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Cherries differ from sweet cherries in appearance, taste, origin and ripening period of the fruit, while they have obvious similarities. Berries are often confused, and many inexperienced gardeners often cannot understand the differences between two similar crops.
What is the difference between cherries and cherries
Some differences are indicated by their botanical characteristics. Both species belong to the genus Plumaceae, and in Latin they have the same name - Cerasus, which indicates their common origin. The differences between cherries and sweet cherries are visible in the photo.
The fruits differ in size and taste
The obvious differences are:
- height;
- shape of crown and green mass;
- fruit characteristics;
- month of fruiting;
- resistance to weather and climatic conditions;
- growing area;
- taste qualities;
- prone to a number of diseases and pests.
The differences between trees lie in the regions of growth. Cherry is distributed throughout Russia and is well known for its resistance to cold. The plant has been cultivated for a long time.Mentioned in some works since 1657. It is believed that traditional varieties were bred in the Vladimir region.
Which is better - cherries or sweet cherries?
Previously, the two crops were considered one plant, but in the 19th century they began to be distinguished by certain characteristics. The composition of the fruits is almost identical. The benefits of both are obvious, since they contain vitamins and minerals in huge quantities. They are especially rich in ascorbic and nicotinic acid. The main beneficial properties for the human body are the following:
- strengthening the immune system;
- lowering blood cholesterol;
- stabilization of blood pressure;
- increased hemoglobin;
- strengthening the walls of blood vessels and the heart;
- positive effect on the genitourinary organs;
- establishing metabolic processes in the body;
- beneficial effect on the nervous system.
Thus, the pulp and juice of the fruit are recommended for anemia, urolithiasis, gout, colds, hypertension, obesity, skin diseases, pancreatitis and prostatitis. It is impossible to answer the question of which is better and healthier. It all depends on the person's preferences. Cherries have a sour taste, while sweet cherries are a sweet berry. They prefer to preserve cherries for the winter because they have a lower sugar content and are not so cloying when preserved.
How to distinguish cherries from sweet cherries
Cherries have different colors of berries - from yellow to burgundy
Despite the similarities between the two crops, experienced gardeners will immediately recognize the differences in many ways.
How to distinguish a cherry seedling from a sweet cherry
It is difficult to distinguish cherry and sweet cherry planting material, but it is possible. You need to take a closer look at the specimens and pay attention to the following:
- the crown of the cherry is more rounded, while that of the sweet cherry is in the form of a cone;
- the cherry seedling must be larger than the cherry;
- The leaves of cherries on cuttings are directed downward, those of sweet cherries are directed straight;
- Cherry blossoms are more saturated.
It will be possible to determine the differences more accurately only after tasting the first ripened fruits.
How to distinguish cherries from sweet cherries
The differences between the berries are obvious. Even an inexperienced gardener can tell the difference. Cherry tree fruits:
- round, sometimes heart-shaped;
- the color can be different - from light yellow to rich burgundy;
- the weight of one berry can be up to 20 g;
- size up to 2.5 cm in diameter;
- The taste of the fruit is very sweet.
As for the fruits of the cherry tree, their size is much smaller - up to 1 cm in diameter, and the weight is a maximum of 10 g. The shape is round, the taste is sweet and sour, it often depends on the variety. Color from light red to burgundy.
The difference between cherry leaves and sweet cherries
Cherry leaves are from light to dark shades of green, elongated in shape, with small cuts along the edges. The leaf blade has pronounced veins. The flowers begin to bloom much earlier than the leaves.
The leaf blade of the cherry is smaller, but denser than that of the cherry. The flowers of the two crops are similar in appearance, have the same number of petals, usually white, but in cherry they are slightly larger.
What is the difference between a cherry tree and a cherry tree?
Cherry can grow up to 10 m in length, the trunk is smooth, straight, the branches are arranged in tiers.The first years the bark on the trunk is red-brown, then it acquires a silvery tint with many transverse stripes. The crown is oval, and with age it becomes cone-shaped.
The cherry tree is most often up to 3-4 m in height
Cherries often grow in the form of a trunk, sometimes resembling a spreading tree, more like a bush. The vast majority of varieties reach 3-4 m in height, and only a few species grow higher. The tree trunk is distinguished by dense brown bark, on which amber-colored resin sometimes exudes.
What is better to plant - cherries or sweet cherries?
Both varieties have many varieties that have significant differences. Before planting, you should understand their characteristics.
Before planting, you should take advice from experts. It is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each culture and understand the differences. It must be remembered that cherries have low frost resistance. In addition, in the northern regions you need to plant the plant in the spring, before the buds begin to bloom. In the southern regions, planting material is planted in the fall. Seedlings must be selected carefully. The plant is chosen to be up to a year old, up to 1 m high. The root system must be well formed and the buds intact. Both varieties tolerate feeding well, so special attention should be paid to soil and fertilizers. For feeding, it is better to use fertilizers with phosphates and potassium, as well as manure. When watering, weather conditions are taken into account. It is necessary to reduce watering while the berries are ripening, otherwise it will cause the crop to rot.
A characteristic feature of the cherry tree is a straight, even trunk.
It is impossible to answer unequivocally the question of what is best to plant on the site - it depends on the taste preferences of each person and the climatic region. If possible, it is better to plant both. This way you can enjoy cherries for a long time, and then cherries. In addition, cherries are perfect for canning.
Another way out is cherry or duke. This is a hybrid that is very popular because it has a number of advantages:
- resistant to fruit rot;
- average resistance to frost;
- The fruits taste like a cross between cherries and sweet cherries.
Duke grows well in the Black Earth Region, Volga region, and the Caucasus. The most popular hybrids are Spartanka, Beautiful Venyaminova, Beauty of the North, and Nochka.
Conclusion
Cherries differ from sweet cherries in many factors that are understandable to experienced gardeners. Beginners will need to take a closer look at the trunk, leaves, and appearance of the berries. In addition, the fruits of the crops differ in taste and flowering season. It is also important for many owners that cherries can be preserved for the winter. The similarity between the cultures is that their chemical composition is almost identical. They contain many vitamins, microelements, and other important and beneficial substances.
