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Summer is a wonderful time, because it gives not only warmth and rays of bright sun, but also a bountiful harvest. One of the interesting and unpretentious plants is the Shalunya cherry. The berry is popular among summer residents, because it has unique properties and an unusual biochemical composition.
Description of the minx cherry
The Duke Shalunya cherry variety was entered into the State Register in 1997. From its predecessors, the plant inherited a high degree of productivity and good qualities of the fruits themselves.
According to statistics, judging by the description of the variety and reviews, every second gardener chooses Shalunya cherries. They give preference to this particular plant because of its attractiveness. The berry is characterized by stable yield and pleasant taste.The crop is classified as mid-season, and the timing of fruit ripening depends on climatic conditions.
It grows best in the North Caucasus region. The Shalunya cherry is widespread in Ukraine. But some summer residents manage to grow it in the south of Siberia.
Height and dimensions of an adult tree
The tree grows at a fast pace. Its height does not exceed 3-4 m. It has a spreading and dense crown. The shoots resemble straight, but not thick lines. Flowers are formed on bouquet branches. The leaves are distinguished by a rich dark green hue and a round, elongated shape with a pointed tip. The edge of the leaf has small teeth.
Cherry Duke Shalunya is a hybrid
Description of fruits
The Shalunya cherry variety is characterized by the presence of one-dimensional fruits, the weight of which does not exceed 6 g. The berries are distinguished by their round and compressed shape. Covered with shiny smooth skin.
If we talk about the color of the fruits, they are usually burgundy. With prolonged exposure to sunlight they acquire a black tint. They may fall off on their own if they become overripe, but this does not always happen. The pulp is considered juicy. It has a reddish tint and a sweet and sour taste.
This variety is suitable for making jam, jam or compote. The fruits are enriched with vitamins and minerals in the form of folic acid, iron, copper, magnesium and phosphorus.
The fruits grow large, bright and juicy, the berries make delicious jam, jam and compote; they can also be eaten fresh, because the berries are rich in sugar
The berries are not firmly held on the stem, so gardeners quickly harvest. The fruits are highly resistant to frost.From one tree you can collect up to 15-30 kg. Tasting taste rating - above 4.8 on a 5-point scale.
Pollinators for the Shalunya cherry
Shalunya cherry is included in the category of self-fertile varieties. Some types of cherries are considered the best pollinators - Chernokorka, Samsonovka, Valeria Chkalova and Vinka cherries. Plants can be planted within a radius of 40-50 m. But the closer the pollinator is to the tree, the higher the likelihood of fruiting.
Main characteristics
Based on numerous reviews, we can conclude that the Shalunya cherry variety is considered an example of a garden crop. The plant has high qualities and a universal purpose. It is distinguished by its unpretentiousness and endurance to adverse factors.
Drought resistance, frost resistance
Shalunya cherry is considered a winter-hardy crop. But there are several restrictions when growing. At temperatures up to 26 degrees, the shoots and the tree itself do not freeze, but in more than 50% of cases the buds in the flower buds die. When there is frost in the spring, no more than 30% of the plant's buds freeze, so this variety is not always good for cold conditions.
The Shalunya cherry quickly adapts to a long absence of water, so the tree can be planted in areas that are prone to drought. This variety is also resistant to fungi that cause coccomycosis and moniliosis.
Productivity
Shalunya cherries ripen towards the end of June. The first harvest can be harvested 3 years after planting the tree. If you take care of the plant and comply with all agrotechnical requirements, then in 5-6 years the yield from one tree will increase to 10-15 kg of fruit. After 10 years, you can collect up to 35-40 kg of berries.
Advantages and disadvantages
Summer residents post a lot of information with photos and descriptions about the Shalunya cherry variety. And this is not without reason, because this berry, unlike others, has many positive qualities in the form of:
- the presence of large fruits that are distinguished by good presentation;
- fresh berries have excellent taste;
- high quality processed products;
- high degree of productivity;
- frost resistance;
- drought tolerance;
- presence of immunity to fungal diseases.
The tree has an average height, which is a definite plus
Despite all the advantages, the Shalunya cherry has one main drawback - the plant cannot self-pollinate.
Landing rules
For a tree to bear fruit, all planting conditions must be met. Timing, the right choice of location and the subtleties of the process are important.
Recommended timing
In regions with suitable conditions, Shalunya cherries can be planted in spring or fall. If the summer resident chooses the second option, then it is recommended to cover the top of the seedling with material that allows air to pass through. When planting a plant in the northern regions, it is better to choose the first option.
Site selection and soil preparation
To properly plant the Shalunya cherry, you need to choose the right place for it.
There are several conditions:
- The cherry is placed on an area measuring 3*4 m.
- It should be well illuminated by sunlight. To do this, you need to plant a tree in the southern part of the site.
- Groundwater should not be located closer than 1.5-2 m to the root system. If the ground is very wet, the plant will freeze and will not bear fruit.
- The soil should be loamy or sandy loam.
Following all the recommendations will help the tree take root quickly.
How to plant correctly
Planting a tree also needs to be done correctly. Experienced summer residents give several recommendations:
- Before planting a seedling, it is carefully inspected. If there are damaged, diseased or dry roots, they are removed. Skeletal branches are shortened. Then you need to dig a hole, the depth of which is 0.5-0.6 m.
- Before burying the roots, the soil is mixed with humus, superphosphate and potassium chloride. The root collar should rise 5-7 cm from the ground.
- After the tree is installed, the soil is compacted and filled with 2-3 buckets of water. The settled soil is irrigated and mulched with a layer of compost or sawdust.
If a gardener plants several trees at once, then the distance between them is at least 3 m
How to care for Shalunya cherry
Cherry Minx needs care. It is periodically necessary to loosen the soil and remove weeds in a timely manner. Experienced gardeners also trim branches regularly. Excess and weakened parts of the tree are removed in early spring.
Proper care also includes good soil condition. If the soil is excessively acidic, it is recommended to fill it with lime mortar every 5 years.
Care also includes protecting the plant from the development of various diseases. Although the Shalunya cherry is resistant to fungi, it must be constantly inspected. For prevention, you can use Bordeaux mixture or copper sulfate solution. Before flowering, it is recommended to treat the plant with a special preparation Skor.
Watering and fertilizing schedule
From the photos taken by gardeners and the description of the variety, it is clear that the Shalunya cherry is not a fastidious crop. But it is still necessary to water the soil near the tree at certain times.Typically, 4 waterings per summer are sufficient for this plant.
The first watering is carried out after the cherry blossoms. The roots should be watered a second time during the period of active growth of the ovary. The next watering is recommended after harvesting, and the last procedure is carried out at the end of October.
You need to start feeding Minx cherries 1-2 years after planting. Manipulations are carried out in early spring and September. At the beginning of the new season, rotted compost, ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate are used. In the fall, potassium chloride and superphosphate are added. But it’s worth remembering one rule - excess mineral fertilizers can also negatively affect the plant.
Trimming
The first pruning is carried out when planting a seedling. Side shoots are shortened to the buds. The next treatment is carried out after 1-2 years.
6-8 years after planting the Shalunya cherry, the main branches dry out. They should also be cut off. Before this, it is necessary to prepare strong root shoots.
Pruning is one of the mandatory and regular procedures
The process allows you to prevent an increase in crown density, increase the quantity and quality of berries, and extend the life of the plant.
Preparing for winter
To increase the survival rate of the Minx cherry, it is necessary to properly prepare it for winter. As soon as all the foliage has fallen, gardeners carry out sanitary removal of dry and side branches. If cracks have formed on the crown of the tree, then it is necessary to lubricate them with varnish.
The hole where the bush is planted is dug up and mulched with compost or sawdust. The trunk is covered with a solution of lime, copper sulfate and PVA glue. After the first frost has passed, the bush is sprayed with 5% urea.To prevent the plant from freezing, it is covered with warm non-woven material for the winter. You should also protect the lower part of the tree from rodents. To do this, you need to wear covers made of durable fabric.
Diseases and pests
Shalunya cherry is highly resistant to major stone fruit diseases. This variety rarely suffers from dangerous fungal diseases such as coccomycosis and mynoliosis.
If we talk about the influence of rodents, then in winter it is recommended to protect the bark using traditional methods.
Conclusion
Cherry Shalunya is one of the most unpretentious plants to care for. It produces tasty and large fruits. The berries can be eaten fresh or processed into jam, jam or compote. Despite the abundance of positive qualities, planted trees require appropriate care. It is necessary to regularly prevent diseases, protect the bark from pests, and fertilize the soil. If you follow all the recommendations, the gardener will receive a good harvest for a long time.
