All cherry varieties differ in fruit shape, color, and size, as well as taste and other characteristics. Among the many varieties, one can find a cherry known as "Leningradskaya Black." This cherry stands out from other varieties not only because of its fruit color, but also because of its rapid growth and ease of care. A description of the "Leningradskaya Black" cherry variety, along with photos and reviews, can be found further in this article.
Description of the variety
The Leningrad Black cherry variety stands out among other representatives of this plant due to its unusual appearance: the tree's habit, luxurious crown and foliage, not to mention the taste of the berry.
Despite its majestic beauty, the tree of this variety is not very tall, so the fruits are easy to pluck from the branches when harvesting. The tree's crown is dense and spreading, and the trunk is straight and even, like a soldier on parade.
The most important thing breeders focused on when developing the "Leningradskaya Chernaya" cherry variety was frost resistance, and they achieved their goal. The "Leningradskaya Chernaya" cherry can survive even harsh winters, when temperatures drop to -30°C (-30°F), without any noticeable changes in flowering or fruiting. Therefore, this variety can be safely planted in the northern regions of the country.
Other important advantages include high yields—30 kilograms, and under the most favorable conditions, up to 40 kilograms of delicious and uniquely flavored berries. By "most favorable conditions," we mean fertilizing and the age of the tree; young cherries produce more berries.
What do the fruits look like?
The berries of the Leningradskaya Chernaya cherry variety are round, weighing an average of 4-5 grams. When fully ripe, the berries are almost black (hence the name), and the skin is glossy, giving the fruit a mesmerizing sheen, making it appear as if a fake cherry is growing on the tree.
Read also: The best cherry varieties for growing in the Moscow region.
The inside of the berry is firm, the flesh slightly fibrous, but still very juicy. If the summer season is rainy, the berries will taste slightly bitter, but this doesn't detract from the overall experience. However, if the berries grew in the sun and haven't experienced heavy rain, they will be completely sweet. The "Leningradskaya Chernaya" cherry variety earned a well-deserved 4.2 points for its taste.
The berries are easily plucked from the branches, yet even a strong wind can't knock them off the tree. If the harvest isn't completed on time, the cherry tree of this variety will sit quietly awaiting its owner's hand, without shedding for years.
People's reviews
After reading the description and photos of the Leningrad Black cherry variety, we can move on to the reviews. Are these cherries really as good as the producers claim?
Galina, 33 years old: "I've been growing 'Leningradskaya Chernaya' cherries for four years now. I'm actually quite pleased that, despite such a cold summer, something grows at all in our area every year. However, I wouldn't say the harvest is particularly impressive. I've never harvested 30 kilograms, let alone 40 kilograms. The maximum I've ever gotten was 18 kilograms. And the berries themselves are truly delicious and juicy!"
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