Cherry Lyubskaya

Most fruit trees are self-fertile. This means that in the absence of related crops nearby that can pollinate the plant, the yield will only reach 5% of the possible. Therefore, self-fertile varieties are highly valued, especially in small areas. If 2-3 apple trees in a private garden will always be appropriate, then the second or third cherry may be superfluous. Lyubskaya belongs to varieties with high self-fertility, that is, without pollinators, it can give more than 50% of the possible harvest.

History of breeding

The origin of the Lyubskaya (Lyubka) cherry is not known for certain. This is a variety of folk selection, which has been grown in the Kursk region since the 1947th century. From there, it spread throughout the Middle Strip, and in XNUMX, at the suggestion of the Moscow FGBNU VSTISP, it was accepted by the State Register. The first description of the Lyubskaya cherry was given by Michurin’s contemporary, the scientist N. I. Kichunov.

Interestingly, the Lyubskaya cherry in the Moscow region behaves quite differently than, for example, in the North Caucasus. The variety is prone to arbitrary mutations, which is why not only under different conditions, but also in neighboring gardens, trees can grow that differ in yield, habit, size and quality of fruits. Because of this, “fruitful”, “bouquet”, etc. are often added to the name of the Lyubskaya cultivar.

Description of the culture

Usually, the Lyubskaya variety is grown as a shrub, although in the State Register the cherry is listed as ordinary, and not steppe. In the northern regions, the tree is given such a shape by pruning so that it winters better. In the south, Lyubskaya cherry can be grown on a bole.

The variety is a small tree, not exceeding a height of 2,5 m. The trunk is covered with grayish-brown bark, covered with cracks. The branches are separated from the trunk by about 45⁰ and form a rare weeping crown. This can be seen in the photo of the Lubska cherry tree.

The buds deviate slightly from the shoots, the oval dark green leaves are pointed at the base and at the end. The flowers of Lyubskaya are collected in 3-4 pieces, white, located on a stem up to 3 cm long.

Fruiting occurs late, mostly on annual branches. Berries of uneven size, medium or large, up to 5 g in weight. Their shape is almost round, with a blunt top. The color of the fruits is dark red, a light strip runs along a clearly visible ventral suture. Cherry pulp Lyubskaya is red, juicy, with a mediocre sour taste.

A round stone with a sharp tip separates well, its size in relation to the berry is 6-8%. Green fruits sit firmly on the stalk, as they ripen, the connection weakens, but the cherries do not crumble.

Variety Lyubskaya is recommended by the State Register for cultivation in the following regions:

• Northwestern;
• Central;
• Central Black Earth;
• North Caucasian;
• Middle Volga;
• Nizhnevolzhsky.

Brief description of the variety

Despite the mediocre taste and resistance to fungal diseases, Lyubskaya cherry is grown in private and industrial gardens wherever it can overwinter. This is mainly due to the high self-fertility of the variety.

Drought resistance, winter resistance

The drought resistance of the cherry variety Lyubskaya is medium. This means that the bush must be watered in the absence of precipitation. Frost resistance is increased, but insufficient, it is difficult to grow a crop in the North.

Reviews of gardeners about cherry Lyubskaya allow us to assert that the period of its life and fruiting in the Middle lane is about 15 years, while for the center or south this figure increases to 20-25 years. This is due to the fact that in a cool climate at low winter temperatures, the trunk or branches can freeze. The older the tree, the more difficult it is for it to move away in the spring.

Pollination, flowering period and ripening period

Lubskaya cherry blossoms in the last days of May, for 5-8 days. The fruits ripen at the same time, depending on the region – from late July to mid-August. The variety is highly self-fertile, even without the presence of pollinators, it gives more than 50% of the possible yield.

In the literature, one can find a remark that Lyubskaya is a potentially highly productive cherry. What does it mean? If she is provided with good care, plus other varieties are placed nearby, then the harvest can be very large. The best pollinators for Lyubskaya cherries are Vladimirskaya, Zhukovskaya, Anadolskaya, Shpanka Early, Lotovaya, Fertile Michurina.

yield, fruiting

Cherry variety Lyubskaya begins to bear fruit 2 after planting. It quickly increases productivity and gives good yields. This cherry is prone to random mutations, its fertility depends on the care and place of growth. Lyubskaya can produce from 10-12 to 25 kg of berries, the maximum yield from an adult tree was 53 kg.

This is a technical grade. Reviews of summer residents about the Lyubskaya cherry necessarily mention sour berries. It should be noted that the content of vitamin C per 100 g of pulp varies depending on the region. For the Middle Band, this figure is about 20 mg, in the Krasnodar Territory – 11,7 mg. As you can see, in the south Lyubskaya is much sweeter.

The berries ripen together, do not crumble, their separation is dry, transportability is good.

Scope of berries

Lyubskaya is a technical variety, this cherry is good for making jams, juices, wine. It can be dried or frozen. When fresh, the taste of the berry will not please everyone – it is too sour.

Disease and pest resistance

Lubskaya cherry has low resistance to fungal diseases, including coccomycosis. It will not be possible to do without treatments when growing it. Among the pests, it is worth highlighting the aphids and the cherry sawfly.

Advantages and disadvantages

Lyubskaya is one of the best technical cherry varieties for the Middle Strip. The advantages include:

1. High self-fertility.
2. Late flowering – ovaries are not threatened by return frosts.
3. With good care, the yield of Lyubskaya cherries is very high.
4. With low agricultural technology, the variety still produces a decent amount of fruit.
5. Due to the rare branches and compact size, harvesting is easy.
6. The stone is easily separated from the berry, which simplifies preparation for processing.
7. The berries do not crumble, but cleanly come off the stalk.
8. Fruit keeping and transportability are good.
9. The berries of the Lyubskaya cherry are above medium size and large.

Among the shortcomings of the variety, we note:

1. Low resistance to fungal diseases.
2. Insufficient frost resistance for growing in cold regions without shelter.
3. Sour fruits.
4. Shtamb Lyubskoy can suffer from sunburn.

    

Features of landing

Cherry variety Lyubskaya gives high yields with good care. If a tree is planted and left unattended, there will be few berries.

Recommended dates and selection of a suitable location

Favorable days for planting Lyubskaya cherries come in early spring. It is necessary to “settle” the tree on the site before the buds open, otherwise it may not take root. If the planting material is purchased in the fall, the cherry must be dug up, a planting hole prepared, and planted in the spring as early as possible.

Choose a sunny place, on the western part of a gentle slope. Water to the surface of the soil should not come closer than 2 meters. The soil needs a neutral, manured, ideally light loam.

What crops can and cannot be planted next to cherries

Of course, pollinator varieties should be planted next to any cherry. Even Lyubskaya will give a harvest 2 times more if you choose the right neighbors. Just do not forget that cherries should be well lit. And the Lyubskaya variety has a very modest size, it is impossible to be shaded by tall trees with a dense crown. In the immediate vicinity, you can plant any stone fruit crops. Joint growth with such trees is not recommended:

• oak;
• maple;
• Linden;
• Birch.

The roots of currants, raspberries, gooseberries, sea buckthorn tend to grow in breadth; when planted close, they will certainly compete with cherries for water and nutrients.

To cover the trunk circle from the heat and retain moisture, you can plant under a tree:

• hoof;
• periwinkles;
• tenacious;
• mint;
• awake;
• Melissa.

You just need to choose the plant that feels good in your area.

Selection and preparation of planting material

Cherries should be bought from a nursery or a trusted garden center. The central shoot of an annual seedling should be about 80 cm in height, a two-year-old should not exceed 1,1 m. Make sure that the bark is ripe, in the Lyubskaya variety it is grayish-brown, and the root is well developed.

Preparing cherries for planting consists of soaking the root in water for 3 hours or more.

Landing algorithm

To properly plant a bush, follow the instructions:

1. Dig a hole 40-60 cm deep, 60-80 cm in diameter.
2. Prepare fertile soil by adding a bucket of humus, 50 g of potash and phosphorus top dressings to the topsoil. Add lime to acidic soil, add sand to excessively dense clay soil.
3. Slightly away from the center, drive in a peg for a garter.
4. Place a cherry tree in the middle of the planting hole. Fill the root, constantly compacting the soil. The neck should remain above the surface (5-7 cm).
5. Ring the hole with a roller from the ground. Pour 2-3 buckets of water into the resulting circle.
6. Mulch the soil.

Culture aftercare

Cherry sapling the first year after planting should be constantly watered, and when the soil dries out a little, loosen. This will increase air flow to the root system and retain moisture. Mature trees moisten less often. Watering is increased when the Lyubskaya cherry blossoms, 3 weeks before harvesting – stop. In dry autumn, moisture charging is mandatory.

The harvest of Lyubska is highly dependent on fertilizers. It is best to mulch the soil with a thick layer of mullein, and use wood ash as an additive. So you provide the cherry with the necessary amount of potassium and nitrogen. Phosphorus, which is needed less, is also found in organic matter.

Sanitary and formative pruning of the Lyubskaya variety is carried out from the moment of planting. Dry, broken and thickening crown shoots are removed, the rest are thinned out and shortened. This stimulates the growth of young branches, on which the main fruiting occurs.

In winter, the trunk circle is mulched with humus, in the northern regions the bush is tied with burlap, spruce branches or other covering material. This will also protect the bark from hares and other rodents.

Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention

Cherry Lyubskaya is affected by pests, it suffers greatly from fungal diseases. If you do not carry out treatments, the bush will give a low yield, it may even die. The table shows the problems most often affecting the Lyubskaya variety, and methods for solving them.

Cherry Lyubskaya has been the queen of technical varieties for more than a hundred years. With proper care, even one bush will give a rich harvest. The best jam can be cooked from this variety.

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