits are dark red, juicy, slightly sour. Resistant to pests and diseases, and can withstand cold frosty climates.

Variety: Cherry “Lyubskaya”

A low-growing, self-fertile variety with a wide crown and long oval dark green leaves. The fruits are dark red, with sweet and sour pulp. It ripens 2–3 years after planting, and 12 kg of cherries can be harvested from one bush. Record – up to 50 kg! Cherry “Lyubskaya” does not like frost, so it is not recommended to use this variety in harsh northern latitudes. Good harvests can be expected when planting on soils rich in mineral and organic fertilizers. Access to sunlight and protection from wind are the main criteria when choosing a site for planting.

Variety: Cherry “Turgenevka”

This variety is a successful result of the work of domestic breeders and is a pyramid-shaped tree about 3 meters high. This is a large-fruited dark red cherry with dense pulp and a piquant sweet and sour taste. Among the advantages of the variety is the ability to withstand frost and coccomycosis.

Variety: Cherry “Shokoladnitsa” – low, sweet, productive

"Shokoladnitsa" was bred in 1996 - a low early variety, the fruits of which resemble cherries and ripen in mid-July

Dark burgundy, sweet berries attract attention with their rich, appetizing color (like chocolate) and resemble cherries. The variety is frost-resistant and produces high yields - about 11.5 kg per bush. However, “Shokoladnitsa” is susceptible to fungal diseases and requires regular care

Garden rodents also “love” cherry bark, so it is better to wrap the tree trunks in fabric for the winter

However, “Chocolate Girl” is susceptible to fungal diseases and requires regular care. Garden rodents also “love” cherry bark, so it is better to wrap the tree trunks in fabric for the winter.

Variety: Cherry “Dwarf Shpanka”

One of the varieties of the Shpanka variety, bred in Ukraine as a result of crossing cherries and sweet cherries. Thanks to its resistance to frost, it “feels” great in our area. The fruits are large, dark red, about 1 cm in diameter. The tree begins to bear fruit 5 years after planting. "Shpanka" does not require special care - just choose a fertile area with good lighting.

The culture is extremely rich in useful substances, microelements and vitamins, and its alangic acid content can prevent the development of cancer.

The best strawberry varieties for our region are here

Additional factors for variety selection

The northwestern climate is characterized by short periods of rainfall, fog, humidity and very little sunlight. Under such conditions, the plum must have adequate immunity.

Resistance of flower buds

Frosts and winter thaws in the north-west of the country “hit” flower buds - the key to the future harvest. The weakest varieties in this regard are:

• Pchelnikovskaya - moderately mature, self-fertile plum; In general, it has good winter hardiness; flower buds become most vulnerable at the junction of winter and spring.
• Pavlovskaya yellow - the variety is relatively resistant to fungal diseases, in some years it is subject to aphid invasion; characterized by regular fruiting; flower buds freeze in winter at temperatures below -27oC.
• Primorskaya is a variety of Ussuri folk selection; produces small volumes (10-12 kg), but regular yields; the fruits are yellow; during long-term storage they retain their shape, but lose their taste. Frost resistance of wood is high, flower buds are average.
• A gift to St. Petersburg - an early variety, a 10-year-old tree produces 27 kg of yellow, tasty fruits that are prone to bursting; resistance to clastosporiosis is high; flower buds suffer from recurrent frosts.

Flower buds of the varieties do not die off:

• Stanley is an “American” variety obtained from crossing the French plum Pruno d'Agen and the American Grand Duc. This variety embodies the characteristics of the Wenger variety and the oval shape of the fruit. Its resistance to frost is confirmed by the 92-year history of frost resistance of flower buds.

  Stanley Plum can live a very long time

• Renklo Tambovsky is an unusual crown, growing wider than tall, which should be taken into account when planting; the fruits are black-purple, fruiting from the 3rd year.
• Black Zyuzina - the name comes from the village of Zyuzino, where this variety was bred; late ripening period; The color of the fruit is dark blue; processed plums retain their rich color.
• Early renklod - ripens at the end of July, the fruits have a greenish-yellow color, under the thin, sour skin there is dense pulp with a honey taste.

Wind resistance

In a region where storms and even tornadoes are common, the motto when choosing a variety is the lower the better. Plum varieties do not exceed 2.5 m:

• Condensed milk,
• Pyramidal,
• Renklod Tenkovsky,
• Red ball.

Omskaya Nochka, reaching a maximum height of 1.4 m, looks quite dwarf compared to others. Tall plums (Yakhontovaya, Anna Shpeta) are grafted onto dwarf or low-growing rootstocks.

Angelina

Italian selection with long-lasting fruits. In appearance, the plant resembles cherry plum. And this is understandable, since breeders crossed Chinese plum and cherry plum. The tree is powerful, grows strongly, and has average frost resistance. In the central Black Earth region, the plum tree dies after bearing fruit three times. Grows well in the same areas as cherry plum.

The first fruits are formed in the 3rd year. For the formation of ovaries, it is necessary to plant pollinators - Black Amber, Ozark Premier, cherry plum. Ripening period is mid – end of September. Up to 60 kg are harvested from a tree and bears fruit regularly. The plums are large, the weight of one specimen can be 120 g, but on average it is 60-90 g. They are dark purple with a silvery coating.

Store in refrigerators for up to 3 months. To increase shelf life, it is recommended to remove them unripe. Resistance to pathogens is average; plums are not resistant to fruit rot, rust and cluster blight.

Alyonushka

The self-fertile variety Alyonushka is characterized by early ripening - 100 days after flowering.

The tree can reach a height of 2 m. The crown is pyramidal in shape, its density is average. The leaves of this plum look a little like peach leaves. This variety is self-fertile, so the Russian Economic and Chinese Self-fertile varieties, which are pollinators, should be planted next to it.

The fruits can reach a weight of 40 g. The shape is round. The color is dark red, without impurities. The flesh is medium dense and has a rich orange tint. The taste is sweet, with a slight sourness. The stone, which weighs 1 g, is quite difficult to separate from the pulp. The fruits ripen in mid-August.

Self-fertility

The ability to pollinate without the participation of insects is a valuable quality of the hearthwood. There are no consistently self-fertile plum varieties. To obtain high yields, it is advisable to plant 1-2 other varieties next to the self-fertile plum. For plums with partial self-fertility, this becomes mandatory. The pollinating variety must bloom at the same time as the pollinated tree.

rc12rc

https://www.forumhouse.ru/threads/4467/page-25

If there is no pollinator nearby, then:

• a shoot of another variety is grafted into the crown, which will act as a pollinator;
• Among the flowering branches, a plum bouquet is fixed in a jar of water, collected from far-growing trees. While it fades, insects will have time to “stain” the flowering tree with its pollen.

Until a certain time, I didn’t think about why my plum tree, lonely and bored in the middle of the garden, didn’t stand with empty branches for a single year. But it was noticed that after cold, windy or wet springs there are fewer fruits, but not much. I think either the variety is self-fertile (the fruits are large, round and blue), or this is due to the wild Hungarians growing nearby.

Among the most productive self-fertile plums for the Leningrad region, the following varieties can be distinguished:

• Iskra - late-ripening, with a stable high yield, and they bear fruit seriously at the age of 3-4 years, when other plums are just “accelerating”; medium-hardy, egg-shaped fruits, yellow with blush. Pollination is ensured by the Red Ball, Sister of the Dawn, Zarya.
• Hungarian Moscow - a late plum near Moscow, the fruits are dark red in color and bluish due to a thick waxy coating.
• Common Hungarian is a variety of folk selection, medium-sized, characterized by late entry into fruiting (in the 5th–6th year); Moderately resistant to drought and frost. The fruits are irregularly elliptical in shape, do not fall off, the flesh is rough but juicy. Productivity increases in the company of Anna Shpet, Renclaud Altana, Hungarian Italian.
• Memory Timiryazev is a mid-late variety, the fruits are sweet, the stone is easy to separate, frost resistance is average, the plant is susceptible to mite attacks, the yield is high. Recovers quickly from damage.

Plum Timiryazev’s memory recovers quickly after damage

The Tula Black plum harvest reaches 35 kg

Nadiia37

https://forum.vinograd.info/showthread.php?t=11065

Plums with partially expressed self-fertility:

• Beauty TsGL - mid-season plum, fruit weight 40–50 g; resistant against most diseases. The varieties Eurasia-21 and Vengerka Voronezhskaya are pollinators.
• Red meat - has reddish-crimson fruits weighing up to 50 g; medium height, susceptible to freezing. Cross-pollinates with Skoroplodnaya and Ussuriysk plums.

Red meat plum sometimes freezes slightly

olga_a09

https://forum.ditenok.com/showthread.php?p=4404598

Features of the climatic conditions of the region

The Leningrad region is located in the north-west of the country. The region is characterized by cloudy, rainy weather. There are periods when it rains non-stop for several days. The sun rarely pleases with its appearance. The air is saturated with moisture. Winters in the Leningrad region are harsh, and spring frosts are a common occurrence. All these weather conditions are not suitable for growing fruit plants zoned for the southern regions.

Due to high moisture, trees are susceptible to fungal diseases, and the root system and shoots are susceptible to rotting. The fruits deteriorate, the quality of the berries and the quantity of harvests decreases. Northern winds and severe frosts do not allow the tree to survive the winter, and it dies. Spring frosts can destroy flowers and ovaries, and then there is no need to expect a harvest.

The best plum varieties for the Leningrad region should have the following characteristics:

• high degree of frost resistance;
• high immunity to diseases;
• resistance to temperature changes;
• early ripeness;
• self-fertility.

Self-fertile varieties of plums for the Moscow region

Self-fertile varieties of plums for the Moscow region

For the Moscow region, it is worth choosing those plum varieties that can withstand sudden changes in weather, frequent rains, and rather cold winters.

• “In Memory of Timiryazev” bears fruit from the age of 4. The tree grows up to 3 meters. Productivity up to 35 kg/tree. Fruit ripening occurs approximately in the last days of summer. Plums grow 30 g each, yellow in color, with a scarlet blush. The taste is sweet and sour, the fruit is of universal use.
• “Yellow self-fertile” grows up to 4 meters high. The crown is lush and spreading. Fruiting occurs in 3-4 years, in mid-August. Plums are yellow in color, weighing 20-30 g, with a bright aroma and simple taste. The peel is elastic with a light coating. It is characterized by transportability, frost resistance, and drought resistance. The average yield is 10 kg/tree.
• "Hungarian Pulkovskaya" grows up to 4-5 meters. The crown is wide, spherical. Blooms from mid-May. Ripening is observed from September. The plums are oval, weighing 20-25 g. The peel is dark red, with brown dots. The coating is dense, bluish. The pulp is yellowish, with a high juice content, sweet and sour. Universal use. Productivity is approximately 15-20 kg/tree. Winter hardiness is high, and is almost not attacked by aphids.

Important! Before purchasing a plum variety for planting on your site, you should carefully study its description, otherwise you may make a mistake in your choice.

If we talk about cold regions of Russia, such as the Urals, then the “Yellow self-fertile” plum and “Orlovskaya Dream” plum will grow well there. Residents of Siberia should give preference to such varieties as “Ksenia”, “Red Ball” and the same “Orlovskaya Dream”. But it is worth considering that in cold areas, self-fertile varieties of plums produce small yields. To get more fruits, you should still arrange cross-pollination.

Etude

This self-fertile variety for the Leningrad region was obtained as a result of crossing Eurasia and Krasavitsa Volzhskaya. The variety belongs to the mid-early varieties. The growing season, from the moment of flowering, lasts for 120 days. The main stem and flower buds are frost resistant. This cherry plum variety has good immunity against parasites and diseases.

The pulp is dense, pleasant, juicy in taste, yellow in color. The fruit is rich, sweet, with a slight sourness. Suitable for universal use. Can be used for preservation for the winter or eaten fresh. Products of this variety are often used to prepare baby food.

Plum Etude is rich, sweet and slightly sour

Interpretation of results

1. Cholestasis due to blockage of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts: cholangitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis.

2. Acute viral hepatitis.

3. Toxic liver damage.

4. Alcoholism.

5. Fatty liver.

6. Liver tumors.

7. Malignant tumors of other organs with metastases to the liver.

8. Pancreatitis, acute and chronic.

9. Tumors of the pancreas and prostate gland.

10. Kidney disease (exacerbation of chronic pyelonephritis or glomerulonephritis).

11. Taking medications: rifampicin, oral contraceptives, phenobarbital, paracetamol, cephalosporins, acetaminophen.

1. Decompensated cirrhosis of the liver.

When deciphering the analysis, you can find out the reason for the increase in GGT, depending on how much the enzyme jump occurred, whether there is an increase in GGT together with the level of deviation of other liver tests, clinical symptoms.

5x magnification

If the GGTP level is less than 5 times higher than normal, this indicates:

• possible consumption of alcohol;
• heart pathologies with blood stagnation;
• taking medications that provoke the release of GGT.

When there is an increase in GGT within 10 times, then you can think about:

• chronic or acute hepatitis;
• cirrhosis;
• cholecystitis and cholelithiasis without acute blockage of the ducts;
• diseases of other vital organs - kidneys, pancreas;

If the amount of GGT in the blood exceeds the norm tenfold, then this indicates acute stagnation of bile with damage to the hepatic ducts, which occurs when:

• hepatitis;
• Cholelithiasis and calculous cholecystitis with obstruction of the ducts;
• biliary cirrhosis of the liver;
• tumors and metastases;
• helminthic infestations of the biliary system;
• acute and chronic liver failure;
• primary sclerosing cholangitis.

If the deviation of GGT is associated with an increase in ALT, then we are talking about hepatitis, cirrhosis and other processes that damage liver cells, and stagnation of bile in this case occurs as a secondary phenomenon.

Along with GGT, if liver damage is suspected, the following analysis should be performed:

• alkaline phosphatase;
• ALT and AST;
• total and direct bilirubin;
• protein fractions;
• general blood analysis;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs.

Proper care of cherries is the key to a good harvest

Abundant fruiting is not only about choosing the right variety. This can be achieved by good care of this crop. Since most cherry varieties are self-sterile, that is, not capable of self-pollination, a pollinating cherry should be planted on the site or next to it.

It is also necessary to pay attention to feeding cherries, especially during the fruiting period, when the plant requires additional nutrients. But it should be taken into account that in the fall you only need to apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, as well as compost, but for nitrogen-containing fertilizers the best time is early spring. Also, don’t forget about watering.

Although cherries are considered to be a drought-tolerant plant, they are best given extra water during hot, dry weather. In this case, the berry yield increases, and they become larger in size.

Also, do not forget about watering. Although cherries are considered to be a drought-tolerant plant, they are best given extra water during hot, dry weather. In this case, the berry yield increases, and they become larger in size.

Video “How to plant a plum tree correctly”

When planting this crop, certain features must be taken into account. Cherry plum grows well in well-lit areas protected from the wind. The southwestern part of the garden is suitable. Not heavy soil is desirable. Pay attention to the shoots of seedlings when purchasing. They should not be damaged or have dry areas.

Before you start planting, you need to dig a hole measuring 0.6 x 0.6 x 0.6 m and place fertilizing in it: potassium sulfate and superphosphate. Before burying a seedling in a hole, inspect the roots and remove damaged and dry roots. If the roots are brown, trim them back to the young white root. Then place the roots in a clay mash and then plant.

Read more: Feeding a cow for good milk yield - her diet

Yellow cherry plum is a representative of plum trees and has several different varieties that are excellent for growing in Russia.

Rules for planting berries

Pruning, fertilizing, protection from pests are three components that will ensure a stable harvest with the desired characteristics. The first step - placing fertilizer in the planting hole is carried out in the 2nd or 3rd year of development of the fruit tree. The plant loves nitrogen, which is used to grow shoots and green mass. The use of organic fertilizers is abandoned in favor of mineral mixtures. 40 g of urea are dissolved in a 10 liter container. 500 ml is spent on 1 tree. Nitrogen is replaced throughout the northwestern area with a mixture of potassium and phosphorus fertilizers. Prepare a solution at the rate of 30 g of potassium salt and 30 g of superphosphate, which are dissolved in 10 liters of water. The nutrient composition is applied once every 3 weeks 10 minutes before watering. The soil is dug up near the tree trunk every 3 years, adding humus or compost. Other recommendations:

1. Pruning - for the first time, a summer resident takes sterile garden shears 3 weeks after planting a fruit tree. The first requirement is that manipulations are carried out on a dry and warm day. The second requirement is that the side shoots and the top are shortened by ½ part of the length. Leave the conductor 20-25 cm above the level of the branches. As the tree matures, the summer resident forms no more than 2 tiers. Maintain a step of 0.5 m. There are 4 strong shoots in each tier. Every year, planted self-fertile berry varieties should be free of dry and weak branches.
2. Protection from cold - despite the fact that cold-resistant varieties are cultivated in the Leningrad region, prolonged frosts will not bring them anything good. In a situation where a summer resident sees signs of a cold burn or freezing, he needs to intervene. As soon as the leaves begin to bloom, the dead branches are removed. Mulching is carried out near the tree trunk circle. Take humus or peat.

Protection from pests and diseases - berries for the northwestern regions have good immunity, but this is not a reason to ignore possible risks. Breeders have identified the following list of diseases and pests that threaten the crop. In conditions of high humidity and temperature fluctuations, fungal pathogens are feared. Regular spraying with Bordeaux mixture can reduce the likelihood of infection. If you don’t have it at hand, then take any garden chemical containing copper. Breeding the best varieties of cherries for the Leningrad region encountered the problem of pest activity. The danger comes from lacewings, leaf rollers, aphids, and cherry flies. The presented description with a detailed photo will help you quickly identify the pest.

Yield rationing manipulations

Frost-resistant cherries for the Leningrad region, even the best varieties, do not always have time to fully form a harvest. If it happens that by the end of the harvest the fruits are not visible or are too small, then the next year they carry out the so-called rationing of the number of berries. Rationing is carried out on young trees. As soon as the fruit plant is 3 years old, the first flowers are removed.

Thanks to this procedure, the vitality of the plant is preserved. The tree spends nutrients on the formation of berries. They abandon rationing as soon as the green space is 5-6 years old.

Procedure for planting fruit trees

The presented description and detailed photos allow beginners to land on their own. The first step is to dig a hole, the depth of which is 60 cm and the diameter is 95-100 cm. The recess is filled with substrate, which is bought in the store. If the summer resident has sufficient experience, then the nutrient mixture is prepared independently:

• 60 g potassium salt;
• 80 g superphosphate;
• 2 buckets of humus;
• 1 bucket of sifted river sand.

Fill the hole ½ size with the resulting mixture, and then pour 1 bucket of water into it. 12 hours before planting, remove the leaves on the young tree. This is necessary to reduce the likelihood of rapid dehydration of the young plant. The next step is to immerse the roots of the young seedling in a container of water for 8 hours. Once the soil has been compacted, add more fertile soil to create a small hill. The prepared seedlings are placed on the mentioned hill, and the roots are covered with earth.

Propagation of cherry plum seedlings

This method is considered more time-consuming. In addition, it has other disadvantages - for example, the loss of varietal characteristics of the plant whose fruits were used to obtain seeds. However, some gardeners believe that despite this, the taste and yield are often superior to the mother plants.

Read more: Plum Red Golden Ball seedling variety description self-fertility

Before winter, they should be sown in beds or boxes with an interval of 4-6 cm between sowings, and 18-20 cm between rows. The crops should be well watered and mulched with a layer of sawdust or peat 2-3 cm thick. If the seeds are sown on bed, then, with the arrival of winter, snow is added on top of the mulch. During the winter they undergo natural stratification, and by spring they emerge. The resulting seedlings can be grafted only after a year.

To do this, you should buy only local specimens that are grown in the same conditions in which mature trees will grow, which means adaptation to the soil and climate. Both self-rooted and grafted cherry plum seedlings are available for sale. The latter were obtained by grafting cuttings onto a rootstock.

Potted seedlings with capped roots are planted after the threat of frost has passed. Bare-rooted seedlings are planted before buds open in the spring. The upper part of the seedling must be cut to a height of 20-30 cm. Planting holes are prepared in the same way as for other fruit crops. Potassium, phosphorus, and organic fertilizers are added to the soil.

The best varieties suitable for a given region

Many varieties have been bred for the Leningrad region. The same varieties take root well in the Urals in the Volga region, they are resistant to temperature changes, prolonged cold snaps and winter hardiness. The best plum varieties for the Leningrad region are popular among gardeners in other regions.

Ochakovskaya yellow

A tasty plum variety, characterized by increased care requirements. Productivity is average, it tolerates frosts and temperature changes with difficulty, prefers the southern climate. The fruits are prone to cracking and fall off in windy weather. Ochakovskaya yellow is not grown for commercial purposes; the crop requires pollination from neighboring plum trees. It does not bear fruit every year.

Despite all its shortcomings, Ochakovskaya yellow is loved by gardeners in the Leningrad region for the extraordinary juicy sweet taste of ripe fruits; trees are easily propagated by cuttings.

Collective farm farmhouse

A variety that has been proven for decades and has not lost popularity among gardeners in the Leningrad region. The collective farm Renklod was created by Ivan Vladimirovich Michurin by crossing sloe (wild plum) with green Renklod. As a result, the plum inherited excellent frost resistance and resistance to temperature fluctuations.

Gift to St. Petersburg

Hybrid cherry plum, zoned for cultivation in the Leningrad region in the late nineties. The genetic advantages of the Gift to St. Petersburg include high productivity, disease resistance, and frost resistance. Wood can quickly recover from mechanical damage.

The main disadvantage is the inability to self-pollinate.

Etude

An improved mid-early plum variety, characterized by increased winter hardiness. The plum garden will bear its first harvest in the fourth year of life of the young seedlings. Etude refers to self-sterile varieties of fruit trees.

The purpose of the variety is for table use and is excellent for growing on personal plots. Does not require special additional shelters in winter. Resistant to fungal diseases and pests.

Red early ripening

Grown in the Leningrad region since the late forties. Red early ripening is a beautiful variety of plum trees; a small, neat tree adorns the landscape of personal plots. Withstands frosts down to -38 C, the variety is self-fertile, unpretentious, and adequately tolerates both drought and waterlogging of the soil.

Early ripening round

The variety belongs to the Leningrad selection and was bred specifically for this region. The advantages of Skorospolka round include early ripening and high taste qualities of ripe fruits. Tolerance to frost and temperature changes is average; in severe winters trees can freeze completely. Companions are required for pollination. Skorospolka round is a self-sterile variety.

Emma Lepperman

A plum variety of German selection, popular in the Baltic states and Poland, where it is grown for commercial purposes. Emma Lepperman has taken root well in the North-West region of our country, requires cross-pollination, and has high productivity. A nuance of care - trees need systematic pruning. In the West, the variety is considered one of the most profitable.

Edinburgh

High-yielding English winter-hardy columnar plum variety. The tree is genetically resistant to clasterosporiosis and self-fertile. The taste of ripe fruits is sweet and sour. Suitable for growing in the Leningrad region.

Oryol dream

A representative of the Far Eastern selection is the Chinese garden plum. Young seedlings bear fruit in the third year of life. The variety is partially self-fertile, frost-resistant, and drought-tolerant. Disadvantages include gradual crushing of the fruit.

Volga beauty

The Samara variety is grown everywhere: in Central Russia, the Volga region, the Leningrad region and other regions. The greatest yield can be achieved in the southern growing regions; the tree is heat-loving and demanding of light. It tolerates drought well and produces a good harvest. Plum trees are most vulnerable to frost during the flowering period.

If there is excess moisture, the fruits crack, and the fresh shelf life of the crop is limited.

The best choice

Which plums received the attention of Leningrad summer residents? Based on reviews, based on my friend’s personal experience, I can give successful examples.

• Red early ripening. A “folk” tree, it is almost impossible to establish the authorship of the breeder. The fruits are small (up to 20g), oval-shaped, reddish with a bloom. The pulp is dry and dense. The taste is a solid B. The bone comes off well. One of the first to bear fruit.
• Early ripening is round. An old selection variety. Ripens early, the fruits are red-bluish, small (no more than 12g). The advantages include an easily separated seed, a rich sweet and sour taste, excellent winter hardiness, and high adaptability to adverse weather conditions.
• Renkold collective farm Michurin selection. It is widespread not only near St. Petersburg, but also in the Middle Zone in general. The height of mature trees is average, the fruits when ripe gain weight up to 20g, are round, yellow-green with a dense peel. Excellent winter hardiness.

The characteristics of the samples I have named are their popularity. By planting any on your plot, you can achieve high, sustainable yields without much hassle. Another plus is that for all varieties, Skorospelka red is the best pollinator. Even if it does not grow on your site, your neighbors will probably have such a tree.