Description of the Chernokorka cherry variety, breeding history and frost resistance
Most often, cherry trees can be grown on personal plots, giving small, sour fruits that have little in common with the sweet, juicy, large berries sold in the season on the market. But if only we are not talking about Chernokork cherry. This fruit crop may surprise - the tree bears fruit of a decent size, with excellent taste. Naturally, the tree needs care, and it should be grown taking into account the characteristics of the variety, but all the efforts made are more than worthwhile.
Breeding history
Cherry Chernokorka is the result of the painstaking work of Ukrainian breeders, who managed to get an actively fruitful crop for the climate of Ukraine and southern Russian regions. In the 70s of the last century, Chernokorka gained great popularity, it was successfully planted in many regions of Ukraine, as well as in the Rostov region and Krasnodar Territory. And until now, among Ukrainian gardeners, it is the leading crop among fruit trees.
Description of the variety
Judging by the description, Chernokorka grows in the form of a compact low tree, with a spreading, well-leafy crown, no more than 3 meters high. These qualities make the crop very easy to care for, prune and harvest. Cherry shoots are of medium thickness, are highly flexible, which gives them a drooping appearance.
Gardeners should take into account that cherries are prone to the fungal disease coccomycosis. It is important to take care of preventive measures and inspect the planting regularly.
It has medium frost resistance, so it is more suitable for cultivation in southern regions. You can increase resistance by feeding the tree in the second half of summer.
Characteristics of blackcork cherries
The fruits of this variety are dark, richly burgundy, large for a cherry size - the weight reaches 5 g. The flesh is fleshy, juicy, with a sweet rich taste. The overripe berry becomes almost black. Sugar content is 9-11%, according to the tasting assessment, Chernokorka fruits are estimated at 4 points.
The berries are kept on a strong stalk, and even overripe they do not crumble. Inside there is a medium-sized bone that can be easily separated from the pulp.
Ripening and fruiting
The description confirms that this culture is mid-ripening, the first fruits ripen in the first third of June, and by the middle of summer a bountiful harvest can be fully harvested. The culture begins to bear fruit only in the 4th or 5th year after planting the seedling.It tolerates the dry summer period and winter frosts inherent in the southern regions of Ukraine well.
The Chernokorka variety is self-fertile, therefore it needs pollinating neighbors. They are planted near the tree. To do this, you can use Lyubskaya cherries, Donchanka cherries, Yaroslavna, Aelita. The variety is distinguished by an increased yield, if the tree is well looked after, then up to 50-60 kg of berries can be obtained per season.
Features of growing in the regions
Best of all, the Chernokork culture grows in the southern regions of Ukraine and Russia, it is not suitable for growing in the northern regions - the seedlings do not take root in a harsh environment. The warmer the climate, the earlier the tree begins to bear fruit.
It is worth considering some of the features of growing Chernokorka cherries in regions that do not meet all plant requirements:
- Polissya lowland - in these areas, planting crops can be successful, but it is recommended to choose suitable sites - on higher elevations or southern slopes.
- Central Black Earth Region - the climate of the territory is severe enough for thermophilic fruit trees. But cherry orchards are also found here, for planting Chernokorka it is recommended to take the lower part of the gentle slopes.
Fruit trees do not have high requirements for the quality of the land; they can grow on sandy and rocky soil. But best of all, the plants take root and give a bountiful harvest in areas of the black earth, on dark chestnut and chestnut soil.
If oaks, ash, hawthorn, hazel trees grow in the area, it means that such land is excellent for growing stone fruit crops, including cherry trees.
Chernokorka is a cherry tree that bears fruit abundantly with berries with good taste characteristics, therefore it is highly valued by Ukrainian and Russian gardeners. Naturally, it requires a certain amount of care - regular watering, fertilizing, thinning branches and preventive treatments. With good care, the cherry will not hurt and will provide the owner with plenty of delicious berries.