Content
The Fatezh cherry has become a real discovery for gardeners in the Central region. Initially cherries considered a culture of the southern regions. She loves high temperatures and does not tolerate frost. However, science does not stand still. Breeders are carrying out activities to zone and crossbreed cherry varieties in order to develop new, more stable hybrids.
History of selection
Fatezh cherry is an achievement of domestic selection. Scientists Evstratov A.I. and Enikeev H.K. worked on the creation of the variety at the All-Russian Breeding and Technological Institute of Horticulture and Nursery Growing. Breeders based their work on biostimulants and gamma rays.
In 1999, after a series of successful experiments with the Leningradskaya Yellow variety, a new hybrid was developed. It got its name in honor of the city of Fatezh, Kursk region.For 2 years, tests were carried out on the zoning of the variety. As a result, Fatezh cherries were included in the State Register in 2001 and recommended for cultivation in the Central and North-Western regions.
Description of Fatezh cherries
The Fatezh cherry variety is perfect for growing in Moscow region and for the Central region in general. In the North-West it is also quite possible to get a bountiful harvest, since the variety is zoned for changeable climates and has increased frost resistance. In other climatic zones of the Russian Federation, it is not possible to grow Fatezh cherries due to the harsh, long winters.
Cherry trees are quite tall, at least 3 m, the tallest specimens reach 5 m in height. The crown is dense and spreading, has a rounded shape due to the fact that adult branches deviate towards the ground. The bark is brown in color and smooth in texture. Cherry leaves are located quite densely on the shoots. The leaf blades are long and wide, with a jagged edge, not hard, glossy and bright on top, and lighter and more textured on the back side due to the veins.
Characteristics
The secret of the Fatezh cherry is that it contains the main indicators characteristic of northern crops. It is worth noting that there are also some nuances, without which it will be quite difficult to obtain a good harvest of cherries.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
Winter hardiness of Fatezh cherries is above average. The tree itself tolerates frosts well down to -27 ˚C with a drop to -35 ˚C, and the buds often suffer from late frosts. With proper care, Fatezh cherries recover in several years and continue to bear fruit at the same level.
Fatezh cherry easily tolerates dry summers, as it loves light, well-drained soils.But this variety does not tolerate stagnant moisture.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening time
The first flowering of the Fatezh cherry begins 4 years after planting and occurs simultaneously with the blossoming of the foliage. Boiling white flowers are formed on the 5 lower buds of young shoots or on bouquet branches. Full ripening of cherries occurs in the last ten days of June - the first ten days of July.
Productivity, fruiting
Fruiting of Fatezh cherries begins after 4 years, and the peak form is reached after 10 years. At this point, an average of 30 kg of berries can be collected from each tree. The maximum value for the Fatezh variety is 50 kg per tree. The berries are yellow-red, round and slightly flattened. The weight of 1 fruit ranges from 4 to 6 g. The cherry pulp is juicy, the peel is dense and smooth, so the crop tolerates transportation and storage well.
Area of application of berries
Fatezh cherries have a dessert taste. The main note is sweet, with a slight sour aftertaste. Taste qualities are assessed as very high. In addition, the fruits are not deformed during heat treatment. In this regard, Fatezh berries are suitable for fresh consumption, canning, and confectionery production.
Resistance to diseases and pests
Fatezh cherry has high immunity against fungal infections, so it is not afraid of the most common diseases, such as moniliosis and coccomycosis. Among insects, only the cherry fly, aphids and moths are of great danger.Fatezh cherries are prone to only one disease - gum disease, which can be easily avoided if you follow the growing rules.
Advantages and disadvantages
| pros | Minuses |
| The tree easily tolerates frosty winters | Inability to self-pollinate |
| The height of the trees and the location of the branches contribute to a comfortable harvest | Vulnerability to gum droppings |
| High shelf life and preservation of berries | Narrow distribution area |
| Excellent taste | |
| High resistance to fungal infections |
Landing Features
Planting Fatezh cherries is not much different from other varieties. The peculiarities of the planting process are more likely related to climatic conditions, since this variety is zoned for a region in which the cultivation of cherries is generally uncharacteristic.
Recommended timing
In the Central and Northwestern regions, it is best to plan planting Fatezh cherries in the spring, since young and weak seedlings may not tolerate winter frosts after autumn planting.
In southern regions with mild winters, you can plant cherries in October, 15-20 days before the planned onset of frost. During this time, the cherry tree will have time to take root in a new place. The condition of the root system also influences the planting date. A seedling with bare roots can take root only when planted in spring; plants in a container (with a closed root system) successfully take root both in spring and autumn.
The optimal time for planting Fatezh cherries in the spring is April; if spring comes late, then planting can be postponed to the beginning of May.
Choosing a suitable location
The choice of landing site should be taken seriously. Fatezh cherry is demanding both in terms of soil quality and location on the territory.Heavy clay soils with close groundwater, open areas with strong winds and drafts, northern slopes and shaded areas, as well as lowlands are absolutely not suitable.
Areas fenced from the wind are well suited for planting cherries: old gardens, southern forest edges and slopes. It is allowed to plant Fatezh cherries along the walls of the house, but you need to retreat at least 3 m to avoid problems with the foundation in the future.
It is also worth considering that cherries need a well-lit area and light, well-drained loamy soil. Soil acidity should be neutral within 6-7 pH. Groundwater occurrence is at least 2 m deep. Otherwise, you need to either form a high bed or artificially create a high-quality drainage layer.
What crops can and cannot be planted next to cherries?
Proper proximity helps plants develop more actively and protects them from diseases and pests. Since Fatezh cherries do not self-pollinate, it is recommended to sow honey-bearing herbs nearby. They actively attract bees and prevent overgrowth weedy herbs. Recommended honey plants:
- clover;
- mustard;
- phacelia.
For active growth of Fatezh cherries, any trees and shrubs with stone fruits are suitable:
- cherry;
- apricot;
- plum;
- grape.
The following crops are not suitable for growing together:
- Nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers) – spread diseases.
- Gooseberries, raspberries, currants take away nutrients.
- Sea buckthorn – blocks the development of the root system.
Selection and preparation of planting material
High-quality seedlings can only be purchased from a trusted nursery. The optimal height of the seedling is no more than 1 m, the root system is no more than 0.25 m.The cherry tree should have 5 healthy branches about 2 cm thick.
Before purchasing, you need to carefully inspect all parts of the plant. There should be no creases or other damage to the branches and roots. Black roots indicate the presence of a disease. Leaves need to be examined from all sides, since pests and diseases are often found on the underside of the leaf blade.
Landing algorithm
Planting holes must be prepared in the fall, regardless of planting time. The hole should be 0.7 m x 0.7 m x 0.7 m in size. For mass planting, the distance between the holes is 3 m.
The bottom of the hole is laid with a layer of drainage up to 7 cm thick. Expanded clay or broken brick are suitable as drainage. The next layer is a nutrient mixture of 1 kg of ash, 0.1 kg of sodium sulfate, 0.4 kg of superphosphate. Next comes a layer of earth 10 cm thick.
The seedling is placed on this layer, the roots are carefully straightened. You need to stick a peg next to the seedling and tie the plant up. The planting hole is covered with earth so that the root collar of the cherry tree is buried 5-8 cm. The earth is compacted and watered generously with 30 liters of water. Lay a mulching layer of peat or humus 3-5 cm thick on top.
Subsequent care of the crop
In the future, a standard procedure for caring for Fatezh cherries is carried out, which includes:
- Water the bush 1-2 times a month with 20 liters of water.
- Weeding and loosening of the tree trunk circle.
- Pruning: spring (formative) and autumn (sanitary).
- Fertilizing in spring (mineral complex) and autumn (organic).
- Shelter for the winter.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
| Diseases and pests | Signs of defeat | Prevention | Treatment |
| Aphid | Curling of young leaves and a large number of small bugs | Compliance with nitrogen application dosages | Spraying with garlic solution, ash, soap solution. If traditional methods do not help, you can treat it with chemicals such as Fitoverm, Karbofos, Aktarin. Treatment with chemicals is permissible before flowers form or after harvest. |
| cherry fly | Worms in berries | Autumn cleaning of tree trunk areas from leaves and weeds, digging up soil | |
| Moth | Leaves eaten away by caterpillars | ||
| Coccomycosis | The leaves are covered with dots, quickly turn yellow and crumble | Trees should not be planted next to cherries and cherries that are not resistant to fungal infections. You cannot immediately plant cherries in the place of a bush that has just been removed due to disease. | Destruction of diseased parts of the plant. Spraying chemicals (eg Chorus) |
| Moniliosis | The berries rot on the tree, the leaves dry out |
Conclusion
Cherry Fatezh is the optimal choice for the Central and North-Western regions. For more than 15 years, this variety has occupied a leading position due to the combination of such important qualities as frost resistance and resistance to diseases and pests, high yield and excellent taste of fruits. Proper care will help avoid possible problems, and the cherries will actively bear fruit for about 10 years.
