Big Star cherries: variety description, photos, reviews

Content

1 History of selection
2 Description of culture
3 Characteristics
4 Conclusion
5 Reviews

Big Star cherries are popular among gardeners due to their unpretentiousness and fertility of the crop. Despite the heat-loving nature, cherries have perfectly adapted to the cooler climate characteristic of the regions of the Moscow region and Siberia.

History of selection

The Big Star cherry variety was bred by breeders of the Italian Department of Tree Crops (DCA-Bologna). The research was carried out at the Center for Research in Plant Products (CRPV), which is also located in Italy.

The goal of the breeding was to develop large-fruited, high-yielding varieties of cherries, which would also have increased resistance to climatic vagaries. At the same time, work was carried out to test the Keep in Touch System, a model of shelters that protected trees from the negative effects of atmospheric factors.

The resulting seedlings, obtained by crossing Californian, Spanish and Italian cherry varieties, were subjected to trunk and crown molding during growth. The experiment involved 3 forms: thin spindle, V-system, thin spindle. The first 2 options performed best.

Description of culture

The tree develops intensively, forming a dense compact crown by the third year of life.The berries are large in size, the weight of one reaches 9-12 grams. The shape of the cherry is round and slightly flattened on the sides. Under the dark red skin hides scarlet juicy pulp with a dense consistency. The surface of the fruit is smooth with a characteristic shine. The red-violet strokes are clearly visible on it. You can learn more about cherries by watching the following video:

Cherries can be grown in the southern countries of European territory, including Belarus, Ukraine, and the southwestern part of Russia. Reviews of Big Star cherries indicate that the culture is taking root well in the Moscow region and even in the Irkutsk region.

Characteristics

You can evaluate the advantages and characteristics of cherries by familiarizing yourself with the main characteristics of the plant.

Drought resistance, winter hardiness

The characteristics of the variety indicate the high resistance of the crop to drought. In the absence of rain, the tree will bear fruit just as well if it is irrigated periodically.

Big Star cherries are also well adapted to temperature changes and frosts. To prevent freezing, it is recommended to properly prepare the garden in the fall, creating a layer of moss and dry leaves in the root zone. The maximum resistance of the crop corresponds to minus 35°.

Important! For the first couple of years after planting a cherry seedling, it is recommended to cover it for the winter with agrofibre and film.

Pollination, flowering period and ripening time

According to the description, Big Star cherries belong to the medium-late ripening varieties. The first fruiting season begins 4-6 years after planting the seedling. In May, the tree is densely covered with small flowers, and technical ripeness is noted in the second half of June.

Comment! The culture is self-fertile, so there is no need to plant plants belonging to the same family nearby.

The first ripe fruits on the tree appear on the twentieth of June (in the southern regions the date shifts 7-10 days earlier). In the photo of the Big Star cherry tree you can see how tightly the ripe berries fit the branches.

Productivity, fruiting

The cherry harvest season falls in the second half of June - July. On average, 45 kg of fruits are harvested from a tree with proper care. The fruiting period lasts 3-4 weeks. The peculiarity of the variety is a stable harvest in each new season.

Resistance to diseases and pests

Sweet cherries are resistant to typical diseases of stone fruit crops. Thanks to its strong immunity, the crop is used for cultivation in personal plots and for industrial breeding.

Thanks to good immunity, the tree can withstand the invasion of harmful insects, but this does not mean that the cherry will survive without special treatments. The crop needs planned preventive measures aimed at preventing damage to leaves, bark and fruits by pests.

Advantages and disadvantages

The popularity of the variety is due to the following advantages of the plant:

compact dimensions of the crown of a medium-sized tree;
long fruiting period (from June to July);
simple care that does not require planting a relative or grafting, which is explained by the ability to self-pollinate;
frost resistance;
excellent taste characteristics;
high productivity;
good transportability;
versatility of the berry (suitable for canning, making compotes, juices, fruit wines).

Due to its strong immunity, the culture has practically no disadvantages.During the rainy season, which coincides with the fruiting period, cracking of the berries is observed.

Conclusion

Big Star cherries are suitable for growing in temperate climates, which occur in most of the middle zone. The culture does not require special care, but generously rewards with a high yield. The variety is suitable for planting in areas with difficult soils.

Reviews

Alexandra, Vidnoye, Moscow region

The Big Star cherry seedling took root quickly; there was practically no period of adaptation to the new soil. For two years in a row I wrapped it in film and rags for the winter. In the 4th year, the first berries appeared on the young tree. There were few of them, but they tasted excellent. The next season the harvest was 17 kg. Cherry seedlings planted during the same period did not take root.

Vladimir, Rostov region, pos. Seaside

4 years ago I planted a couple of cherry varieties: Big Star and Bacchante. Both seedlings survived the first winter, only Big Star survived the next winter. In the summer there was an invasion of aphids, and the crop bravely endured this disaster. I use magalebka as a rootstock. I recommend planting the seedling in partial shade or in the sun; lack of sunlight slows down the growing season.

Cherry Big Star