Breeders have set themselves the task of creating a new cherry variety, characterized by its compact size and high yield. After all, a small tree can be placed even in a modest area; it is easier to care for and collect fruits. The work of specialist Morozova was crowned with success - the Tamaris cherry variety appeared, which since the end of the last century has been at the top of the ratings of the sweetest varieties.
Description of the variety
Tamaris is a self-fertile fruit crop; the ovary of future berries occurs inside the unopened bud. Thanks to this feature, productive ovaries arise and fully develop without pollinating neighbors.
The tree begins to bear fruit in the 2-4th year after planting; 8-10 kg of fruit can be collected per season. The berries ripen late, so they manage to avoid frost.
The crop owes its positive characteristics in part to its parent variety, Shirpotreb Cherny. The description of the variety also highlights the fact that Tamaris cherries can be successfully used for landscaping areas.
Characteristics of the tree and fruits
The Tamaris cherry variety is compact; the height of an adult tree does not exceed 2.5 m; lower specimens are more common. The tree is considered low-growing, the crown is wide, rounded, but sparse.
The shoots are large, the leaves are medium-sized, narrow, oval, with jagged edges. At the base of the leaflets there are 1-2 small dark reddish glands.
Cherry blossoms late, with pink-white flowers with rounded petals. Large fruits weighing up to 5 g ripen from mid-July to early August.
The ripe berry is dark red, with a pronounced sweet taste and slight sourness.
Brown spots appear on overripe fruits. Don't worry - they don't rot, and such inclusions don't affect the taste of the cherries.
Planting and care
Even a novice gardener, not burdened with extensive experience, can plant Tamaris cherry seedlings and care for them.
Cherry planting
You just need to follow a certain algorithm:
- It is necessary to dig a hole measuring 50 by 50 cm and place a peg in it.
- You need to check that it includes the entire root of the seedling with straightened roots.
- Drainage is placed at the bottom, and then a nutrient mixture, which includes the following components:
- humus - 1 bucket;
- superphosphate - 40 g;
- potassium chloride - 25 g;
- wood ash - 1 kg.
- It is recommended to place the seedling in a hole on the north side of the peg. It is important to thoroughly straighten the rhizome and only then sprinkle it with soil.
- The earth is compacted, a circle around the trunk is made, and the plant is watered abundantly - at least 2 buckets per tree.
- The surrounding area is being mulched.
Caring for the Tamaris variety
A fruit tree of this variety does not require complex care; it is enough to carry out standard procedures:
- regular treatment of cherries and soil from pests;
- watering the tree;
- trimming crown branches;
- fertilizing - a potassium-phosphorus mixture and fertilizers containing nitrogen, mullein, and bird droppings are best suited for cherries.
It is recommended to protect crops under 7 years old from winter icing of the root system. To do this, you need to dig up the soil in the autumn at a distance of about half a meter from the trunk and form a protection from it. A layer of dry plant stems left after harvest or fallen leaves can also become a natural shelter.
Thanks to summer mulching of the soil, you can protect it from drying out and ensure full development of the plant.
Experienced gardeners advise sowing green fertilizers under the bush - mustard, phacelia, sainfoin.
Ash fertilizer is applied around the cherry tree twice a year - when the buds appear and after the first ovaries form.
Diseases and pests
Most often, irreparable damage to the plant is caused by rodents. For example, soft cherry wood with sap underneath is very popular with hares. And so that they cannot get to the bark, it is worth covering the trunks with layers of dense material or putting up a fence in the autumn.
Tamaris cherries are resistant to pathogenic fungi, but during a prolonged spring in areas with a cool climate, the tree can develop a dangerous fungal disease - moniliosis.
The culture of this variety has a tendency to certain diseases:
- cleasterosporiasis;
- anthracnose;
- damage by weevils or cherry aphids.
You can protect your fruit tree from disease using seasonal treatments with broad-spectrum fungicidal and insecticidal preparations.
Cherry Tamaris is a fruit tree that is perfect for growing in the country. It does not take up much space, is unpretentious and bears fruit with tasty, juicy berries.
