Content
Cherries Leningradskaya black is a reliable variety that produces crops even in harsh conditions. If the rules of planting and care are followed, the tree bears fruit for a long time and abundantly.
History of selection
Leningradskaya black was bred at the Pavlovsk experimental station in St. Petersburg. When working on the variety, increased attention was paid to its winter hardiness. This is one of the first cherries that is highly resistant to freezing.
Description of culture
This is a medium-late ripening variety. The tree has a spreading crown with elongated green leaves. Tree height cherries Leningradskaya black reaches 3–4 m.
Description of the dessert variety of Leningradskaya black cherry:
- fruit weight from 3 to 4 g;
- broad-heart-shaped or round shape;
- dark red skin;
- When ripe, the fruits acquire a rich dark color;
- juicy burgundy colored pulp;
- sweet spicy taste with slight sourness;
- The stone is medium-sized, partially separated from the pulp.
The tasting properties score is 4–4.2 points.
Cherries are tied in clusters. After ripening, the fruits stay on the branches for a long time and do not fall off.
Leningradskaya cherries are recommended for cultivation in the Central part of Russia and the southern regions of the North-Western region.
Characteristics
Before purchasing a cherry seedling, the characteristics of the variety are assessed: resistance to heat, winter frosts, flowering and ripening time, harvest volume.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
Leningradskaya is characterized by average resistance to drought. In the absence of rain, the tree is watered during flowering and at the beginning of the ripening of the crop. Stagnation of moisture is detrimental to the crop.
Frost resistance of Leningradskaya black cherry is high. The tree tolerates winter frosts characteristic of the North-Western region.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening time
Cherry is a self-fertile crop. To form a harvest, trees are planted in groups. Pollinators for Leningradskaya black cherries are selected taking into account the flowering period.
The best varieties for pollination:
- And the way;
- Tyutchevka;
- Fatezh;
- Revna;
- Bryanochka;
- Michurinka;
- Leningradskaya cherry yellow or pink.
Other varieties of Leningrad varieties also have high winter hardiness and productivity.
According to the description of the variety, Leningradskaya yellow cherries have a good taste, a bright amber color and ripen at a late date.
The Leningrad pink one bears fruit before the yellow one, its fruits are sweet, yellowish in color with a blush.
The Leningradskaya black cherry blossoms in the middle period - the beginning or middle of May. The fruits are harvested from late July to September.
Productivity, fruiting
The yield of the Leningradskaya black cherry variety is stable from year to year. Fruiting is extended over time, so the harvest is harvested in several stages. To prevent the shoots from sagging under the weight of the fruit, props are installed.
Leningradskaya black cherries bear fruit 3–4 years after planting. 30–40 kg of fruits are removed from each tree.
Area of application of berries
Sweet cherries are suitable for fresh consumption, desserts and assorted fruits. The fruits are suitable for freezing and homemade preparations: jam or compote.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The variety is resistant to diseases and crop pests. Constant care and preventive spraying help to avoid the spread of diseases and insect attacks.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of the variety:
- resistance to frost;
- decent taste of fruits;
- stable fruiting;
- low trunk, which simplifies care and harvesting;
- early fruiting.
Before planting, consider the disadvantages of the variety:
- planting a pollinator is mandatory;
- sensitivity to lack of moisture.
Landing Features
Proper planting is the key to successful cultivation of Leningradskaya black cherries. Particular attention is paid to site selection and soil preparation.
Recommended timing
In cold climates, cherries are planted in the spring, before sap flows. In the southern regions they are waiting for the end of leaf fall.
Choosing a suitable location
Southern areas, flat or with a slight slope, are suitable for cultivation. Cherries should not suffer from cold strong winds.The culture is provided with constant natural light.
The culture prefers light, fertile soil in which moisture does not stagnate. Leningradskaya develops best in sandy and loamy soil. River sand is added to heavy clay soil. To avoid moisture stagnation, lay a drainage layer.
What crops can and cannot be planted next to cherries?
- Cherries are removed from apple, apricot, plum and other stone fruit trees by at least 5 m.
- Cherries, rowan berries, grapes or hawthorn are placed next to the crop.
- Alfalfa, phacelia and other honey plants planted under a tree attract pollinating insects.
- Leningradskaya cannot stand proximity to eggplants, tomatoes and peppers. These crops are susceptible to similar diseases and pests.
- Cherries are also placed away from raspberries, gooseberries, currants and sea buckthorn.
Selection and preparation of planting material
Seedlings are purchased from nurseries or trusted gardening centers. For planting, choose one- or two-year-old material with a healthy trunk and shoots.
If the roots of the tree are dried, they are immersed in water for 2–10 hours. To increase the survival rate of the seedling, you can add 2-3 drops of the “Kornerost” stimulant.
Landing algorithm
Planting procedure:
- First, a hole with a diameter of 1 m and a depth of 70 cm is dug in the area.
- Compost, 1 kg of wood ash, 200 g of superphosphate and 40 g of potassium salt are added to fertile soil.
- Part of the prepared soil is poured into the hole and left to shrink.
- After 2–3 weeks, the seedling is prepared, its roots are straightened and placed in a hole.
- The roots are covered with soil, which is compacted and watered abundantly.
Subsequent care of the crop
The cherry tree needs watering 3 times per season: before flowering, in mid-July and in late autumn before sheltering for the winter. 2 buckets of warm, settled water are poured under the tree.
Fertilizing of the crop is carried out annually according to the following scheme:
- in May, a mineral complex is added to the soil: 20 g each of urea, potassium salt and superphosphate;
- After removing the fruits, fertilizers based on potassium and phosphorus are re-applied.
Every year, shoots are pruned to form a crown and increase yield. The procedure is performed in the spring, before the buds swell, or in late autumn. Be sure to remove dry and frozen shoots.
The Leningradskaya Black variety has high frost resistance. Winter protection is necessary only for young plantings. They are covered with agrofibre and spruce branches. It is better to avoid using polyethylene and other materials that do not allow air to pass through.
In the spring, when the snow melts, the material is removed. To prevent rodents from damaging the cherry trunk, a special mesh or roofing material is attached to it.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
The most dangerous cherry diseases are listed in the table:
Name | Symptoms | Ways to fight | Prevention |
Clusterosporiasis | Brown spots on leaves with a dark border. As a result, the leaves fall prematurely and the fruits dry out. | Removing the affected parts, spraying the trees with a solution of copper sulfate. | · Spraying in early spring with a solution of Nitrafen. · Removing dry leaves. |
Moniliosis | Leaves, flowers and fruits dry out ahead of time. | Diseased shoots are cut out. The tree is sprayed with Bordeaux mixture. |
Cherry pests and methods of controlling them are listed in the table:
Name | Signs of defeat | Ways to fight | Prevention |
Aphid | Aphid larvae feed on the sap of tree leaves. As a result, the leaves become deformed and the yield of the tree decreases. | Treatment of shoots with the drug "Confidor". |
|
cherry fly | The larvae damage flowers and fruits. | Spraying with a solution of the drug "Actellik". |
Conclusion
Leningradskaya black cherry – a well-known dessert variety, adapted to Russian conditions. When planting crops, the presence of pollinators, soil composition and lighting are taken into account. Preventive spraying will help protect the tree from diseases and pests.
Reviews
Video review of Leningradskaya black cherries:
