Content
Although new hybrids are constantly appearing on the market, ancient cherry varieties remain in demand among gardeners. One of the proven varieties is the Shpanka cherry, known for its early fruiting and high yield.
History of selection
The name Shpanka unites several varieties growing in different regions. The first mentions of them were found 200 years ago. Initially, the variety appeared on the territory of Ukraine as a result of natural cross-pollination of cherries and sweet cherries.
The new variety has become widespread. Its seedlings were brought to Moldova and the southern regions of Russia. Modern species of Shpanka grow in the Volga region, Moscow region, the Urals and Siberia.
Main varieties
There are several types of Shpanka cherries.When choosing a specific variety, they are guided by winter hardiness, yield and fruit characteristics.
Shpanka Bryansk
The variety was included in the State Register in 2009 and is recommended for planting in the Central region. A tree of medium size, with a rounded crown and straight shoots. Shpanka Bryanskaya has good self-fertility and is resistant to fungal diseases.
The fruits are round, weighing 4 g. They have a light red color and delicate skin. The pulp has a sweet and sour taste and produces a lot of juice. Tasting properties are rated 3.7 out of 5.
Early spanka
The tree is about 6 m high. Cherry weighs 4-5 g, ripens early. Early shpanka can withstand long transportation better than other varieties.
Resistance to diseases is at an average level. Frost resistance is about -25 °C.
Large spandex
The fruits are large, reaching a weight of 6 g, the main purpose is dessert. The seeds can be easily separated from the pulp. The fruits are not suitable for transportation; it is recommended to find a use for them immediately after collection.
Spanka Kursk
Cherry is up to 4 m high and tolerates frosts down to -20 °C. The fruits weigh 2-3 g, bright red, with pink flesh. The taste is sweet, no sourness.
Shpanka Shimskaya
A variety of amateur selection, often found in garden plots in the North-Western region. The most winter-hardy variety Shpanka.
A tree up to 3 m high. To obtain a high yield, pollinators must be planted. Even ripe fruits are pink in color and have light yellow flesh. Cherry weight is 4-5 g. Up to 50 kg of fruit is removed from the tree.
Shpanka Donetsk
It is distinguished by scarlet-colored fruits weighing 10-12 g. The yield from each tree is about 45 kg. The variety is resistant to temperature fluctuations and easily recovers after a cold winter.
Dwarf spank
A low tree reaching a height of 2.5 m. Cherry weighing 5 g, scarlet in color. The average yield is 35 kg.
The variety is resistant to diseases and colds down to -30 °C. Dwarf shpanka is zoned in the central region of Russia.
Shpanka Krasnokutskaya
It has become widespread in the North Caucasus. The variety begins to bear fruit 6-7 years after planting.
Kranokutskaya shpanka is self-sterile and not susceptible to fungal diseases. Fruit weight is up to 4 g. Fruits cannot be transported.
Characteristics
The Spanka cherry varieties have similar characteristics. All of them produce high yields and are resistant to diseases and pests.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
Shpanka cherry is drought-resistant and can tolerate lack of moisture. However, winter hardiness varies among varieties. The most resistant to winter cold is the Shpanka Shimskaya variety, which can withstand temperatures down to -35 degrees.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening time
The self-fertility of the Shpanki variety is estimated to be below average. To increase productivity, it is recommended to plant pollinators: varieties Griot Ostgeimsky or Ukrainian, Stoykaya.
Cherries are valued for their early ripening. Flowering and harvesting periods depend on the growing region. In the south, flowering occurs in May, and the harvest ripens at the end of June. In the middle zone, the fruits are harvested in late July.
Fruiting of Shpanka varieties lasts for 2-3 weeks. The fruits are formed on bouquet branches. It is recommended to pick cherries immediately after ripening, as they begin to fall.
Productivity, fruiting
The first harvest from the tree is harvested 5-7 years after planting. On average, the yield is 35-40 kg. The maximum yield (up to 60 kg) is harvested from trees aged 15-18 years.
Area of application of berries
Shpanka cherries have a sweet taste, so they are used fresh. The variety is suitable for freezing, making jam, compote and other preparations. Fruits do not tolerate long-term transportation.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The Shpanka variety remains resistant to major diseases and crop pests. To protect plantings, it is recommended to carry out preventive treatments.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros of Shpanka cherries:
- good drought resistance;
- taste qualities of fruits;
- stable fruiting;
- high resistance to diseases;
- early maturation;
- long fruiting.
The main disadvantages of Shpanka varieties:
- low transportability of fruits;
- low precociousness;
- branches often break under the weight of the fruit.
Landing Features
Cherries are planted in a selected location that meets a number of conditions. They take into account its illumination, the quality of the soil and the crops growing nearby.
Recommended timing
For planting, choose the autumn period at the end of September or beginning of October. The timing of work depends on the weather conditions of the area. It is important to plant a tree after the leaves fall, before the winter cold snaps.
Planting work can be postponed until spring. First you need to wait for the snow to melt and the soil to warm up. However, planting is carried out before sap flow begins.
Choosing a suitable location
The location for the Shpanka variety is chosen taking into account a number of conditions:
- natural light throughout the day;
- lack of strong wind;
- fertile drained soil.
Cherries are planted in an open area, away from fences and buildings that create shade. In the lowlands, the tree is exposed to moisture. For the culture, choose a place on a hill or a flat area.
Cherries prefer light soil rich in nutrients. The tree grows well on chernozem, sandy and loamy soil. If the soil is clayey, you need to add coarse sand to it.
What crops can and cannot be planted next to cherries?
Any variety of cherries or sweet cherries are planted next to Shpanka. Cherry without problems close to other shrubs and fruit and berry crops:
- Rowan;
- elder;
- honeysuckle;
- plum;
- apricot.
The tree is removed from other bushes by 1.5 m or more. Shade-loving herbs can be planted under it.
It is not recommended to place cherries next to the following crops:
- apple;
- pear;
- birch, linden;
- fur tree, pine tree;
- raspberries, sea buckthorn, currants;
- tomatoes, peppers, potatoes.
The apple tree and other trees take a lot of substances from the soil and create shade. Cherries are planted at a distance of 5-6 m from them.
Selection and preparation of planting material
In the nursery, one- or two-year-old seedlings of the Shpanka variety are selected. It is best to choose healthy plants with a developed root system, without cracks or other damage.
Before planting, the roots of the seedling are immersed in clean water for 3 hours. To improve the survival rate of the seedling, a drug is added to the water to stimulate root growth.
Landing algorithm
Planting procedure:
- First, dig a hole with a diameter of 50 cm and a depth of 60 cm.
- Add 1 liter of wood ash and 100 g of potassium-phosphorus fertilizer to the soil.
- Part of the earth is poured into the hole.
- When the soil settles, planting work begins. The seedling is lowered into the hole, its roots are straightened and covered with soil.
- The soil is compacted. The plant is watered abundantly with warm water.
Subsequent care of the crop
The cherry tree needs watering only when flowering, if there is a drought in the region.4-5 liters of warm water are poured into the tree trunk circle.
Cherries are fed in early spring after the snow melts. For irrigation, prepare an infusion of chicken manure or slurry. Before and after flowering, watering is carried out with a solution containing 30 g of potassium and phosphorus fertilizer.
In order for the tree to survive the winter, it is watered abundantly in late autumn. The cherries are hilled up, and the soil is mulched with humus. To protect the trunk from rodents, spruce branches, mesh or roofing material are used.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
Cherries are susceptible to a number of diseases listed in the table:
Disease | Symptoms | Control measures | Prevention |
Fruit rot | The appearance of dark spots on the fruits. Over time, the fruits become mummified. | Treating trees with Topaz fungicide. |
|
Scab | Yellow spots on leaves that quickly spread and darken. The fruits do not develop and dry out. | Spraying trees with Bordeaux mixture. | |
Anthracnose | White dots on fruits, gradually developing into dark spots. Affected fruits mummify and fall off. | Spraying with fungicide Polyram. |
The table shows the main cherry pests:
Pest | Signs of defeat | Control measures | Prevention |
Black aphid | Curled leaves appear on the shoots. Aphid larvae suck the juice from the leaves and weaken the cherry's immunity. | Treatment of plantings with a solution of the drug Fitoverm. |
|
cherry fly | The pest lays larvae that feed on cherry pulp. | Spraying trees with a solution of the drug Kemifos. | |
Weevil | Red-yellow beetles, 5 mm long, feed on buds, flowers and leaves. | The beetles are shaken off the trees and collected by hand. Trees are sprayed with a solution of the drug Fufanon. |
Conclusion
Shpanka cherry is an early ripening variety with tasty fruits. Its varieties are grown in various regions of Russia and are valued for their yield and resistance to disease.
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