Plum Alyonushka

Plum Alyonushka is a bright representative of the varieties of Chinese plum, which are significantly different from the usual varieties of this culture. Proper planting and caring for Alyonushka will allow you to admire the unusually beautiful flowering every year and collect numerous harvests of juicy rounded fruits.

Breeding history of the variety

The variety of the Chinese plum Alyonushka was obtained by crossing a Chinese woman and a Red Ball. It is an achievement of the breeders of the All-Russian Research Institute of Breeding of Fruit Crops in the city of Orel. This plum has been listed in the State Register since 2001 and is suitable for growing in the Central Black Earth zone.

Description of plum variety Alyonushka

Alenushka's fruits are round and large in size, characteristic of Chinese plums. The weight of one specimen can reach 70 g, but fruit weighing about 35 g mainly grows. The main color of the fruit is red with the presence of a waxy coating. The pulp of the plum Alyonushka is yellow-orange, very juicy and tender, tastes sweet and sour. Tasting grade score - 4.6 points out of 5. Fruit transportability is high, keeping quality is average.

One of the advantages of Chinese plums is their height, which does not exceed 2.5 m. Alyonushka is no exception, so it is convenient to harvest from her. The crown of a tree is of medium density, pyramidal in shape. Reddish-brown shoots are straight, not pubescent. The leaves are dull and oblong, in contrast to the usual varieties - rounded.

Recommended growing regions: Voronezh and Kursk regions and other areas related to the Central Black Earth belt.

Variety characteristics

A detailed description of the characteristics of the Alyonushka plum is given below as an assessment of the most important varietal indicators.

Frost resistance of plum Alyonushka

Winter hardiness of the tree is average, estimated at 4 points. The cold hardiness of the buds is increased, so this plum variety can be grown in regions with unpredictable climatic conditions, for example, in the Urals.

Plum pollinators Alyonushka

Plum Alyonushka belongs to partially self-fertile trees, so even without the presence of any pollinator nearby, you can harvest it from it. For maximum yield and high quality of fruits, it is necessary to organize its pollination. The recommended pollinator is Skoroplodnaya plum. To obtain numerous harvests from Alyonushka, it is recommended to pollinate it with any varieties of Alycha.

Alyonushka blooms in early May, the fruits ripen in mid or late August.

Productivity and fruiting

The maximum yield of the Alenushka variety is about 2 kg per bush, and the average yield is 0.9 kg. This figure is not considered high, but the variety bears fruit annually. Fruiting occurs early, the first fruits can be harvested already in the third year after planting the seedling.

Scope of berries

Alyonushka's fruits are consumed fresh and used for processing. The variety is suitable for winter preservation; it is used for jam, jam, compotes and other desserts.

Disease and pest resistance

The Alyonushka variety is distinguished by increased resistance to the most common stone fruit diseases - moniliosis and perforated spotting (clasterosporium disease).

Among pests, the greatest damage to young shoots and leaves of the plum Alyonushka is caused by aphids.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Among the advantages of the plum variety Alyonushka are:

• dry separation of fruits from the stalk;
• high commercial and taste qualities;
• decorative flowering;
• versatility of the use of fruits.

The disadvantages of the variety are:

• tendency to infest aphids;
• pounding bark at the base during heavy rains and melting snow.

Planting and caring for the plum Alyonushka

Alyonushka plum is a Chinese variety, so it may seem capricious when grown. But knowing all the features of planting and caring for it, you can harvest high yields of delicious plums every year.

Recommended timing

Despite the fact that spring is preferable for planting domestic plums, Chinese varieties are planted in autumn. Its roots withstand low temperatures in the soil, before frost the seedling has time to take root, and with the arrival of spring it begins to grow actively. Planting is carried out 1.5 months before the cold weather.

Choosing the right place

For the overseas beauty Alyonushka, they choose an open place, well illuminated by the sun from all sides. The main requirement when choosing a landing site for this plum is the absence of lowlands in which water can accumulate, therefore it is placed on a hill. Such a planting will help to avoid debate and decay of the root collar of the seedling during showers and melting snow.

What crops can and cannot be planted nearby

Near Alenushka, you can plant some berry bushes, for example, black currants, gooseberries. Sweet cherries and cherries will turn out to be extremely undesirable neighbors. They also include pear, walnut, hazel, birch and poplar.

Avoid growing tall trees near a stunted Chinese plum tree, which will create shade.

Selection and preparation of planting material

When choosing a plum sapling Alyonushka, you need to pay attention to the following criteria:

• it should not have traces of pests and diseases (spots, cobwebs, damage and growths on the bark);
• the age of the seedling should not exceed two years, otherwise the probability of its survival after planting is low;
• if possible, you need to assess the condition of the root system, the more roots, the better.

Landing algorithm

Alyonushka is planted according to standard technology.

1. 2 weeks before disembarkation, a 40 × 50 cm landing pit is prepared and a peg is installed.
2. The seedling is placed in it, gently spreading the roots. If the root system of the plum is closed, then it is transplanted together with a lump of earth.
3. The remaining space in the pit is covered with nutritious soil, gradually compacting it so that no underground voids are formed.
4. After planting, watered, after which the trunk circle is mulched.

Plum follow-up care

In the first years of life, pruning of Alyonushka can be carried out only if the branches are damaged by frost or diseases. Crown formation is done when the tree reaches the age of five.

A young plum in some Russian regions needs careful preparation for winter, namely, the trunk is insulated with spruce branches or in any other way. As protection from rodents, the trunk is wrapped in a net.

Unlike ordinary plum varieties, Alyonushka needs careful and regular feeding in the first two years of her life, and she responds equally well to the application of mineral and organic fertilizers.

The organization of watering is standard, on dry days it should be plentiful.

Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention

Diseases and pests of the plum Alyonushka are given in the tables.

Table 1 - Possible diseases of the plum

Table 2 - Pests of the plum Alyonushka

Conclusion

Plum Alenushka is a relatively new variety that has already gained popularity among Russian gardeners. The size and taste of its fruits, good yield and early fruiting largely affect the choice of plum for a summer cottage.

Testimonials

Below are reviews of the Chinese plum Alyonushka, left by experienced gardeners.

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