Content
It is impossible to plant many trees in a small area. Therefore, the layout of the garden needs to be carefully thought out and the crops that family members like most are selected. But no matter what the plot is, there is always a place for cherries on it. Here it is important not to get confused in the abundance of varieties. If you need a tree that takes up little space and can provide homemade fruits that can be used in preparations and eaten fresh, the Fairy cherry is perfect.
History of selection
The Fairy variety was created by O. S. Zhukov. Cherry was registered in 1993, and in 2010 included in the State Register. The originator was the Federal State Budgetary Institution named after. Michurina. Fairy is a cherry-cherry hybrid obtained by crossing the frost- and coccomycosis-resistant varieties Coral and Premiere.
Description of culture
Fairy cherry forms a low tree that grows up to 2-3 m. The branches of medium thickness and density form a raised spherical crown.The elliptical, dark green leaves are not large in size; they are attached to the shoots with reddish petioles.
White large flowers turn into pink one-dimensional fruits. Their size is average - only 3.3-3.5 g, rarely - up to 4 g, shape - round, slightly elongated. The pulp of the Fairy cherry is pinkish-yellow, tender, with a lot of juice. Tasting assessment of sweet and sour fruits – 4.3 points. The peduncle is short, of medium thickness.
The Fairy cherry variety is recommended for cultivation in the Central Black Earth region.
Characteristics
The Fairy cherry variety shows all the characteristics below on nutritious or well-manured soils. It is grown in the Central Black Earth Region. Of course, the variety will grow on poor soil in cool regions, but it will not reach its potential and will require a lot of attention.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
Fairy cherry has average drought tolerance. It is not recommended to neglect watering, especially in hot, dry summers.
For the Central Black Earth Region, the variety has good winter hardiness; the buds and wood can withstand frosts down to -27⁰ C. If the temperature drops below, the Fairy cherry can suffer irreversible damage.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening time
The mid-early Fairy cherry in the northern regions during flowering will not be able to escape return frosts. Its harvest depends only partially on pollinating insects - it is a self-fertile variety. Consequently, even a single tree can produce up to 50% of the possible number of berries. But the best harvest will be if you plant Lyubskaya, Vladimirskaya, Turgenevka varieties next to the Fairy cherry.
In the Central Black Earth region, the fruits ripen by the end of June.
Productivity, fruiting
The Fairy cherry has an average early fruiting period - it gives its first harvest only 3-4 years after planting. But then it bears fruit steadily and produces on average about 83 centners per hectare. An adult tree annually produces 10-12 kg of berries.
Despite its compact size, self-fertility, tasty berries and consistently high yields, Fairy cherries have not become a commercial variety. This is primarily due to poor transportability of the fruit and semi-dry separation from the stalk.
Area of application of berries
The Fairy variety has a universal purpose. It is remarkable in that it is one of the cherries with the highest content of ascorbic acid (17.2 mg per 100 g of pulp). The berries can be eaten fresh, made into jam, made into juices, compotes and wine. You just need to process the fruits quickly - they are not stored for a long time, and the pulp is damaged when harvested.
Resistance to diseases and pests
Fairy cherry is affected by pests in the same way as other varieties. But it is highly resistant to fungal diseases, in particular coccomycosis. It was transmitted to Fairy from the parent variety Coral.
Advantages and disadvantages
Cherry Fairy has many advantages:
- High resistance to coccomycosis.
- Universal purpose of fruits.
- In the region recommended for cultivation there is high winter hardiness.
- Delicious berries.
- Compact sizes.
- Self-fertility.
- Annual fruiting.
The main disadvantage of the variety is the difficulty of growing in regions with cool climates and poor soils. It should be noted:
- Small size berries.
- Semi-dry separation from the stalk.
- Poor transportability of berries.
Landing Features
The main feature of the Fairy cherry is its high requirements for soil fertility. This can be easily achieved by filling the planting hole with plenty of organic matter.
Recommended timing
Fairy cherry is recommended to be planted in the spring, before the buds begin to bloom. In areas where frosts do not occur for a long time, you can place it on the site after leaf fall. If the seedling was purchased late and you are not sure whether it will have time to take root before winter, it is better to bury the tree. And start planting next year.
Choosing a suitable location
Cherries are planted in a sunny place protected from cold winds. Groundwater should not come closer to the surface than 2 m. A hill with a gentle slope is well suited for cultivation.
For the Fairy variety, soil fertility is of great importance. It can be improved by adding a large amount of organic matter. A neutral reaction can be achieved by adding dolomite flour or lime to acidic soil.
What crops can and cannot be planted next to cherries?
It is best to plant pollinating varieties next to Fairy - Turgenevka, Lyubskaya, Vladimirskaya. Despite the fact that the cherry is self-fertile, with such neighbors it will give the best harvest. You can place other stone fruit crops nearby.
Walnut, oak, birch, maple, and shrubs with creeping roots that quickly grow in breadth should not be placed next to the cherry tree. Blackcurrant itself will develop poorly and depress the culture.
Selection and preparation of planting material
1-2 year old seedlings take root best.Their root should be well developed, without signs of disease or damage. A correctly grown one-year-old tree does not exceed 90 cm, a two-year-old tree - 110 cm.
The branches should be elastic, with intact bark.
Landing algorithm
It is better to dig the planting hole in the fall. Its diameter should be approximately 80 cm, depth - no less than 40-50 cm. A fertile mixture for filling the planting hole is prepared from the top layer of soil, a bucket of humus, phosphorus and potassium starting fertilizers (50 g each). Sand is added to dense soil, acidity is neutralized with lime and dolomite flour. Then:
- Stepping back a little from the center of the hole, drive in a support to which the cherry will be tied.
- The seedling is placed in the middle and covered with a fertile mixture, constantly compacting it to avoid the appearance of voids. The root collar should rise above the ground at least 5 cm.
- The cherry is tied to a support.
- An earthen roller is formed around the perimeter of the planting hole to retain moisture.
- The seedling is watered with 2-3 buckets of water.
- The soil is mulched with a thick layer of humus.
Subsequent care of the crop
If the Fairy cherry grows in the Central Black Earth region, caring for it will not be burdensome. Only a newly planted tree needs regular watering and loosening of the soil. In the future, the soil is moistened only in the absence of rain for a long time. Autumn moisture recharging is required.
Cherries need large amounts of nitrogen and potassium. It consumes phosphorus in modest quantities. All this can be provided by manure and ash to the crop. When feeding with minerals, it should be remembered that nitrogen is given in the spring, potassium and phosphorus in the fall. It is best to use special fertilizers; how to use them correctly is written on the packaging or in the instructions.
Cherry trees need to be trimmed regularly. This way it will bear fruit better and be less affected by pests. Formative pruning is carried out during the dormant period, sanitary pruning is carried out as necessary.
Protect cherries from hares with spruce branches, burlap or a special net.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
Fairy cherry variety is resistant to fungal diseases, in particular coccomycosis. To protect the plant from misfortunes, it is enough to treat the green cone with a copper-containing fungicide, and after leaf fall - with iron sulfate.
Among the pests, it is worth mentioning aphids, which are almost always a companion to anthills that appear in the garden. They must be mercilessly destroyed. If the cherry is slightly infested with aphids, it can be treated with a solution of laundry soap. If you miss the moment and the pests multiply greatly, you will have to use insecticides.
Conclusion
Fairy Cherry is an excellent variety for small gardens in the Central Black Earth Region. Its fruits are good in fresh and processed form, and also contain a large amount of vitamin C.
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