Description of late cherry varieties with photos

Cherry trees have a short fruiting period. To enjoy delicious berries beyond the start of summer, plant late-season varieties. The first berries ripen in the second half of summer. The harvest continues until the end of September. The best late-season varieties are highly frost-resistant. These plants are suitable for growing in temperate climates. The harvested cherries have a long shelf life and do not spoil during transportation. They are eaten fresh, canned, and used in desserts.

Advantages of late-ripening varieties

To ensure a bountiful harvest, cherry trees are selected based on the variety's description and the climate in the growing region. Varieties with the best frost resistance are suitable for central Russia. Heat-loving varieties are grown in the southern regions. Sweet cherries differ from cherries in their early ripening period. The harvest begins in early June. To enjoy delicious, sweet berries all summer long, many gardeners plant late-ripening varieties.

Compared to other varieties, late cherry has several advantages:

• they produce a large harvest;
• the berries are juicy, sweet and tasty;
• They have high frost resistance.

Late-ripening varieties are planted in regions with cool climates. These cherries ripen in the second half of summer and early fall, when the risk of unexpected frosts is minimal.

The most productive late varieties

When choosing plants for gardening, consider the region's climate and soil conditions. Fruit yield and ripening time are also considered. A tree grown according to all recommendations produces abundant berries each year. Plant yields range from 50 to 100 kg. Every year, breeders develop new varieties that combine excellent fruit flavor with high resistance to diseases and adverse climates.

Astakhov's Memory Variety

The late-ripening variety ripens in mid-August. The trees grow quickly, reaching a height of 4.5 m and forming a rounded, sparse crown. The large, uniformly sized burgundy berries weigh at least 8 g. They have thin skin and a small stone that separates easily from the pulp. The fruits of the Pamyati Astakhova variety are shown in the photo below.

The first harvest is harvested in the fifth year after planting. A single plant yields an average of up to 30 kg of cherries. This variety has high resistance to common diseases. The trees can withstand winter temperatures down to -28°C. This cherry variety is suitable for the Moscow region and central Russia.

Cordia

This variety was accidentally discovered by Czech breeders. It is considered one of the best late-ripening varieties. The fruits ripen uniformly in the second half of July. It is most often grown in the south of the country: in the Krasnodar Krai and the Rostov Oblast. It is also cultivated in the central regions. The Kordia variety produces a harvest every year. The first berries are picked in the fourth year after planting. Each tree yields up to 50 kg of large, juicy fruits with dark red flesh.

The Cordia cherry is used to make desserts, but it is also used for canning and eating fresh. The fruits transport well and do not burst from excess moisture. Young trees do not tolerate frost well, so they are covered for the winter. Mature plants are frost-hardy down to -25°C. The Cordia variety does not tolerate drought well, so the trees are watered frequently in hot weather. This variety is not capable of self-pollination. Therefore, to ensure a good harvest, a variety with a similar flowering period is planted nearby.

Tyutchevka

Another popular variety, ripening in midsummer. The medium-height trees form a spreading crown. Tyutchevka produces medium-sized, neatly shaped berries with thin scarlet skin and light red flesh. The fruit tolerates transportation well, retaining its firmness. The first ripe fruits are harvested five years after planting. Tyutchevka yields up to 40 kg per tree.

To increase yields, the following varieties are planted nearby as pollinators:

• Iput;
• Ovstuzhenka;
• Bryansk pink;
• I'm jealous.

Staccato

This cherry variety ripens later than others. The berries are picked in early August. Staccato is self-fertile, producing a good harvest even without other varieties nearby. Developed by Canadian breeders, it has been widely cultivated since 2000. Fruiting begins early, in the third year after planting. The plant produces numerous berries weighing up to 12 g. The regularly shaped fruits are covered with a thin, shiny skin, juicy, and have a pleasant aroma. Once ripe, they do not fall off or crack due to high humidity. The flesh is dark red, almost burgundy.

The trees grow to medium size. They have good immunity to most common cherry diseases. They tolerate winter cold well. The fruit tolerates long-distance transport well. Due to this characteristic, the Staccato variety is grown commercially in Europe.

Lapins

This variety was also bred in Canada. It is very sensitive to low temperatures, which is why it is often grown in the Kuban region and other southern regions. Lapins trees are tall with a spherical, upright crown. The large, oval-shaped berries have dark burgundy flesh and are covered with a thin skin. They weigh up to 10 g. They have juicy, slightly sweet flesh with a slight tartness. The appearance of Lapins cherries is shown in the photo below.

This variety has a compact crown with upward-facing shoots. The tree takes up little space, making it suitable for planting in small gardens. For proper development, this cherry tree requires nutritious, moderately moist soil. A drawback of the Lapins variety is its low resistance to fungal infections and berry leaf spot. However, it remains popular due to its high, consistent yields and excellent berry flavor.

Sweetheart

This Canadian-bred variety is also a late-ripening cherry. This cherry is self-fertile. When grown from grafted seedlings, a harvest can be obtained as early as the second year after planting. A single tree produces a large number of fruits. Plants grown commercially, with good care and regular watering, yield up to 150 centners per hectare. The medium-sized trees are crowned with a dense, oval crown of dense foliage. The large, heart-shaped, dark-red berries weigh up to 12 g. The fruits are covered with a thick skin, beneath which lies the tender, pleasant-tasting flesh.

Bryansk pink

This late-ripening variety produces trees with heavily branched shoots covered in bright green foliage. The medium-sized fruits have yellow flesh covered with a thin, pinkish skin. The juicy berries tolerate high humidity well, without cracking in rainy weather. This variety has average frost resistance. Significant temperature fluctuations in spring can cause branches to freeze. Bryanskaya Rozovaya is noted for its strong immunity to clasterosporium, coccomycosis, and monilial blight. The berries store well and withstand long-distance transportation. Fruiting begins in the fifth year. The first berries are picked in mid-July.

Regina

The Regina cherry was developed by German breeders. It is one of the most popular varieties among gardeners in Russia and Europe. Many grow it commercially. These medium-sized trees with a sparse crown begin bearing fruit early. The first harvest occurs in the third year after planting. For best fruiting, it requires pollinators, such as Lapins or Summit cherries. Regina cherries are frost-resistant, withstanding winter temperatures down to -25°C.

The berries ripen in the second half of July. The medium-sized, dark-red fruits weigh up to 8 g. They retain freshness for a long time and withstand long transportation. Overripe berries do not fall from the branches or crack. This cherry variety has good immunity to many fungal infections.

Scarlet

This cherry was bred for cultivation in warm climates. It is often found in orchards in the North Caucasus region. The tall trees have a medium-density, upright crown. The round fruits are a deep red and weigh up to 10 grams. The flesh is firm, sweetish, and slightly tart. Each tree yields up to 50 kg of fruit. After planting, the first harvest is not harvested until the fifth year. The berries ripen in the second half of summer. The Alaya cherry successfully tolerates light frosts in winter and is resistant to the main diseases of this crop. However, cold weather during the flowering period is detrimental to it.

Bryanochka

This cherry variety was developed by Russian breeders. It is suitable for cultivation in the cool climate of the Moscow region. The plants are easy to care for, requiring little care and can withstand winter temperatures down to -30°C. Therefore, in many regions, Bryanochka is grown without winter shelter. After planting, the seedlings develop quickly, reaching a height of 3 m. The medium-sized, dark-red berries are broadly heart-shaped, weighing up to 7.5 g. They are most often eaten fresh.

Bryanochka produces rich harvests. The first berries are harvested in the fifth year of cultivation. Flowering and ripening of the fruit do not begin until July. To ensure a good harvest, Bryanochka requires pollinators. For this, Iput or Tyutchevka cherries are planted nearby. These plants are resistant to major fungal diseases.

Michurinskaya late cherry

The planted seedlings grow quickly, reaching a maximum height of 4 meters. The trees have a dense, pyramidal crown formed by thick, straight shoots. The branches are covered with dark green, oval leaves. During flowering, the tree is covered with white, rose-shaped flowers. The dark red, heart-shaped berries ripen in late July. They are very juicy and have a pleasant, sweet flavor.

The trees tolerate winter frosts and summer droughts well. With proper care, the Michurinskaya cherry tree produces good harvests in the south of the country and in regions with cool climates.

Cherry Favorite Astakhova

This variety was bred for cultivation in harsh climates. It has increased winter hardiness, but to ensure a good harvest, seedlings should be planted in areas protected from the wind. The trees are partially self-fertile, but without nearby pollinators, the yield is low. Therefore, to increase the number of ovaries, varieties that bloom at the same time as Astakhov's Lyubimitsa are planted nearby. Cherry trees can also be used as pollinators.

Trees begin bearing fruit in their fifth year. Flowering begins in May, and the fruits ripen in the first half of July. The trees produce regular, high yields, regardless of the harvest period. The berries are versatile and can be frozen, dried, or canned. Their thick skins preserve them well during transportation.

Planting late varieties

In Siberia and other regions with harsh climates, cherry trees are planted in the spring. In southern regions, autumn planting in September is preferred. This allows the seedlings to establish roots well before the onset of cold weather, but vegetation does not begin. If the optimal time is missed, planting is postponed until spring. For the winter, the seedlings are laid in a shallow trench at a 45° angle and covered with soil. To protect them from freezing, snow is regularly added to the ground. The seedlings are protected from the sun with sheets of plywood or agrofibre. Polyethylene is not used to prevent damping off.

Advantages of planting cherry seedlings in autumn:

• there is no need for frequent watering, since it rains often;
• seedlings remain fresh for a long time, and their condition makes it easy to determine the presence of possible infections;
• large selection of seedlings.

Select cherry trees on rootstocks for planting. These trees have a slight curve and a thickening just above the root collar. The tree should also have a central conductor. As it grows, this forms the central trunk. Without a main conductor, the plant will become overgrown. The crown of such a cherry tree often breaks under the weight of the fruit. Saplings 1-2 years old, with a flexible root system at least 15 cm long, are suitable for planting. Before planting, remove damaged roots and trim off any overly long branches. Then, place the roots in water for 10 hours to moisten them.

For planting, choose a well-lit location sheltered from north winds. Low-lying areas with high groundwater levels are unsuitable for cherry trees. The soil should be loose, sandy loam, or loamy. Dig the selected area, removing weeds and leveling with a rake. Dig holes 80 cm deep and up to 90 cm across, spaced 4 to 5 m apart. Add a nutrient mixture to each hole:

• 30 l humus;
• 1 l of wood ash;
• 200 g superphosphate;
• 100 g potassium sulfate.

The soil mixture is mixed with fertilizer, forming a small mound. The seedling is placed vertically in the hole, spreading its roots. The root collar is positioned 3 cm above the soil surface. A stake is inserted nearby for support. The empty space is filled with fertile soil. The seedling is shaken occasionally to compact the soil. Once the hole is half-filled, 10 liters of water are added. Then more soil is added and compacted thoroughly.

The plant is tied to a support. A circular trench is dug 30 cm from the trunk. Another 10 liters of water is added to it. The area around the trunk is mulched with compost or sawdust. Additional soil is added after a few days as the soil settles. After planting, the plant requires little care. To protect against rodents, the trunk is whitewashed and wrapped in burlap. In winter, snow is piled on top to protect the sapling from the cold. Twice a month, the cherry tree is watered with 1-2 buckets of water.

Reviews

Ivan, 33 years old:

I have a Revna cherry tree growing in my garden and it produces fruit well. I planted another pollinator variety in advance to ensure this. The plant is easy to care for. If you don't overwater it, the berries grow firm and juicy.

Marina, 40 years old:

I planted a Tyutchevka cherry tree. I'm completely satisfied with this variety. It's very productive, producing large berries. The berries stay fresh for a long time and are suitable for canning and culinary use.

To enjoy fresh cherries for longer, choose a variety based on the time the berries are ripened. The shelf life of the fruit is not crucial. Growing late-ripening varieties allows you to harvest cherries until early autumn, when the mass harvest of this berry is already over.