Many residents of big cities know how nice it is to relax from the hustle and bustle in the country. And we are not talking about a picnic, barbecue ... In nature, a person feels a reunion with nature. Therefore, many lovers become avid gardeners and gardeners.
And what is a summer cottage without fruit trees? You can not do without them, because the presence of a good well-kept garden is the key to a large quality crop. Of course, a large garden needs a vast land area, but, unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to acquire such a suburban area.
If the household territory is small, it is irrational to place large trees on it. But there is a way out - dwarf trees and shrubs. Every year, the popularity of dwarf fruit representatives increases. Among them, dwarf cherry is also relevant.
How to choose a seedling, plant it? What care is needed? We will try to answer all these questions.
Features of Dwarf Cherry
Dwarf cherry is a stunted tree or shrub 1.5-2 m high. At the same time, the plant gives a good harvest of berries. Low-growing cherries are used not only by gardeners and summer residents. Varieties are actively used in commercial cultivation.
Varieties of dwarf cherries have a lush, fast-growing, sprawling crown. The maximum height this tree can reach does not exceed 2.5 m.
The plant's yield is high, from one tree with good care and in a good season you can collect up to 20 kg of berries per season. The weight of the berries is 5 grams. They are densely located on branches. The color of the berry depends on the type of dwarf cherry. At gardeners, you can find a crop of both light red and very dark chocolate.
The berries have a sweet and sour taste. The form is different, can vary greatly, depending on the plant variety.
Harvest of undersized cherries can be used both fresh and for preservation (compotes). Often the berries are frozen. They are widely used in confectionery.
Advantages and disadvantages of the plant
Dwarf cherry is a plant that is present on the infield of every amateur gardener. And there is an explanation for this. After all, it has many advantages. Even with a photo of dwarf cherries, you can make sure that this variety will be indispensable in your summer cottage.
- High yield. Compared to ordinary cherries, the number of fruits in plants is approximately the same.
- Actively used in areas with windy climates. The branches of a stunted plant practically do not break, and with a strong wind the crown will not be damaged.
- A leafy root system that does not reach groundwater.
- The plant grows faster than an ordinary fruit tree.
- Easy, easy way to harvest.
- Simple care.
- Fruiting occurs much earlier than ordinary cherries.
- Takes up little space on the site.
- The plant is unpretentious to moisture, undemanding to the soil.
- Frost resistant.
- Harvest is easy to transport.
The disadvantages of this plant include:
- Smaller berries than ordinary cherries.
- The taste of berries is less sweet. More sourness is present.
- Some varieties are characterized by a tart flavor.
Landing
The tree loves light very much, therefore it is necessary to plant it on the territory well lit by the sun. The soil for planting can be any. It takes root in places with densely planted trees.
Dwarf cherry seedlings take root quickly. For a minimum time, they also give rapid growth. Before planting, you should examine the roots of 1-2-year-old seedlings. They must be intact, not affected by diseases and pests. If there are such areas, they should be trimmed. Roots must be put in water for several hours.
In the fall, the earth is fertilized with manure, potassium and phosphorus. In the spring, urea (nitrogen) should be added.
The bush pit should be deep enough so that the wind does not damage the plant. The optimal size is half the length of the seedling. A peg is driven into the center of the landing pit, to which a seedling is tied up later. The pit is covered with earth, rammed. Make a small indentation around the barrel for irrigation. After planting, you immediately need to water the seedling with 2 buckets of water.
Varieties
Dwarf cherry has many varieties. Therefore, choosing a particular variety for your garden, you should consider the characteristics of the selected plant. In addition, you need to familiarize yourself with the climatic conditions in the region and the features of the location of the site.
Winter pomegranate
The variety of dwarf cherries Winter pomegranate belongs to the young, but already well-established gardeners. The variety is self-pollinating.
The height of the dwarf tree reaches 1.8 m. During the fruiting period, a compact small bush is literally strewn with berries. Dwarf cherries Winter pomegranate is recommended to be grown in the northern regions, because the plant is highly frost-resistant. In regions where sultry summers and harsh winters, this fruitful tree will delight you with a good harvest. Some gardeners claim that even in harsh conditions, you can get a good crop from this plant.
The fruiting of dwarf pomegranate cherries occurs in the 3rd year, and by the fifth year of life you can already get a full crop. The fruits are sweet and sour, tasty. The same palatability is characteristic of almost all varieties of dwarf cherries. For 1 season, you can collect from a tree up to 10 kg of crop from one tree. The excellent taste of berries allows you to make delicious jams, juices, compotes and any other dishes. Culinary dishes from these berries are tasty and juicy.
The plant is unpretentious, resistant to many pests and diseases. It is convenient to harvest because of its low height and compact arrangement of branches.
Dwarf tree of this variety is highly decorative. It is especially beautiful in the spring, when the cherry blossoms with pinkish and white flowers.
Anthracite Dwarf Cherry
This variety of dwarfish cherries has the shape of a bush, reaches a height of 2 m. The crown is wide, there are a lot of berries on the branches. The crop is almost black, the flesh is dark red. The shape of the berries is beautiful, weight - 5 g. The berries taste delicate, with a pleasant acidity. Harvested in the middle of summer.
This variety is also characterized by frost resistance, high productivity and resistance to many pests and diseases.
Saratov baby
This variety of dwarf cherries was obtained by crossing a duke and Early Cherry. Gardeners often call this variety just Baby. This is a small shrub that feels good in various climatic zones. It is characterized by high productivity, winter hardiness.
The berries are bright red in color, beautiful, smooth. The taste of the fruit is slightly sour, pleasant. Harvest can be harvested at the end of the first month of summer. From one bush you can collect up to 15 kg of berries.
The baby is a self-infertile variety, therefore, it is necessary to plant pollinators with it. It is better to use the varieties Lyubskaya, Nord Star or Turgenevka.
The variety is resistant to disease.
Care
Dwarf cherries should be fed 3-4 times per season. In the spring, the trunk must be whitewashed. This will protect the plant from pests. Trimming of dry shoots and diseased branches is also carried out. So the plant will receive more nutrients, pest damage will stop.
If the shrub is healthy, then in the fall you can collect fallen leaves and use them later as humus. Propagation of the plant occurs in stock.
Preparation for wintering the plant involves the following procedures:
- Undercutting.
- Cleaning of old, dried bark.
- Cleaning the crown of leaves.
- Soaking and disinfection of wounds with special solutions.
- Burning old branches and leaves.
Conclusion
Dwarf cherries are an ideal tree for a good harvest. The plant is undemanding, unpretentious, frost-resistant. With good care and favorable weather conditions gives an excellent harvest.