Description of self-pollinating cherry varieties with photos

A small garden plot doesn't always allow for a large orchard, but self-fertile cherries can remedy this situation. They don't require bees for pollination. One of the biggest drawbacks of self-fertile cherries is their lower yield compared to cross-pollinated trees. To increase yield, plant another tree of a different species nearby.

What is self-fertility?

Self-fertile cherry varieties can pollinate themselves without the help of insects transporting pollen from other plants. Unfortunately, such varieties are very rare. Pollination of flowers can begin even before they open—a very beneficial trait, as it reduces the negative impact on fruit development.

Central Russia has a temperate continental climate with frosty and snowy winters. Therefore, self-pollinating cherry varieties suitable for central Russia must be frost-resistant.

Different tree varieties are suitable for different regions.

When choosing, it's best to refer to the chart to ensure your tree doesn't get wasted and will produce fruit well. Cherry varieties for the Leningrad Region have been developed with climate characteristics in mind.

How to determine self-fertility and description of varieties

Determining the tree in your garden isn't difficult, but it's a lengthy process. To do this, simply repeat the following steps for three years. Select one of the plant's branches and isolate it from the environment. This can be done by wrapping it in non-woven material or gauze to prevent insect access and accidental pollination. After collecting pollen from a tree of the same variety, apply it to the flowers of the covered branch.

Then proceed as follows:

• Another branch should also be closed to insects, but pollen should not be applied to it;
• One more branch will serve as a control; you don’t need to wrap it, it’s enough to put any mark on it;
• When the tree blooms, write down how many flowers there are on each of the three branches, and when the first berries appear, remember their number.

If the second (closed and unpollinated) branch produced fruit throughout all three years, and the ratio of berries to flowers is 15-40%, these trees are self-pollinating. This is not very common.

The best self-fertile cherry varieties for the Moscow region and central Russia are listed below with descriptions and photos.

Valery Chkalov

The variety's name is no coincidence; it's striking in size. The tree reaches skyward and can reach heights of 5-6 meters. Its fruits resemble hearts, have a very strong and delicious aroma, and their flavor is impressive. Considered a dessert variety by many, the berries are a rich scarlet inside, dark or burgundy on the outside, and have an incredible flavor. They can be eaten in any form: fresh, frozen, or canned.

As an additional pollinator you can:

• Early June;
• April;
• Early ripening.

This variety is not afraid of severe cold; even temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius won't harm it. However, it is very susceptible to various diseases. Trees can be destroyed by gray mold and coccomycosis.

Features of the variety:

• begins to bear fruit 5-6 years after planting;
• berries can weigh 7-8 g;
• at warm temperatures it can produce up to 75 kg of harvest, at cold temperatures up to 45 kg;
• The fruits ripen already in the first half of June.

Ox heart

This variety first appeared in Georgia. The trees grow very quickly and can begin bearing their first berries after just five years, when active growth slows. High humidity can cause the berries to burst, which significantly spoils their appearance and complicates transportation to long-distance destinations. Because the berries ripen gradually, the harvest can be continued throughout the season.

This cherry tree loves water, but it's also not bothered by drought. It's also not particularly sensitive to cold, but it's best to cover it for the winter.

Oxheart trees typically reach 3-5 m in height and are pyramid-shaped. The fruits are sweet and typically weigh 8-10 g. They have juicy, firm flesh. The plant is fairly disease-resistant. For additional pollination, the following can be planted nearby:

• Iput;
• Ovstuzhenka;
• Tyutchevka.

Iput

One of the finest representatives of its species, this small tree bears a few leaves that form a broad pyramidal shape. The heart-shaped fruits can be large, but can also be small. As they ripen, the fruit changes color from reddish-burgundy to black. The berry production is consistently high throughout the season.

The variety has only one drawback: in high humidity, especially during rainfall, the berries can crack. However, it is frost-resistant and disease-resistant. The plant begins to bear fruit within 4-5 years after planting, with berries weighing 5 to 7 grams. The fruits fully ripen in late June and have juicy, firm flesh with a pleasant aroma and flavor. A single tree can yield 30-40 kg of fruit.

People's Subarova

A large, vigorous tree with a lush crown, it can reach 5-6 meters. The fruit production is unaffected by weather conditions and remains constant. Thick branches can support the weight of large amounts of snow without breaking in the wind. Black soil, sand, or loam—this garden wonder thrives in virtually any soil. New plantings also thrive in any soil and grow very quickly. The berries are dark red, with a waxy coating on their surface, giving them a glossy sheen. They have a delicious aroma and are very tasty. The tree pollinates itself well and does not require neighboring varieties of other varieties.

The first harvest begins four years after planting, in the first half of July. The average weight of a single berry is 4-6 g. A single tree can yield 40 to 50 kg of fruit. It is not susceptible to cocci sicosis, and is not affected by diseases.

Ovstuzhenka

This particular variety of cherry is favored in the Moscow region and the far north. It tolerates frosts as low as -45 degrees Celsius. However, to ensure a good and consistent harvest, it requires an additional pollinator, as it pollinates very poorly on its own. Without a neighbor, only 10% of the blossoms produce berries.

Characteristic:

1. The fruits do not have a sour taste.
2. They are absolutely sweet and their color is dark burgundy.
3. The berries are very large and juicy, the smell and taste are excellent, and they do not burst, even at very large sizes.

Harvesting begins 4-5 years after planting, in mid-July. Berries weigh 6 to 8 grams. A single plant can yield 15-25 kg of berries (depending on the presence of a neighboring plant). This variety is highly disease-resistant.

Homestead yellow

The plant can grow up to 4 meters tall, with a spherical crown and sparse foliage. Its berries are bright yellow, very large, and ripen quickly and quite early. The tree is resistant to cold and disease, and its flowers are borne in clusters. Transporting the harvest is extremely difficult, but the preserves are delicious.

The berries ripen 5-6 years after planting, weighing 5 to 6 grams. Harvesting begins in the first month of summer, with a single tree yielding up to 60 kg of berries. The presence of a pollinator does not affect yield.

Jealousy

One of the most common varieties, it has received the most rave reviews from gardeners. It's small and pyramid-shaped. It bears fruit regularly and abundantly each year, is frost-tolerant, and even frosts down to -5 degrees Celsius (-5 degrees Fahrenheit) aren't a problem for it when it's in bloom. The small berries are very sweet and have a delicious flavor.

The berries don't soften or dry out during storage. The small size of the tree makes picking the berries much easier.

Tyutchevka

This small tree is resistant to cold and drought, and is unaffected by diseases and pests. It begins bearing juicy fruits early, which have an excellent sweet taste and are very good for compote. Berries:

• wide and round at the same time;
• very dark red;
• they are soft inside;
• contain a lot of juice.

Harvesting is significantly easier due to the tree's short stature. Because of the thick stem, the berries, even those already ripe, don't fall off or fall to the ground, but they do come off easily if pulled. They are easy to transport over long distances. Another variety doesn't need to be nearby.

Tyutchevka begins bearing fruit 4-5 years after rooting. The tree grows to 4-4.5 m, with each berry weighing 5-7 g. A single plant can produce up to 40 kg of fruit. Harvesting can begin in early July.

Fatezh

It's convenient for harvesting because these trees are low-growing, reaching no more than 3-4 meters in height. Thick branches grow in different directions, creating a spherical shape. Cherries are sensitive to drafts, and strong winds also frighten them. It's best to choose a sheltered location; elevated areas and sun will help them bear fruit faster.

This variety doesn't require fertilizing or frequent watering. The berries are uniform in shape, size, and weight, with a slightly tart flavor, a fairly firm interior, and an easy-to-remove pit. The skin is scarlet with yellow speckles. The first harvest can begin 4-5 years after planting, in the first half of July. Each berry weighs 4-5 grams, and a single tree can yield 40-50 kg. The plant is disease-resistant.

Helena

This is the shortest self-fertile cherry tree, reaching a height of no more than 2.5 m. Its branches are very short, giving it a columnar appearance. A single bush can yield up to 10-12 kg of fruit, with berries appearing in late June. Their pulp:

• fleshy and very juicy;
• has a scarlet color;
• it contains veins.

Each cherry weighs between 8 and 10 grams and has a vibrant ruby ​​color. These cherries are rich in vitamins, satisfy any appetite, don't take up much space, and are resistant to cold and frost.

Basic rules of cultivation

The most important thing for growing a cherry orchard is choosing the right seedlings. The plant should be no more than 1-2 years old and should show signs of grafting. The roots should be free of breaks, cuts, or other damage, and no growths are allowed. The trunk should be at least 17 cm thick, the branches should be fully formed and at least 40 cm long, and the trunk and branches should be smooth.

In warmer regions, it's best to plant cherries in early to mid-autumn; in cooler regions, plant them in spring, before the buds begin to form. The plant should settle in before the weather gets too warm. Choose a sunny location with sandy loam or loamy soil; these will provide favorable conditions for the tree's growth.

To obtain a beautiful and fruitful garden, you should follow several procedures:

1. Fertilize the soil with compost (10 kg/m²), superphosphate (180 kg/m3²), fertilizer with potassium (100 kg/m²). Dig over the fertilized soil. If the soil is acidic, add lime a week before planting.
2. Prepare holes approximately 100 cm in diameter and at least 70 cm deep. The bottom layer of soil is set aside separately from the top layer.
3. A support is driven into the center of the hole to support the young seedling; it should protrude about half a meter above the ground.
4. The topsoil is mixed with fertilizer (200 g of superphosphate, 60 g of potassium, and 0.5 kg of ash), and compost is added. The resulting mixture is poured into the hole, compacted lightly, and covered with clean soil. The bottom of the hole is watered and left for at least two weeks.

Place the seedling in the hole near the support, carefully distribute the roots, and lightly cover with clean soil. Add water (1 bucket) and bury the seedling completely. Compact the soil, and repeat watering.

Further care

During the tree's active growth period (usually June), water generously, reaching a depth of approximately 40 cm, where the roots are. Watering is also necessary during dry weather. Since excess moisture can cause the berries to burst, the tree is not watered while they are ripening. High humidity can slow shoot growth, so to avoid this, watering is also stopped in late July and early August.

After harvesting, it is best to feed with organic matter and minerals.

Cherry trees must be pruned:

1. To prevent self-pollinating cherries from stretching too much, the trunk is cut from the first thick branch at a height of approximately 60 cm; this is done in the first year.
2. In the second spring, select 3-4 lower branches that point in different directions and cut them off, leaving 50 cm to the trunk.
3. In the third year of life, all branches that grow towards the central trunk are removed.
4. At four years of age, the tree is shaped and divided into tiers. The branches of each tier are lengthened by 20 cm.

After 5 years, all work should be completed, as fruiting begins.

Harvesting and storage

Harvesting is best done in the morning during dry weather. If there are large quantities of berries, spread them out on a spread-out cloth. This will make sorting them easier and prevent them from crushing each other. Harvesting the berries with the stems allows them to last longer, as the stems continue to feed the berries from their reserves and keep pests out.

Before storing the harvest, it must be thoroughly dried. Even the slightest rot on a single berry will ruin the entire harvest. Berries will keep for a few days in the refrigerator; for winter storage, they are frozen. Dried fruits are good for a year, just like canned ones.

Recommendations:

1. Refrigerator storage: If left unused, the harvested cherries can rot within a few hours. They can be preserved by placing them in the lower section of the refrigerator, but this will only last for 3-5 days. Placing cherries near the freezer can keep them for up to 2 weeks.
2. Storing frozen berries: Freeze at -18 degrees Celsius, which helps keep them fresh for up to 8 months. First, freeze them individually, spreading them out so they don't touch each other. Then, the frozen berries are placed in vacuum-sealed bags.
3. Drying cherries. The harvested berries are dried in an oven at 60 degrees Celsius. They are spread out on a baking sheet in a single layer and left to dry until all the juice has evaporated. The dried fruit is stored in a dry, well-ventilated place.

Self-fertile cherries are a great solution for gardeners with very small plots. Cherry varieties for the Moscow region are self-fertile in flavor and color, not much different from regular cherries, and very easy to care for.