Content
- 1 Description of persimmon variety Rossiyanka with photo
- 2 Characteristics of Russian persimmon
- 3 Advantages and disadvantages
- 4 How to plant Russian persimmon
- 5 Peculiarities of growing Rossiyanka persimmon in the Moscow region and Central Russia
- 6 Caring for Russian persimmon
- 7 Possible problems during cultivation
- 8 Harvesting and storage
- 9 Conclusion
- 10 Reviews of Russian persimmon
Russian persimmon is a hybrid, the selection of which was worked on by Ukrainian biologists. The variety was bred in 1959 by scientists of the Nikitsky Botanical Garden. Appeared as a result of hybridization of Eastern and Virgin persimmon varieties. The plant differs from other exotic representatives in its high frost resistance and good immunity. Another advantage of the culture is that it does not require pollinators.
Description of persimmon variety Rossiyanka with photo
Hybrid Rossiyanka is a medium-sized tree with a wide, spreading crown. It reaches a height of 4-5 m. The leaves have a dense structure, elongated shape, and are green in color.
The peduncles of persimmon are soft yellow in color and have an unusual shape (the tips of the petals are curled outward).
Fruit weight – 120-140 g. Unripe specimens have a tart taste and are covered with a faint waxy coating. In order for the persimmon to ripen, it must be placed in the refrigerator or freezer. The ripe fruit is fleshy and sweet in taste.
According to reviews from experienced gardeners, in order to protect the Rossiyanka persimmon from dropping its flower stalks in central Russia, it is recommended to treat the trees with a gibberellin solution during the flowering period. A pollinator planted on the site will also not be amiss.
Characteristics of Russian persimmon
The Russian woman begins to bear fruit in the third year. But the tree drops its first harvest. This means that the persimmon has taken root, but has not gained the required strength. Flowering occurs no earlier than the average daily temperature reaches +20-22˚С (in early June). Lasts 10-12 days.
You shouldn’t count on a big harvest before the Russian woman turns five years old. From one mature tree you can remove 60-70 kg of fruit. Ripening occurs towards the end of autumn in November. Persimmons have a short shelf life; the berry is suitable for fresh consumption for up to 30 days.
Advantages and disadvantages
The hybrid has a number of advantages compared to other heat-loving varieties. The culture does not require special care, so it is in demand among Russian gardeners.
Advantages of the variety:
- The first harvest is harvested 3-4 years after planting.
- The variety is fully adapted to the harsh conditions of central Russia. Persimmon can withstand temperatures down to minus 28-30˚C.
- The Russian woman does not need pollinators. Gives a stable harvest. The fruits are quite large.
- Treatment with chemicals is extremely rare. Therefore, the fruits are environmentally friendly.
No disadvantages have been identified in the Rossianka persimmon variety.
How to plant Russian persimmon
It is recommended to purchase a seedling from a nursery specializing in growing persimmons or an online store. By buying second hand, a gardener runs the risk of acquiring a tree of an unknown variety. The plant should not be older than two years; an adult seedling may not take root. Before transplanting, the root of the tree should be placed in a container of water for 2-3 hours.
In areas with harsh winters and cold autumns, Rossiyanka persimmons are planted in the spring. In regions with a more mild climate, tree planting can also be done in the autumn.
The hole for the seedling should be dug in advance (at least 1-2 days in advance).
The soil should be ventilated and heated evenly. After planting, the hole must be filled with a mixture of sand, manure and loose soil (all components are taken in equal proportions). To prevent the young seedling from breaking due to gusts of wind, you need to install a high peg nearby and tie the hybrid to it.
Peculiarities of growing Rossiyanka persimmon in the Moscow region and Central Russia
When choosing a landing site, preference should be given to a well-lit area protected from draft winds. As a rule, such a place is located on the south side of the house or a high fence.
Lack of sunlight leads to poor plant growth and leaf curling. The fruits either ripen poorly or fall off early. Shading of persimmons by other fruit and berry plantings is not recommended. This leads to the appearance of pests and fungal diseases. You also need to know that the distance from the surface to groundwater should be at least 70-80 cm.
Watering persimmons in central Russia is carried out only during the hot period. For the winter, it is recommended to build protection against hares so that they cannot damage the bark on the tree.
Caring for Russian persimmon
The interspecific hybrid Russian woman is unpretentious in care. To reap a good harvest, you need to maintain agrotechnical standards.
Watering
In the first years of life, a young seedling is especially demanding when it comes to watering. Persimmon tolerates an excess of moisture more easily than a lack of it. The norm for a medium-sized tree is 50-70 liters of liquid per root. Lack of regular watering leads to root drying and death of the tree. 1.5 months before the end of the growing season, watering is stopped. This will improve the keeping quality and taste of the fruit.
Loosening
Soil aeration has a positive effect on persimmon growth. During the season, you need to loosen the soil near the tree at least six times. To provide the Russian woman with the required level of acidity, a small amount of table vinegar is periodically added to the water for watering the seedling. To reduce moisture loss and avoid the appearance of a hard crust, it is recommended to mulch the soil.
Top dressing
Feeding Russian women with mineral and organic fertilizers is the key to active growth. It is necessary to approach this issue especially carefully in the first years of the tree’s life. Excess fertilizer leads to an increase in vegetative mass, and the fruiting period is delayed.
It should be remembered that up to 15 kg of organic matter is enough for a young plant to function normally, and up to 20 kg for an adult. Fertilizers are applied after harvesting. This will help increase the plant's immunity and winter hardiness.
Shelter for the winter
Although Russian is a winter-hardy variety, it is recommended to protect the young tree in severe frosts in the first few years. A covering or non-woven material is suitable for this.
Pruning Russian persimmon
At the initial stage, persimmon shoots need to form a crown. When the seedling reaches 1-1.5 m in height, the top of its head is cut off. The skeleton of a tree is formed from 3-4 branches.
There is no need for further pruning. Poorly developed and fruit-bearing shoots of the Russians dry up and fall off at the slightest gust of wind.
It is recommended to prune branches growing at an angle of more than 30˚. They will only interfere and slow down the growth of the persimmon. You can learn how the crown of the Rossiyanka persimmon is formed from the video.
Possible problems during cultivation
If improperly cared for, seedlings may suffer from diseases. The greatest danger is posed by:
- gray rot;
- bacterial cancer;
- black spot;
- scab;
- powdery mildew.
The cause of diseases is non-compliance with agrotechnical standards and unfavorable climatic conditions. For treatment, it is recommended to use Bordeaux mixture or biofungicides (Mukosan, Fitosporin, Bicol).
To get rid of parasites, spray with the insecticide Karbofos or the systemic drug Aktara.
Harvesting and storage
The berries are picked manually with extreme care. The persimmon tree produces a full harvest in the fifth or sixth year.
By the time the fruit is harvested, the tree sheds its leaves. The presence of scratches, dents and other damage on the fruit directly determines how long the persimmon will be stored.Gently clasping the fruit with your hand, it is scrolled on the stalk.
Unripe fruits are laid out in a dark, cool place (temperature should not exceed +15˚С). You should also ensure high humidity in the room. Fresh Russian can be stored for up to a month. If the harvest is large, it is sent for processing. Persimmons are used to make aromatic candied fruits, jam, preserves, and compotes.
Conclusion
Persimmon Rossiyanka is the most adapted variety of exotic fruit for growing in central Russia. Caring for the tree is easy, and the orange-red fruits, which do not lose beneficial microelements when frozen and dried, provide seven vitamins for the whole year.
Reviews of Russian persimmon
She wakes up late, in June!
I planted the Russian woman two weeks ago but the buds are not activating, maybe it’s too early or the seedling has disappeared?