The author of the text is MSc. Dariusz Dereń
So far, in many regions of Poland, we can admire centuries-old cherry alleys. Because the history of these plants is also long. It is worth knowing that cherries and cherries have been treated as one species for many centuries. Only later there was a division into two separate species.It was most likely due to the fact that in nature they can freely interbreed.In this way hybrids called cherry trees were created, which resemble cherries a bit, and some cherries.
Cherries are especially recommended for amateur plantings. Cherry trees are characterized by much slower growth than sweet cherries and their habit is more like cherries. The fruits, on the other hand, have an unusual taste - something between cherries and sweet cherries, and that is why they are eagerly planted in gardens.
Until recently, the cultivated cherries were among the tallest trees in the garden. This was because they were grafted onto vigorously growing rootstocks. Currently, we can also find cultivars refined on much weaker rootstocks, such as Gisela 5 or Colt, which are especially suitable for home gardens.Such trees will then take up much less space and enter the fruiting period at least 2 years earlier. Cherries, in turn, are much smaller in size, and the crown itself has a free, rather spherical shape. Cherries are ennobled either as an antistress or as bird cherries. Most varieties of cherries grow very well on both rootstocks.
How to cut cherries?
First of all, it is worth remembering that both cherries and cherries are best cut after harvest. Both species are quite susceptible to diseases of the bark and wood, and the summer pruning period promotes rapid wound healing. Many varieties of cherries have a natural tendency to gradually transfer the fruiting zone to the edge of the crown.Generally, we should cut cherries intensively so that as many new growths as possible will grow in the crown. new strong shoots will surely grow. Of course, we always pay attention to the he alth of the tree, cutting out broken and diseased shoots.
Bird protection
Unfortunately, it often happens that within a few days massively flying starlings and squeaks can eat or damage almost all the cherries on the tree.The most effective, albeit a bit costly way to get rid of uninvited guests is to buy a small device with recorded sounds of natural enemies of starlings. It is true that such devices cost at least several hundred zlotys, but it is an expense for years, and one device is enough to scare starlings away from a large area. Other methods of deterring birds, as a rule, are not very effective.
What varieties of cherries to plant in my home garden?
In Poland, proven and good varieties of cherries have been grown for many years. As in other European countries, the most popular variety is Łutówka. It is a regularly and profusely fruiting variety, and it starts bearing fruit very early.A characteristic feature of this variety are long, hanging shoots. In order to prevent the middle of the crown from getting bare, it is necessary to cut the branches regularly every yearFrom other varieties, we can recommend the North Star variety, the fruit of which ripens about 10 days before the middle of the crown. Due to the high he alth of trees, this variety is especially suitable for home gardens. For several years, there have also been varieties of Polish breeding available, such as: Agat, Diadem, Sabina and Lucyna.These are less fertile varieties, but also suitable for amateur cultivation.
In Poland, the so-called juice cherries, which include all the varieties mentioned.But they are also available in nursery points, the so-called cherries glasses, which differ from juicers in that they have colorless juiceThey are not suitable for preserves, but they are exceptionally tasty.
In the case of cherries, relatively little has changed in the selection of varieties in recent years, while in the case of cherries, many new, valuable varieties have been created.
The best varieties of cherries for the home garden
The earliest varieties of cherries ripen in the second half of June. Such varieties include: Rivan, Burlat and Kunzego. These are valuable amateur varieties with dessert fruits.
The following varieties are worth recommending: Regina, Kordia, Oktavia and Summit with very large fruits, often exceeding 10 g.
As an orchard curiosity, you can plant the old but valuable yellow Donissen variety, the fruits of which - even when they are fully ripe - have a unique, because … a light yellow color of the skin.
Flowering and fruiting
Cherries begin flowering in the third decade of April. In the case of the earliest varieties, the first fruits can be harvested after 5 weeks. The way in which flower buds are placed is characteristic of the sweet cherry. The so-called bouquet buds.The most beautiful fruit grows on them and on short shoots at the base of last year's shoots.In turn, most varieties of cherries bear fruit on annuals, so the goal of cutting this species is to ensure as many young growths as possible.
Cherries are an alien species, which means that a different variety is needed for pollination.For abundant fruiting, it is necessary to plant at least two mutually pollinating varieties. In the case of cherries, the matter is easier, because the vast majority of varieties are self-pollinating and there is no need to plant other pollinators.
