The best cherry varieties for growing in the Moscow region

But in a single region, and right now, thanks to him, some real miracles have become possible. Cherries for the Moscow region (the best variety is offered in abundance by breeders), even Michurin himself considered absolute fantasy, a crazy idea, and a waste of time on development, not even worth trying to grow. fruit treesHowever, as we know, even the wildest dreams, with a strong desire and favorable circumstances, can become reality. Thus, in addition to natural disasters, the intensive work of the country's outstanding breeders also contributed to the growth of cherries in the Moscow region.

Requirements for cherry varieties

It should be noted right away that cherries are a rather capricious crop, and even more so in conditions that don't initially meet their requirements. However, they do have some advantages over their closely related relative, the sour cherry, for example: they are significantly less susceptible to various diseases. Incidentally, the mass loss of cherry orchards in the Moscow region has become another reason for gardeners' overwhelming desire to replace the loss with sweet cherries, which are similar in taste but more disease-resistant.

The best cherry variety for the northern region is one that provides the best compromise between the harsh climate for this crop and the plant's demanding requirements. The key requirements of this heat-loving crop include moderate temperature fluctuations, moderate and short-term frosts in winter, and plenty of light and warmth during the fruiting period.

Both early and late frosts in the fall and spring, when sap flow has either not yet ceased or has already begun, are detrimental to this plant. However, that's not all; the quality of the soil, its fertility, and methods of feedingsoil.

Breeders have tried to develop cherries for the Moscow region: the best varieties (forum), smoothing out these exaggerated requirements as much as possible, adapting them to a climate that, although somewhat milder in recent years, is still harsh for them.

The most popular cherry varieties for cold climates

The varieties briefly described here have long been proven to be the most successful, with the best performance and excellent survival rates. However, one shouldn't tempt nature and rely entirely on the efforts of breeders; after purchasing seedlings, one must also take maximum care of them. From the very beginning, after planting, and every year, young cherry trees will require exceptional attention and the resolution of any pressing problems. This will be discussed later in this article, but in this section, we will describe some hardy cherry varieties.

Iput

This mid-season variety blooms quite early, as early as mid-May, but the fruit can be enjoyed in July. The fruits are incredibly appetizing; their deep burgundy color is promisingly washed out even in photographs. In reality, approaching this magnificent cherry tree, the best variety for the Moscow region (available to order), with its ripe, almost black fruit, is literally mouth-watering.

The fruits are large, with a characteristic round shape, reaching up to 22 mm in diameter and weighing 5.5 g. However, to harvest this delicacy at your dacha in the Moscow region, with berries boasting such claimed characteristics, you'll have to work hard, adhering to all the rules and techniques for growing this plant. The variety is not pollinated, so it's crucial to attract insects during the flowering period.

Tyutchevka

This highly productive variety, like the one described above, produces burgundy-colored fruit. However, they are somewhat distinctive, with characteristic black flecks in the main color. Another distinctive feature is the longer stems, and the juicy, sweet, and firm flesh of the berries, making them excellent for transportation and storage.

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The fruits are large, weighing up to 7 g, with a diameter of 23 mm. The pit easily separates from the pulp and accounts for up to 8% of the berry's total weight. Cherries grown in the Moscow region (the best variety is quite reasonably priced) have a very sweet, honey-like flavor and are easily separated from the stem during harvest.

This cherry variety is self-pollinating, which is not common among varieties for regions with cold climates, and this feature is often decisive when deciding on the selection of seedlings.

Fatezh

The tree is short, only 3-4 meters tall, with a spreading, sparse crown. The leaves are somewhat lighter in color than other varieties. This variety is mid-early, non-pollinated, frost- and disease-resistant, and begins bearing fruit 4-5 years after planting. However, this fruiting period is typical for most cherry varieties.

The medium-sized cherry fruits are light pink with a yellowish tint, sweet and juicy, and easy to transport, with a small pit. The berries retain their shape even when cared for improperly. It's best to plant the seedlings in a sheltered location, as this particular variety is sensitive to gusts of wind, especially the relatively cold ones typical of this region.

Bryansk pink

A productive cherry tree for the Moscow region, the best variety in the photo looks quite presentable. The tree is short, only 2.6 m tall, and spreads out. Cherry tree seedlings of this variety are quite hardy and not overly fussy, resistant to sudden, but short-term, cold snaps, as well as fungal diseases and rot typical of this crop.

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With careful and proper care, they develop and bear fruit without any problems, blooming as early as May, and harvesting in July. The cherries of this very easy-to-grow variety have an appetizing, delicate pink color, weighing up to 6 g, reaching up to 22 mm in diameter, holding their shape well, and are borne on long stalks.

Planting and care

Learning the proper cultivation practices for this crop is certainly crucial, but choosing the seedlings themselves is no less crucial, given the number of people who have suffered at the hands of unscrupulous planting material sellers, according to forum reviews. Even the most reliable specialist store may sell you generic seedlings, not varieties specifically bred for northern regions. The safest way to purchase cherry trees for the Moscow region: the best varieties (video) is by contacting reputable breeders, who are happy to respond to such requests.

Since northern soils aren't particularly fertile for this crop, it's best to plant seedlings in specially prepared, large-diameter flowerbeds rather than in regular holes dug for seedlings. However, despite all the advantages of this planting method, there's a significant drawback: the soil in such beds is prone to cracking due to insufficient or improper watering.

The seedlings are planted Cherry trees should be planted in the spring so that the root system is well-developed by the time cold weather sets in. However, the soil should be prepared in the fall, as there's a lot of work ahead, and the soil in the flowerbeds needs to settle somewhat.

When planting cherry tree seedlings, pay attention to the soil composition. Loamy and sandy soils are completely unsuitable for growing this crop. Therefore, after determining the soil composition, you will need to add either a mixture of compost, ash, superphosphate, and potassium sulfate, or, in the case of sandy soil, a mixture of peat and clay. The soil amendment layer should be at least 25-30 cm thick, and it also requires adequate drainage and a humus content of at least 3%.

Particular attention should be paid to preparing young trees for winter, covering the root system with straw or branches. Care should also be taken to protect the branches themselves to prevent them from freezing if they are not sufficiently woody. To do this, bend young shoots into a ring at the end of summer to inhibit growth.