Content
Cherry plum Gek is a hybrid variety popular among domestic gardeners. It has many advantages over other types of fruit trees. A description of the variety and a photo of the Gek cherry plum will help you learn about the technology for growing this crop and the rules for caring for it. This will open up the possibility of obtaining a bountiful fruit harvest.
History of selection
The Gek variety was bred at the Crimean experimental breeding station. The organizer of the selection work is Eremin Gennady Viktorovich. The variety was registered in 1991 for testing. Included in the register of breeding achievements of the Russian Federation in 1995.
Huck is the result of crossing a winter-hardy, early-fruiting Chinese plum with a hybrid cherry plum Ochlitnitsa.According to other sources, the variety was obtained as a result of breeding work, for which the Kuban Comet cherry plum and common apricot were used.
Description of the variety
Yellow cherry plum Gek is a medium-sized fruit tree. The plant is characterized by a rapid growth rate. The trunk is smooth, of medium thickness. The color of the bark is gray, with a few large lentils.
Annual growth reaches 25 cm
The side shoots are thick - up to 3.5 cm. On young bushes they are directed upwards. The branches acquire a horizontal position as they grow. The shoots have dark, charcoal-colored bark. The average height of the Gek cherry plum is 2.5 m.
The leaves are sinewy, ovoid in shape. Color – bright green. The foliage on the shoots grows abundantly. The crown is spherical and dense. The average length of each leaf is 6-7 cm, width – up to 4.5.
During the flowering period, the tree is covered with two-flowered inflorescences. They grow densely on the shoots. Diameter – up to 2.2 cm. Petal color – white. The flowers have numerous yellow stamens, 2-5 mm long.
Characteristics
Gek has a specific set of varietal characteristics. Gardeners definitely need to take these characteristics into account to successfully grow crops.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
The hybrid variety Gek is resistant to cold. This cherry plum can be grown in Siberia and other regions with an unfavorable climate. However, to obtain a regular and abundant harvest, you will need to follow a number of agrotechnical rules.
The drought resistance of the Gek variety is average. The fruit tree tolerates short-term lack of liquid.
Young plants are most sensitive to lack of fluid. Adult specimens tolerate unfavorable conditions better.
Pollinators of cherry plum Gek
The variety is classified as self-sterile. In the absence of pollinators, the plant practically does not bear fruit. This leads to the fact that the ovaries on the plant do not form.
Any varieties of Russian plum or cherry plum are used as pollinators. The only requirement is that their flowering period must coincide with the Gek variety. This ensures a complete exchange of pollen for a subsequent abundant harvest. The Naydena and Puteshestvennitsa varieties are most often used as pollinators.
Flowering period and ripening time
The formation of buds occurs at the end of March. They bloom in early April.
The average flowering period of cherry plum is 2 weeks
Fruit ripening occurs in the second half of July. Fruiting period is up to 1.5 months.
Tree branches are characterized by high strength and elasticity. Therefore, they do not break under the weight of the fruit.
Productivity, fruiting
The Gek variety is universal. It produces tasty, round-shaped fruits. The average weight of each is 30 g, they have a sweet and sour taste. They have juicy yellow flesh that does not darken in air.
The fruits of the Gek cherry plum have a small seed that is easily separated from the pulp
From one mature tree you can collect up to 45 kg of fruit. On average, 35-40 kg of cherry plum is harvested, subject to the presence of pollinators.
Area of application of fruits
The Gek cherry plum, due to its pleasant taste, is consumed fresh. The fruits are also suitable for canning and various preparations.They make jam, jams, and confitures. Sweet fruits go well with various fruits and berries.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The cherry plum variety Gek is characterized by average resistance to infections. Under unfavorable conditions, violation of cultivation technology, or the presence of an affected plant nearby, the fruit tree is susceptible to disease.
The Gek variety does not show specific resistance to insects. It affects most types of pests that spread on fruit trees.
Advantages and disadvantages
Hybrid cherry plum Gek is superior to other varieties in many ways. Therefore, this fruit crop is in demand among gardeners.
Main advantages:
- high productivity;
- ease of care;
- good taste of fruits;
- frost resistance;
- possibility of cultivation in different regions of the Russian Federation.
Cherry plum Gek is characterized by good adaptive ability. The plant adapts to unfavorable conditions without compromising productivity.
The main disadvantages of the variety:
- sensitivity to disease;
- possibility of pest damage;
- average drought resistance;
- need for pollinators.
The disadvantages of the Gek variety fully compensate for the advantages. Compliance with agricultural technology will allow you to get a good harvest every year without loss.
Landing Features
The initial stage of growing Gek cherry plum is planting the plant in open ground. This procedure should be handled competently and responsibly. Improper planting can lead to withering of the seedling.
Recommended timing
The optimal time for planting is determined taking into account the climatic characteristics of the region. In the south and in the middle zone, Gek cherry plum is planted in the fall. The seedling will take root faster and adapt to the gradually increasing cold.Such a plant will be more resistant to temperature changes.
Cherry plum is planted only when there is no risk of night frosts
Spring planting is recommended in Siberia and other regions with cold climates. Young cherry plums are planted when steady warming occurs.
Choosing a suitable location
Cherry plum Gek is considered an undemanding variety. But it is better to choose a good place for the plant.
Primary requirements:
- loose fertile soil;
- lack of surface groundwater;
- protection from strong winds;
- abundant sunlight.
It is not recommended to plant cherry plum in lowlands, where water accumulates during precipitation. Also, do not plant in the shade. Lack of sunlight negatively affects yields.
What crops can and cannot be planted next to cherry plum
When growing, it is necessary to take into account the specifics of plant species compatibility. Placing some crops next to cherry plum will negatively affect the amount of harvest.
You cannot plant next to:
- quince;
- apple tree;
- currants;
- raspberries;
- peaches;
- coniferous plants;
- gooseberry.
A plum will be a good neighbor for a hybrid cherry plum. You can also plant mulberries, apricots, and walnuts nearby. Low-growing varieties of cherries and sweet cherries are suitable for joint planting.
Selection and preparation of planting material
For cultivation, seedlings obtained by cuttings or grafting are used. The optimal age of a young plant for planting is 1-2 years. Typically, seedlings are sold in containers with peat-enriched soil.
When choosing seedlings, you need to make sure there are no defects. There should be a large number of buds on the roots. The main requirement is that there are no signs of rotting or mechanical damage.
Landing algorithm
For growing hybrid cherry plum, a soil mixture of leaf and turf soil in combination with peat and a small amount of river sand is best suited. If the acidity is high, it is reduced with lime.
Planting stages:
- Remove weeds from the area.
- Dig a planting hole 60-70 cm deep.
- Place a drainage layer of expanded clay, crushed stone or pebbles, 15-20 cm thick, on the bottom.
- Sprinkle with soil.
- Drive a support stake into the center of the hole.
- Place the seedling, straighten the roots so that the head is at a depth of 3-4 cm.
- Cover the tree with soil.
- Tie to a support.
- Add water.
Cherry plum can be planted on small artificial hills up to 1 m high. This will protect the roots from being washed away and freezing.
Subsequent care of the crop
The Gek variety needs regular watering. It is carried out weekly. In summer, the frequency can be increased to 1 time every 3-4 days. Young plants have the greatest need for liquid.
The first year after planting, Gek cherry plum does not need to be fertilized. Subsequently, mineral and organic fertilizers are added. Nitrogen solutions are fed in early spring. Composition with potassium and phosphorus - after flowering. Organic matter is added in the fall. Compost and humus are suitable for these purposes.
Pruning of Gek cherry plum is carried out in the spring. Dried shoots are removed from the tree. The branches are thinned so that the crown is not too thick. Otherwise, the plant will experience a lack of light.
In the southern regions there is no need to cover the cherry plum for the winter, as it tolerates frost well
In the Volga region and Siberia, the Gek variety is advised to be closed in late autumn. A layer of mulch from fallen leaves, tree bark, and compost is scattered around the trunk.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
Insects often live on the Gek cherry plum tree. Some of them can cause damage to fruit crops.
The following pests are considered the most dangerous:
- plum aphid;
- thrips;
- false scale insects;
- spider mite;
- plum sawfly;
- American butterfly caterpillars;
- codling moths.
If the harvest is untimely, the cherry plum may be favored by bees and wasps. They eat ripe fruits.
For preventive purposes, trees are sprayed with karbofos. Use a 1% solution. In case of insect infestation, broad-spectrum insecticides are used. Spraying is carried out twice with an interval of 2 days to 1 week.
The main diseases of cherry plum:
- brown spot;
- Clusterosporiosis;
- coccomycosis;
- moniliosis
To treat and prevent diseases, Gek cherry plum is sprayed with a solution of copper sulfate. For the same purposes, it is advisable to use fungicides. Treatment is carried out in the early stages of the growing season until the fruits form.
Conclusion
The description of the variety and photo of the Gek cherry plum will help both beginners and experienced gardeners. The presented fruit plant has many advantages. Cherry plum Gek is suitable for growing in almost any climatic zone. At the same time, the plant does not require complex and time-consuming care.
