Characteristics and description of Napoleon cherries, planting and care

Napoleon cherries became famous in Russia more than 100 years ago. Grown mainly in the southern regions. The garden crop is valued for its high taste, keeping quality of large fruits, and stable fruiting. When cultivated in appropriate climatic zones, it takes root well and does not require special care during dry periods.

How the variety was bred

The origin of the Napoleon variety is Western Europe, late 18th, early 19th centuries. Country of selection: France.

Description

Cherry Napoleon is a mid-season, large-fruited variety. Grow in sun-warmed areas with structured, nutritious soil. Damp, cool weather leads to a decrease in yield and damage by pathogens.

general description

The trees are tall, with a dense crown in the shape of a ball. Flowering - at the end of spring, fruiting - for 4-5 years, at the beginning of summer. The Napoleon variety is self-sterile. It has 2 subspecies: Napoleon black cherry, Napoleon pink cherry. The differences also concern the shape and size of the fruit.

Advantages

Napoleon cherry can withstand short-term temperature drops to -30 degrees, provided the trunk and root zone are covered. Deep roots allow it to withstand long dry periods. Late flowering eliminates the impact of return frosts on the ovaries. Flowering trees serve as decoration for the garden plot.

Flaws

Prolonged low temperatures cause the death of Napoleon's flower buds and frost. For cross-pollination, it is necessary to plant other varieties of cherry trees on the site. Does not withstand proximity closer than 5 meters to an apple, pear, or plum tree. Napoleon rosea adapts less well in cool and rainy summers, which is why it is not widely distributed

Bud

On the bouquet branches there is a growth bud in the center, and flower buds on the sides.

Leaf and flower

Cherry leaves are large, dark green, elongated, with a pointed tip. White buds are collected in inflorescences of 3 flowers on bouquet branches.

Fetus

Napoleon cherries are oval or round, average or above average, juicy.

Weight

Black fruit - from 6 to 6.5 grams, pink - up to 9-10 grams.

Height

Cherry Napoleon black – 1.8 centimeters; Napoleon pink - 2.0 centimeters.

Width

Black berry – 2.0 centimeters, pink – 2.2 centimeters.

Thickness

Napoleon black - 2.2 centimeters, Napoleon pink - 2.4 centimeters.

Color

At the ripe stage, the color of the fruit is dark red and bright pink. The ovary of Napoleon rose is pink-yellow, while that of black is red.

peduncle

Long, thin, well fixed.

Bone

The stone is medium, slightly narrowed, easily separated from the pulp.

general characteristics

The berries have an attractive appearance. Used fresh and for preservation.

Taste qualities

The fruits are sweet when ripe. When unripe, the pink-yellow fruits have a bitter taste.

Nutrient content

100 grams of Napoleon cherries contain high levels of:

• vitamins C and E;
• potassium;
• magnesium;
• calcium.

In addition, there are:

• vitamins A, B, P;
• zinc;
• sulfur;
• iron;
• pectin.

Eating cherry fruits can provide a balanced intake of vitamins, micro- and macroelements.

Tree height and growth rate

The crown height of the Napoleon cherry reaches 6.5 meters. The annual growth of shoots is 70-80 centimeters.

Flowering and ripening period

The buds bloom at the end of May. Berry picking begins after 3 weeks and ends at the end of June.

Productivity

The average yield of Napoleon is up to 30 kilograms.

Transportability

Napoleon fruits have dense pulp and skin, which ensures shelf life and transportation over long distances.

Drought resistance

After 3-4 years, Napoleon cherries develop a powerful root system that provides the tree with moisture. Young seedlings and adult plants need watering during the flowering and fruiting period.

Frost resistance

Fruit trees tolerate air temperatures as low as -30 degrees.

Disease resistance

Napoleon cherries are susceptible to pathogenic damage at high humidity and temperatures below 0 degrees.

Application of fruits

Taste qualities, composition of useful substances, properties of pulp and skin allow the fruits of Napoleon cherries to be used not only in fresh form.

In cooking

Summer and canned compotes and juices are prepared from Napoleon cherries. Jams and jams are made from a mixture of cherries, cherries and black currants.

In dietetics

Low-calorie cherries: 50 kilocalories – 100 grams. Eating fruits satiates you and at the same time reduces the energy content of food. If you want to lose weight, the cherry diet is the best way.

In folk medicine

Fresh fruits have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the intestinal tract. High potassium content is beneficial for the heart muscle. Vitamin C helps restore hemoglobin levels.

In cosmetology

Lighting and nourishing masks made from crushed fruits are useful for the skin of the face and décolleté.

Basic soil requirements

Cherries require loose and fertile soil: black soil, loam, sandy loam.

Landing Features

The pit is prepared in advance: in the fall, regardless of the planting date. 20 centimeters of expanded clay/fine crushed stone, half the norm of the nutrient substrate, are poured onto the bottom. The procedure is necessary to improve drainage properties and shrinkage of the soil so as not to damage small roots.

Selection of seedlings

Napoleon cherries are grown on cherry and wild cherry rootstocks, which are frost-resistant and resistant to diseases and pests. This method allows you to cultivate a light-, heat-loving plant in more severe climatic conditions.

When selecting a seedling, you need to pay attention to the upper part (cherry tree trunk) and the lower part (rootstock).

Root system

The roots of the rootstock must be branched and not damaged.

Trunk

The bark of the tree should be shiny, tight-fitting, without any damage to its integrity.

Age

Cherries are planted in a permanent place at the age of 1-2 years.

Availability of vaccinations

The grafting site should be inconspicuous and dry.

Choosing a landing time

Planting dates depend on climatic conditions: autumn or spring. Each case has its own pros and cons.

Autumn

In regions with long, warm autumns, cherry seedlings are planted 14-20 days before the onset of cold weather. This time is enough for the root system to take root.

Advantages

The root system has time to take root. In spring, the plant will begin to develop in a new place.

Flaws

Weakly developed roots can freeze in severe frosts and under shelter. The seedling, in general, is weakened: in winter, the buds and bark may suffer.

Spring

When there is a sharp change in seasons, trees are planted in the spring, before the buds on the trees swell.

Advantages

Cherries will not suffer from winter cold.

Flaws

The development of the seedling is slower compared to autumn planting. It will take about a month for the plant to adapt to its new location.

Site selection

Napoleon cherries must be grown in sunny areas protected from cold winds, without stagnant groundwater.

Pit preparation

Planting hole size: depth – 70 centimeters, diameter – 60 centimeters.

½ of the nutrient substrate is poured onto the bottom, which is prepared:

• from 2 cups of ash;
• 2 buckets of humus;
• 2 buckets of fertile soil.

Further manipulations with the seedling are carried out after 20 days (when planted in autumn) or in spring.

Landing

The remaining part is poured onto the previously poured and settled substrate, making a cone out of it. The tree is placed vertically in the planting hole. Holding the trunk, the roots are spread over the poured soil. Further actions consist of gradually filling the planting hole with soil and compacting it.

The root collar should be slightly above ground level. Make a circle around the trunk, water it generously with warm water, and mulch with hay or straw.

Pollinators

The Napoleon cherry needs pollinators, as it is self-sterile. The best varieties for cross-pollination are other cherry varieties.

French Black

The variety is productive, resistant to low temperatures and fungal infections. The fruits are large, dark red, sweet and sour.

Big Star

A cherry variety recently bred by Italian breeders. The weight of the fruit reaches 12 grams. Productivity – up to 45 kilograms.

Large-fruited

Cherries are resistant to adverse weather conditions and infection with fungal spores.The berries are round, dark red, 12-16 grams.

Drogana yellow

Dessert variety. The fruits are yellow, up to 8 grams. Sweet cherries tolerate drought well and are affected by cherry flies and gray rot.

Valery Chkalov

A universal, early-ripening, high-yielding variety, resistant to moniliosis. Entered into the State Register in 1974. The fruits are dark red, sweet and sour, up to 8 grams.

Cassini early

The fruits are sweet and sour, up to 5 grams, and begin to ripen at the end of May. The tree is susceptible to frost damage and pest damage.

Jaboulet

Dessert variety, bred in France. Early ripening. Frost-resistant, resists pests. The fruits are medium-sized, dark red, loose, sweet.

Early stamp

Early ripening variety. Fruits – up to 3 grams, sour, not stale. A mature tree does not exceed 3 meters, has a non-spreading, pyramidal crown.

Secrets of care

The Napoleon cherry needs the whole range of agrotechnical practices. Without their implementation, the tree will reduce its yield and become sick.

Watering

An adult tree, which has roots at a depth of up to 4 meters, requires watering in early June, when the ovaries begin to form. During dry, hot summers, water cherries once a month and in the fall - after the leaves fall.

Young trees are watered regularly: during dry periods - once every 5-7 days. With sufficient rainfall - at the end of flowering. Water consumption rate: 50 liters for a seedling, 100 liters for a mature tree.

Top dressing

Cherry trees need nourishment in spring and summer. With the awakening of the buds, the plant is watered with a diluted solution of mullein (1:10) at the rate of 5 liters. During flowering, potassium and phosphorus fertilizers (45 grams per square meter) are applied to the tree trunk circle.

Trimming

Cherries develop a multi-tiered crown over the course of 5-6 years:

• the distance between tiers is 50 centimeters;
• number of skeletal branches on a tier – 3-4;
• the height of the central conductor is 3-3.5 meters.

Pruning is carried out in spring (March) or autumn (October). At the same time, all branches growing inside the crown, tops, dry, broken, and with signs of damage are removed. Large branches are removed using a ring. To prevent the crown from growing in width, the branches are cut to a side branch.

Preparing for winter

In dry autumn, moisture-charging irrigation is carried out. All mummified, dried fruits are removed from the branches. Fallen leaves are removed from the tree trunk circle. The soil under the tree is dug up to a depth of 30 centimeters. The lower part of the trunk and the root part are covered with spruce branches from frost, and with netting from mice and hares.

Diseases and pests, their prevention

Timely pruning, watering and preventive treatment of the trunk, branches, and ovaries help avoid infection by pathogens and prevent pest attacks.

Resistant to fungus

Napoleon pink and black are not as susceptible to infection by marsupial fungus (coccomycosis) and ascomycete fungus (moniliosis) as other varieties of cherries. The risk of injury occurs under certain weather conditions.

High immunity to diseases

Despite the low susceptibility to mycotic infection, it is necessary to carry out preventive measures to reduce the spore production of fungi. The best way is to treat with fungicides.

Copper oxychloride

Fungicide with protective contact action against fungal infections. The first spraying is carried out before the start of budding, the second - after the end of flowering. In unfavorable weather conditions, spraying can be carried out up to 6 times per season.

Bordeaux liquid

Bordeaux mixture is a copper-containing preparation. The properties and method of use are similar to products containing copper oxychloride.

cherry fly

The insect is the main pest of mid- and late-ripening stone fruits. It lays eggs in the ovaries of the cherry, from which larvae are shed and eat the pulp of the fruit.

Confidor

Contact insecticide against sucking and gnawing pests. Does not penetrate into fruits, remains effective for a month after spraying.

Aktellik

Strong intestinal contact poison; effective against most garden pests. Requires special care when using. Spray the cherries once, after the ovaries form.

Aphid

Cherry aphids attack green shoots and leaves of the tree, feeding on their sap. Systemic pest control involves removing weeds, ants, and chemical treatment.

Sawfly

The insect lays eggs on the underside of the leaf in May-June and late July. Slimy sawfly larvae destroy cherry leaves. Pupation occurs in the trunk circle. Control methods: biological, chemical, manual collection of larvae.

Rot

Infection with gray rot spores occurs at the beginning of flowering, at low temperatures or high humidity. The tree is treated with fungicides before flowering begins.

Whitewash

Applying a solution of lime to the trunk is one of the ways to protect against pests and parasites, as well as sunburn.

Wrapping the trunk

Covering the lower part of the trunk with netting, roofing felt, and spruce branches is necessary to protect against frost and rodents.

Mulching

For young cherries, mulching the tree trunk circle is important in hot, dry summers.

Warming the crowns of seedlings

Growing Napoleon cherries in the northern regions is associated with the risk of freezing and death of the tree.The crown of a young tree is protected from the cold with burlap stuffed with hay, attached to the trunk.

Treatment in spring

Before the buds open, the cherries are sprayed with a fungicide. The soil near the tree trunk is dug up.

Tree trunk care

During the entire growing season, it is necessary to weed out weeds within the radius of the cherry tree crown and loosen the soil. Autumn and spring digging is necessary to destroy wintering pests and apply fertilizers.

Harvest and storage

The cherries are removed along with the stalk. Store in a shallow, spacious container in a cool place. The berries retain their presentation and taste for 2 weeks.