The best varieties of low-growing cherries with photos and descriptions

Imagine a garden where you can pick ripe cherries standing on the ground, without the need for a stepladder or ladder. A dream? Not anymore! Dwarf cherry varieties have become a true revelation for those tired of struggling with tall trees and the vagaries of the weather. These miniature beauties are quickly winning the hearts of small-plot owners and lazy gardeners. How do you choose the cherry that will reward you with a sweet harvest, not a headache? In our article, you'll find an overview of the best varieties, ideal for even the most modest garden.

Characteristics of cherries

Stone fruits are grown for their fruit. They are tasty, healthy, low in calories, suitable for preserves, and ripen early. Cultivated cherries are fast-growing woody plants. In warm climates, trees can live up to 100 years and reach heights of 12-15 meters.

The root system is horizontal. There is a single taproot, which forms in the first to second year of life and branches out later. Sweet cherries have a straight, tall trunk covered in light-colored bark. The fruits are oval or obtusely heart-shaped (true drupes) and covered in red, red-orange, or light yellow skin.

For decades, domestic breeders have been developing dwarf varieties. They suppress the dominant tall-growing gene by using dwarf and medium-sized domestic rootstocks for propagation:

• VSL-1, VSL-2 – low-growing;
• LC-52, L-2, VC-13 – medium-sized.

Dwarf cherry varieties appeal to gardeners and farmers due to their ease of care, high yields, and rapid adaptation to frequently changing weather conditions. These compact trees don't require a large area to grow.

VSL-2 is considered the best dwarf rootstock. The tree grows to a height of no more than 2.5-3 meters. There are no root suckers. The root system is resistant to low temperatures, and fruiting begins early. Gardeners solve the growth problem using their own methods, grafting cherry cuttings onto winter-hardy bush cherry trees.

Advantages and disadvantages

Dwarf cherry varieties with compact crowns experience less damage from critically low temperatures in winter, but their flower buds can be damaged by frost in the spring. Their buds open slightly earlier than those of taller trees.

Advantages of dwarf cherry varieties:

• large planting areas are not required for growing crops;
• spend less money, time, and effort on care;
• convenient to collect fruits;
• fruiting begins earlier.

The high yield of dwarf varieties is considered a disadvantage. Due to heavy loads, the fruits become smaller. This affects market value. Planned, controlled pruning helps maintain a small tree size and large fruit size.

Common varieties

Cherries are eaten all summer long if you plant early, mid-season, or late-season varieties. Early-season varieties ripen in late June, mid-season varieties in mid-July, and late-season varieties in early August.

Descriptions with colorful photos are provided for each variety. They cover all the main characteristics of cherries.

Iput

Gardeners consider this variety of cherry the best for the Moscow region and the central zone. Trees with a broad pyramidal crown. In summer, they are abundantly covered with large leaves. Flower buds form on bouquet branches.

Iput ripens early. For pollination, Revna, Ovstuzhenka, and Tyutchevka saplings are planted 4-40 meters away from the tree. This is necessary because the variety is self-sterile. At 4-5 years old, the tree produces 30-60 kg of cherries, and bears fruit regularly in subsequent years.

Gardeners appreciate this variety for its frost resistance, compact crown, and versatility. Disadvantages: cracking, difficulty separating the seeds.

Early variety Valery Chkalov

This variety's winter hardiness is suited to southern climates and is grown by farmers and gardeners in the Krasnodar Krai and Crimea. Flower buds freeze at -23°C. Yields increase with age, peaking at 10-12 years.

During this period, 60-170 kg are harvested from a single tree in Crimea, and 30 kg in the Krasnodar Krai. The first fruits begin to ripen between June 1 and 10. To ensure fruiting, the following are planted nearby:

• Early ripening;
• April;
• Zhabule.

The variety's main drawback is its poor immunity. It is susceptible to gray mold and is not resistant to coccomycosis.

Jealousy

M. V. Kanshina, a breeder at the All-Russian Lupine Research Institute, developed a sweet cherry for gardeners and farmers in central Russia. Following testing, Revna was added to the State Register in 1994. This variety is late in ripening. Flowers bloom in mid-May, and the harvest is in late July.

The variety is partially self-fertile; if the garden includes Raditsa, Ovstuzhenka, or Iput, the yield increases. The cherry tree reaches 3-3.5 meters in height. The tree has a pyramidal crown and fast-growing shoots. The first fruits are expected within five years. Experts have praised the taste and quality of the pulp.

The average tree yields 15-30 kg. In favorable weather and with good care, more fruit is produced. Revna cherries are prized for their transportability and versatility, the trees' winter hardiness, and robust immunity. Gardeners consider late fruiting a drawback.

Large-fruited

In 1983, the variety was included in the State Register. It was developed by Ukrainian breeders using the following parent varieties: Napoleon Belaya, Zhabule, Valery Chkalov, and Elton. As the name suggests, the cherry fruits are very large.

The tree is medium in height, not exceeding 5 meters. The round fruits weigh 10-12 grams, with individual specimens weighing 18 grams. Ripe fruits have a rich red or dark red, almost black, skin. It cracks when exposed to excess moisture, a major drawback considered by gardeners.

The harvest ripens in June (mid- to late June). The variety is common in the south. Traditional growing regions: Krasnodar Krai, Crimea, and Ukraine. Mature trees are frost-hardy to -25°C, while seedlings have a lower frost tolerance. Pollinators for the Krupnoplodnaya cherry:

• Black Daibera;
• Francis;
• Surprise.

The yield of this variety is 50-55 kg. This is the amount of fruit produced by one tree.

Vasilisa

A large-fruited variety for a warm, southern climate, developed by Ukrainian breeders. The parent varieties used in hybridization were Donetsk Ugolyok and Donetsk Beauty. The tree grows to a height of 3-4 m.

The average cherry weighs 10-15 grams, and the pulp and juice have a sweet and sour flavor, with tasters rating them 4.5 points. Ripe cherries have bright red skin, and the large pit separates quickly and easily. The best pollinators include: Annushka, Valery Chkalov, Drogana zheltaya, and Starking.

It takes at least 4-5 years from planting until the first fruits appear. The fruit forms on one-year-old shoots and branchlets. A single tree yields 20-50 kg. Gardeners note a drawback of this variety: the skin cracks when exposed to excess moisture.

Ovstuzhenka

Ovstuzhenka is the best self-fertile cherry variety for the Moscow region; its frost resistance to -45°C guarantees a successful winter. Ovstuzhenka belongs to the group of northern varieties.

This variety is cultivated in gardens in the Urals, Siberia, and the Central Russian region. The harvest has a long shelf life at 80% humidity and temperatures close to 6°C. Its flavor is rated at 4.5 stars. The fruit is round or oval, with sweet flesh and dark burgundy skin. The average weight is 7g. A single tree yields 30-50 kg.

Regina

A German selection. Its characteristics make this variety suitable for the Middle Volga region and southern regions of Russia. The variety was developed in 1957, but Russian gardeners only learned about it in 1981. Regina is self-sterile, so it requires nearby pollinators. For this purpose, the Salvia and Karina cherry varieties are planted in gardens.

The yield of one mature tree is 40 kg. Fruiting is early. The first fruits are harvested in the third year. The harvested crop has a shelf life of about three weeks and does not spoil during long transportation. The fruits do not crack if exposed to excess moisture.

Characteristics of the variety:

• trees grow up to 3-4 meters;
• bloom at the end of May;
• cherries ripen at the end of July;
• average fruit weight is 10-15 g;
• the skin is shiny, bright red or dark burgundy;
• The taste harmoniously combines light sourness and sweetness.

Experts rated the taste of Regina cherries at 4.5 points.

Bull's heart

The work of Georgian breeders. This large-fruited variety is suitable for southern regions. With appropriate agricultural practices and careful planting, Bull's Heart can be grown in central Russia. The rootstock type influences the tree's height. Bull's Heart cherry trees range from 3 to 5 meters. Frost resistance is down to -25°C. Flower buds are susceptible to spring frosts.

Suitable pollinators: Tyutchevka, Ovstuzhenka, Iput. Mature tree yields 60 kg. The variety begins bearing fruit at four years of age. The harvest does not keep well. Picked cherries spoil quickly and become dented during transportation. The fruits weigh 8 g and turn dark burgundy, almost black, when ripe.

Early pink

The work of A. Ya. Voronchikhin (Rossoshan Experimental Station). The variety was tested in orchards in the Central Black Earth Region and the Lower Volga region. It was introduced into cultivation in 1987. The crown of a mature tree does not exceed 4-5 m. It is spreading, well-foliated, and has a rounded shape.

Vegetative buds are 6-7 mm, generative buds are 4-5 mm. Leaf blades are oval, oblong-ovate, approximately 7 cm wide and 15-18 cm long. Flowers are 30 mm in diameter and clustered in 2-3 inflorescences. Fruit ripens unevenly in mid- to late June. Their characteristics include:

• weigh 5 g, have dimensions of 21 × 23 mm;
• in shape, blunt-heart-shaped or round-oval;
• covered with a creamy yellow skin with a continuous blush of fiery red color;
• the pulp is moderately dense, creamy, and contains a lot of juice;
• The taste is dominated by sweetness, it is quite simple.

Varietal advantages: the skin doesn't crack due to rain, and the fruit stays fresh for a long time while hanging on the branches. Disadvantages: the harvest loses its marketable appearance during transportation. The cherries become bruised and darken.

Fatezh

Designed by A. I. Evstratov. In 2001, the variety was added to the State Register. Fatezh is recommended for cultivation in the Central Region. Trees are medium-height (5 m). The crown shape is spherical and drooping. Winter hardiness is above average (-27°C).

Fatezh is known for its robust health and productivity. One tree produces 50 kg of cherries per season. The first harvest is expected after four years. Maximum yields are recorded at age 10. Harvesting occurs in the second half of June and the first half of July. The harvested fruits are preserved. Here's their description:

• weight 6 g;
• the skin is red-yellow, the flesh is pale pink;
• The pulp tastes sweet and sour.

Pros: strong immunity, winter hardiness, drought tolerance. Cons: prone to gummosis. Pollinators: Bryanskaya, Iput, Revna.

Leningrad Black

The creation work took place near St. Petersburg. The Leningrad Black cherry is a 3-4 meter tall tree with a spreading crown of medium foliage. It begins to bear fruit three to four years after planting.

The average tree yields 30-40 kg. The harvest does not ripen all at once. The fruits take several weeks to ripen. Pollinators include: Revna, Bryanochka, and Tyutchevka. Taste Leningrad black cherries rated at 4.2 points.

Fruit weight is 3-3.5 g. The color is dark burgundy, the shape is round, and the seeds are medium-sized. This variety is versatile, does not spoil during transportation, and stores well. It is grown in orchards in the Central Black Earth Region and in the southern regions of the Non-Black Earth Region.

Black Daibera

This cherry variety was discovered in Crimea back in 1862. It was regionalized in the mid-20th century, and recommended growing regions are the Lower Volga and North Caucasus. Black Daibera begins bearing fruit in its fifth year. The variety requires pollinators; the following cherries are considered good: Oliva, Zolotaya, and Cherny Oryol.

In Crimea, a medium-sized, mature tree produces 90-170 kg of fruit, while in the Krasnodar Krai, it produces 80 kg. The harvest ripens simultaneously. Flower buds are damaged at -24°C, and the above-ground parts freeze at -30°C. The advantages of the black Daibera are its high yield and dessert flavor. A disadvantage is significant yield losses due to gray mold.

Cordia

The Kordia cherry tree blooms late, so it easily avoids frost. This variety is popular in Europe and was developed in the Czech Republic. In Russia, it is grown in the northwestern and central regions. The fruits are large, up to 28 mm in diameter, weighing 8-10 g, and covered with dark red, almost black skin. Brown spots are visible on the surface.

The taste rating is high – 4.8 points. In temperate climates, cherries are planted grafted onto dwarf or medium-sized rootstocks. Prolonged cold spells in May can damage flower buds.

Frosts cause the wood to freeze to the snow level. The best pollinators are Burlat, Regina, Karina, and Schneider's Late. This variety begins bearing fruit after 4-5 years. One tree produces 25-50 kg of dessert-quality, all-purpose fruit that is resistant to cracking.

Tyutchevka

Included in the State Register since 2001. The work was conducted by M. V. Kanshina (All-Russian Lupine Research Institute). The variety is recommended for cultivation in the Central Russian region. The tree is medium-sized (4-4.5 m), with a sparse, spherical, semi-spreading crown. Vegetative buds are medium-sized, cone-shaped, and generative buds are ovoid.

The leaves are oval, large, pubescent, and folded into a boat shape. The inflorescences consist of four flowers, forming on cluster branches. Flowering occurs in May. The first harvest of Tyutchevka cherry occurs in the fifth year. Fruiting continues for 20 years, with the yield increasing over the years. A single cherry tree yields 15-40 kg. The flavor of the pulp is rated at 4.9 points. Fruit characteristics:

• berry weight 5.3 g, seeds 0.3 g;
• dimensions 22 × 23 mm;
• The skin and pulp are dark red, the juice is light red.

The Tyutchevka cherry variety requires pollinators; the best ones are Iput, Ovstuzhenka, Raditsa, and Revna. Without them, no more than 6% of the fruit set. Advantages of the variety: winter hardiness (-25°C), drought resistance, good immunity to moniliosis, moderate resistance to coccomycosis and clasterosporium. Disadvantages: pollinators are needed; prolonged rains during ripening reduce the shelf life and marketability of the berries.

General's

This self-sterile, tall, mid-season variety is grown in Crimea. Fruiting is regular and abundant, with a yield of 50 kg per tree. Fruit characteristics:

• shape: heart-shaped, round-heart-shaped;
• the fruit is yellow in color, with a carmine blush;
• the taste is sweet and sour, rating 4.6 points;
• weight up to 10 g.

The Generalskaya cherry tree produces its first harvest after three years. It is used for preserves (frozen and dried). Advantages: frost-resistant flowers, stable yield, drought resistance, and self-fertility.

Italian

A self-pollinating, medium-sized (3-4 m) variety of Russian selection, tested in 1995. A mature tree yields 80 kg. The first fruits are produced after four years. The Italianka cherry is grown in commercial orchards and in private gardens.

The fruits don't store well. They have dark red skin, firm flesh, a dessert flavor (4.5 points), and weigh 6 grams. Italianka is grown in central Russia. No known flaws have been identified with this cherry variety. It is prized for its yield, marketable appearance, dessert flavor, and resistance to coccomycosis.

Bahor

Ripens early, bearing fruit after four years. Trees are productive (50 kg), vigorous, and have a spreading crown. Frost resistance is down to -20°C. The cultivar originates from Uzbekistan. Parent varieties: Savry-Surkhany and Francis.

The harvest ripens in April-May and can be stored for 30 days at 2-4°C. A mature tree yields approximately 65 kg of large, blunt-heart-shaped, dark-red fruits weighing 8-9 g. The taste rating is 5 stars. In Russia, Bakhor is grown in the Krasnodar region.

Farewell

In temperate climates, cherries ripen in mid- to late June. Yields are stable, ranging from 60 to 80 kg. The fruits are large, weighing up to 14 g, dark red, with juicy, yellowish flesh and a mild dessert flavor, rated at 4.5 points. To bear fruit, the Proshchalnaya cherry requires pollinators, the most suitable of which are:

• Valery Chkalov;
• Valeria;
• Drogana yellow;
• Ethics.

Sweet cherries begin bearing fruit in the fourth year. Trees are characterized by vigorous growth. They are characterized by a sparse, well-foliated crown. Advantages of the Proshchalnaya cherry include transportability, high winter hardiness of flower buds, drought tolerance, and frost resistance. This variety is popular with gardeners in the forest-steppe and steppe regions of Ukraine.

Yaroslavna

This is an older variety (born in 1997), and the better the care, the larger and tastier the berries. Yaroslavna is prized for its fruit's resistance to rain, its good storage quality, its low susceptibility to cherry blossom flies, its resistance to rot, and its ease of transport. Its characteristics include:

• weight 8-12 g;
• color dark burgundy;
• the shape is round;
• The taste is rated at 4-4.5 points.

The low-growing (3.5 m) trees have a medium-density, rounded crown. Yaroslavna blooms in late May and bears fruit at 4-5 years of age, yielding 20-30 kg of aromatic fruit per tree. For pollination, consider planting Aelita, Valeria Chkalov, and Etika in the garden.

Gardeners' reviews of cherry trees in the Moscow region

Sergey Denisovich, 43 years old, Mytishchi

There are four trees on the plot, varieties Ovstuzhenka and Iput, protected from the wind by a brick wall on the north side. They are less susceptible to frost damage. Iput cherryIt's the tallest. Ovstuzhenka sometimes partially freezes, but survives.

Arseniy Vladimirovich, 51 years old, Moscow region (southeast)

A 30-degree frost and spring frosts can leave us without a harvest. I'm trying to solve these problems. I train the cherry trees so that some of the lower branches are covered with snow. I protect them from spring frosts (-5°C) with sprinkling. To prevent waterlogging and cracking of the fruit, I use calcium-containing products. I buy calcium chloride at the pharmacy and add 3-4 ampoules per bucket. I treat the cherry trees twice a week during the fruiting period. I grow the Chermashnaya and Fatezh varieties. The trees are 7 years old.

Oleg Ivanovich, 48 years old, Moscow

I have a dacha in the south of the region, 50 km from Moscow. My first attempt at growing cherries was unsuccessful. Three years ago, I planted the Bychye Serdtse and Chkalov varieties. Both seedlings froze during their first winter. The second time, I bought Raditsa and Iput. They took root, wintered well, and I'm waiting for my harvest. My neighbor is also treating me to some cherries. He has seven-year-old trees of two varieties: Chermashnaya and Fatezh.