Contents
Among the young varieties of sweet cherries, popular in a narrow circle of gardeners, one stands out. Astakhov’s memory cherry, bred quite recently, is of considerable interest to lovers of fruit trees – therefore it is interesting to understand its features.
History of variety breeding
This variety is of origin: the All- Research Institute of Lupine is listed as its originator, and the famous breeder M.V. Kanshina was directly involved in the breeding. The variety is named after her husband, also a famous breeder. An entry about a new variety was made in the State Register quite recently – in 2014.
Description of the cherry variety In memory of Astakhov
Externally, the sweet cherry is a tree of medium height no more than 4 m with a dark gray scaly bark on the main trunk. The spreading crown of slightly rounded outlines is formed by shoots: the lower ones, gray-brown, are located horizontally, and the upper brown ones are inclined towards the main trunk. The density of the crown is medium, flat green leaves with teeth along the edges are held on medium-sized petioles. Cherries bloom early, releasing small white flowers – 3 on each inflorescence.
As for the fruits, in this sweet cherry they are usually light, pink in color, weighing about 5-8 g. Covered with a thin but dense skin, the berries are easily separated from the stalk. The taste of the fruits is pleasant – Astakhovka deserved a high tasting score: 4,8 points out of the maximum 5.
An important feature of sweet cherry is that its seedlings take root well in almost any climatic conditions. The variety was bred in Bryansk and was originally intended for the middle zone of the Central region. However, it is grown even in the Urals: a very high frost resistance contributes to the popularity of Astakhov’s Memory among amateur gardeners.
Characteristics of a variety
Cherry, named after Astakhov, was bred just a few years ago. Therefore, many gardeners know a minimum of information about it. And before you buy seedlings for your site, I want to get acquainted in detail with the characteristics.
Drought resistance, frost resistance
Among the unique qualities that ensure the popularity of this variety, two features can be distinguished: the high resistance of the tree to low temperatures and arid climates.
- The tolerance of the variety to the lack of moisture is estimated as average. However, in reality, a tree can do without watering completely for a month. We are talking not only about artificial, but also about natural moisturizing. Drought does not affect the fruitful properties of cherries.
- Even more surprising is the frost resistance of the Memory of Astakhov. Fruit tree buds can withstand temperatures down to -32 degrees – for sweet cherries this is a very high figure. This is the reason for the wide distribution of the variety beyond the Urals: in cold winters, hardy fruit trees are worth their weight in gold.
Cherry pollinators In memory of Astakhov
Unfortunately, this variety is self-infertile: it is not capable of producing rich harvests on its own. In order for the maximum number of berries to appear on the branches, pollinating varieties planted in close proximity are required.
For the Memory of Astakhov, these varieties are:
- Cherry Revna – the flowering of the variety falls on the 3rd decade of May, and the fruits appear on the branches by the end of July.
- Chereshnya Ovstuzhenka – a variety with medium flowering time and early fruiting: berries appear on its branches as early as early June.
- Cherry Iput – A fruit tree blooms in May, and the first berries appear on the branches in early summer, in June.
All of the listed varieties, like Pamyat Astakhov, were bred at the All- Research Institute of Lupine and are similar to it in terms of flowering. That is why they are ideal for pollinating the memory of Astakhov – gardeners with extensive practical experience advise planting several different pollinators at once in the immediate vicinity of the variety to increase productivity.
Yield and fruiting
Astakhov’s memory brings the first fruits for the 5th year after landing on the site. Productivity is defined as average and largely depends on the specific climatic conditions and care. Under favorable circumstances, one sweet cherry can produce up to 80 kg of berries, but in practice about 50–70 kg of fruits are often harvested from the Astakhov Memory.
Scope of berries
Tasty and tender berries of the Memory of Astakhov are usually consumed fresh, as early varieties of sweet cherries are stored for a very short time. Until the berries begin to deteriorate, they can be used to make desserts and pastries, to create juices, fruit drinks and compotes.
Disease and pest resistance
Diseases affect the sweet cherry of the Memory of Astakhov quite rarely. The variety has good immunity to pests. However, sometimes fungal diseases, such as gray rot and tinder fungus, still affect the health of the tree.
In this case, it is necessary to promptly remove diseased parts of the plant and carry out treatment with special preparations: antifungal agents or a classic solution of copper sulphate.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
The variety has both pros and cons. The undoubted advantages include:
- the highest resistance to low temperatures up to -32 degrees;
- good dry weather tolerance;
- high level of productivity and pleasant taste of fruits;
- strong immunity to diseases and pests.
The main disadvantage of the variety is its self-fertility. Together with Astakhov’s memory, you will definitely have to plant related varieties with similar flowering periods, otherwise you can not expect a good harvest.
Features of landing
Planting the Memory of Astakhov differs little from planting other types of cherries, but you need to know some features and rules.
Recommended dates
Theoretically, the variety can be planted in spring and autumn. But, since young seedlings are still sensitive to low temperatures, experienced gardeners prefer spring planting.
Choosing the right place
It is best to place seedlings in a well-lit place, on the south side. Particular attention should be paid to the soil: sweet cherries do not take root well on deep sandstones and wet clay. The ideal soil will be loam or sandy loam.
What crops can and cannot be planted nearby
- In the immediate vicinity, it is recommended to plant pollinating varieties or cherries.
- You can also place mountain ash or grapes in the neighborhood.
- But apple trees, plums and pears at close range with cherries do not get along.
Selection and preparation of planting material
It is recommended to use seedlings of the second or third year of growth. Before buying, you must make sure that the roots of the tree are well developed and not damaged, and there are a small number of buds on the branches.
Landing algorithm
A hole for a cherry seedling must be dug a month before the actual planting.
- The bottom of the recess is filled in advance with a mixture of humus and ordinary soil, about 400 g of superphosphate and 1 kg of ash are added, and mixed.
- The seedling is placed in the hole, the roots are sprinkled with earth so that the root collar remains above the surface.
- The tree is watered with 10–20 liters of water, having previously formed an earthen “roller” around the trunk, the soil is mulched.
Aftercare for cherries
It is almost not necessary to trim the growing sweet cherry – only shrunken and diseased branches are eliminated. In addition, every year after harvesting, it is customary to cut fruit-bearing branches by a third.
Watering is carried out depending on the weather: with an average rainfall, 20-40 liters of water under the trunk will be enough. During the growing season, it is recommended to increase the frequency of watering up to 2 times a month, and during a severe drought – up to once a week.
In subsequent years, in the spring, the tree can be fed with nitrogen fertilizers, in the summer add some potassium substances to the soil, and in the fall – fluorine-containing substances.
Preparation for winter is carried out as follows:
- In mid-September, the soil within a radius of a meter from the trunk is loosened, watered properly and scatter humus or peat with a layer of 10–15 cm.
- At the end of September, it is useful to add superphosphate to the soil, and before the onset of winter, whitewash the trunk with lime.
- To protect against frost and rodents for the winter, the lower part of the trunk can be wrapped with roofing material. After the snow falls, you can throw a snowdrift around the trunk and trample the snow around the cherry.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
Sometimes the memory of Astakhov suffers from gray rot or tinder fungus. They deal with them like this: the damaged parts of the tree are removed, and the healthy ones are treated with special solutions.
Good help
- Phytosporin;
- copper sulfate solution.
Conclusion
Astakhov Memory Cherry is a fruit variety ideal for growing in the middle lane and in the Urals. Cherry perfectly tolerates the harsh climate and continues to delight with delicious fruits.
Reviews about sweet cherries In memory of Astakhov
