Content
Gardeners like the Zvezdochka cherry for its qualities - it is early ripening, quite resistant to fungal diseases, and tolerates short-term frosts and drought. The tree is medium or tall, depending on the fertility of the soil, and produces a stable harvest. In spring, cherries decorate the garden, and in summer they provide bright fruits for homemade preparations.
History of selection
The Zvezdochka cherry variety has spread throughout the country, but now it is no longer possible to name its authors. This is a bright, successful example of folk selection. The variety was obtained by selecting cherry seedlings from the nursery of I.V. Michurin. It is impossible to determine which variety served as the mother plant.
Description of culture
The steppe cherry tree Zvezdochka, according to gardeners, is of medium vigor or tall and large. The height of the cherry tree depends on the type of rootstock, as well as the general agricultural environment where the tree is grown. Cherry variety Zvezdochka forms a pyramidal crown.Although this variety is determined by the average density of branches, the gardener controls the density of the cherry crown by cutting out branches that grow inward. This is especially important for the middle zone of the country, so that the sun and air currents can freely penetrate into the crown of the Zvezdochka variety through sparse branches. The foliage of the variety is also characterized by average indicators. Cherry leaves have serrate edges and are large.
White flowers are collected in large inflorescences. The petioles are long and strong. Cherry berries of the Zvezdochka variety are large, round, uniform, weighing 4-5 g. The skin is thin, of an intense scarlet hue. The pulp, when fully ripe, is a rich light red color. The consistency of Zvezdochka berries is juicy, tender, with a refreshing sweet and sour taste. The juice is pink. The yellowish seeds are easily separated from the pulp. Tasters rated the invigorating taste of fresh Zvezdochka cherries at 4 and 4.2 points.
Zvezdochka is a favorite of gardeners in the central, Volga and northwestern regions. Cherries easily tolerate winter cold and drought at the same time, thanks to the properties of the mother plant and powerful root system.
Characteristics
Common cherry Zvezdochka has become a popular variety due to its positive properties.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
Short-term low temperatures down to -37 OC is not a threat to the hardy Zvezdochka variety. Fruit and vegetative buds, as experience shows, do not freeze. It is up to the gardener to place the tree wisely, for example, under the protection of buildings, so as not to expose the cherry to the piercing northern winds. The variety will also withstand a short period of drought without watering. Seedlings have a more developed root system, which is located at a depth of 10 to 40 cm.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening time
Partial self-fertility is a distinctive feature of the Zvezdochka variety, which is especially interesting for gardeners in the northern regions, where cherries are quite rare. One tree can be planted on a plot, obtaining approximately half of the potential harvest. The best pollinators for Star are Wreath and Seedling No. 1. The harvest will increase with the placement of other cherries or cherries nearby. The Zvezdochka variety blooms in May and is harvested from the beginning of July. The berries are ripening together.
Productivity, fruiting
The Zvezdochka cherry variety begins to bear fruit 3-4 years after planting. The berries are mainly formed on the shoots of last year's growth. From one Zvezdochka cherry over 10 years old, up to 20 kg of berries are harvested annually.
Area of application of berries
The fruits of the Zvezdochka variety are consumed fresh and used for summer cooking. Compotes and jam are prepared from the berries. The fruits are suitable for freezing and drying.
Resistance to diseases and pests
This variety of common cherry is moderately resistant to fungal diseases. A gardener who thins out the crown will partially protect the tree from the threat of disease. To protect Zvezdochka from aphids, the garden soil is freed from weed and too many ants.
Advantages and disadvantages
The popularity of Zvezdochka cherry is the best proof of its benefits.
- The variety is partially self-fertile;
- High yielding;
- Good consumer qualities: bright berries, pleasant taste;
- Frost-resistant and drought-resistant.
The disadvantages of the Zvezdochka variety include the possibility of damage during periods of spread of coccomycosis and moniliosis.
Landing Features
Before planting a tree, study the growing conditions of the variety.
Recommended timing
In central Russia, cherries are planted only in spring. During the growing season, the seedling manages to take root and grow stronger, and enters winter healthy. Even if you purchase a tree with a closed root system, it is better to plant cherries until the end of spring.
Choosing a suitable location
Cherry does not like close groundwater, as well as places where runoff accumulates after rain or melting snow. It is advisable to place the tree on a hill, take care of a sufficient amount of light, loose substrate in the hole with neutral acidity.
What crops can and cannot be planted next to cherries?
For normal life of Zvezdochka cherries, leave at least 12 square meters. m of soil. Rowan berries, honeysuckle, currant varieties that tolerate partial shade, and other low-growing garden crops, but not conifers, are planted nearby. Undesirable neighbors are tall ornamental trees, berry bushes: raspberries, gooseberries. Nothing is planted in the tree trunk circle. Eggplants and tomatoes also cannot be placed next to the Zvezdochka cherry.
Selection and preparation of planting material
Carefully examine the seedling of the Zvezdochka variety, choosing a tree without scratches on the bark, with fresh buds and roots.
- The trunk is at least 2 cm in diameter;
- Branches 50-60 cm long or more;
- The roots are flexible, moist, not dry to the touch.
After transportation to the planting site, the cherries are placed in a clay mash, adding a growth stimulator. Duration of soaking – 2 hours.
Landing algorithm
The pit for the Zvezdochka variety is spacious – 80x80x80.A substrate is prepared using planting technology, specific for different types of soil, enriched with mineral fertilizers. A hill is built in the lowlands and a hole is made in the hill. It is also possible to install drainage.
- The root collar of a cherry seedling is above the ground;
- Mulch is applied to the watered tree trunk circle;
- Cut branches to one third of their length.
Subsequent care of the crop
The tree trunk circle is regularly cleared of weeds and loosened several times a season. If there is no rain, water 30-40 liters per tree after flowering and during the period of ovary growth. Fertilizing is carried out in early spring and after flowering with nitrogen fertilizers, watering the soil before this. Organic matter, along with potassium and phosphorus fertilizing, is applied in the fall, digging up an area in the garden. Prune the Zvezdochka cherry tree in March, removing branches that thicken the crown, as well as damaged ones. With strong growth, the conductor is cut off at 6-7 years, strengthening the skeletal branches. In the first and second winter, after abundant watering in October, the seedling is wrapped in agrotex or spruce branches before frost, protecting it from the cold and rodents.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
Diseases/pests | Signs | Fighting methods | Prevention |
Moniliosis | The tops of the branches turn brown | Spraying in spring and autumn with copper sulfate or Bordeaux mixture, Kuprozan, Fthalan, Captan | Removing diseased parts, harvesting leaves in autumn |
Coccomycosis | Red-brown spots on leaves | Treatment with fungicides Horus, Skor, Captan | Treatment in early spring with copper-containing products |
Cherry weevil | The larvae damage the seeds of the berries, which crumble | Spraying after flowering with insecticides according to instructions | Autumn leaf cleaning |
Sawflies | They eat the leaf, leaving veins | Insecticide treatment
| Leaves are removed in autumn |
Aphid | Curled leaves on the tops of branches | Treated with insecticides or soap solution | Fighting garden ants |
Conclusion
Caring for an early ripening frost-resistant variety is not difficult. A tall tree will look spectacular on the site, and if planted, will delight pollinators with refreshing fruits.
