Growing cherries in central Russia. Growing cherries: the main rules of agricultural technology How cherries bear fruit in the middle zone

Fruit trees (cherry, apricot, peach and others) are particularly demanding climatic conditions and soil.

Despite this, there are many varieties of stone fruits that do well not only in southern regions, but also in cooler climates. IN middle lane In Russia, it is not at all difficult to grow cherries if you provide the tree with proper care.

Compliance with certain rules will help not only to get a healthy, strong tree, but also to increase its yield. Thanks to large selection varieties of cherries, you can choose the most suitable for any climate zone.

Following the advice of care experts, growing this fruit tree won't cause much trouble. Some simple secrets They will help you grow a magnificent cherry orchard in just a few years and get an excellent harvest.

When choosing seedlings for growing in a garden or country house, it is very important to pay attention to the zoning of variety and species. Southern varieties may not tolerate frost and die, so it is best to pay attention to breeding varieties.

Bred specifically for the conditions of the middle zone (Moscow, Tula, Ivanovo and other regions), cherry varieties have all necessary qualities to get a good harvest.

Factors to pay attention to when purchasing a seedling:

• Frost resistance level. The higher this indicator, the better.
• Tallness. Low-growing plants are less likely to freeze. These varieties are also different high yield.
• Timing of flowering and fruit set. It is recommended to select seedlings not too early varieties. This reduces the risk of freezing during spring frosts.
• The need for pollination. It is recommended to give preference self-fertile varieties. Even when planting one plant, there is no need for cross-pollination, so you can get a good, abundant harvest.

Taking into account all the factors, as well as the characteristics of the soil and the size of the plot, you can decide on the most suitable varieties cherries for growing in the garden.

"Adeline"

The medium-ripening variety is perfect for growing in small garden plots. The tree grows up to 3 meters in height, has a comfortable pyramidal crown and does not thicken. Productivity of "Adeline" is above average - healthy mature tree produces up to 60 kg of juicy berries.

The advantage of this variety is its good winter hardiness and disease resistance. With good care, cherries very rarely become ill with coccomycosis and moniliosis. In dry summers it may be vulnerable to pests.

The first fruits appear in the 4th year of the seedling’s life. The yield will increase as the cherries mature to 45-60 kg. The heart-shaped berries have an average size weighing 5-6 g. The pulp is juicy red and easily separates from the seed.

The cherry variety "Adeline" takes root well in the Middle Zone and in the climate of the Central Black Earth Region. For planting, it is recommended to choose 2-3 year old seedlings - this will ensure their better survival rate and reduce the risk of contracting diseases from other fruit crops.

"Gronkavaya"

The medium-sized variety is characterized by high yield and increased resistance to disease. Excellent for growing in large gardens. The “Gronkavaya” cherry was bred by Belarusian breeders from the “Severnaya” variety.

The large, dark red fruits are quite shelf-stable and easily transported. Suitable for universal use.

Due to the fact that the variety calmly tolerates even very low temperatures, recommended for cultivation in the middle zone and other regions with cold climates.

Varietal characteristics and features:

• High yield (up to 70 kg per mature tree);
• Winter hardiness index - above average;
• Early ripening, self-fertility, high disease resistance.

Care requirements:

• Since the tree is tall with a spreading crown, it is recommended for growing in large areas. For getting maximum yield It is advisable to provide good lighting and regular soil moisture.

"I put"

The cultivation of Iput cherries in the Middle Zone and the Central region began in the early 90s. The variety was obtained as a result of crossing hybrid forms“Leningradskaya Black”, “Victory” and “Jaboulet No. 15”.

Thanks to excellent varietal characteristics and simple care, has gained wide popularity among gardeners. Medium-sized trees have high yields and are capable of producing more than 90 kg of juicy berries.

Cherries have large juicy fruits dark red color. The stalk is short, thick, the stone is separated with part of the pulp. The average weight of berries is 6-7 g, can reach 9 g. The pulp is juicy, sweet, of medium density.

Caring for and growing cherries of this variety does not require special skills or conditions. Due to its high winter hardiness and resistance to coccomycosis, it is excellent for growing in the Middle Zone.

Planting seedlings

The place for planting cherry seedlings should be prepared in advance. A well-lit place, protected from drafts, is selected on the site. In the autumn, even before the onset of frost, a hole is dug 70 by 70 cm or more, depending on the growth of the selected variety.

It is advisable to plant several seedlings at once different varieties, but at the same flowering time, so that they are natural pollinators of each other.

The soil should be fertile, light, well permeable to moisture. Most suitable areas with loamy or sandy soil. It is not advisable to plant any variety of cherries on clay or peaty soil!

Drainage is poured into the bottom of the hole prepared for planting to avoid stagnation of the inputs. A third of the hole is filled with a soil mixture of fertile soil and humus. In this form, the planting hole remains until spring - the most optimal time for planting cherries in the Middle Zone.

In early spring, when there is no longer any danger of frost, fertilizers are added to the hole and mixed well with fertile soil. 2-3 year old seedlings are planted so that the root neck protrudes several centimeters above ground level.

After planting the tree, the soil is compacted and watered abundantly. For better survival of cherries, the top of the soil is covered with mulch.

Caring for young and mature trees

Young seedlings should be pruned immediately after planting (at approximately 100 cm height). Next season, side shoots will develop from dormant buds to form a crop.

In the 2nd year after planting, the tree is pruned by about 1/3, leaving only well-developed skeletal branches at a level of 90-110 cm. In the next season, the crown is formed depending on the plant variety.

Most an important condition for caring for cherries is proper watering. It is very important to provide the tree with moderate moisture so that it develops properly and to avoid the development of diseases.

Stagnation of moisture can be detrimental to the plant, so when groundwater is high, it is recommended to choose varieties with a small root system. The most optimal solution would be columnar and ornamental trees.

Conclusion

• Correct fit and caring for cherries may require additional effort. Cherry belongs to heat-loving plants, therefore, if necessary, the root system should be covered for the winter. To prevent the tree from dying, preference should be given to varieties that are not too early, frost-resistant.
• Experienced gardeners know how cherries grow in different conditions, and are able to provide the tree with proper care. For beginning gardeners, the first years of a plant’s life in a garden or garden plot will require some effort. To grow cherries in the conditions of the Middle Zone, give preference to self-fertile varieties with high resistance to diseases.
• Adult plants, just like young seedlings, require good and proper care. If you do not prune on time, do not apply fertilizers, or skip covering for the winter, the yield may be significantly reduced and the cherry may become diseased.

Growing cherries attracts gardeners with a harvest of sweet and ripe berries. Despite the heat-loving plant, there are varieties intended for the middle zone, Leningrad region, Urals and Siberia. If agricultural practices and care are followed, the crop will bear fruit in 3 years.

The tree is vigorous and loves warmth, so it is important to consider its location. It is recommended to remove cherries from neighboring plantings by 2 meters. Proper planting of cherries includes:

1. Preliminary digging or plowing of the site.
2. Immerse the seedling in water for 6 hours to replenish the roots with moisture.
3. Cut branches by a third.
4. Preparing the planting hole. Dig a hole 80 by 80 cm and 60 cm deep.
5. Creating a nutritious soil mixture based on 2-3 buckets of humus, half a kilo of superphosphate and a kilogram of ash.
6. Mixing the ingredient with the top layer of soil.
7. Formation of an embankment and placement of a seedling on it without deepening the root collar.
8. Distributing the root and filling the cherry tree with soil.
9. Watering and tying the plant to a pre-prepared stake.
10. Mulching the tree trunk circle with dry grass, peat, straw, humus.

Sweet cherries love fertilizing, but exceeding their quantity provokes autumn shoot formation. The optimal time for fertilization is in spring (complex minerals) and autumn (superphosphate and potassium).

Ash can be replaced with 120 g. potassium sulfate.

Site requirements

Cherries are light-loving, so it is better to plant the tree in the south or southwest of the garden. The planting site must be protected from the north wind and drafts, which will harm even winter-hardy varieties.

The tree can be planted near the southern wall of the building or on a gentle slope.

Agronomists note several points for successful tree survival.

Soil type

Culture takes root fertile land with good aeration and ability to absorb moisture:

• the optimal soil type is light or medium loam, sandy loam with neutral acidity;
• the tree will not grow on peat bogs and clay soil;
• mandatory application of organic matter and minerals in the fall;
• into the landing hole on clay soil you need to add 2 buckets of sand, on sandstones - clay in the same amount.

Cherry grows on slopes, small hills, and artificial embankments 50 cm high.

To lower the soil pH, add lime or chalk in an amount of 500 grams.

Neighboring plantings

The culture is characterized by cross-pollination, so 2-3 other varieties or cherries are planted near the cherry. Reception increases fruiting, especially if the flowering dates of the trees coincide.

Humidity

The plant is moisture-loving, but stagnant water can harm the root system. She will rot in the area with high level groundwater.

Planting dates and scheme

The optimal time for planting a crop is spring, before bud formation begins. Preparatory work is carried out in the fall - they dig a hole and fertilize it with humus. In spring, add 300 grams. superphosphate, 100 gr. sodium sulfate (the mixture can be replaced with 1 kg of ash).

Exceeding the fertilizer rate will lead to increased growth of stems, which simply will not ripen by the time of the growing season.

The exact planting dates depend on regional characteristics:

• in the middle zone and Moscow region, planting is carried out at the end of April;
• in warm areas - in autumn, before the ground freezes;
• in Siberia - before the buds begin to bloom.

The landing scheme provides:

• Keeping the cherry tree 4 meters away from other green spaces will prevent mutual shading. Columnar varieties are spaced 3 meters apart;
• digging a hole 14 days before spring planting– for soil shrinkage;
• soil sorting - the fertile layer is separated from the deep layer, tilting it in the other direction;
• selection of pit sizes taking into account root growth - the width should be 60-100 cm, and the depth should be 60 cm;
• Cherries are not planted deeply; the root collar is slightly raised above the ground line;
• making a hole and forming a cushion around the edges, watering (1 bucket of water) and mulching.

It is recommended to shorten the crown of a two-year-old seedling according to central axis, but only with early plantings.

Do not add nitrogen compounds to the planting hole to avoid burning the roots.

Pit preparation

Type preparatory work depends on the timing of planting and soil type.

Autumn planting

At autumn room The plot of cherries in the ground is prepared in 14-21 days. It needs to be dug deep, add 10 kg of compost, 180 g. superphosphate and 100 gr. saltpeter per 1 sq.m. You can do liming of acidic soil or tillage special means for cherries and cherries 10 days after the main additives.

Spring planting

If planted in the spring, the hole is also prepared in the fall, taking into account the weather. From October to November, the area is dug up and humus or compost is added. After the snow melts and the soil dries out, minerals, including nitrogen, are added. Cuttings are planted after 7 days.

The first set of fertilizers applied during planting is enough for 3 years.

Preparing clay and sandy soil

Organization landing pit for soil saturated with clay or sand, it is carried out over several years:

• in the first year, digging is carried out, clay or sand is added;
• Over the course of 3-4 years, the site is fertilized in the fall or spring.

14 days before planting, prepare the hole.

Parameters and preparation of the seat

Due to the growth of tree roots, the planting hole is made wide (up to 1 meter) and deep (from 60 to 80 cm). A support peg is placed in the center. A nutrient substrate is poured into the bottom of the pit in the form of a slide around a support. The soil mixture is compacted and covered with deep soil, which is leveled. 2 buckets of water are poured into the ground and left for 14 days to shrink.

Choosing a cherry seedling

Cherry seedlings resemble cherry trees, but differ in several ways. They are tall, have erect branches, and reddish-brown bark. For successful cultivation tree, it is worth taking a responsible approach to the choice of seedlings.
The optimal plants will be two to three year old plants, 80 cm in length, with 2-3 strong shoots, smooth and healthy bark. When purchasing, consider:

• appearance of the root system. Formed, branched roots without damage and dry shoots will take root in the soil faster;
• appearance of the central trunk and side shoots. The central trunk should be clear, straight, with lateral branches. The more there are, the easier it will be to mold the crown;
• presence of a vaccination mark. U varietal plants with high yield there is a mark on the trunk.

Vigorous seedlings take longer to acclimatize.

Buy plants in a container or wrap them in a damp cloth and plastic bag when transporting.

Planting cherries

Planting work is carried out in stages:

1. In the spring, 60 grams are added to the prepared hole. potassium sulphide, 100-120 gr. superphosphate and mix them with soil.
2. A support for the tree is placed in the hole, and unfertilized fertile soil is poured into its center, forming a hill.
3. A prepared seedling is installed in the middle of the hill (can be planted with container soil) and the roots are carefully distributed.
4. The cherry is tied to a support peg and earth is gradually added, compacting it with hands.
5. The tree is watered abundantly.
6. The tree trunk circle is mulched with peat, leaves, and humus.

When planting, do not forget that the root collar should not be lower than 3-5 cm from the ground.

Watering and removing weeds from cherries

An adult tree and a young seedling require regular watering. During the growing season, water is added at least 3 times:

• before flowering;
• in midsummer;
• in the fall along with the last feeding.

Applying water in winter before the onset of cold weather helps saturate the soil with moisture.

It is worth watering cherries so that the water goes into the soil 70-80 cm. After watering trunk circle loosen and mulch.

Cherries - cultivated plant, which is contraindicated in the close presence of weeds. They are removed with a hoe, annually expanding the trunk circle from 20 to 50 cm. For a one-year-old tree it is 80 cm, for a two-year-old tree it is more than a meter.
In the first year of planting, the soil should be kept in a state of black steam, completely destroying weeds. The cleaned area is covered with mulch.

Pollination

The tree is cross-pollinated. To ensure good and regular fruiting, 2-3 other varieties of cherries or cherries are planted. You can lure bees with sugar or honey dissolved in water. The composition is sprayed with a spray bottle or a broom from a bucket.

Cherry feeding: spring and winter

In the case of good pre-planting fertilizer, the tree does not need subcortex for the first 3-5 years. In the future you will need to enter:

• organic matter - 10 kg of manure, poultry or compost in the fall;
• minerals - superphosphate in September to prepare the plant for wintering;
• nitrogen supplements - for two-year-old plants in dry form and in liquid form in May;
• phosphorus and potassium - in the 4th year of growth in mid-summer.

During the last feeding you need to focus on external signs– yellowed and falling leaves. Fertilizers are embedded in the soil when digging with a 10 cm deepening.

Cherry care

Maintenance work is carried out annually.

Spring care

Activities begin with spring warming. The insulating material is removed from the trunks, and the branches are inspected for damage. The wounds are treated with garden varnish, and the dead material is cut off.
After the end of frost, for a 3-year-old tree, urea (120 g) is added, which must be scattered near the tree and buried to a depth of 10 cm. It is allowed to water the trunk circle in May - you will need 20-25 g. urea per 10 liters of water.
Trees over 3 years old are fed with ammophoska and humus. To strengthen the bark, granulated potassium sulfate and superphosphate are used.

Sweet cherries are demanding when it comes to fertilizing, so the dosage must be calculated taking into account the age of the tree:

• 1-3 summer plant 40 gr is enough. ammophoska per 1 sq.m.;
• 4-5 summer trees 120-150 gr is enough. superphosphate per 1 sq.m.;
• A 10-year-old cherry tree requires 150-200 g. urea, 100 gr. potassium, 200 gr. superphosphate per 1 sq.m.

An adult tree requires 30-35% more additives than a young tree.

IN spring time It is advisable to carry out preventive treatment against pests with fungicides and urea. The last component in the amount of 500 g. per 10 liters of water is used before bud formation begins. The procedure helps delay flowering, which preserves fruit ovaries during recurrent frosts. Faded cherries are sprayed with a 1% solution Bordeaux mixture according to the instructions.

Caring for cherries in autumn

Fall grooming activities include:

• adding superphosphate during digging (60 g) and ash (500 g) per 1 sq.m.;
• fertilizing before frost with organic matter - humus in the amount of 20-30 kg per tree;
• sanitary pruning – broken, diseased and weak branches with an angle of less than 45 degrees are removed;
• processing of cuts with garden varnish.

Pre-winter watering must be carried out between the end of October and the beginning of November. Adding 6-10 buckets of water, percolating 50 cm into the soil, increases winter hardiness and productivity.

When feeding, focus on the projection of the crown, imagining it in the form of a square.

Spraying cherries in autumn

First autumn processing must be performed 3 weeks before harvest ripening. The second, in October-November, helps prepare the garden for winter. After leaf fall, you can start spraying using chemicals. Gardeners recommend copper or iron sulfate, urea, urea, diesel fuel or ZOV.
Chemicals are sprayed evenly from a compressor or pump. The substance should cover the cherries in the form of an even dew. Spraying requires careful treatment of the entire tree. Before harvesting, the leaves must be coated with a fungicide (insecticide) on both sides.

Preparing cherries for wintering

An adult tree overwinters without shelter. It is enough to whiten it, feed it, add water and mulch the tree trunk circle.
Young seedlings must be covered. This will protect them from freezing. Artificial materials are not suitable for winding - the cherries rot in them. Spruce branches and burlap will ensure normal air circulation.

Autumn whitewashing

Painting cherries with lime in the fall promotes:

• protecting the bark from burns by the February and March sun;
• preventing frost damage and cracking of the bark surface during temperature fluctuations;
• destruction of pest larvae hidden in the bark.

Both young and old crops are whitened in October-November. The trunk of the tree is processed from the root collar to the skeletal branches. You can cover the lower skeletal branches by a third. The solution is prepared from 2 kg of lime, 400 g. copper sulfate, 1 kg of clay, 1 kg of fresh manure. There should be enough liquid so that the composition resembles low-fat sour cream.

Collection and storage of cherries

The berries are removed from the tree after they appear characteristic features ripening, but in a solid state. To preserve juiciness, work is carried out in the morning. The fruits are removed together with the “tails” - this way they are stored longer and are not damaged during transportation.

Use buckets and pour the berries out of them onto a cloth - this makes it easier to sort them.

Before storing cherries, do not wash them so as not to remove the wax. How the blanks are made:

• placed in a paper bag on the bottom shelf or fruit compartment in the refrigerator (temperature plus 1 degree);
• dried in an electric dryer;
• stored in trays covered with a lid;
• put in the freezer, packaged in plastic bags, from which the air is first removed;
• canned - stays in the cellar for up to 1 year;
• make jam - store in a dark place.

Fresh berries are stored from 48 hours to 5 days in a cool place, 3 days without refrigeration, subject to storage conditions - from 5 days to 3 weeks.

GOST notes the optimal environment for storing fresh cherries: temperature from minus 1 to plus 2 degrees, humidity 90-95%.

Growing cherries in the country or in the garden requires certain care rules. Only if you follow them will you get a good harvest and be able to pamper your family with delicious berries or sell them.

When planting cherries in the fall, it is important not only to plant the seedling correctly, but also to take into account the peculiarities of the local climate. If you follow agricultural technology autumn planting, the tree will take root safely. Let's find out how to plant cherry seedlings in the fall, and how to help them survive the first winter?

Features of autumn planting

Cherries, like any fruit tree, are planted in any season. It is impossible to say unequivocally when it is better to plant cherry seedlings; planting dates are influenced by many factors - climate, variety, weather, Availability planting material and others.

There are circumstances in which autumn planting is preferable to spring planting. Features and benefits of planting in autumn:

• It is in autumn that the market is filled with varietal seedlings - at this time nurseries sell their products. You can not only find desired variety, but also to choose the best seedlings. Read about the most common varieties of cherries.
• Autumn planting is an option for the southern regions and the middle zone. In areas with a harsh climate, it is not profitable and is risky - seedlings planted in the fall may not survive their first winter.
• The timing of autumn planting depends on the climate of the region. The seedling is planted 1-1.5 months before the temperature reaches below 0 °C. If there is already snow, but the ground is not frozen and there are no frosts yet, you can still plant cherries.

Selection of seedlings

For autumn planting, seedlings 1-2 years old are most suitable. Signs good seedling:

• The height of a one-year-old plant is up to 80 cm, and a two-year-old plant’s height is up to 100 cm. It is not advisable to choose tall seedlings for planting, as they require more time to take root.
• healthy root system. It is the roots that receive the most attention. It is desirable that the seedling has many succulent, fibrous shoots. The roots should not be dried out or damaged.
• Leaves are not of fundamental importance - even if they are there, they are torn off.
• The graft should be visible on the seedling. This is proof that the seedling is varietal. When buying cherries, it is important to know that this crop is not usually propagated by seeds. Unlike cherries, a seedling grown from a seed can completely lose the varietal properties of the mother plant.
• The presence of branches is welcome - they will allow you to begin the formation of a correct and comfortable crown in the near future. The main thing is that the seedling has a central conductor - without it the tree will not be able to grow and branch well. Moreover, it runs the risk of breaking into pieces during heavy fruiting.

If the purchased seedling is to be transported, wrap its roots in a damp cloth and wrap it with oilcloth on top.

Three-year-old seedlings are not worth buying - they practically do not take root.

Selecting varieties for different regions

When growing cherries, it is extremely important to take into account its winter hardiness. In order for a tree to survive the winter safely, you need to choose only varieties that are zoned in a specific region. A temperature of minus 20 degrees is enough for a cherry seedling to die.

Cherry varieties for different regions:

Preparation

Sweet cherries are demanding in terms of growing conditions. She needs fertile soil and a lot of sun. The further development of the seedling, its immunity and productivity depend on how correctly the planting is done.

Place

In order for cherries to grow and bear fruit well, it is important to choose a plot for it with favorable conditions. Landing site requirements:

• good lighting;
• wind protection;
• fertile and moisture-absorbing soils;
• best soils– loams and sandy loams;
• deep groundwater – at least 1.5 m;
• no risk of spring flooding;
• best neighborhood– cherries, sweet cherries, plums;
• unwanted neighbors - walnut, rowan, peach, pear, black currant.

The soil for autumn planting is dug up 2-3 weeks before planting. Before planting, add humus - a bucket of 1 square meter. m. Along the way, the composition of the soil is adjusted. IN clay soils sand is added, and clay is added to sandy ones. You can also make a special soil mixture- They buy it in agricultural stores.

Acidic peat bogs are not suitable for growing cherries.

Pit preparation:

• Dig a larger hole - 80 cm wide, 70 cm deep. Do not narrow the hole - the roots should fit freely in it.
• Place a drainage layer on the bottom - broken brick, gravel, crushed stone.
• Drive a stake into the soil - it will serve as a support for the seedling.
• 10 days before planting the seedling, fill the hole one-third full with the nutrient mixture. Mixture composition:
  • fertile soil – 2 parts;
  • humus – 1 part;
  • peat – 1 part;
  • superphosphate – 90-100 g;
  • potassium sulphide – 40-50 g.

You can fill the hole with the following soil mixture:

• compost - 2 buckets;
• ash – 1 kg;
• superphosphate – 400 g.

During planting, it is prohibited to use nitrogen fertilizers and lime. They have a bad effect on the survival rate of the seedling, and can even burn its roots.

Preparing a seedling for planting

In order for the seedling to take root safely, it is prepared for planting:

• 10-12 hours before planting, place the seedling in water. There, if you want, add a growth stimulator - Kornevin.
• Trim off any damaged roots before planting. Also cut off the long roots - the roots should fit comfortably in the prepared hole.
• If there are leaves, do not forget to tear them off, as they can cause dehydration of the seedling.

Planting in open ground

If the hole has been prepared, the soil in it has settled, and the seedling is prepared, you can begin planting.

Watch the video where a cherry seedling is planted in autumn period:

The procedure for planting cherry seedlings:

1. If you didn't place a support when digging the hole, now is the time to do it. Drive a peg 80 cm high into the center of the hole.
2. Rake the soil in the hole up the hill. Place the roots of the seedling on it. You must place it so that the roots are straightened and its root collar is 5-6 cm above the surface of the ground. When the ground settles, the neck will drop.
3. Cover the roots with soil removed from the hole. Apply gradually, shaking the seedling from time to time and tamping the soil with your hands so that the gaps between the roots are filled with earth.
4. Having filled half of the hole, pour a bucket of water into it so that the earth settles better. Once the moisture is absorbed, continue filling the hole. At the end of the process, thoroughly compact the soil around the trunk. Tie the seedling to the support - carefully, without damaging or squeezing the bark.
5. Water the seedling. To ensure high-quality watering, dig a groove 5 cm deep around the trunk. Place the soil removed when digging the groove with a roller along the diameter of the trunk circle. Water poured into the groove will be evenly distributed throughout the hole, settling towards the roots.
6. Tree trunk circle with peat, mowed grass or other mulch.

Caring for planted cherries in the first year

In the first year after planting, cherries require special attention. Caring for a young tree begins with the onset of spring. The cherry tree slept quietly all winter, and with the onset of spring, agrotechnical measures begin.

Watering and weeding

During the growing season, the tree needs watering. Sweet cherries require moisture, but excess moisture should not be allowed - this will have a bad effect on the condition of the root system and the development of the entire tree.

Watering rules:

• Water the cherries regularly, taking into account weather conditions and soil conditions.
• In normal weather, water the young tree once a month, during dry periods - every week.
• It is advisable to water the tree in a groove dug around the circumference. But you cannot use the hole that was dug during planting - it should be gradually expanded, eventually reaching 1 m.
• The watering norm for young cherries is 2-3 buckets per tree. As the tree grows, the rate will double.

After watering, the tree trunk circle is sprinkled with peat or humus. A layer of mulch retains moisture and inhibits growth weed. The moisture stored in the fall will help the tree survive its second winter.

Sweet cherries do not tolerate proximity to weeds - they need regular weeding. During the entire growing season, the soil in the tree trunk circle is loosened, simultaneously removing weeds.

Fertilizer

In the first year, after planting a seedling, fertilizing is not needed - the plant will last for a long time with the fertilizers placed in the planting hole. Principles of feeding cherries after the first year of life:

• The best fertilizer for cherries - humus. Moreover, it is enough to apply it once every 2-3 years.
• To stimulate the large-fruited tree, it is provided with complex mineral fertilizers - those that were applied during planting. They are usually introduced for 2-3 years.
• In the second year, it is recommended to feed the cherries with nitrogen fertilizers - urea. For one tree - 120 g. It is scattered around the tree trunk after watering.
• In the fourth year of life, when the length of the roots exceeds the diameter of the trunk circle, fertilizers are applied along the larger diameter. In the spring, 120-200 g of urea are added, at the end of August - 500 g of superphosphate and 100 g of potassium sulfate.

The width of the trunk circle is increased in the second year to 1 m. And then every year another 50 cm is added to its diameter.

Is pruning necessary?

In the first year of life, the seedling does not need pruning. In the spring, cherries planted in the fall are inspected. If any shoots are broken or damaged during the winter, they are cut off.

Formative pruning is carried out in the second year of life. First, 3 strong shoots are left on the tree, and the rest are cut out. Having shortened the selected branches by a third of the length, cut off the central conductor - at a distance of 1 m from the lower tier. Then pruning is repeated annually.

Thanks to formative pruning, in which the upper branches are shortened by a third, and all branches growing inward are pruned, a bowl-shaped crown is obtained. The cup-shaped crown provides good lighting to all shoots, increases productivity, and simplifies fruit harvesting.

Sweet cherry is the closest relative of the sour cherry. Thanks to new, cold-resistant varieties, it is possible to grow cherries in central Russia and northern regions, despite the southern origin of the culture.

Choosing a cherry seedling

To plant on the site, you should select several varieties of cherries for cross-pollination. In the middle zone and Moscow region good harvests They produce the following varieties: Cheremashnaya, Krymskaya, Iput, Bryanskaya rozovaya, Fatezh, Tyutchevka.

Externally, cherry seedlings are very similar to cherries, but upon closer inspection, it is not difficult to distinguish them:

• Cherry trees are taller with erect branches;
• The bark of cherry seedlings is brown with a reddish tint, while the bark of cherry seedlings is gray-brown.

Growing cherries will be successful if the seedling for planting is chosen correctly. His age should not exceed three years (optimally two years). The recommended height of the purchased seedling is at least 80 cm, and it has 3-4 strong shoots. There must be a grafting site on the trunk, which indicates the varietal identity of the seedling. The bark of a healthy plant is smooth, without signs of disease or freezing.

The root system of cherry planting material is well developed and has 3-4 branches 20 cm long. Specimens with dried, rotten or frozen roots should not be purchased - they are not viable. If the root system of the seedling is very dry - when cut, a light brown core is visible, you can revive the seedling. To do this, the roots are placed in a container with water for a day.

Choosing a location and planting cherries

Incorrect landing Cherry planting can lead to the death of the seedling, so this stage must be approached responsibly.

Choosing a landing site

Cherry prefers areas on the south or southwest side, not blown by north winds. It is allowed to plant trees near the southern walls of the house and on gentle slopes.

This fruit crop does not tolerate stagnation of moisture, even short-term. Planting cherries in central Russia should be carried out in areas with deep groundwater. Otherwise, soaking the roots will lead to a delay in the development of the tree, and subsequently to its death.

Soil preparation

Cherries develop and bear fruit well on fertile loams and sandy loams with neutral acidity. The soil should be well aerated and saturated with moisture. Peat bogs, deep sandstones and heavy clay soils are not suitable for growing cherries.

It is necessary to prepare the area where you plan to plant the tree in advance. The site is dug up in the fall, adding organic matter (manure or compost) and mineral fertilizers (superphosphate and sodium sulfate). If you need to reduce the pH level of the soil, add about 500 g of lime or chalk.

Planting seedlings in open ground

Sweet cherries take root and develop well, the cultivation and care of which are planned in advance, and the rules and planting dates are followed. In the southern regions, planting is done in the fall and they have time to get stronger before the onset of cold weather. In the conditions of the Moscow region and the middle zone, transplantation should be postponed until spring. Optimal timing spring planting in open ground- end of April, before the buds swell.

When planting a cherry orchard, a distance of at least 3 meters must be maintained between plants. A hole for planting is dug two weeks before planting so that the soil is sufficiently settled. Fertile layer surface soil is tilted in one direction, and deep soil in the other. The size of the hole should ensure free placement of the root system in it - a depth of approximately 60 cm and a width of 60-100 cm. It is not recommended to add nitrogen-containing fertilizers and lime to the planting hole, as they can cause burns to the roots.

At the bottom of the planting hole, a mound is formed from fertile soil, on which the seedling is installed. The root neck of the cherry tree should not be deepened. It should be at ground level or slightly higher. After planting, you need to water the tree abundantly and mulch the tree trunk.

Cherry - care after planting and before harvest

Caring for cherries in the first year of planting does not take much effort. It is enough to water the plant in a timely manner and remove weeds in the tree trunk circle. In the future, the tree needs additional care.

Watering and weeding

Watering an adult tree is carried out three times a season, adding 20-30 liters of water. In dry summers, the amount of watering can be increased. You should avoid excess moisture, as cherry roots are prone to rotting. The growth of weeds in the tree trunk is unacceptable, so they are regularly removed, the soil is loosened and mulched.

Pollination

For fruiting, you need to ensure good pollination of the cherry during flowering. Cherries of other varieties or cherries will become cross pollinators. To attract bees, cherry flowers can be irrigated with honey or sugar dissolved in water.

Fertilizing cherries in spring and pre-winter

If the soil was well fertilized when planting, additional fertilizing is not needed for the first 3-5 years. Caring for cherries in central Russia in the future includes the application organic fertilizers which are applied in the spring: 10 kg of compost or rotted manure. Mineral fertilizers(superphosphate) will help the tree prepare for winter. They are brought in no later than September.

Formative and sanitary pruning of cherries

In the year of planting, you need to shorten the side branches to 40 cm. The intensive growth of cherry shoots needs to be restrained. To do this, formative pruning is carried out in the spring before the buds swell.

In subsequent years, pruning is carried out to form tiered crown, shortening last year's shoots. At a height of 3-3.5 m, the growth of the main conductor is restrained by pruning. In the spring they carry out sanitary pruning, removing damaged and improperly growing branches.

Harvesting and subsequent care of cherries

Cherries begin to bear fruit 3-4 years after planting. The ripening period of berries may vary depending on the variety. Berry picking often occurs in June and July. Berries with stalks are picked in dry weather.

During the ripening period, starlings and other birds like to feast on the berries. For repelling, you can buy special nets at fruit trees, summer residents also attach rustling and shiny objects. More reliable means of protection are non-woven material or electronic repellers.

Caring for cherries after harvest is not difficult. It is necessary to monitor the health of the tree and regularly clean the tree trunk from fallen plant debris. During this period, the amount and rate of watering can be reduced.

Diseases and pests of cherries, and their control

To protect cherries as preventive measures They use early spring (during the swelling of the buds) spraying with a urea solution. Prepare a solution from 10 liters of water and 500-600 g of urea. They treat not only the branches, but also the soil in the tree trunk circle, thereby destroying the insects wintering there.

To combat fungi and moss, treat the trunk and crown with a 5% solution of iron sulfate before sap flow begins. Such treatment is sufficient once every few years.

To combat the main pests: sawfly, mites, aphids, they are treated with Karbofos, Askarin, Fitoverm, Novaktion. Spray the trees during the period of bud opening and bouquet separation. During the same period, prevention of clasterosporiasis, moniliosis and other diseases is carried out with a 5% solution of Bordeaux mixture.

After flowering, prevention of flying pests begins. To do this, spray with Karbofos or Novaktion. The last treatment should be carried out no later than 20 days before the crop ripens.

Preparing cherries for wintering

Mature cherries, planted and cared for according to the rules, tolerate winter well without shelter. It is enough to whiten the base of the trunk and skeletal branches, add 150 g of superphosphate to the soil in September, and mulch the tree trunk circle with peat. Also in the fall it is necessary to carry out abundant saturating watering.

Young seedlings need shelter. Don't wrap them around artificial materials(lutrasil, spunbond). It is better to give preference to spruce branches or burlap, under which the trees breathe in winter and will not rot.

Bottom line

Even inexperienced gardeners can grow cherries in central Russia and other regions. By choosing the right seedling and planting site, as well as following simple care rules, you can harvest excellent harvest juicy and sweet berries.