Cherry Brunette: description and characteristics of the variety, history of selection and cultivation

Description of cherry Brunette

Brunette Cherry is a small, medium-sized tree with a spreading, spherical, medium-density crown and rounded dark burgundy fruits.

This crop is recommended for cultivation in the Central and Southern regions of Russia.

The common cherry variety Brunette (Prunus Cerasus Bryunetka) was bred at the All-Russian Selection and Technological Institute of Horticulture and Nursery Science as a result of sowing seeds obtained from free pollination of the Zhukovskaya variety. In 1995, the Brunette cherry variety was accepted for state variety testing, and in 2001 it was included in the State Register for the Central Region.

Height and dimensions of an adult tree

The height of an adult tree is about 2-2.5 m (sometimes up to 3 m). The crown of this crop is not very dense, spreading, and has a spherical shape. Cherry foliage is dark green. The leaves are oblong, medium in size, the edges of the plate are serrated. The inflorescences are umbrella-shaped with white flowers and a pleasant, pronounced aroma.

Despite the small size of the tree, the fruits of this crop are quite large in weight and have excellent tasting properties.

Description of fruits

Brunette cherries have:

• rounded slightly flattened shape;
• dark burgundy skin;
• red flesh with a delicate texture;
• an easily detachable small oval-shaped bone;
• pleasant sweet with a slight sour taste.

The average weight of the berries of this crop is 3-4 g. The fruits ripen by the end of July. Due to the fact that this variety is self-pollinating, fruits are formed every year on last year's growths. Universal application.

Important! Brunette cherry berries are tightly attached to the stalk and do not fall off when ripe.

The fruits of the tree are valued for their tender and juicy pulp.

Important! Cherry Brunette is highly productive.

Pollinators of cherry Brunette

Brunette cherry is a self-fertile plant and does not require additional pollinators. However, the presence of other varieties of crops nearby can increase the yield of the tree.

The following varieties are used as pollinators for Brunette cherries:

History of variety development

The Brunette variety was bred by breeders from the All-Russian Selection and Technological Institute of Horticulture and Nursery Growing in the last quarter of the 20th century. To obtain a new variety, specialists freely pollinated the Zhukovskaya cherry, and seedlings were grown from the resulting seeds.

The resulting new cherry variety was sent for variety testing in 1995, and 6 years later this stone fruit tree was entered into the Russian State Register and given the name Brunette.

This variety is intended for cultivation in the Central region and other areas with similar climatic conditions.

Main characteristics of the variety

The variety's resistance to cold is average. Flower buds may freeze during severe spring cold snaps.

Productivity

The first harvest from the Brunette cherry is harvested 3-4 seasons after planting the seedling in a permanent place. Up to 12 kg of ripe large fruits are collected from each tree. And when growing this variety on an industrial scale, up to 9 tons of berries can be harvested from each hectare.

The yield of Brunette cherries directly depends on compliance with the rules of care and on weather conditions in the growing region.

Pollinator trees

The Brunette cherry variety is self-pollinating, so for good yield this tree does not require the presence of other pollinating trees nearby. However, experienced gardeners note that if other cherry varieties with similar flowering periods grow nearby, the yield increases sharply.

The following cherry varieties can be taken as pollinator trees:

• Vladimirskaya;
• In memory of Enikeev.

With proper care, the resistance of this fruit tree to major diseases is quite high. However, if gardeners do not take care of the cherry, violate the watering regime or other care rules, the tree may be affected by some of the fungal or bacterial diseases:

• anthracnose;
• gum flow;
• perforated spotting.

In addition, the following pests can damage this cherry:

• cherry aphid;
• cherry weevil;
• slimy sawfly;
• shoot moth caterpillars.

Further care

In order for the Brunette cherry to feel comfortable on the site and produce abundant annual harvests, it is necessary to provide it with proper care.

Irrigation regime

Brunette cherry is highly resistant to drought, but there are still periods in its development when the tree needs moisture:

• during flowering;
• period of ovary formation;
• during leaf fall.

If the regions often experience dry, hot weather, then the Brunette cherry requires additional watering. Each tree requires at least 3 liters of moisture.

About a month before harvesting the fruits, stop watering cherries of this variety. Otherwise, the fruits may begin to rot or their taste may deteriorate.

Fertilizing

The next season after planting, the young cherries are not fed, since the fertilizers that were applied are enough for them. They begin to apply fertilizers to this fruit tree from the third season.

In the spring, fertilizers containing large amounts of nitrogen are applied to the tree trunks of this cherry tree. This fertilizing activates the growth of green mass.

After flowering ends, phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are applied to the cherry trees. And 12-14 days after the first feeding, the second is applied.

You can also use a mixture of urea, potassium chloride and superphosphate as a top dressing. After incorporating the fertilizer into the soil, abundant watering is carried out, adding at least 1.5 buckets of water to each tree trunk circle.

Trimming

This cherry tree requires regular formative and sanitary pruning. In autumn, cut off all branches that are located no higher than 0.5 m from the soil level.

During sanitary pruning, dry, damaged or frozen shoots are removed.

The crown should be formed in the first few seasons after planting. In this case, first of all, all shoots growing inside the crown are cut out.

Main characteristics

Brunette cherry is popular due to its excellent characteristics, productivity, drought resistance and frost resistance. However, like any variety, Brunette has its advantages and disadvantages.

Drought resistance, frost resistance

This cherry variety tolerates drought well. It is necessary to water the plant during the following periods:

• ovary formation;
• flowering;
• leaf fall.

Winter hardiness of Brunette cherry is average. Flower buds are sensitive to severe spring frosts.

Productivity

The tree begins to bear fruit 3-4 years after planting. The average yield of one tree per year is about 10-12 kg or 8-9 t/ha (after four years). The indicator depends on the quality of care and climatic conditions.

Brunette cherry is considered a fast-growing crop

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the advantages of this variety, Russian gardeners note:

• frost resistance;
• good drought tolerance;
• high productivity;
• average fruit ripening period;
• ripe berries do not fall off, crack or rot.

The disadvantages of this variety include:

• average resistance of flower buds to low temperatures;
• susceptibility to fungal diseases.

Advantages and disadvantages

Cherry Baby has found recognition among gardeners due to its many advantages: low maintenance, compact shape and, of course, the excellent taste of the berries.

Advantages of the variety:

• winter hardiness;
• high productivity;
• easy fruit picking;
• disease resistance;
• early fruiting;
• excellent safety during transportation;
• wonderful taste characteristics of berries.

The disadvantages include partial self-fertility and average strength of fruit attachment during ripening.

Cherry Baby has found recognition among gardeners due to its many advantages

Landing rules

Before planting a crop, you need to choose a location and determine the timing. It is also worth considering the rules for planting crops.

Recommended timing

In the southern regions, planting should be carried out in the autumn; in the middle zone, it is most effective to do this in the first half of September. In areas with a harsh climate, it is advisable to plant Brunette cherries in the spring, as there is a high risk of young seedlings freezing.

Site selection and soil preparation

The best place for planting Brunette cherries is considered to be on a not very steep slope. When choosing, you need to take into account the fact that this tree loves a lot of sunlight.

The soil for planting seedlings must meet the following requirements:

• neutral acidity pH = 6.5-7;
• balanced content of sand and clay;
• good air exchange;
• drainage layer.

Advice! For planting Brunette, soddy-podzolic soil, as well as light loam and black soil, are suitable.

Preparing the hole for the seedling must begin two weeks before planting:

• size: 40 cm – depth, 60 cm – diameter (the volume of the root system of the seedling should be taken into account);
• soil preparation: mixing with fertilizers;
• placing a peg in the planting hole;
• laying the treated soil in the pit.

To prepare the ideal soil for cherries, you need to mix it with organic compounds (manure, compost) and fertilizers (potassium, phosphate).

If the plant is planned to be planted on acidic soils, it is necessary to prepare the land by adding lime to the substrate

Advice! Flat areas and areas with stagnant groundwater should be avoided.

How to plant correctly

Proper planting of cherry seedlings should be done as follows:

1. Dig a hole in a previously prepared place.
2. Straighten the roots and treat them with garden varnish.
3. Place the seedling on the bottom of the hole, simultaneously adding soil (the root collar should be at a distance of 57 cm above the ground level);
4. Tie the trunk of the seedling to a stake.

Scheme of proper planting of cherry seedlings

After completing the procedure, it is necessary to water the soil generously (about 3 liters of water), having first created an artificial mound around the seedling.

After watering, it is advisable to mulch the soil of the seedling.

Features of planting and caring for the Shalunya cherry

Cherry is extremely popular among gardeners and lovers of stone fruits, because its fruits are distinguished not only by their pleasant sweet and sour taste, but also by their valuable biochemical composition. That is why scientists do not stop developing new varieties of it, one of which is the fruit of Ukrainian authors - the productive and unpretentious Minx with delicious berries, which will be discussed in the article.

History of variety selection

The Shalunya variety was obtained on the basis of the Melitopol Institute of Irrigated Horticulture named after. M. F. Sidorenko (formerly of the Melitopol Experimental Station IS NAAS). Work on variety selection was carried out in the mid-60s. last century by eminent Ukrainian scientists - Doctor of Agricultural Sciences Nikolai Turovtsev and his wife Valentina Turovtseva. The parent varieties of Shalunya were Samsonovka cherry and Duke (a hybrid of cherry and sweet cherry) variety Kyiv-19.

The first was chosen for its unpretentiousness and frost resistance, and the second for its unusually tasty berries.
The gradual crossing of these varieties over time gave an interesting hybrid, characterized by a good yield of large, juicy fruits. Afterwards, it very quickly spread across numerous horticultural farms in Ukraine. In 1997, Shalunya officially entered the State Register of the Russian Federation and was recommended for breeding in the North Caucasus region.

Description and characteristics of the variety

Let's look at the main characteristics of Shalunya, which distinguish it from all other cherry varieties.

Trees

The tree of this variety is fast-growing, medium-sized, with the height of an adult cherry up to 4 m. It is distinguished by a spreading, round, medium-dense crown with straight brown-brown branches of medium thickness. Cherry bark is flaky, gray-brown in color. The entire trunk is dotted with dark lentils - small tubercles of various shapes.

The leaves of Shalunia are medium sized, obovate. They have a smooth, bright green texture and a slightly pointed, curled shape. The short stipules are significantly dissected. The leaf petioles are thick, short, and pigmented. The fruits are formed on bouquet branches and annual growth, which should be taken into account when pruning trees.

Fetus

They are one-dimensional berries, quite large (5–6 g), flat-round, dark burgundy in color. Slightly overripe cherries take on an almost black tint. There is an inconspicuous ventral seam on the surface of the berry, and a slight depression at the base.

The skin of the cherry is shiny, thin, quite dense, with slightly pronounced spots, and can be easily removed. The pulp is juicy, soft, tender and has a burgundy tint. There is a small bone inside that can be easily removed. The taste of the Shalunia fruit is pleasant, sweet and sour, fresh. Experts rate their taste at 4.8 points.

How is the variety pollinated?

The variety belongs to a common type of self-sterile trees, the pollination of which requires closely spaced (up to 40 m) pollinating trees.

The best way to deal with this is:

• Samsonovka cherry;
• Chernokorka cherry;
• cherry Valery Chkalov;
• Vinka cherry.

Planting and caring for the Shalunya variety

Its vitality and the quality of the future harvest depend on the correct planting and further care of the tree.

Planting dates and choosing a suitable location

Cherry loves sunlight very much and is afraid of strong cold winds, which should be taken into account when choosing a planting site. A good location for the tree would be the southern part of the site, protected by a fence or some kind of building. However, the chosen place should not be in the shade for a long time. Minx prefers fertile, sandy loam, light loamy or soddy-podzolic soils.

In this case, the soil should easily allow water and oxygen to pass through, and groundwater should not come close to the surface (no closer than 1.5 m). In regions that experience cold winters, cherries should be planted in the spring before flowering begins. In the southern regions, autumn planting of the variety is allowed, but no later than the end of September.

Selection and preparation of planting material

For planting, you need to choose a 1-2 year old seedling with an open and well-developed root. The seedling should have a central conductor and 3–5 second-order branches. The bark of the tree should be healthy, smooth, brown-brown with gray lentils. The best place to purchase seedlings is a large, trusted nursery, where they guarantee varietal compliance and quality of the material.

When purchasing, pay attention to the integrity and uniformity of the bark and the freshness of the roots. In addition, when purchasing, you can get full advice on its cultivation. Also, when purchasing, you should pay attention to the height of the tree. One-year-old Shalunya has a height of about 70 cm, and two-year-old - from 1 m.

Landing technology

Planting a cherry seedling is done as follows:

1. No later than 30 days before planting, choose a place and dig a hole with a diameter of about 60 cm and a depth of about 50 cm.
2. The soil at the bottom of the pit is loosened and mixed with compost. A soil mixture is prepared from soil, compost, 30–40 g of superphosphate, 20–25 g of potassium chloride and up to 1 kg of wood ash. Coarse sand is added to heavy clay soil.
3. The seedling is carefully inspected, all dried and damaged roots are removed. The central trunk is cut to the first branch, and the skeletal branches are shortened by 2/3 of the length. All cuts are treated with garden varnish.
4. The rhizome is placed in a bucket of water for 6–12 hours, where a growth stimulator is added if desired.
5. A peg is driven into the hole to support the seedling. A small earthen mound is arranged at the bottom, on which the tree is placed, and the roots are carefully straightened.
6. The soil mixture is poured into the hole and compacted periodically. The planting depth is determined by the root collar of the tree, which should be above the ground at a height of 5–7 cm.
7. An earthen roller is formed around the planted tree, and 2-3 buckets of settled water are poured into the formed hole.
8. The seedling is tied to a peg with a figure-of-eight loop, and the settled soil is sprinkled with dry soil to the desired level.
9. The root circle is mulched with a 3–5 cm layer of humus, peat or sawdust.

Video: instructions for planting cherries

Trimming and shaping the tree crown

Pruning is an annual event that:

• prevents thickening of the crown, the development of diseases and the spread of pests;
• allows you to avoid overspending of nutrients on unnecessary and damaged branches;
• increases the quantity and improves the quality of berries;
• prolongs the fertile period of Minx’s life.

The first pruning of the seedling is done during planting. Shoots should be trimmed in early spring before flowering begins. It is better to form an open crown in the shape of a glass. In this case, the central conductor is shortened above the upper side shoot, 4-5 strong branches are left at a height of about 1 m above the ground, and the rest are cut to 2/3 of the length. Over the next couple of years, the overgrown side branches are trimmed to 1/2 the length.

1. First post-planting pruning: a) tree before pruning; b) tree after pruning. 2. Reaction of a newly planted cherry tree to pruning after the beginning of the growing season

Fruit-bearing trees are pruned after harvesting:

• fruit-bearing shoots are shortened by 1/4 of the length;
• damaged, weak and growing branches growing inside the crown are removed;
• As the tree ages, individual 4-year-old shoots are pruned to renew the tree.

Pruning is carried out with a clean, sharpened tool; for branches thinner than 2 cm, a pruning shear is used. In this case, the cut should be made above the bud growing outward.

Video: spring pruning of cherries

Fertilizers and watering

Cherries will give a good harvest only if there is sufficient and timely watering. Good watering is especially important during flowering and ovary development. The amount of water for Minx depends on soil moisture and ambient temperature. During a particularly dry period, this may require 5–7 buckets of water. Full watering should moisten the soil to a depth of 40–50 cm. To ensure uniform watering, furrows 20–30 cm deep are made around the cherry tree along the crown border. Near the trunk, you can create another shallow furrow - up to 10 cm.

Fertilizing is also a mandatory agrotechnical measure when growing cherries. As a fertilizer, potassium chloride (15 g per 1 m²) is applied to the soil surface along the projection of the tree crown approximately in the middle of winter. Thus, by the beginning of the growing season, the chlorine will evaporate, and valuable potassium will nourish the soil. In the spring, before flowering begins, the soil around Shalunya is fertilized with rotted manure or compost. Ammonium sulfate is also added (30 g per 1 m²). Every 3 years, superphosphate (90 g per 1 m²) should be added along with ammonium sulfate.

Video: feeding a fruit tree

Preparing the plant for winter

Minx tolerates winter well provided it is planted in the areas for which it is intended, so preparation for winter consists only of watering and pruning the tree, as well as loosening and digging around the trunk. Young trees should be protected from rodents that actively eat the bark in the winter. To do this, you need to provide a circular installation of a fine mesh, tying the trunk with straw or spruce branches. You can also scare away mice by hanging elderberry or wild rosemary on the lower branches and trunk.

Diseases and pests

Minx is characterized by good immunity to diseases of stone fruit crops, including the most dangerous diseases - moniliosis and coccomycosis.

However, it is necessary to take preventive measures:

1. Thin out the crown in a timely manner, trim off affected shoots, and remove fallen leaves and berries.
2. Pruning should be done in dry weather to avoid spreading infection and pests.
3. Water in a timely manner, loosen the tree trunk, remove weeds.
4. Treat trees with 1% Bordeaux mixture - before buds appear, after flowering and after another 2 weeks.
5. After flowering, hang Velcro bait against cherry flies near the planting.
6. Digging up the soil in late autumn will destroy pests that have left for the winter.
7. Treatment with insecticides according to the instructions for the preparations will help destroy aphids and other insects.

Tips for Beginner Gardeners

Beginner gardeners should remember that they should not be afraid to make mistakes: in most cases, any mistakes can be corrected. First you need to decide on a work plan and stock up on the necessary planting material and tools. Next, you need to strictly follow all recommendations for selecting, planting and caring for seedlings. At the same time, be sure to take into account the purpose of the variety and not plant Minx in the northern regions.

It is important to take note of the main points:

• buy seedlings from trusted producers;
• plant them in a sunny place with light, fertile soil;
• during cold winters, choose spring planting;
• do not forget about the need for pollinating trees;
• regularly water and feed the trees;
• Prune cherries annually and take preventive measures against diseases and pests.

Thus, with good care of the tree, Shalunya will delight you with fresh berries for many years and will be an excellent vitamin addition to any table.

Diseases and pests

Common cherry Brunette is resistant to most diseases. However, if not properly cared for, this variety is susceptible to fungal and bacterial diseases.

Anthracnose is a fungal disease, the development of which is favored by increased importance (more than 90%). The skin of the fruit becomes covered with small bumps with a pinkish coating, which dry out when warm weather sets in.

Treatment with fungicides and removal of affected tree fruits helps in the fight against the disease.

Gommosis, or gum leakage, is manifested by the leakage of gum (sticky substance) from the tree trunk and branches. It occurs as a side effect of diseases or poor quality crop care.

In case of gommosis, the trunk and branches of the tree are treated with copper sulfate and garden pitch, and the damaged branches are cut off

Hole spot, or clasterosporiasis, occurs when the growing conditions of the crop (temperature, humidity) are violated. If signs of the disease are detected, the crop must be treated with Bordeaux mixture and the affected areas removed.

A fungal disease affects the leaves and fruits of the tree - brown spots and holes appear

The following pests pose the greatest danger to Brunette cherries:

• cherry aphid;
• cherry weevil (larvae and adult insects);
• slimy sawfly (larvae);
• caterpillars of shoot moth.

Important! The Brunette cherry variety has average resistance to moniliosis and coccomycosis.

Varieties and varieties of felt cherries

The varieties are divided into 3 groups according to the ripening period: early, middle, late. The color of the fruits is varied, there are even red-black and almost black berries.

Fruiting and decorative

Chinese cherry is often used in landscape design, putting its decorative properties first. Because by planting several varieties near the fence, you can significantly transform the local area. And the healthy fruits will be a tasty bonus.

One of the very beautiful varieties of the crop is the decorative glandular terry cherry. This shrub or dwarf flowering almond is native to China and Japan.

Varietal forms of the species:

Ferruginous cherry Alba Plena. A plant with a rounded crown up to 150 cm in diameter

Attracts attention with its bright green leaves and blooming double snow-white flowers similar to miniature roses. Pleases the eye for 20 days. Lawrence

Terry cherry has luxurious pale pink flowers. The shrub grows up to 1.5 m in height and can reach 2 m in diameter. Ferruginous cherry Rosea plena. Shrub up to 2 m in height. It is valued by landscape designers for its densely double flowers of a light pink hue. Flowering duration is up to 10 days. And the flexible, dark red, bluish-tinged branches arch toward the ground, giving the bush the shape of a miniature tent.

Reviews

Maria Svetlova, 52 years old, Serpukhov

I learned about this rather rare variety from a neighbor in my garden. The tree is unpretentious and tolerates frost well. The berries are large, soft and sweet. With proper care, Brunette produces a good harvest every year.

Anna Pavlova, 47 years old, Kaluga

Cherry Brunette appeared on my site about 10 years ago. Of course, the variety is unique and requires attention. The berries of the tree differ from the usual cultivars in their delicate structure and pleasant taste with a subtle sourness. Despite the warnings, my tree has never been sick all the time, and annually produces a stable harvest. I recommend!

Cherry variety Apukhtinskaya

Apukhtinskaya cherry has long been loved by gardeners in the Central region of Russia. But little is known about its history. Place of birth: the village of Apukhtino, Tula region. Most likely, the variety appeared as a result of folk selection, so it will be difficult to say for sure about the parent plants. Some attribute kinship with Lyubskaya, others with Morel Lotova. The variety is not included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation.

Description

The tree is small, shrub type, height - 2.5 - 3 meters. The crown is rounded, not too thick; its constituent branches become bare and droop with age. The shoots are thin. The bark of young shoots is red-brown, smooth and slightly shiny, covered with medium-sized light lentils. The bark on older branches has a grayish tint. The buds grow, slightly deviating from the shoot. Cherry foliage is moderate. The leaf blade of Apukhtinskaya is ordinary, light green, with reticulate veining. The leaf shape is elliptical, the edge is serrated. The surface of the leaf plate is smooth, slightly shiny. The leaves are slightly folded along the central vein. The petiole is ordinary; anthocyanin color is sometimes faintly visible at its base. There are one or two glands, they are small and uncolored. The flowers are white, five-petaled. The ovary of the variety is most often formed on annual growths.

The fruits are medium in size, one-dimensional, weighing 3.3 - 3.5 grams. The drupes are round-heart-shaped, dark red. The funnel is wide and shallow. The skin is thin, glossy. The pulp is moderately dense, juicy, tender, red in color. The taste is classic, rather sour, with a slight tartness, pronounced cherry aroma. Most gardeners rate the taste as mediocre, but this opinion is rather subjective, because the taste largely depends on the growing region and the degree of lighting. The seed is large, oval, occupies 12% of the total mass of the berry, and is easily separated. The stalk is thin and long, firmly attached to the fruit. The separation is semi-dry.

Characteristics

• Apukhtinskaya has excellent early pregnancy. The fruiting period begins 2-3 years after planting. And after grafting it can bear the first berries as early as next year;
• late-ripening variety, the harvest ripens in the second half of August;
• Cherry productivity is good, increasing over the years. According to some reports, from 10 to 15 kg of berries are collected from a 5-year-old tree;
• Fruiting is stable, annual;
• the fruits hold tightly to the branches during the ripening period and do not fall off for a long time;
• the variety is considered highly self-fertile, so the harvest is established even without pollinators. By the way, it is difficult to find a pollinator due to the late flowering of Apukhtinskaya, which occurs in June;
• According to reviews, cherries have good winter hardiness and drought resistance in regions suitable for cultivation;
• The variety's immunity is above average. According to some reports, it has a tendency to be affected by coccomycosis;
• the transportability of Apukhtinskaya fruits is low, since the stalk is separated along with the skin and provokes the release of juice;
• The way to use drupes is technical. The fruits are excellent for all types of processing and canning. But some people really like the taste of this cherry in its natural form.

Planting and care

It is recommended to plant 2-year-old seedlings. For propagation, it is best to use own-rooted plants. The right time for planting is autumn, about 3 weeks before the onset of persistent cold weather. During the preparation of the planting hole, nutrients are added - phosphorus-potassium fertilizers and organic matter, for example, well-rotted manure. The next feeding is carried out only after 2 years. Watering is moderate; the roots cannot tolerate high soil moisture. It is imperative to carry out preventive spraying against diseases and pests. A well-lit place for planting is selected so that the amount of sugars in the berries increases.

Apukhtinskaya has established itself as a reliable and undemanding variety. The plant bears fruit annually and is good, so the winter table will not be left without tasty preparations - preserves, compotes, jam, marmalade. Cherries are also good in their own juice. And the small size of the tree makes it easy to care for.