Characteristics and description of the Vasilisa cherry variety, planting and care

Cherry is one of the favorite and popular fruit crops. When the trees are covered with fragrant white flowers, this symbolizes the onset of a real, warm spring. It will generously reward its owners with delicious fruits; the main thing is not to make a mistake when choosing a variety. Due to its combination of qualities, the Vasilisa cherry has gained popularity among summer residents and gardeners.

History of origin and region of growth

The Vasilisa cherry was bred in the early 2000s by Ukrainian breeders, led by the honored agronomist L.I. Taranenko. It was obtained from the crossbreeding of the Donetskaya Krasavitsa and Donetsk Ugolek varieties. The work was carried out at the Artemovsk experimental breeding station. Cherry was created as a home garden crop, but over time it began to be used in industrial plantings.

The variety is zoned in the eastern regions of Ukraine, where in winter the temperature drops to -25 C, -30 C degrees, and in summer it rises to +40 C degrees. In a more severe climate, cherries will have problems with wintering, and flowering trees may be exposed to severe frosts or spring hail.

Pros and cons: is it worth planting on the site?

Vasilisa cherry compares favorably with most similar varieties due to its combination of positive characteristics. But, of course, the variety also has disadvantages:

Positive sides:

• high content of vitamins and microelements in cherry fruits;
• large, aligned and beautiful fruits;
• The variety's berries are dense and elastic. They have high shelf life and transportability;
• versatility of fruit use, including suitability for commercial sale;
• ability to withstand drought, relatively high frost resistance;
• the variety has high yields;
• adaptation of cherries to various growing conditions and unfavorable factors.

Weak sides:

• If it rains regularly during fruiting, a large percentage of cherry fruits crack. The berries are only suitable for processing, preferably at the collection site;
• In some cases, the berries do not gain enough sugar; canned products turn out tastier than fresh fruits.

Description of culture

When choosing cherries, in particular the Vasilisa variety, you need to take into account its “adult” size, and also know which pollinating varieties will be needed.

Mature tree height and crown size

The variety has high growth energy, reaching a height of 4-5 meters in adulthood. It is advisable to carry out timely control of cherry growth. The tree branches well and forms a thick, spherical crown. The branches are powerful, thick, slightly arched, brownish in color. The shoots are well leafy, the leaves are oval, ovoid, dark green in color, with a rich glossy sheen.

Pollinators, flowering and fruiting

The variety blooms in mid-April-early May. Pollinating plants are required for fruit set. These are other varieties of cherries whose flowering periods coincide with Vasilisa. It is desirable to have 2-3 trees on the site. The following varieties can be pollinators:

• Annushka;
• Valery Chkalov;
• Drogana yellow;
• Starking;
• Burlat;
• Melitopol early.

Vasilisa begins to bear fruit at the age of 3, and reaches full strength at the age of 4-5. A mid-season variety, the fruits begin to ripen in the first half of June. In cold spring and cool summer weather, fruiting dates shift towards July.

The variety is characterized by high and stable yields.Depending on the age of the plant, growing region, soil and agricultural technology used, the yield ranges from 25 to 50 kilograms. The variety does not lose its productivity for 15-20 years.

Vasilisa differs primarily in the size of its berries. Not only in the domestic, but also in the global assortment of cherry varieties, it is one of the largest-fruited. The berries are large and very large, elastic, fleshy, weighing 11-14 grams. The fruits are of excellent presentation, smooth, beautiful, round in shape. The skin is thin, but strong and elastic. The berries are intense red, scarlet in color and darken slightly when overripe.

The pulp is firm but juicy, with a rich cherry aroma, slightly crunchy when eaten. The seeds are small and easily separated from the pulp. The fruits have a dessert taste, sweet but not cloying, with light wine notes. Tasting expert assessment – ​​4.0-4.5 points out of 5.0 possible.

Application and transportability of fruits

Thanks to the strong, elastic skin and dense pulp, Vasilis cherries have high shelf life and transportability. Suitable for long distance transportation. Cooling and transportation in small boxes significantly increases this figure.

Vasilisa berries are universally used. Cherries are enjoyed fresh; they are used to make various compotes, syrups, jams, roll them up and even freeze them for the winter. And, of course, the berries are suitable for commercial sale in fresh produce markets.

Variety resistance characteristics

To save effort, money and time, the gardener must take into account the resistance of the selected variety to negative weather factors, as well as diseases and pests of cherries.

Resistance to negative temperatures and drought

The variety has relatively good frost resistance. Moreover, both the shoots themselves and the buds are resistant to low (down to -30 C degrees) temperatures. The variety is not intended for cultivation in northern regions. Vasilisa has good heat and drought resistance, but to obtain rich harvests, regular watering is simply necessary.

Susceptibility to diseases and parasites

The Vasilisa variety is not painful, but without preventive spraying it can become infected with moniliosis, coccomycosis and fruit rot. The cherry tree is also affected by such a pest as the cherry fly; the roots are gnawed by the larvae of the May beetle - the cherry flies. Many birds, especially rooks, love to eat its fruits.

Cherry planting algorithm

For a high percentage of seedling survival rate, vigorous growth, high yields and fruit quality, it is necessary to select a place in advance and prepare a planting hole. And, of course, choose a strong, healthy seedling with a powerful root system.

Recommended timing and planting scheme

The distance to the nearest trees when planting should be at least 4 meters. You can plant a plant with an open root both in spring and autumn. The timing varies depending on the region; it is important to consider how early hot weather arrives or, conversely, cold weather arrives. Usually planted in the fall in September/October, and in the spring in March-April, before the buds open.

Selection and preparation of seedlings

Not only the survival rate of the plant, but also future productivity depends on the correct choice of planting material. Well-developed, 1-2-year-old seedlings are selected for planting. It is important to carefully examine the tree and find the trace of the grafting. It will guarantee the quality of the seedling.

It is advisable to purchase planting material from reputable, trusted sellers.It is especially good if it is grown near the future planting site. The roots should not be rotten, frail, damaged, or with any growths. The preferred trunk diameter when choosing a seedling is from 2 centimeters. The tree should have a straight, smooth trunk and at least 3-4 well-branched branches.

Preparing the site and planting hole

Planting should be carried out in a well-lit place, previously cleared of weeds. Sweet cherries prefer moist, loamy soils. First of all, a planting hole is dug, preferably 2-3 times larger than the root of the tree. Usually its size is 80x60 centimeters. If groundwater comes close to the soil surface in spring, a drainage layer is poured onto the bottom of the hole.

Work technology

Before planting, a support peg is driven into the bottom of the hole, to which the trunk of the young tree is tied. A planting substrate is poured onto the bottom in a mound, a tree is placed on it, and the bent roots are straightened out. The pit is filled with nutritious soil mixture, lightly compacted and spilled with plenty of water. If the soil has subsided, then it is poured again and spilled with water. An excellent option would be post-planting mulching of the root zone.

Caring for Vasilisa culture

In order for the Vasilisa cherry to delight the gardener with large, tasty berries for many years, it is necessary to follow the correct agricultural practices.

Irrigation

Cherry variety Vasilisa is sensitive to insufficient watering. Regular, abundant irrigation is important during periods of active growth, when fruit sets, in hot, dry summer months and in the pre-winter period, before the onset of severe cold. Irrigation is carried out as the soil dries out. When watering, moisture should saturate the soil by 30-40 centimeters.It is advisable not to pour water under the root, but to evenly moisten the root zone.

How and what to feed cherries

When feeding cherries, phosphorus, potassium fertilizers and organic matter are applied once per season - in the autumn. Potassium chloride with a rate of 12 grams per 1 square meter and superphosphate with a rate of 30 grams per square meter are suitable. Nitrogen fertilizers, in particular ammonium nitrate, are applied in 2 doses - half in the fall, and the other half in early spring.

Loosening and care of the tree trunk circle

To provide air access to the cherry roots, as well as better moisture penetration, regular loosening of the soil, as well as weeding or plucking of weeds, is carried out. The frequency of shallow loosening is at least 3-4 times per season. Depending on the type of soil, the amount of loosening is increased. An excellent agricultural technique would be to mulch the tree trunk circle with non-woven material (agrofibre), and especially with organic matter.

Shaping and trimming

The variety has powerful growth force and branches well. Therefore, the gardener, if desired, must limit the growth of the tree by cutting the top at the desired height. When growing cherries, it is important to form a crown and carry out regular pruning of branches, which are shortened to half the length. This procedure is carried out in the spring, before the buds begin to bloom. But small, diseased, dried branches that thicken the crown are removed regularly.

Preventative treatments

To prevent diseases and pest damage, regular preventive treatments are carried out. Fungicides will help protect cherries from diseases - Copper sulfate or Bordeaux mixture (copper sulfate with lime), as well as Horus, Skor, Tilt.

To combat beetleworm, apply root spray with insecticides Aktara, Nurel D.And to combat the cherry fly, the soil around the trunk is loosened and sprayed with insecticides. Bi-58, Calypso, Fufanon are suitable. Installing stuffed animals, rattles, and protective nets helps keep birds away.

Preparing for winter

In order for the tree to successfully overwinter, it is necessary to perform a number of agrotechnical practices. They consist of abundant pre-winter watering, sanitary cleaning and pruning, loosening followed by mulching of the tree trunk circle, applying fertilizers and treating with chemicals.

How to propagate a tree

Cherries are propagated by grafting, as well as by rooting cuttings and layering. When propagated by cuttings, the yield of seedlings is high, but it will take at least 5 years to wait until a fruit-bearing tree grows from a small cutting. Cherry seedlings from layering develop somewhat faster.

The most effective way to quickly get good seedlings is the grafting method. Graft mature cherry cuttings onto strong, mature trees. This allows you to improve the taste of berries, frost resistance, disease resistance and yield.

Reviews from gardeners about the Vasilis cherry

“I’ve been “friends” with Vasilisa cherries for a long time. I like it because it doesn’t get sick often, it doesn’t freeze in winter, and at the time of fruiting the branches are strewn with delicious berries. We have to put up supports!”

Svetlana Zemtsova, Volgograd

“A tasty, productive variety of cherries. And most importantly, how large Vasilisa’s berries are. This is a sight for sore eyes! And they taste good, you can eat them fresh, cook compotes or roll them up.”

Inna Chernova, Belgorod