Content
Nord Star cherry, or Star of the North, is a popular hybrid of American selection. It was bred in 1950 by an unknown breeder in Minnesota through interspecific crosses. The parents of the variety are the Western European cherry variety Lotovaya and a seedling grown from a cherry seed from a tree of unknown origin.
Description of Nord Star cherry
Nord Star cherry is a low-growing, compact tree. The crown is quite thick and wide, round in shape. The color of the bark of the trunk and branches is dark brown. The leaves are narrowly oval, small in size, shiny. The Nord Star cherry variety is adapted for cultivation in southern latitudes and central Russia.
Height and dimensions of an adult tree
The maximum active growth of a tree is observed at a young age.From the moment it enters the fruiting stage it becomes moderate. The height of the Nord Star cherry at the age of ten is 2.-2.5 m.
Young tree Nord Star
Description of fruits
Main characteristics of cherry fruits of the Nord Star variety:
- berry weight – 4-4.5 g;
- shape – round or wide-round;
- the skin is thin, shiny;
- color – dark red;
- pulp – reddish, delicate consistency, fibrous, juicy;
- taste – sweetish-sour, more sour;
- The bone is round and of medium size.
The tasting rating of cherries is 3.8-4 points. The separation from the stalk is dry. The pulp is easily separated from the stone. When ripe, the berries do not fall off and do not bake in the sun. The density of the fruits is low, so they do not differ in good keeping quality and transportability.
Pollinators of the Nord Star cherry
Nord Star cherry (Star of the North) is a partially self-fertile variety, so the highest productivity is observed in collective plantings. Cherries such as Oblachinskaya, Nefris, and Meteor are ideal as pollinators. In terms of flowering time, the tree is classified as a medium flowering tree. Flowering begins in May.
Spring cherry blossoms look very beautiful
Main characteristics of Nord Star cherries
To get to know Nord Star cherries in detail, you need to study the main distinctive characteristics of the tree and the taste of the fruit.
Drought resistance, frost resistance
The variety is drought-resistant, so it can easily withstand prolonged sultry heat in the summer.It is characterized by high frost resistance. Belongs to winter hardiness zone 5, withstands frosts up to 32-40 ° C.
Productivity
The fruiting period of grafted trees begins 2-3 years after planting. Maximum fertility is observed from 4-5 years of age. The highest yields are possible when trees are grown in joint plantings with other cherry varieties. The average yield is 15-25 kg per 1 adult tree.
The variety is considered late ripening. The berries begin to ripen in July-August. The fruiting pattern of the Nord Star cherry is mixed. The formation of the main harvest occurs on 1-3 year old branches. The fruits are universally used – suitable for both fresh consumption and processing. But most often they are processed - canned compotes, jams, and dried fruits are made. Also, the fruits, flowers and leaves of Nord Star cherries can be used in folk medicine.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like other cherry varieties, Nord Star has certain advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of North Star:
- high dessert qualities of fruits;
- small tree size;
- precociousness;
- high and stable yields;
- suitability for dense planting (the distance between trees can be 2 m);
- high degree of self-fertility;
- drought resistance;
- winter hardiness;
- is not afraid of return frosts due to late flowering;
- immunity to klyasterosporiosis and coccomycosis.
Ripe fruits are easily separated from the stalk, tearing is dry
Disadvantages of the variety:
- increased acidity of fruits;
- susceptibility to moniliosis.
Landing rules
In general, the process of planting Nord Star cherries does not have its own characteristics and is practically no different from other varieties of cherries. The main thing is to choose the right place to plant a tree, taking into account its varietal characteristics.
Recommended timing
Nord Star cherry seedlings can be rooted both in spring and autumn. The timing will depend on the climatic conditions of the region. In temperate climates, the optimal planting time would be mid-April. In the fall, it is extremely undesirable to plant seedlings in such regions, as there is a threat of them freezing in winter.
In southern latitudes, on the contrary, planting in the fall is quite possible, the main thing is to do it a month before the onset of the first frost. The most optimal period will be mid-October.
Site selection and soil preparation
Nord Star cherry prefers sunny areas. The variety is not afraid of drought, drafts and strong winds. But at the same time, he does not like close groundwater. There are no special requirements for the composition of the soil, the main thing is that it is fertile and well-moistened. It should be well prepared before planting. It is necessary to remove all weeds from the site, especially perennials.
How to plant correctly
The seedlings are placed on an area according to the following pattern: 2x3 m. When growing Nord Star cherries on an industrial scale, you should adhere to the 3x4 m pattern. This placement will significantly improve the light conditions.
Features of care
Nord Star cherry is an unpretentious variety.When caring for it, standard agrotechnical techniques are used for this garden crop. The first 3-4 weeks after planting, which are considered the starting weeks, are important for the rooting of young trees in a new location. Regular watering, fertilizing and pruning during this period directly affect the survival rate of seedlings and their further development.
Watering and fertilizing schedule
North Star cherries easily tolerate long-term drought, but it is preferable to avoid moisture deficiency.
Watering schedule during dry periods:
- After landing.
- At the beginning of the formation of the ovary.
- 14-21 days before the berries ripen.
Advice! When watering, you must ensure that moisture penetrates at least 30-40 cm deep into the soil. You should not water trees during the rainy season, as stagnation of moisture can be detrimental to them.
Watering a young tree is required
In the first year after planting, the seedling does not need feeding. The tree receives all the nutrients it needs from the soil used during planting. It is recommended to apply the first fertilizers from the second year of life, from the moment the soil is depleted. The frequency and abundance of fertilizing should increase as cherries enter the fruiting stage.
Trimming
Crown formation is one of the important measures for caring for cherries. Pruning old branches and removing dead ones promotes tree growth and increases yield. It is necessary to prune a young tree annually, in the spring before the buds open. The cut site must be treated with garden varnish. On average, the crown formation process lasts 5 years.
The first pruning of the tree is carried out in the year of planting. The 6 strongest branches are left on the cherry tree, the rest are eliminated. It is important to regularly remove root growth, infected and unproductive branches.
Preparing for winter
It is recommended to begin basic pre-winter preparation at the end of October. The branches of the tree are pressed against the trunk and wrapped in straw, tops or burlap. You can protect the root system from winter frosts with the help of snow. To do this, make a small snowdrift around the trunk.
Young seedlings need to be insulated more thoroughly, as it is much more difficult for them to withstand winter frosts. Therefore, in the first year after planting, in addition to the main shelter, the tree trunk circle is also mulched with peat or sawdust.
Diseases and pests
During the flowering period, Nord Star cherries are highly susceptible to infection with moniliosis. The threat especially increases during long and heavy rains. Fungal disease is caused by the death of individual branches and weakens the tree as a whole.
For preventive purposes, it is necessary to regularly inspect trees to detect infected branches and leaves. In this case, the damaged parts of the tree are removed and treated with antibacterial drugs.
The appearance of spots on the leaves is the first sign of tree disease
Conclusion
Nord Star cherry is a variety that has long been favored by orchards. It is distinguished by its high yield, low maintenance requirements and good adaptability to unfavorable climatic conditions. Gardeners who have chosen this variety should familiarize themselves with the recommendations of experts in order to receive a stable annual harvest without unnecessary hassle.
