Zhukovskaya cherries have many advantages over other varieties, as many gardeners have already become convinced of, both beginners and experienced ones. The variety obtained by crossing sweet cherries and cherries is distinguished by high fruiting and endurance. There are still many characteristics that are better to know in advance; it would also be useful to first familiarize yourself with the requirements of agricultural technology.
History of appearance
The appearance of the variety is due to the Michurin laboratory, in which the cherry was bred, named after one of the breeders, Zhukov. The Michurin breeding material was taken as the basis.The characteristics of the resulting variety surprised even the creators; they significantly exceed the advantages of the mother plant. The variety is more than fifty years old, but Zhukovka does not lose popularity, remaining an adornment of many gardens.
Description of the variety
Zhukovskaya cherry trees are medium-sized, rarely exceeding 3 m in height. The crown is spreading, with a large number of side shoots. The first harvest can be collected already in the 3-4th year of life. Peak fruiting occurs 10 years after planting.
A description of the variety would be incomplete without mentioning the tree’s hardiness. Zhukovskaya tolerates frost and summer drought well and does not require special care.
The beetle is distinguished by its berries, which under favorable conditions grow up to 7 g. It is easy to collect up to 30 kg of juicy fruits from one plant. The peculiarity of the berries is their sweet taste with a slight sourness.
Features of cultivation
There are no difficulties in growing the plant; cherries are undemanding and can do without frequent watering and fertilizing. The main thing is to choose the right place, taking into account all the recommendations of agricultural technology, and fulfill the requirements that allow the plant to get used to the new place.
Selecting a location
The beetle will be most comfortable in a sunny area with no drafts. If there is nearby groundwater, you will have to take care of drainage or choose a drier place. Light partial shade is not an obstacle to the development of the tree, but it can affect the fruiting of the plant.
Landing
It is better to plant Zhukovskaya in the spring, trying to do it before the buds open. Preference is given to annual seedlings, but biennials (no more than a meter high) take root just as well.
To plant plants, prepare a mixture of garden soil and garden soil, to which add:
- phosphates (25-35 g);
- humus (up to 6 kg);
- potassium chloride (25 g).
If the area is replete with clay soils, add sand to the composition. It is not recommended to add nitrogen components; they are used only for fertilizing 2-3 years after planting.
After planting the Beetles, apply mulch, which will protect the roots from drying out, freezing, and prevent the growth of weeds. Be sure to pour plenty of warm water.
Care
In terms of care, Zhukovskaya is no different from other varieties of cherries, so even beginners can cope with the processes. Required:
- regularly add nutrients;
- irrigate;
- loosen the soil;
- pest control;
- carry out pruning.
Be sure to remove weeds, especially during the first time after planting. It is not necessary to stir up the soil; it is recommended to simply mow down the weeds.
Top dressing
The introduction of nutritional components should begin no earlier than three years after planting Zhukovskaya. In spring, a solution of nitrate is used (up to 30 g of the drug per plant). It is recommended to prepare liquid solutions; using fertilizer in its pure form will cause a burn.
In summer, give preference to potassium and phosphorus compounds. Prepare solutions strictly according to instructions. It is recommended to carry out foliar irrigation of trees.
In autumn, use potassium solutions. It is not necessary to purchase store-bought preparations; it is recommended to add ash (up to 100 g per plant).
Watering
In dry summers, the soil will have to be moistened regularly - at least once a week. Preliminarily loosen the soil surface.Deep loosening is not recommended, as it is easy to injure the roots.
For one adult cherry, 2-3 buckets of water are enough. Use only warm liquid; adding cold water will provoke diseases.
Disease Prevention
Despite its endurance, Zhukovka can suffer from diseases and pests. Preventive measures will help prevent damage - timely treatment of trees.
It is recommended to use urea solutions and the drug “Insegar” against pests. Irrigate until fruits appear.
Compositions based on copper sulfate and Bordeaux mixture will help protect against diseases. The last treatment is 3 weeks before harvest.
Zhukovskaya cherry is a worthy variety that will decorate any garden. You don’t have to put in maximum effort in growing a tree; the plant feels great even without the owner’s attention. Despite this, it is better not to leave Zhukovka without care; watering and fertilizing will allow you to achieve maximum fruiting.
