Cherry Asterisk

Cherry Asterisk is liked by gardeners for its qualities – early ripe, fairly resistant to fungal diseases, tolerates short-term frosts and drought. The tree is medium-sized or tall, depending on the fertility of the soil, gives a stable harvest. In spring, cherries are a decoration of the garden, and in summer they give bright fruits for home-made preparations.

History of breeding

Cherry variety Zvezdochka 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 IV Michurin. It is impossible to determine which variety served as the mother plant.

Description of the culture

Steppe cherry tree Asterisk, according to gardeners, of medium vigor or tall and large. The height of the cherry depends on the type of rootstock, as well as the general agricultural background where the tree is grown. Cherry varieties Asterisk forms a pyramidal crown. Although this variety is determined by the average density of the branches, the grower controls the density of the cherry crown by cutting out the branches that grow inward. This is especially important for the middle zone of the country, so that through the rarefied branches the sun and air currents freely penetrate into the crown of the Zvezdochka variety. The foliage of the variety is also characterized by average indicators. Cherry leaves are serrate at the edges, large.

White flowers are collected in large inflorescences. Petioles are long, 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 berries of the Zvezdochka variety is juicy, tender, with a refreshing sweet and sour taste. Pink juice. Yellowish bones are easily separated from the pulp. Tasters rated the invigorating taste of fresh Zvezdochka cherries at 4 and 4,2 points.

Asterisk is a favorite of gardeners in the central, Volga and northwestern regions. Cherry easily tolerates winter cold and drought at the same time, thanks to the properties of the mother plant and a powerful root system.

Features

Cherry ordinary Asterisk has become a popular variety due to its positive properties.

Drought resistance, winter resistance

Short-term low temperatures up to -37 ^оC is not a threat to the hardy Zvezdochka variety. Fruit and vegetative buds, as experience shows, do not freeze. The proper placement of the tree depends on the gardener, for example, under the protection of buildings, so as not to expose the cherry to the piercing north winds. Also, the variety will withstand without watering and a short period of drought. Seedlings have a more developed root system, which is located at a depth of 10 to 40 cm.

Pollination, flowering period and ripening period

Partial self-fertility is a hallmark of the Zvezdochka variety, which is especially interesting for gardeners in the northern regions, where cherries are quite rare. A tree on the site can be planted alone, receiving approximately half of the potential yield. The best pollinators for Asterisk are Wreath and Seedling #1. The yield will increase with the placement of other cherries or sweet cherries nearby. Variety Zvezdochka blooms in May, harvested from the beginning of July. Berries ripen together.

yield, fruiting

Cherry variety Asterisk begins to bear fruit 3-4 years after planting. Berries are mainly formed on the shoots of last year’s growth. From one Asterisk cherry older than 10 years, up to 20 kg of berries are harvested annually.

Scope of berries

The fruits of the Zvezdochka variety are consumed fresh, used for summer cooking. Compotes and jams are prepared from berries. The fruits are suitable for freezing and drying.

Disease and pest resistance

This variety of common cherry is moderately resistant to fungal diseases. A gardener thinning the crown will partially protect the tree from the threat of disease. To protect the Asterisk from aphids, weeds and excess ants are removed from the garden soil.

Advantages and disadvantages

The popularity of the Asterisk 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 the spread of coccomycosis and moniliosis.

Features of landing

Before planting a tree, study the growing conditions of the variety.

Recommended dates

In central Our Country, cherries are planted only in spring. During the growing season, the seedling manages to take root and grow stronger, already healthy enters the winter. Even having acquired a tree with a closed root system, it is better to meet the planting of cherries until the end of spring.

Choosing the right place

Cherry does not like the close occurrence of groundwater, as well as places where runoff accumulates after rains or snowmelt. It is advisable to place the tree on a hill, take care of a sufficient amount of light, loose substrate in a well with neutral acidity.

What crops can and cannot be planted next to cherries

For normal life, cherries of the Zvezdochka variety leave at least 12 square meters. m of soil. Mountain ash, honeysuckle, those varieties of currant that endure partial shade, other undersized garden crops, but not conifers, are planted nearby. Unwanted neighbors – tall ornamental trees, berry bushes: raspberries, gooseberries. Nothing is planted in the trunk circle. Eggplants, tomatoes also cannot be placed next to the Asterisk cherry.

Selection and preparation of planting material

They carefully examine the seedling of the Zvezdochka variety, choosing a tree without scratches on the bark, with fresh buds and roots.

• The trunk is not less than 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 landing site, the cherry is placed in a clay mash, adding a growth stimulator. Soaking time – 2 hours.

Landing algorithm

The pit for the Asterisk variety is roomy – 80x80x80. A substrate is prepared according to planting technology, specific for different types of soil, enriched with mineral fertilizers. In the lowlands, a hill is poured and a hole is made in the hill. A drainage device is also possible.

• The root neck of a cherry seedling is above the ground;
• Mulch is applied to the watered trunk circle;
• Trim the branches to one third of their length.

Culture aftercare

The trunk circle is regularly cleaned of weeds, loosened several times per season. Watered, if there is no rain, 30-40 liters per tree after flowering and during the growth of ovaries. Top dressing is carried out in early spring and after flowering with nitrogen fertilizers, watering the soil before that. Organics, along with potash and phosphorus top dressing, are brought in in the fall, digging up a plot in the garden. The Asterisk cherry is cut in March, removing branches that thicken the crown, as well as damaged ones. With strong growth for 6-7 years, the conductor is cut off, strengthening the skeletal branches. In the first and second winters, after abundant watering in October, the seedling is wrapped with agrotex or spruce branches before frost, protecting it from the cold and rodents.

Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention

Conclusion

Caring for an early ripe frost-resistant variety is not difficult. A tall tree will look spectacular on the site, and, if pollinators are planted, delight with refreshing fruits.

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