Juicy, fragrant and tasty pears are loved by both adults and children. That is why gardeners from all regions of our country strive to grow these fruit trees on their plots .
Summer residents in southern Russia have no problems with choosing the right variety. The situation is much more complicated in the northern regions. For example, gardeners are interested in the question: what varieties of pears to plant in the Leningrad region? We will try to answer this and some other questions regarding the cultivation of pears in this article.
Difficulties with growing pears in the Leningrad region
In these areas, the soil for cultivation is very difficult. Basically, these are loams, the fertile layer of which does not exceed 20 cm. In general, the northern regions are distinguished by sandy soils, which are low-nutrient and very weakly retain moisture. Peatlands are most favorable for plants in these areas. However, these soils contain too much acid.
Organic gardeners are helping to fix the situation. Before planting the plant, humus and the missing components are added to the soil. Despite the fact that pear trees are quite fastidious plants, excellent frost-resistant varieties have been developed in recent years that feel quite comfortable in the difficult climatic conditions of the Leningrad Region.
Basic landing rules
We will talk about the varieties of this culture a little later, but now I would like to dwell on the features of planting, growing and caring for this fruit tree.
Pear seedlings (varieties for the Leningrad region) can be planted in spring and autumn. True, experts believe the second option is preferable. During the autumn planting, all the foliage should fall from the seedling and slow down the sap flow in the trunk.
At the end of August, the previously designated places for planting should be well dug up and fertilizers added to the soil (per 1 sq. M):
- 6-8 kg of compost;
- 40-60 g of superphosphate;
- 20-30 g of potassium.
For planting, it is advisable to use seedlings whose age is 1-2 years. When buying, pay attention to the integrity of the roots of the young tree, its trunk and branches. It should be healthy, elastic, not have visible flaws. The best time to plant is the second half of September, since in October the middle lane is still quite warm and the plant takes root less painfully in a new place.
Immediately before planting, dig a small hole (slightly larger than the size of the roots of the seedling). The soil should be loose, which will provide the necessary air exchange. Drive a peg at a distance of 20 cm from the center of the landing pit. It will become a support for the correct formation of a tree. It should rise 70 cm above the surface of the soil.
Care
So, a pear has appeared on your site. For the Leningrad region, varieties, as a rule, need moderate regular watering - no more than 10 liters per week. An exception to this rule can only be severe drought. In addition, the young tree needs spring fertilizing with fertilizers.
In the autumn, with the last digging, the same fertilizers are applied to the soil as during planting. Dig a rounded groove around the trunk of the pear, at a distance of 30 cm. In them evenly distribute all fertilizers.
Pruning
Almost all varieties of pears for the Leningrad region (gardeners' reviews confirm this) need pruning. This procedure is necessary to get a good harvest. Certain rules must be observed:
- The first pruning and crown formation of a young plant is carried out in late autumn or early spring before the buds "wake up".
- The pear crown, unlike most fruit trees, does not require significant pruning, as it forms naturally.
- Pruning is used to create semi-skeletal branches, to strengthen fruit branches, as well as to subordinate branches.
Experts believe that the most suitable types of crowns for this tree are spherical and round. Gardeners with experience often give preference to sparse-tier crowns having 5-10 branches that are arranged in tiers.
Early grades
When a gardener thinks about the question, which sort of pear to choose for the Leningrad region, he is primarily interested in its frost resistance and fruit ripening time. Summer in these places is short, even in spring morning frosts are not uncommon, and autumn comes very early. That is why summer residents in the first place give preference to early or mid-early varieties.
Experts believe that today some old Petersburg pears are forgotten by gardeners completely undeservedly. Of course, it is difficult for them to compete with the new developments of breeders or with southern varieties. The northern fruits are rather small - their weight does not exceed 80 grams, they are stored in a bed for no more than 30 days, they significantly lose to the southern counterparts to taste, but at the same time they have high winter hardiness and are well adapted to severe climatic conditions.
At the Pavlovskaya VIR station, employees are working on the development of new, more advanced varieties suitable for cultivation in northern gardens. Below we will present you the best varieties of pears for the Leningrad region. You may like one of them.
Pushkinskaya
The decision of gardeners to use early varieties of pears for the Leningrad region is entirely justified. They allow you to grow a crop of aromatic fruits in a short summer.
Pear Pushkinskaya is a rather powerful tree with a rounded, wide-spreading crown. Flowering begins in the early medium. The fruits are medium in size, cubar-shaped and yellowish, with a blush color.
The pulp of the fruit is sweet and very juicy, has a slight tart flavor. The yield of this variety is higher than average. Fruits begin to ripen in early September, stored in a bed for no more than 10 days. The variety is winter hardy.
Early Pavlovskaya
Another pear for the Leningrad region. Varieties suitable for this region are characterized by increased frost resistance. This variety is not an exception. The tree has a wide pyramidal crown. Flowering takes place in the early stages. The fruits are quite small, light green, with a blush. The pulp is tender, sweet, of good taste, juicy.
This is a winter-hardy and productive variety. The first fruits can be obtained at the end of August. They do not differ in keeping quality (stored for no more than five days).
In memory of Yakovlev
A gorgeous and very popular pear. For the Leningrad Region, the varieties Olivier de Serre and Tema were crossed by breeders S.P. Yakovlev, Ya. S. Nesterov and P.N. Yakovlev. The result was this early fall variety.
The tree is low, characterized by rapid growth. The crown is spherical. Branches grow at an angle to the trunk, a little later gloves appear. The crown is smooth, sometimes peeling, gray.
Shoots initially have a light brown tint, often covered with lentils and thorns. The kidneys are conical in shape, smooth, slightly bent. The leaves are leathery, ovoid, dark green in color. The top is twisted, attached to a rather long petiole. The flowers are white, gather six in inflorescences, have separate petals.
Fruits have a wide pear-shaped or bluntly pear-shaped, with smooth and shiny skin. Weight reaches 150 g. Painted in light yellow or golden yellow. The peduncle is curved, long. Fruits can hold on branches for a long time.
Ripen in the first decade of September, perfectly stored until December. The pulp is creamy or white, semi-oily, juicy and sweet. Fruiting usually begins in the third year after planting. Yields are increasing annually. At the age of seven, the tree gives up to 20 kg of pears.
Pear for the Leningrad region: autumn varieties
Many gardeners prefer to grow these types of favorite fruits. Unlike early ripe autumn pear varieties yield from September to November. They are much longer than summer varieties are stored. Many believe that these are universal fruits: they can be eaten fresh, cook jam, jams, stewed fruits from them , etc.
Pear Leningradskaya
A medium-sized tree with a dense crown of a wide pyramidal shape. The variety is very productive. Often, from a heavy load, the branches break.
The fruits are small (80 g). Their surface is smooth, yellowish-green in color. The pulp is surprisingly delicate, cream-colored, fine-grained. The fruits have a very pleasant taste. Harvest can be harvested at the end of October. The variety is winter-hardy.
Northerner
A pear for the Leningrad region of the Severyanka variety attracts many gardeners with its compact tree size and high winter hardiness. A small tree with a wide pyramidal crown. By four years, it barely reaches five meters in height. Much more intensively, it grows wide. Branches grow at an angle. The bark of the trunk and skeletal branches is painted gray, smooth.
Flowering early, begins in the second half of April. Fruits of medium or small size (85-120 g). They are painted in a rich yellow color, without blush. True, fruits that have been exposed to direct sunlight for a long time may have a delicate pinkish tint. The tree gives the first harvest five years after planting. At the age of twelve, it gives more than one hundred kilograms of aromatic fruits.
Reviews
We presented you the most popular varieties of pears for the Leningrad region. The reviews of experienced gardeners indicate that these varieties really grow and develop well in difficult climatic conditions.
Regarding which grade is better, opinions were divided. This is mainly due to the fact that some owners want to get an early harvest, while others prefer later varieties, the fruits of which can be stored for a long time. Experienced gardeners are advised to make a compromise decision - if the area allows, plant two or three trees with different ripening periods.