Content
The Vasilisa cherry is notable for its berries, which are among the largest in the world selection. The fruits ripen in the middle period, the tree is frost-hardy and drought-resistant. Delicious berries easily withstand transportation.
History of selection
The breeder of the experimental station in the Ukrainian Artemovsk, L.I. Taranenko, by crossing the varieties Donetskaya Krasavitsa and Donetsk Ugolek, bred the large-fruited Vasilisa cherry in the early 2000s. After field trials, the variety became interested in the USA and Europe.
Description of culture
The Vasilisa variety comes from plants that bear fruit in the southern lands. Many gardeners recommend not planting the Vasilisa variety above the latitude of Volgograd, so as not to be disappointed in cherries as a species after damage to fruit buds in winter or after spring return frosts.
- A tree with an average growth force rises up to 4 m, but with proper formation of the crown it will be lower, more convenient for harvesting fruits.
- The natural crown type of the Vasilis cherry is spherical.
- The branching is abundant, the shoots are powerful, durable, with light brown bark, slightly bending.
- The branches are densely leafed, but still large Vasilisa berries protrude from under the leaves.
- The leaf blade is ovoid, large, shiny, dark green in color.
- The flowers are white, often located directly on annual shoots.
- The rounded fruits of the Vasilisa variety are very large, fleshy, weighing 11–12 g, often 14 g. The skin is dense, glossy, rich red. The juicy, aromatic pulp has the same color, which crunches slightly when eaten. The berries are pleasant, sweet and sour, with a wine aftertaste and a fairly large seed that is easily separated.
- Vasilisa cherries were rated 4.5 points by tasters. Canned berries received the highest score – 4.8–5.
- The processed fruit juice remains bright red and does not darken. And the berries acquire a special sweetness and aroma.
Characteristics
Before choosing a variety, gardeners study its properties in order to plant the one they like and that is suitable.
Drought resistance, frost resistance
The Vasilisa cherry tree tolerates winters well in its homeland. It is defined as more frost-resistant than the well-known variety Valery Chkalov, which can withstand prolonged temperatures down to -25 °C. But spring frosts are destructive for buds, flowers and ovaries.
Vasilisa cherries are characterized by increased drought resistance, but regular watering will bring a larger harvest volume and ensure abundant fruiting next year. The Vasilisa tree needs to be watered every 3-4 days with 10 liters of water, and in drought conditions the norm should be doubled.
Pollination, pollinating varieties, flowering period and ripening time
The Vasilisa variety, like most cherries, is self-sterile. In the garden, you need to plant 2-3 more trees of the same species with the same flowering periods. Gardeners advise purchasing the following varieties for cross-pollination with Vasilisa cherries:
- Valery Chkalov;
- Bigarro is early;
- Melitopol early;
- Starking;
- Annushka;
- Burlat;
- Drogana yellow.
The Vasilisa variety blooms in April - early May. In the conditions of the Donetsk steppe it ripens after June 20, and if spring and summer are cold, at the beginning of July.
Productivity, fruiting
Typically, cherries bear fruit 4–5 years after planting. If the tree is formed by a bush, the berries appear earlier.
The fruits of Vasilisa cherries are produced on the shoots of last year's growth and on bouquet branches. One adult tree of the Vasilisa variety produces 25–50 kg of berries. Some sources indicate a different figure - the harvest per hectare of plantings of this variety, which reaches 120 centners. When the rains begin to ripen when the fruits ripen, up to 10–20% of the crop may crack.
A tree of this variety bears fruit well for 15–20 years. Vasilisa sweet cherry is responsive to annual fertilizing with the NPK complex, as well as organic matter, which is applied in the form of mulch in the fall or early spring.
Area of application of berries
Dessert fruits of the Vasilisa variety are created for fresh consumption. Excess berries are canned or prepared into compotes, confiture, and jam. Frozen cherries are useful: the berries retain their antioxidant and tonic properties.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The Vasilisa variety has high resistance to fungi that cause coccomycosis.Cherries suffer little illness and are not susceptible to attack by insect pests if all agrotechnical work is carried out: autumn garden cleaning, spraying in early spring with copper-containing preparations and other pesticides.
Advantages and disadvantages
Dessert berries of Vasilisa cherries are very attractive, and their benefits are clearly expressed:
- record size of the fetus;
- delicious taste;
- high commercial qualities;
- transportability;
- stable yield;
- easy to care for, average winter hardiness and drought resistance;
- resistance to coccomycosis.
Disadvantages of Vasilisa cherries:
- for a bountiful harvest, other pollinating trees are required;
- cracking of berries after rains or improper and untimely watering.
Landing Features
A well-chosen time and place of planting contributes to good fruiting.
Recommended timing
Since the variety is suitable for cultivation in a climate with a relatively long warm period, autumn planting, in late September - early October, is the right time to move the large-fruited Vasilis cherry. The site is prepared in the spring by enriching the soil. Planting holes are dug 2 weeks before transplantation.
Choosing a suitable location
Cherries develop well in areas with neutral acidity. If the soil is not suitable, make a spacious hole, providing the tree roots with the necessary soil. The light-loving culture needs a sunny place, under the protection of buildings, on the south or west side of the site.
What crops can and cannot be planted next to cherries?
- While the trees are young, garden crops are often planted nearby, but nightshade crops should not be placed near cherries.
- Other cherries, cherries or cherry plums, and berry garden shrubs are planted at a specified distance.
- Tall fruit and ornamental trees, coniferous crops are unfavorable neighbors for cherries.
Selection and preparation of planting material
When purchasing, pay attention to the condition of the tree: no defects, an even, smooth trunk and swollen, elastic buds. The roots should not be broken or dried out. Before planting, they are placed in a mixture of water, clay and growth stimulator in accordance with the instructions. Seedlings in containers are placed in a large bucket of water to make the roots easier to free.
Landing algorithm
A mound for the tree is made from the prepared substrate in a hole.
- The seedling is placed in a hole, straightening the roots.
- A peg is driven in nearby to tie up the tree.
- When filling with substrate, the root collar is left 5 cm above the soil.
- The soil is compacted, a furrow is created for irrigation, 10 liters of water are poured in and mulched.
- The seedling is tied up and trimmed.
Subsequent care of the crop
The Vasilisa cherry variety is unpretentious:
- loosen the soil, change the mulch periodically;
- water with enough water so that the soil is wet to the depth of all the roots;
- Watering is important in May, when the ovaries are created, in case of drought and at the end of October;
- feed cherries with organic matter and fertilizers from 2–3 years;
- when pruning, shoots and non-fruit-bearing branches are removed, creating a spreading crown that transmits sunlight well;
- after moisture-replenishing irrigation, lay a high layer of mulch and wrap the trunk of the Vasilisa variety with a rodent net and agrotextile.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
Diseases | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention |
Moniliosis | The branches are dry, as if after a burn, the fruits are rotting | Nitrophen, copper sulfate, Horus | Autumn whitewashing of trunks |
Cytosporosis | The bast is infected. Dark spots on the bark. The branches are brittle | Removing diseased parts | Pruning with a disinfected sharp tool |
Gum | Viscous liquid on cracks | Fungi and viruses can enter through cracks. They are processed and sealed | Regular watering, protection from frost, proper fertilizing |
Pests | Signs | Fighting methods | Prevention |
cherry fly | Holes in the skin. The pulp is soft | Insecticides | Autumn leaf cleaning |
Cherry shoot and fruit moth | Small caterpillars | Insecticides | Autumn leaf cleaning |
Conclusion
Vasilisa cherry is an attractive tree for growing on a personal plot and in a large production garden. Large sweet fruits are obtained with proper care, timely watering, and proper pruning. If you follow all the recommendations, you can enjoy the results of your work after 4 years.
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