Description and characteristics of cherries Zvezdochka, difference from the Nord Star variety
Cherries of the Zvezdochka variety have gained popularity among gardeners due to their early ripening and increased resistance to fungal diseases. Beautiful and tasty fruits appeal to both children and adults. The tree is able to withstand both arid conditions and cold climates. In the springtime, flowering cherries decorate gardens, and in the summertime they provide an opportunity to replenish the supply of vitamins in the body and make delicious preparations for the winter.
Breeding history of the variety
Cherry Zvezdochka has become widespread throughout the territory of our country and even beyond its borders. Now gardeners find it difficult to find the correct answer, who was the author of this variety and when exactly it was bred, therefore it is customary to refer the plant to the samples of folk selection. The seedlings for this cherry were selected from the nursery named after I. V. Michurin. Experts are not able to reliably establish which variety became the mother variety for Zvezdochka.
Description of culture
Depending on the type of rootstock and agricultural conditions, the Zvezdochka tree grows from 2.5 to 6 meters in height. Its crown is pyramidal, its thickening is average. Requires systematic pruning and shaping, especially when grown in climatic conditions in the middle zone. The sun's rays and air currents must freely enter the depths of the crown. The leafiness of this cherry is medium, the leaves are large, there are notches along the edges.
The description of the variety suggests that Zvezdochka's flowers are grouped into large inflorescences with long and very strong petioles.
The berries are large, round in shape, the weight of one reaches 5.5 grams. At the stage of technical ripeness, the skin acquires a beautiful scarlet color. Cherries are juicy and tender, their taste is sweet with a light piquant sourness. The juice turns out to be pink.
The variety has an unusual yellow bone, which is easily separated from the aromatic and juicy pulp. The tasters rated the taste of Zvezdochka at 4.2 points. This cherry tolerates summer heat and drought well, as well as winter frosts. In the middle lane, it can winter without additional shelter. The asterisk is sometimes confused with another popular variety, Nord Star, but they are two completely different plants.
Advantages and disadvantages
Cherry of the Zvezdochka variety has huge advantages over competitors, which makes it very popular among gardeners. These include:
- partial self-fertility;
- early ripening;
- high productivity;
- excellent taste and marketability of fruits;
- universal use of the harvested crop;
- excellent frost resistance and drought resistance;
- undemanding care and unpretentious cultivation.
Of the shortcomings, practicing gardeners distinguish a tendency to defeat coccomycosis and moniliosis.
The popularity of Nord Star cherries
Cherries of the Nord Star variety have won the love of gardeners due to their self-fertility, very good frost resistance and the small size of an adult tree. Already in the second or third year after planting the seedling, you can enjoy the first harvest. The tree is almost not affected by diseases and pests, therefore, requires a minimum of attention and care. Nord Star repels some gardeners with too sour berry taste. It is believed that they are only suitable for blanks and preservation preparation. But there are lovers who use fresh cherries.
Distinctive characteristics of the variety
The Nord Star tree is more like a bush in shape. Its maximum height reaches 2.5 meters, the crown is not spreading, the thickening is average. In the first years after planting, the plant gives an intensive growth, and then suddenly stops growing. The leaves of this cherry are medium in size, narrow oval in shape.
The fruits of Nord Star at the stage of technical ripeness have a beautiful burgundy color. Cherries are large in size, the mass of one reaches 5 grams. The stone is easily separated, the pulp is tender and juicy, with a strong classic aroma. Due to the increased acidity, the tasters rated the taste of the berries at only 4 points. Cherry ripening dates are late, the yield is high. The tree can withstand temperatures down to -40 in winter C. In summer, it tolerates drought and heat.
Growing regions
Due to their good drought and frost resistance, these trees are excellent for cultivation in the central and north-western regions, as well as the Volga region. In the conditions of the middle zone, the variety winters without additional insulation.
