Cherry Zhukovskaya

Not a single garden can do without cherries; every gardener dreams of growing a beautiful green tree on his site, which will give tasty fruits for many years. Basically, all cherries came from the following varieties: steppe, ordinary, felt, Magaleb cherries and, of course, from sweet cherries. Through the daily work of breeders, new and new varieties with new wonderful qualities are formed every year. If you cross cherries with cherries, you can get the most unexpected results, and usually new trees take the best from these crops. The sweetness of the berries is, of course, inherited from the cherries, and the ability to withstand severe frosts from the cherries. Today we will tell you about one amazing variety, which is distinguished by its special winter hardiness, namely, about the Zhukovskaya cherry. This variety was bred a long time ago. In this article we will share with you the main characteristics of the culture, talk about the drought resistance and winter hardiness of cherries, the characteristics of fruiting, the advantages and disadvantages of the culture. At the end, we will explore the features of planting and care rules. Let's say in advance that the Zhukovskaya cherry variety is considered an excellent cherry variety, which gardeners around the globe are happy to grow.

Cherry Zhukovskaya: variety description

Cherry Zhukovskaya: photo of the variety

The first dukes were created by the British back in the 17th century. They were obtained through crossing cherries and cherries. It was from that distant time that these varieties began to be grown in the southern gardens of Russia. The first Russian duke was bred by Michurin, at first it was called the Beauty of the North, because these cherries were very frost-resistant. However, due to the fact that the taste of cherries was not very pronounced, and it was impossible to transport fruits over long distances, this variety did not spread throughout our country.

Let us dwell in more detail on the Zhukovskaya cherry variety. This cherry was bred in 1947, and especially for regions with a cold climate. As you understand, the cherry got its name by the name of one of its founders, namely the author, breeder S.V. Zhukov. In the last century, this cherry was especially popular, but in modern Russia, this duke is grown in many gardens in our country.

If we compare cherries and cherries, then it should be noted that the Zhukovskaya cherry variety is more reminiscent of cherry. The height of the Zhukovskaya cherry tree is usually no higher than 3 meters. But under certain conditions, a plant can grow up to four. The foliage of Zhukovsky's cherry is formed intensively, the crown is quite spreading. The leaves are rounded. The branches have good leafing, the wood is quite thick. The crown is voluminous. The stems often have yellowish silvery growths that resemble lentils. The leaves are dark green, towards the top they form a sharp tip, of a relatively large size. The stalk of the leaves is long, usually bent downwards, and at an acute angle. White flowers are large, formed on bouquet branches.

Cherry Zhukovskaya has very tasty berries, round, a little elongated top. Slightly in shape, the fruit resembles a heart. The berries are dark red in color, unevenly colored, one cherry weighs a little, but some specimens are quite large. The fruits are tasty, sweet and sour. The flesh of the cherry is dense and tender, and the stone is large enough to separate well.

Gardeners note that the fruits remain on the stalks for a very long time, so it is not possible to harvest immediately, but when you have free time for this.Seedlings of this cherry are sold either in nurseries, markets or garden centers. As you remember, this cherry looks little like a cherry, but it is still a relative of this culture.

Cherry Zhukovskaya normally tolerates drought, so you can not water the cherry intensively. Water scarcity usually does not harm mature trees, but berry quantity and quality can be affected. If you intensively moisten the soil, then the fruits will be juicier and larger. However, this does not mean that cherries should be watered every day. From an excess of moisture, the fruits begin to crack, become watery. If there will be no precipitation in your region for a long time, then you should water the cherries about 2 times a month, but intensively.

If we talk about the central black earth region, then it should be noted that this cherry variety winters well there. But in the northern regions, flower buds can freeze, so if we talk about the winter hardiness of the culture, then you need to answer, it is average.

If you grow this plant in an area with harsh climatic conditions, then do not forget to mulch the trunk circle in late autumn, and also cover the base of the trunk with burlap or spruce branches.

If we talk about young plants, then it should be noted that they should be covered completely. When to do this, the question. Depending on the conditions of a particular region, as well as on weather phenomena, the timing may vary. If you don’t know when is the best time to cover the trees, it’s better to wait until the first frost, but do not delay, otherwise the cherry may die.

Cherry Zhukovskaya is recommended for cultivation in the central black earth, central and middle Volga regions. This cherry does not ripen so early. In addition, this tree is self-fertile, so it is best to plant this cherry next to other varieties.

Good pollinators for Zhukovskaya cherries are Lyubka cherries. Sometimes cherries are planted nearby, however, this is not the best neighbor for this culture. But don’t think that this doesn’t mean that if you don’t have pollinators, you’ll have no berries at all. The fruits will undoubtedly appear, but there will be so few of them that you will only eat the berries. You do not pick up fruit either for jam or for compote.

However, do not worry if there are no other varieties of cherries on your plot, then there will definitely be something in the neighboring plots. The berries ripen usually in mid-July, however, depending on the climatic conditions of a particular region, the ripening dates for the fruits are slightly shifted. In order for the berries to set well, it is important to take into account that cherries of other varieties should be no more than 40 meters away from the Zhukovskaya cherry.

This cherry usually bears fruit in the fourth year. The peak of productivity occurs at the age of ten. However, over the years, up to the age of 16, the intensity of fruiting is still increasing. Then the fruit becomes much smaller.

Usually one cherry can live up to 20 years. It should also be said that during this period, 30 kilograms of ripe and aromatic berries can form on the tree. However, the yield is rather unstable. Therefore, in unfavorable years, there will be very few berries. So consider this factor when planting cherries. And don't count on consistently high yields.

The fruits usually ripen very amicably, therefore sometimes this variety is grown on an industrial scale, carrying out harvesting in a mechanized way. The berry tastes sweet and sour, the pulp is dense and tender. They can be consumed both fresh and processed.

Housewives prepare sweet desserts, compotes and jams from cherries. Sometimes the berries are simply frozen in order to please themselves with a fresh product in winter. Do not pick off unripe fruits, they will not ripen in your basket, the cherry will remain green.

This variety has an average resistance to diseases and pests. Therefore, inspections and treatments should be carried out on time.Plants often suffer from annular spotting and coccomycosis. But pests practically do not infect plants, so you probably will not have problems with insects.

Cherry Zhukovskaya: advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Cherry variety Zhukovskaya: photo

Each culture has its own advantages and disadvantages, Zhukovskaya cherry is no exception. If we talk about the advantages, then it should be noted the excellent taste of the berries, the beautiful marketable appearance of the fruits, as well as the relatively high yield. As you remember, in a good year, this cherry is capable of giving up to 30 kg of product.

The berries ripen very amicably, so very often this cherry is grown for sale. This variety is resistant to many diseases and pests, so preventive treatments can hardly be carried out. The berries remain on the shoots for a long time, they do not crumble. The fruits can be transported over long distances, rest assured, the product will not deteriorate. Plus, the fruits are truly versatile.

You can make jam, compote, jam, sweet dessert from cherries.

If we talk about the shortcomings, then, as you may have guessed, first of all, this is self-infertility. Cherries of Zhukovskaya need pollinators, but if cherries or cherries grow within a radius of 40 meters from you, then you don't have to worry about this.

The frost resistance of the variety is average, therefore, in unfavorable climatic conditions, the tree should be covered for the winter, for this they use burlap and spruce branches. If the winter is cold, the flower buds may freeze.

Cherry Zhukovskaya has a fairly large stone, and fruiting is unstable. Therefore, you will have fruitful years and lean ones. However, there are still fewer negative qualities than positive ones, so the variety of this cherry can be considered more than worthy.

About the features of landing

Cherry Zhukovskaya is usually grown in the central regions of our country. In the northern regions, the tree should be covered for the winter. But in the southern regions, the cherry feels just fine. Cherries are usually planted in early spring, before sap flow and bud break. Moreover, it should be noted that in the northern regions it is possible to plant a plant only in early spring, but in the southern regions it is possible also in late autumn. So, count on the seedling to take root before the onset of severe frost.

If you are planting cherries in late autumn, it is best to do this after the foliage has fallen off the trees. Let's make a reservation right away, in the southern regions cultivated fruit trees are usually planted in the fall.

It should also be said that groundwater should not lie close to the surface. They should be located about one and a half meters from the surface of the earth, not closer. Cherry loves well-lit places; trees are often planted on gentle hills. If you have a choice, it is best to plant trees on the west, northwest and southwest slopes.

It is advisable to choose the soil fertile and loose. Cherries do not grow in an acidic environment, so it is a good idea to calcify the soil if necessary. If the soil is too heavy, clayey, then be sure to add sand to the soil. Usually, fertilizer is immediately added to the planting pits, as well as humus, in order to enrich the soil with useful substances and trace elements.

Saplings should be purchased from trusted growers, garden centers or nurseries. As you remember, the winter hardiness of cherries is average, so it is best to buy seedlings in those nurseries that are located north of your region, so the cherry will definitely take root in your area. If we talk about the length of the seedling, then you should choose low trees, two-year-olds should not be higher than 1 meter. Do not buy cut seedlings of Zhukovskaya cherries right away. So unscrupulous sellers often deceive buyers, because you will not be able to find out exactly what height the seedling was. But you can easily cut the top off the Zhukovskaya cherry on your own.Too tall seedlings should also alert, usually such plants are not powerful and healthy, but simply overfed with growth stimulants, as well as nitrogen. They usually have a greenish bark. Pay attention to the root system of the seedling, it should be well developed.

If we talk about the landing site, then it is best to choose a place well lit by the sun, protected from the wind. Despite the fact that the crown of this culture is quite compact, do not forget about the distance between the plants. On a personal plot, it is better to leave at least 4 meters in a row between trees, in order for the plants to develop normally. If you do not have such free space, then leave at least two and a half meters, at least.

Before planting cherries, soak their root in clean water for three hours. The planting hole should be about 60 cm deep. The seedling is covered with a fertile mixture, which is prepared from humus, phosphorus and potash fertilizers, as well as from ordinary loose and fertile soil. In order for the seedling to have something to tie up, a wooden peg is immediately dug in next to it. It is advisable to place the seedling in the middle, cover the hole with earth, and also compact the soil around the perimeter. The neck should protrude about 5 cm above the ground. In order for moisture to be better retained, an earthen roller should be poured near the seedling. After that, the plant should be watered, and the trunk circle should be mulched. For this, humus is used, not peat or sawdust.

Care

In order to get a good harvest, you need to properly care for the cherries. To do this, you should pay attention to watering, loosening the soil, feeding, as well as preventive examinations and treatments.

In order for the root system not to dry out, you need to water the plants on time. Remember, you shouldn't do this every day. If there is no rainfall in your area for a long time, and the summer is dry and hot, then watering should be done about twice a month. However, this should be done intensively. After this event, it is advisable to loosen the top layer of the soil, so that the earth crust does not form, and air and moisture enter the roots.

If you do not want to waste too much water, then apply a small pressure and put the hose to the tree, so the moisture will be absorbed gradually without clogging the soil. Usually, 2 weeks before the planned harvest date, watering is stopped altogether. Otherwise, the berries will be watery and too juicy, possibly cracking.

If we talk about dressing, then you should pay attention to potash fertilizers. Every fall, it is best to add several buckets of humus and a liter of wood ash to the soil. Phosphorus, on the other hand, is needed by plants in very small quantities. Usually, the phosphorus contained in organic matter and wood ash is enough for cherries. If you do not have the opportunity to apply natural fertilizer to the soil, then it can be completely replaced with mineral complexes.

As you remember, the winter hardiness of this variety is average, therefore, in unfavorable climatic zones, plants should be insulated for the winter. Otherwise, the flower buds may freeze. In addition, such a shelter helps to get rid of rodents and hares. In order to build a warm blanket, you need to wrap the tree trunk in burlap or other breathable material.

How to trim Zhukovskaya cherries?

Cherry is pruned in early spring, before sap flow begins. Do not allow the crown to thicken, this negatively affects the growth and development of plants. Carry out timely sanitary pruning of Zhukovskaya cherries, remove all diseased and dry branches in the spring, this should also be done before bud break, otherwise you will harm the plants. After you complete all the formative activities, the wounds should be treated with crushed coal or garden pitch so that the gum does not run out.

About pests and diseases

As you remember, this cherry variety is quite resistant to diseases and pests.The plant practically does not get sick with fungal infections, but this does not mean that you will not need to carry out examinations and processing. But it is best to choose gentle drugs for this. If pests appear on the site, then once every two weeks the trees should be sprayed with insecticides, moreover, the treatment should be done no more than 2 times. But usually, we repeat, harmful insects bypass cherries.

Cherry Zhukovskaya: conclusions

Cherry Zhukovsky was bred back in 1947 by crossing cherries and cherries. This plant has a beautiful appearance, the fruits are very large and fragrant, the tree is resistant to diseases and pests, and the berries almost always ripen together. Cherry Zhukovsky usually grows both in personal plots and grown in huge industrial gardens, individual specimens of trees can live for more than 25 years. The peak of fruiting occurs in a decade of trees. Gardeners note that Zhukovskaya berries are always sweet, with a pleasant sourness. They remain on the shoots for a long time, do not crumble. The fruits can be transported over long distances, rest assured, the product will not deteriorate. Plus, the fruits are truly versatile. You can make wonderful jams, compotes and jams from them. Housewives especially appreciate this variety. Try and grow Zhukovskaya cherry on your site, and we told you how to do this.