Cherry Duke

Cherry Duke is a fruit crop, which appeared due to the cross-pollination of cherries and cherries. Therefore, it is sometimes called a sweet cherry. This hybrid is quite thermophilic, although it grows and develops successfully in areas with an unfavorable climate.

Description, features and characteristics of Duke cherry

Although this variety originated from two cultures, it is very different from them:

- There is a significant difference from cherry and sweet cherry in this hybrid - it is that it is self-fertile. This variety requires a pollinator, therefore, other types of cherries or cherries are planted next to this tree, only then the Duke variety will be successful fruit.

- This variety itself is incapable of serving as a pollinator.

- In central Russia and the Central Black Earth Region, cherry varieties Molodezhnaya, Lyubskaya or Bulatnikovskaya are most often used as pollinators.

- But in spite of everything, the best pollinator for this hybrid is the cherry. We advise using cherries Priusadebnaya, Annushka or Donchanka as pollinators. The best variety for pollination is cherry Iput.

- When you purchase seedlings of this variety, take a pollinator with it. After all, a good pollinator can pollinate more than one third of the flowers, which will be enough to get a large and luxurious harvest in the future.

- This variety, in comparison with cherries, is distinguished by its high resistance to frost, although it still does not reach the cherry in terms of hardiness. That is why in the north of our country this hybrid is grown as a bush that takes cover for the winter in order to escape from rather low temperature conditions.

- This hybrid does not need feeding throughout its entire life cycle. Since with a large amount of nutrients, the tree begins to actively develop and the hybrid spends enormous energy on growth, simply not having time to get stronger properly and prepare for the winter period. As a result, this can lead to a complete lack of fruit, or even death.

The plant of this variety is rather small in size with a compact crown. The branches are arranged symmetrically to each other and are covered with foliage, which is distinguished by its elongated shape and glossy shine. The inflorescences of this cherry are white, and the ripe fruits are red-cherry in color. Since this variety is a hybrid of two crops, it contains the characteristics of both plants. The fruits of the hybrid in their appearance and taste characteristics are more like cherries, in contrast to their size and the level of sugar content - they are not similar to cherries. The foliage of this species is large (like a cherry), but the density, shine and color are similar to those of a cherry.

Consider the characteristics of this cherry variety:

- the tree begins to bear fruit in the third year after planting,

- one tree can bring an average harvest of 12-15 kilograms,

- berries weigh an average of 9 grams each,

- the berries taste rather sweet, with a slight sourness.

Varieties of the Duke variety

The very first subspecies of this hybrid appeared thanks to the efforts of Michurin and was called the Krasa Severa. The main difference between this subspecies is high frost resistance. It has rather large berries, each of which reaches a weight of up to 10 grams. The fruits are covered with a light scarlet skin and a yellowish-creamy flesh. After that, other breeders decided to try to breed other subspecies of this hybrid.As a result, in our time there is a huge number of hybrids of this plant, which differ from each other not only in the size and shape of the fruit, but also in the ripening period, and even in cold resistance. Although their yield is approximately at the same level - about 12-15 kilograms from each plant, depending on the climatic conditions of growing. Let's look at descriptions of some of the most common subspecies:

- Excellent Venyaminova. Refers to mid-late varieties. The mass of ripe fruits is from 6 to 8 grams each. Has a dessert taste with a sweet and sour aftertaste. Its flower buds are not sufficiently cold-resistant.

- Spectacular. It has an average ripening period. Fruit weight ranges from 5 to 8 grams. Each fruit has a sweet, sour, cherry flavor. The subspecies is endowed with excellent transportability over long distances.

- Night. Mid-season variety. It has excellent tolerance to drought and many diseases, including coccomycosis. The berries grow up to 9-10 grams in weight and have a sugar taste with a slight sour taste.

- Nurse. Mid-season subspecies. It perfectly tolerates winter frosts. It has an excellent sugar taste with a slight sourness. Fruits grow up to 8 grams in weight.

- Spartan woman. Refers to mid-season subspecies. Has fruits weighing 6 grams each. The berries taste rather sweet, with a slight sourness. Produces a fairly good yield on average and has a high frost tolerance.

- Wonder cherry. This subspecies has an early ripening period. The berries are endowed with a sweet and sour aftertaste and each weighs about 10 grams. It is considered the most popular and widespread subspecies among gardeners and gardeners. Its external data is most like a sweet cherry. Quite sensitive to frost and prefers warmth.

- Thessana. It is a mid-season subspecies. The fruits grow quite large, the weight of one is about 10 grams. They have an excellent sweet taste with sourness. The main advantage of this subspecies is the taste and appearance of the fruit. Very ornamental plant.

Advantages and disadvantages

Each culture, both sweet and cherry, thanks to which this hybrid appeared, is good in its characteristics. Their hybrid advantages is also quite enough. Here they are:

- The variety is quite resistant to infection with various diseases. Calmly and steadfastly refers to the most common diseases of cherries - these are coccomycosis and moniliosis. There are subspecies of this variety that are not attacked by the cherry fly at all.

- Very good taste. The ripe fruits of this variety have an excellent taste, because it combines the sugar content of sweet cherries and an exquisite cherry taste.

- The variety grows large fruits. One such ripe fruit can grow up to 20 grams.

- High resistance to frost. The hybrid can easily endure temperatures down to -27 degrees.

- Quite an unpretentious hybrid to care for. Does not require additional fertilizing, and with increasing age requires less watering.

This hybrid has its own limitations... Consider them:

- Although the species is frost-resistant, the buds do not withstand frosts so firmly and can freeze slightly.

- Requires constant pruning, otherwise it can grow very large.

- Poorly tolerates portability.

Planting and growing varieties of cherries Duke

After breeders began to breed various subspecies of this cherry variety, endowing them with frost resistance, they began to be grown in all corners of our country. Before you start growing this crop in your garden, find out about its characteristics and about the climatic conditions to which this or that variety is best suited. The appearance of the variety will completely depend on the growing region - it can be a tree or a bush.

The very first subspecies of Duke cherry could not grow and develop normally even in central Russia, after which all new varieties were bred, distinguished by their hardiness to cold and frost. Now they are grown even in the northern regions of Russia.

The most important rule for planting seedlings of this hybrid is to leave the correct distance between each other and pre-prepared holes for planting. All other planting rules and requirements are generally similar to planting other crops.

To plant this cherry variety, you need to choose the right place in advance where the seedling will feel comfortable. The main conditions when choosing a site for a hybrid are as follows:

- Nutritious soil. Swampy land is completely unsuitable.

- It is better to choose a place on a small hill. If there is groundwater nearby, then their occurrence should be below two meters.

- Adequate lighting all day. If partial shade can still be tolerated, then there should definitely be no shadow.

- The distance between this variety and other crops must be at least 5 meters.

- The plant must be completely protected from through and gusty winds.

- Pollinators should be placed next to this tree, other varieties of cherries or sweet cherries serve as them.

When planting, it is important to know that these trees do not grow in the lowlands, since in the summer there is very high humidity, and in the winter cold masses are concentrated there. The most ideal site for this type of cherry is a place with diffused light and sandy loam soil. If you have a high acidity of the soil, then it can be reduced with crushed chalk. It takes about 1.5 kilograms per square meter. If clayey heavy soils are present, then they are changed during the planting period to fertile ones, mixed with fine sand, in a one-to-one ratio. This tree does not like very nutritious soil, so do not over-supply with fertilizers.

In principle, the preparation of seedlings of this tree for planting is no different from the preparation of other fruit bushes and trees. Previously, about one day before planting, the seedlings are soaked in water, and then all bad and diseased roots are cut off. When buying seedlings in a store, you should definitely pay attention to the variety, planting time and age, pollinators. The best and quickest adaptations to a new place are seedlings aged from 2 to 3 years. Here are some tips for choosing a seedling:

- There must be a tag on which the age of the seedling, its variety, pollinator varieties for it, and other agronomic features are indicated.

- The trunk of the seedling should be straight.

- Plant roots, necessarily developed and without visible signs of infection. If the places of the cuts at the roots are white, then the seedling is healthy.

- Shoots of uniform color and without any damage.

- If the seedling is properly prepared for planting, then its trunk height should be about 60-70 centimeters, and the branches are one third shorter.

- The selected variety must be suitable in its characteristics to the climatic conditions in which it will be grown.

The most important advice is to buy seedlings in specialized, professional stores and nurseries, proven farms.

The best time to plant a seedling of this hybrid is the beginning of spring, when the ground is already sufficiently warmed up to the required temperature. If you do a landing in the fall, then the likelihood that they will die increases, and not having time to take root. Autumn planting is possible only in warm regions.

Consider the most important aspects when planting Duke cherries:

- About a month before planting a seedling, a hole is prepared for it.

- If several seedlings are planted at once, then the distance between their holes is about 5 meters, this will be enough so that the grown trees do not interfere with each other in the future.

- The size of the hole is made so that all the roots of the plant fit freely in it.

- A drainage layer must be laid at the bottom of the hole to protect the roots from stagnant water. Drainage is usually made from broken bricks or small stones.

- A mixture of fertile soil and manure is poured onto the drainage layer.

- Wood ash (about 3 cups), superphosphate (about 350 grams) and potassium sulfate (on average 300 grams) are mixed with the earth, which turned out when digging a hole.

- If there is an infertile soil at the planting site, then a bucket of humus or compost is introduced into the seedling hole.

- The seedling is placed in the holes, while straightening all its roots. Then they cover it with earth so that the root collar of the seedling and the soil surface are approximately at the same level. Do not plant the seedling too deep so that the roots do not develop rot, otherwise the plant may die.

- After planting, you need to water the seedling at the root. The amount of watering should be about 2 buckets.

Care features

In general, this hybrid variety is quite unpretentious and does not cause any special difficulties and costs in its care. Even with minimal care of this plant, a large and wonderful harvest can be reaped. Plus to all this, the Duke cherry does not require additional fertilizing, due to which, caring for it is even more easier.

A newly planted seedling should be watered every week, and abundantly and with settled water at a moderate temperature. The older the plant, the less frequent the irrigation procedures, but still they remain mandatory, despite the age. An already grown plant will require about 30-40 liters of water on ordinary days, and in drought, the volume of water should be increased. But you should know that this Duke prefers not frequent and low-watering, since a strong waterlogging of the soil can lead to rotting of the root system, and the bark of the tree can also crack. Regular watering is required only for trees up to five years of age, and after that, the frequency of watering is reduced, but at the same time they are guided by the weather conditions.

For this cherry variety, there will be enough two loosening, in one season, otherwise the roots of the plant will feel rather uncomfortable. But it is necessary to loosen so that oxygen flows to the roots of the plant, and weeds are also removed for this. Loosen the soil near the trunk of the plant only after the watering procedure. The area around the tree should be mulched so that the root system of the tree does not overheat and the water from the soil cannot evaporate too quickly. It is recommended to mulch with hay. And in no case should you put mulch on dry soil.

Probably one of the most important advantages of the Duke variety is the absence of the requirement for mandatory feeding. Fertilizer needs to be applied only when planting a seedling. You don't need to make more fertilizing, these trees grow and develop even better in their absence.

Duke cherries should be pruned immediately after planting. The top of the tree is trimmed, and in such a way that from the surface of the earth to the cut point is about 60 centimeters. After trimming the top of the cherry, you need to trim the side branches. If the seedling is two years old, then the skeletal branches are pruned by one third. Until there is a harvest, the young tree is actively gaining growth. But as soon as the first fruits begin to form, the growth rate decreases significantly. The crown of the tree should be thinned out in time, otherwise, due to thickening, there will be a low yield. When pruning branches, you need to look at the angle at which the branches move away from the main trunk, since if it is sharp, then the cut end is smaller. Older trees need rejuvenating pruning, preferably every five years. This is done this way: sprouts are removed from the entire crown to the level of four-year-old trees.

Diseases and pests of Duke cherry

Consider the most serious and well-known diseases that can threaten this variety:

— Powdery mildew... This disease looks like the appearance of a light bloom on the foliage, after which they are deformed and change shade, and then fall off. To avoid this, preventive measures are carried out related to spraying Fitosporin-M, or spraying with an iodized solution (10 milliliters of iodine is poured into 10 liters of water), and the procedure must be repeated after about three days.

- Fruit rot... It manifests itself on fruits: "rotten" spots appear. The disease develops rapidly with superficial damage to the fruit, for example, after an attack by pests, or after hail. They get rid of this ailment by spraying with fungicides, and this is done up to 4 times over 10 days. A folk remedy such as baking soda, garlic infusion, or wood ash can also help.

In addition to fungal diseases, this cherry variety has other equally dangerous enemies, such as:

- Cherry fly... Its larvae actively develop in fruits, eating them at the same time. To combat it, the tree is treated with chemicals, such as Fufanon, or folk remedies are used. For example, the use of sticky traps, spraying with fragrant infusions, which successfully scare away these harmful insects.

- Leaf Roller... Its appearance is characterized by twisted and gnawed leaves. They fight it by treating wood with preparations from the group of insecticides or special chemicals.

Collection and storage

The last bred subspecies of this variety are quite resistant to frost and cold, so mulching around the trunk for the winter period is enough for them, and more insulation is not needed. For mulching, fallen leaves or hay are often used. Well, subspecies with reduced resistance to winter cold should be insulated, especially those that are grown in harsh climatic conditions. All this applies to already mature trees, as for plants of five years old and below, they should be insulated in any case, despite the climatic conditions of growing.

Warming of these subspecies is carried out as follows:

- The trunk is covered with snow.

- The crown of the tree is covered with a rather dense and thick film.

Often, experienced gardeners and gardeners wrap a tree trunk with sacking for the winter, or cover it with spruce branches. This method of shelter not only perfectly insulates the plant in winter, but also serves as protection not only from small rodents, but also from hares, which are dangerous enemies of young animals, and the coniferous aroma will scare them away.

Depending on the weather conditions of the region of growth, as well as the timing of ripening of each variety and subspecies, they are harvested at different times, usually in June-July. In harsher climates, the harvest will be later. Ripe berries are harvested together with the stalk, as this will significantly extend the storage period and the ability to transport the fruit. Although, in general, the transportability of this variety is at a very low level, as is the storage capacity. Ripe fruits of this variety are generally best sent for processing immediately. But if it is not possible to do this right away, then you can put the berries in the refrigerator, thereby slightly extending their life. You should not wash the berries before putting them in the refrigerator, and the containers are also not covered. You can store the fruits in this form for about two weeks. Although there are still ways to store these fruits - this is a freezing and drying method. From ripe fruits of this type, jam, marshmallow and even liqueur are excellently obtained. Indeed, in addition to excellent taste, the berries of this variety also have important useful properties, such as:

- They have a very good effect on the digestive tract.

- They are an obstacle to the growth of malignant neoplasms.

- Endowed with antibacterial effect.

Reviews

Before planting a particular variety of fruit trees, one should not only study its characteristics, but also read reviews about it.Duke cherry has a lot of reviews on the Internet, here are some of them:

- I have been growing a subspecies of Miracle cherry in my garden for 8 years. With the smallest preventive measures taken, the tree still does not get sick with anything, which is very pleasing. It bears fruit very early. The harvest from my tree comes out to about 14 kilograms. In general, I like everything, confuses only the obligatory presence of a pollinator and the tree requires the formation of a crown. Ripe berries are very tasty, sweeter than cherries, even more similar in taste to sweet cherries.

Nikolay, Kursk

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- I decided to plant the Excellent Venyaminova variety. Although, it was probably worth choosing the most frost-resistant variety. Two years after planting, the first fruits appeared, and very tasty. In the future, the harvests were higher and higher than the previous ones. The tree covered it for the winter, but, apparently, our winters are too harsh, since the tree still froze in the ninth year, and could not restore it.

Lyudmila, Murom

Conclusion

The Duke cherry variety is an excellent specimen if you want to experiment and diversify your garden with something. Thanks to the newly developed varieties with a more frost-tolerant character, these subspecies are excellently grown in regions with more severe weather conditions. This rather hardy and unpretentious variety with a high and tasty harvest will certainly delight you. Therefore, have a good harvest.