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Among the young varieties of sweet cherries, popular in a narrow circle of gardeners, one stands out. Cherry in Memory of Astakhov, bred quite recently, arouses considerable interest among lovers of fruit trees - therefore it is interesting to understand its features.
Breeding history of the variety
This variety is of Russian origin: the All-Russian Research Institute of Lupine is listed as its originator, and the famous breeder M.V. Kanshina was directly involved in its breeding. The variety is named after her husband, also a famous breeder. The record about the new variety was entered into the State Register quite recently - in 2014.
Description of the cherry variety in Memory of Astakhov
Outwardly, sweet cherry is a tree of average height no more than 4 m with dark gray peeling bark on the main trunk. The spreading crown of slightly rounded outlines is formed due to the shoots: the lower ones, gray-brown, are located horizontally, and the brown upper ones are inclined towards the main trunk. Crown density is medium, flat green leaves with teeth at the edges are kept on medium-sized petioles. Cherry blooms early, releasing small white flowers - 3 on each inflorescence.
As for the fruits, in this 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 fruit has a pleasant taste - Astakhovka earned 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 the Memory of Astakhov among amateur gardeners.
Variety characteristics
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 with the characteristics in detail.
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 an arid climate.
- The tolerance of the variety to the lack of moisture is assessed 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 hydration. Drought does not affect the fruitful properties of sweet cherries.
- Even more surprising is the frost resistance in Memory of Astakhov. The buds of a fruit tree are able to withstand temperatures down to -32 degrees - for a cherry this is a very high figure. This is the reason for the wide distribution of the variety beyond the Urals: in the conditions of cold winters, hardy fruit trees are worth their weight in gold.
Cherry pollinators in Memory of Astakhov
Unfortunately, this variety is self-fruitless: it is not capable of producing rich harvests by itself.In order for the maximum number of berries to appear on the branches, pollinating varieties are required, planted in the immediate vicinity.
For the Memory of Astakhov, such 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.
- Cherry Ovstuzhenka - a variety with an average flowering period and early fruiting: berries appear on its branches at the beginning of June.
- Cherry Iput - the 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-Russian Research Institute of Lupine and are similar to it in terms of flowering. That is why they are ideal for pollination in Memory of Astakhov - gardeners with extensive practical experience advise planting several different pollinators in the immediate vicinity of the variety to increase yields.
Productivity and fruiting
The first fruits Astakhov's memory bears 5 years after landing on the site. The yield is defined as average and largely depends on the specific climatic conditions and the care taken. 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 Memory of Astakhov.
Scope of berries
Tasty and tender berries of Pamyat Astakhov are usually consumed fresh, since early varieties of cherries are stored for a very short time. Until the berries start to spoil, they can be used for making desserts and pastries, for creating juices, fruit drinks and compotes.
Disease and pest resistance
Diseases infect cherries in Memory of Astakhov quite rarely. The variety has good immunity to pests. However, sometimes fungal diseases such as gray mold and tinder fungus still affect the health of the tree.
In this case, it is necessary to promptly remove the diseased parts of the plant and carry out the treatment with special preparations: antifungal agents or a classic solution of copper sulfate.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
The variety has both pros and cons. The unconditional advantages include:
- the highest resistance to low temperatures up to -32 degrees;
- good tolerance to dry weather;
- high yield and pleasant fruit taste;
- strong immunity to diseases and pests.
The main disadvantage of the variety is its self-infertility. Together with the cherries in Memory of Astakhov, you will definitely have to plant related varieties with similar flowering periods, otherwise you can not expect a good harvest.
Landing features
Planting in Memory of Astakhov differs little from planting other types of cherries, but you need to know some features and rules.
Recommended timing
In theory, the variety can be planted in both spring and fall. But, since young seedlings are still sensitive to low temperatures, experienced gardeners prefer spring planting.
Choosing the right place
It is best to arrange seedlings in a well-lit place, on the south side. Particular attention should be paid to the soil: 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
- It is recommended to plant pollinating varieties or cherries in the immediate vicinity.
- You can also place rowan or grapes in the neighborhood.
- But apple trees, plums and pears do not get along with cherries at close range.
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 pit for a cherry seedling must be dug one 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 a 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.
Cherry follow-up care
It is almost not required to cut off growing cherries - only dried and diseased branches are removed. In addition, every year after harvesting, it is customary to cut the fruit-bearing branches by a third.
Watering is carried out depending on the weather: with an average rainfall, there will be enough 20-40 liters of water under the trunk. During the growing season, it is recommended to increase the frequency of watering up to 2 times a month, and during severe drought - up to once a week.
In subsequent years, in the spring, the tree can be fed with nitrogen fertilizers, a little potassium substances can be added to the soil in the summer, and fluorinated substances in the fall.
Preparation for winter is carried out as follows:
- In mid-September, the soil within a meter radius of the trunk is loosened, properly watered and scattered with humus or peat in 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.
- For protection from frost and from 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 Pamyat Astakhov suffers from gray rot or tinder fungus. They cope with them like this: the damaged parts of the tree are removed, and the healthy ones are treated with special solutions.
Good help
- Fitosporin;
- copper sulfate solution.
Conclusion
Cherry Pamyati Astakhov is a fruit variety ideal for growing in the middle lane and in the Urals. Sweet cherry perfectly tolerates the harsh climate and continues to delight with delicious fruits.
Reviews about cherries in Memory of Astakhov
