Contents
Cherry Leningradskaya black is a reliable variety that brings a harvest even in harsh conditions. When the rules of planting and care are followed, the tree bears fruit for a long time and abundantly.
History of breeding
The Leningrad Black was bred at the Pavlovsk experimental station in St. Petersburg. When working on the variety, increased attention was paid to its winter hardiness. This is one of the first cherries, which is highly resistant to freezing.
Description of the culture
This is a medium late maturing variety. The tree has a spreading crown with elongated green leaves. The height of the tree near the Leningradskaya black cherry reaches 3–4 m.
Description of the sweet cherry variety Leningradskaya black:
- fruit weight from 3 to 4 g;
- the shape is wide-heart-shaped or rounded;
- dark red skin;
- when ripe, the fruits acquire a rich dark color;
- juicy flesh of burgundy color;
- sweet spicy taste with slight acidity;
- the stone is medium in size, partially separated from the pulp.
The assessment of tasting properties is 4–4,2 points.
Cherries are tied in clusters. After ripening, the fruits stay on the branches for a long time and do not crumble.
Cherry Leningradskaya is recommended for cultivation in the Central part of Our Country and the southern regions of the North-West region.
Features
Before purchasing a cherry seedling, the characteristics of the variety are evaluated: resistance to heat, winter frosts, flowering and ripening time, and crop volume.
Drought resistance, winter resistance
Leningradskaya is characterized by medium drought tolerance. In the absence of rain, the tree is watered during flowering and at the beginning of the ripening of the crop. Stagnation of moisture is detrimental to the culture.
Frost resistance of sweet cherries Leningradskaya black is high. The tree tolerates winter frosts, characteristic of the North-West region.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening period
Cherry is a self-fertile crop. To form a crop, trees are planted in groups. Pollinators for sweet cherries Leningradskaya black are chosen taking into account the flowering period.
The best varieties for pollination:
- Ипуть;
- Tyutchevka;
- Fatej;
- Jealous;
- Brianochka;
- Michurinka;
- Sweet cherry Leningradskaya yellow or pink.
Other varieties of Leningrad varieties also have high winter hardiness and productivity.
According to the description of the variety, Leningrad yellow cherry has a good taste, bright amber color and ripens late.
Leningrad pink bears fruit earlier than yellow, its fruits are sweet, yellowish with a blush.
Cherry blossoming Leningradskaya black falls on medium terms – the beginning or middle of May. The fruits are harvested from late July to September.
yield, fruiting
The yield of the sweet cherry variety Leningradskaya black is stable from year to year. Fruiting is extended in time, so the crop is harvested in several stages. To prevent the shoots from sinking under the weight of the fruit, props are installed.
Cherry Leningradskaya black bears fruit for 3–4 years after planting. 30-40 kg of fruits are removed from each tree.
Scope of berries
Sweet cherries are suitable for fresh consumption, desserts and fruit platter. Fruits are suitable for freezing and homemade preparations: jam or compote.
Disease and pest resistance
The variety is resistant to diseases and pests of the crop. Constant care and preventive spraying help to avoid the spread of diseases and insect attacks.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of the variety:
- frost resistance;
- worthy fruit taste;
- stable fruiting;
- low trunk, which simplifies care and harvesting;
- early fruiting.
Before planting, take into account the disadvantages of the variety:
- planting a pollinator is mandatory;
- sensitivity to lack of moisture.
Features of landing
Proper planting is the key to successful cultivation of Leningrad black cherries. Particular attention is paid to the choice of location and soil preparation.
Recommended dates
In cold climates, cherries are planted in the spring, before sap flow begins. In the southern regions, they are waiting for the end of leaf fall.
Choosing the right place
Southern areas, flat or with a slight slope, are suitable for culture. Cherries should not suffer from cold strong winds. The culture is provided with constant natural light.
The culture prefers light fertile soil in which moisture does not stagnate. Leningradskaya develops best in sandy and loamy soil. River sand is added to heavy clay soil. To avoid stagnation of moisture, lay a drainage layer.
What crops can and cannot be planted next to cherries
- Cherries are removed from apple, apricot, plum and other stone fruit trees by at least 5 m.
- Cherry, mountain ash, grapes or hawthorn are placed next to the culture.
- Alfalfa, phacelia and other honey plants planted under the tree attract pollinating insects.
- Leningradskaya does not tolerate neighborhood with eggplants, tomatoes and peppers. These crops are subject to similar diseases and pests.
- Cherries are also placed away from raspberries, gooseberries, currants and sea buckthorn.
Selection and preparation of planting material
Seedlings are purchased from nurseries or trusted gardening centers. For planting, one- or two-year-old material with a healthy trunk and shoots is chosen.
If the roots of the tree are dried, they are dipped in water for 2-10 hours. To increase the survival rate of a seedling, you can add 2-3 drops of the Kornerost stimulant.
Landing algorithm
Planting order:
- First, a hole is dug in the area with a diameter of 1 m and a depth of 70 cm.
- Compost, 1 kg of wood ash, 200 g of superphosphate and 40 g of potassium salt are added to fertile soil.
- Part of the prepared soil is poured into the pit and left to shrink.
- After 2–3 weeks, a seedling is prepared, its roots are straightened and placed in a hole.
- The roots are covered with soil, which is compacted and watered abundantly.
Culture aftercare
The cherry tree needs to be watered 3 times per season: before flowering, in mid-July and late autumn before shelter for the winter. 2 buckets of warm settled water are poured under the tree.
Top dressing of culture is carried out annually according to the scheme:
- in May, a mineral complex is added to the soil: 20 g of urea, potassium salt and superphosphate each;
- after removing the fruits, fertilizers based on potassium and phosphorus are reapplied.
Annually, the shoots are pruned to form a crown and increase productivity. The procedure is performed in the spring, before the kidneys swell, or in late autumn. Be sure to eliminate dry and frozen shoots.
Variety Leningradskaya black has a high frost resistance. Protection for the winter is necessary only for young plantings. They are covered with agrofibre and spruce branches. It is better to refuse the use of polyethylene and other materials that do not allow air to pass through.
In the spring, when the snow melts, the material is removed. To prevent rodents from damaging the cherry trunk, a special mesh or roofing felt is attached to it.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
The most dangerous cherry diseases are shown in the table:
Name | Symptoms | Methods of struggle | Prevention |
Klyasterosporiosis | Brown spots on leaves with a dark border. As a result, the leaves fall prematurely, the fruits dry out. | Removing the affected parts, spraying the trees with a solution of copper sulfate. | Spraying in early spring with a solution of Nitrafen. Removal of dry leaves. |
Moniliasis | Leaves, flowers and fruits dry out ahead of time. | Sick shoots are cut out. The tree is sprayed with Bordeaux liquid. |
Cherry pests and how to deal with them are indicated in the table:
Name | Signs of defeat | Methods of struggle | Prevention |
aphid | Aphid larvae feed on the sap of tree leaves. As a result, the leaves are deformed, the productivity of the tree is reduced. | Treatment of shoots with the preparation “Confidor”. |
|
cherry fly | The larvae damage flowers and fruits. | Spraying with a solution of the drug “Aktellik”. |
Conclusion
Cherry Leningradskaya black is a well-known dessert variety adapted to conditions. When planting a crop, the presence of pollinators, soil composition and illumination are taken into account. Preventive spraying will help protect the tree from diseases and pests.
Reviews
Video review of Cherry Leningrad black:
