Contents
Big Star cherries are popular among gardeners due to the unpretentiousness and fertility of the culture. Despite the thermophilic nature, the sweet cherry has perfectly adapted to the cooler climate typical of the regions of the Moscow region and Siberia.
History of breeding
The Big Star cherry sor was bred by the breeders of the Italian Department of Arboriculture (DCA-Bologna). The research was carried out at the Center for Research in Crop Production (CRPV), which is also located in Italy.
The aim of the selection was to develop large-fruited, high-yielding varieties of sweet cherries, which, moreover, would have increased resistance to climatic vagaries. At the same time, work was underway to test the Keep in Touch System, a model of shelters that protected trees from the negative effects of atmospheric factors.
The bred seedlings, obtained by crossing Californian, Spanish and Italian varieties of cherries, were subjected to stem and crown molding during the growth process. The experiment involved 3 forms: thin spindle, V-system, thin spindle. The first 2 options proved to be the best.
Description of the culture
The tree develops intensively, forming a dense compact crown by the third year of life. The berries are large in size, the weight of one reaches 9-12 grams. The shape of the sweet cherry is round, slightly flattened on the sides. Under the dark red skin hides scarlet juicy pulp of a dense consistency. The surface of the fruit is smooth with a characteristic luster. Red-violet touches are clearly visible on it. You can learn more about cherries by watching the following video:
You can grow sweet cherries in the southern countries of the European territory, including Belarus, Ukraine, and the southwestern part of Our Country. Reviews of Big Star cherries indicate that the culture takes root well in the Moscow region and even in the Irkutsk region.
Features
You can evaluate the advantages and features of sweet cherries by familiarizing yourself with the main characteristics of the plant.
Drought resistance, winter resistance
The characteristics of the variety indicate the high resistance of the crop to drought. In the absence of rain, the tree will bear fruit no worse if periodically irrigated.
Big Star cherries are also well adapted to temperature extremes and frosts. To prevent freezing, it is recommended to properly prepare the garden in the fall, creating a layer of moss and dry leaves in the root zone. The maximum resistance of the culture corresponds to minus 35 °.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening period
According to the description, Big Star cherries belong to medium-late ripening varieties. The first fruiting season begins 4-6 years after planting the seedling. In May, the tree is densely covered with small flowers, and technical ripeness is noted in the second half of June.
The first ripe fruits on the tree appear in the twentieth of June (in the southern regions, the period shifts 7-10 days earlier). In the photo of Big Star cherries, you can see how tightly ripe berries fit the branches.
yield, fruiting
The cherry harvest season falls in the second half of June – July. On average, 45 kg of fruits are harvested from a tree with proper care. The fruiting period lasts 3-4 weeks. The peculiarity of the variety lies in a stable harvest in each new season.
Disease and pest resistance
Sweet cherries are resistant to typical stone fruit diseases. Due to persistent immunity, the culture is used for growing in household plots and for industrial breeding.
Thanks to good immunity, the tree tolerates the invasion of harmful insects, but this does not mean that the sweet cherry will stand without special treatments. The culture needs planned preventive measures aimed at preventing damage to leaves, bark and fruits by pests.
Advantages and disadvantages
The popularity of the variety is due to the following advantages of the plant:
- compact size of the crown of a medium-sized tree;
- long fruiting period (from June to July);
- simple care that does not require planting a relative or vaccination, which is explained by the ability to self-pollinate;
- frost resistance;
- excellent taste characteristics;
- high yield;
- good transportability;
- versatility of the berry (suitable for conservation, making compotes, juices, fruit wines).
There are practically no shortcomings in culture due to persistent immunity. In the rainy season, coinciding with the period of fruiting, cracking of berries is observed.
Conclusion
Big Star cherries are suitable for growing in temperate climates, which occur in most of the middle lane. The culture does not require special care, but generously endows with a high yield. The variety is suitable for planting in areas with difficult soils.