Cherry Mayak: description of the variety, instructions for growing

The article presents the Mayak cherry: a description of the variety, characteristics, a complete guide to care, cultivation, protection.

Cherry Lighthouse: variety description

Cherry Lighthouse

The northern regions still remain territories where the question of how to provide residents with fresh fruits and berries is acute. In addition, gardeners also have a question about how to create the most favorable conditions for growing cherry fruits on their own backyard plot. The breeders were also faced with the task of creating varieties that would be as resistant to frost and sudden changes in temperature as possible, and of course they started breeding hybrids. Of course, the berries may not turn out so large, but their taste characteristics remain very worthy and, accordingly, they are very much appreciated as a material for processing.

Even Ivan Michurin thought about how he could adapt cherries to the conditions of the north. Mostly in the south, this variety takes root with a bang, but if instability in the weather sets in, the trees freeze, weaken, and together with them, yield indicators deteriorate. All these data prompted Michurin to constant work and searches, as a result of which it was he who owned the authorship of the first duke - a hybrid obtained by crossing cherries and cherries. This hybrid was named Krasa Severa. Also, the scientists continued to work in the same direction, brought out several more varieties with attractive characteristics. The varieties turned out to be winter-hardy and, at the same time, it was impossible to say that the taste characteristics were ideal, which means that the researcher and his followers had something to work on in the future.

Today it is worth noting that there are many ducks that have been perfected by breeders. They can tolerate too low temperatures and return frosts (which usually occur in spring, when the weather has not yet had time to settle and gain a foothold on positive indicators). Each successful variety was a real event for breeders, and a true holiday for gardeners. One of the best varieties from this group is considered to be a large-fruited variety called Mayak. The variety was created in 1974, the originator is the Sverdlovsk breeding station. The authorship of the variety belongs to N.I. Gvozdyukova and S.V. Zhukov, who tried very hard to create such an original and truly unique variety. The starting material for breeding this variety was Michurin varieties, which are considered classics in horticulture and the breeding of fruit and berry varieties and varieties.

Cherry Lighthouse: description of the characteristic features and characteristics of the variety

Cherry Lighthouse

Cherry Lighthouse is a small tree that looks more like a shrub with several trunks. The height can vary from two to three meters, it all depends on the method of forming the shrub, as well as on how favorable the microclimate the given planting grows in.The crown is spreading and rounded, over time it can be even wider due to the fact that under the weight of the fruits, the twigs can droop a little. But here pruning comes to the aid of the gardener, which we will talk about in the next part of our article.

The buds are small, the leaves are oval, pointed closer to the tips, can be large if you compare these leaves in size with ordinary cherry varieties. shoots are very thick and strong, brown or brownish in color.

The bush is far from compact, its height is more than 2.5 meters, the crown is very neat and small, it has an oval shape, and with age it becomes a little drooping. But the gardener can trim and create the shape that suits him best.

The fruits of the variety are of medium size, but under favorable conditions they grow to large berries, which have a classic round shape and a weight of about 4.5 grams. The stone is small, if we consider it in relation to the volume of the fruit, it separates very well from the total pulp, and therefore this variety is very convenient for processing for gardeners. The stone is oval, large, but at the same time, gardeners sometimes say that in general, in relation to the weight of the fruit, the bones are not very large and abundant. The fruits are quite attractive, have a satisfactory taste, which is accompanied by an incredible aroma. The fruits contain a large number of useful components, which also have a beneficial effect on the human body and on its immunity and stress resistance.

How the Mayak cherry variety bears fruit

Cherry variety Mayak

Let's talk a little about the fruiting of the variety, since it is very important to take into account such circumstances, especially when the gardener starts pruning the planting. Fruiting of the variety usually begins on the shoots of the previous year, and fruits can also form on numerous bouquet branches. The most important thing is to constantly monitor the state of planting, not to allow unfavorable features, diseases to develop, and also so that cherries are in no way affected by pests. Young shoots that were formed in the current year bear only vegetative buds, but next year they will begin to bear fruit, so it is recommended to constantly monitor their growth, prune if necessary, so that the plantings feel more comfortable and safe. In addition, the overall appearance of the tree will depend on pruning, so you should be as careful as possible with all this. But we will talk about this a little later, when we move on to the part with agricultural technology and care for planting cherries.

Judging by the fact that gardeners leave a fairly large number of reviews about this variety, cherry differs in that the fruits are very large on it. But the originator initially indicated in his description that the fruits are miniature - one cherry weighs no more than four grams.

But even here it is worth saying that assessments of external characteristics are always quite subjective, and gardeners who have not yet grown cherries on the site before can assess the result and the harvest as plentiful, and the berries as incredibly large in size. Here it remains only to understand that in any case, the maximum result can be achieved, but at the same time it is necessary to invest your own time and energy so that in the future planting feels as comfortable as possible, and so that in a harmonious microclimate the tree does not fight for its existence, but calmly devoted all her strength to the formation of the harvest. It can be concluded that the size of the cherries, as well as their external characteristics and the abundance of the crop, are all determined by climatic and temperature conditions, as well as by the locality in which the planting grows, and whether it received enough care from the gardener.

Of course, initially it is worthwhile to carefully study the information about the varieties, about their features, so that in the future it will be easier for yourself to decide whether the gardener wants to plant this variety, whether he can devote his time to caring activities. But practice shows that even without this, sometimes plantings feel quite favorable, since sometimes it is enough just to create a normal microclimate for the plant, so that the cherries simply bear fruit in the future. Soil composition is also very important, and we will definitely talk about this a little later.

The opinions of gardeners may differ, since any assessments are built solely on the subjective opinion and understanding of the gardener. In addition, sometimes the opinion of an experienced gardener is completely different from the opinion of a gardener who has just started his activity, and this has its own subtleties. Most gardeners claim that Cherry Lighthouse produces incredibly rich and delicious fruits that really deserve attention. They have dessert characteristics and a universal purpose. But there are also those who claim that this is the most ordinary cherry, which may have its own characteristics, but certainly not in external or taste characteristics. In this case, disputes may arise, but we recommend that you try to grow this variety yourself on your site in order to make sure from our own experience whether this variety is so favorable and interesting, or if gardeners are still right, and such cherries are no different from most of the other varieties that are grown on the plots today. It is always worth checking out such moments from your own experience, so that later you can decide for yourself whether it is worth planting cherries on the site at all. Sometimes climatic conditions are unfavorable, the composition of the soil is not the most suitable, and in this case the harvest may not work, and even after planting the tree will not grow as actively as the gardener would like.

Cherry Lighthouse: fruit description

In terms of their shade, both the fruits and the juice that is obtained from them are distinguished by a rich red hue. This means that the Mayak cherry may belong to the group of so-called morerels or griots. Now let's explain what this means: all varieties of cherries, depending on the color of the juice, can be divided into several groups - these are morel (griots) or amorel. In moroles, the juice is colored in rich shades (like in the cherry variety we are considering), but in amorels the juice can be very light, just like their color. So, when choosing a particular variety, a gardener should also pay attention to similar characteristics that can play a significant role. You always want to have classic cherry plantings, but there are those gardeners who deviate from the classics and can grow exotic varieties. Moreover, do not worry - even very unusual varieties today can adapt to the reality of Russian household plots, and the harvest is no worse, many do not even see the differences. The flesh of cherries is very dense, but at the same time it is wonderful - fragrant and incredibly juicy. The stone is small in size, it separates from the pulp without any problems. Thanks to this, it is possible to process the resulting crop much faster and without difficulty for subsequent harvesting.

The tasting score is 4.7 points on a five-point system - gardeners speak of cherries as incredibly tasty and aromatic. It is also worth saying that the composition of the fruits is quite rich and very useful for the human body, for its health, metabolism and immunity - dry substances, sugar and acids, as well as vitamin C, which perfectly affects different systems of the human body, go to the fruits.The most important thing is that cherries are really delicious, they can be combined with other berries or fruits, especially if the gardener prepares salads or preparations.

Characteristics, specificity of the variety

If we talk about the characteristics of the cherry variety, then immediately it is worth saying that they reflect a large number of positive points that can really attract gardeners - both experienced and those who are just starting to do gardening, and are in search of the most favorable and interesting varieties for growing on your site. To begin with, the Mayak cherry is distinguished by the fact that it is incredibly winter-hardy, and therefore, even in climatically unstable conditions, planting will feel as comfortable as possible. In fact, it is the parent cultures that will largely determine how strong the resulting culture is. The tree can easily tolerate a drop in temperatures down to -30 degrees, but if suddenly return frosts are observed in the spring, then this does not affect the tree in the best way. The point is that return frosts can harm the buds, which may freeze slightly, may not have time to open, and this leads to not very healthy external characteristics of the tree and to the fact that, in general, the yield of the variety may decrease.

Drought tolerance and heat tolerance are rated as medium. But if the Mayak cherry grows in the middle zone of our country, then, in principle, this level will be enough, since the plantings initially feel much more adaptable and more comfortable, and the plants, in principle, are distinguished by sufficient resistance and capabilities to endure adverse conditions. If the tree grows in the southern regions and parts, then the gardener should organize regular watering, otherwise the planting will dry out and, as a result, this will lead to her death. So if the gardener lives in the South, then it is recommended for him to choose more hardy varieties, since the current one will not endure protracted droughts and dry soil in the best way.

One of the peculiarities of the variety is that it is a self-fertile cherry variety. This means that the cherry tree does not need additional pollination in order for a large amount of fruit to form on the cherry tree. Although some gardeners still plant several other varieties of cherries nearby, so that cross-pollination can be organized, and so that the harvest is not only plentiful, but also tastier. Insects always play the main role in cross-pollination - bees, bumblebees, which carry pollen from one tree to another, from flower to flower. But sometimes it happens that these insects are not present on the site, which means that cross-pollination becomes more difficult. But for this variety it does not matter at all, because self-fertility assumes that it will cope with flowering and ovaries completely on its own. The main thing is that the gardener provides support to the plantings, and then everything will certainly be fine. Moreover, self-fertility assumes that cherries will provide the gardener with fruits and a high yield in any year, even if suddenly the weather conditions are not the most favorable, planting will cope with its functions at the highest level.

So we can say that Mayak cherry is a unique find for both beginners and experienced gardeners who always strive to get a bountiful and tasty harvest. Also, the variety can forgive some mistakes in care and agricultural technology, and this really is of great importance for those who do not have such a rich experience in gardening and caring for plants. It is also worth saying that sometimes the gardener does not have a lot of space for planting, but even there cherries adapt and take root remarkably.True, only one cherry variety will have to be planted, but given its advantages, the gardener will be able to achieve a very bright and attractive result, so he will be quite pleased with this purchase.

Flowering, fruiting

Cherry blossoms occur in May, but it can shift to earlier or later dates - everything here will depend on the conditions and in what climate this planting grows. But usually the terms are shifted either to the first half of the month, or to the second, no other changes are envisaged. If flowering does not occur for a long time, then the gardener should think about why this is happening, what is wrong with the plant, why it reacts in this way to external conditions, and what needs to be changed in order for the Mayak cherry to give flowers. The abundance of flowering will further depend on the abundance of fruiting, therefore this factor is one of the initial and most significant.

If we talk not about the timing of flowering, but already about the timing of ripening of cherries, then experienced gardeners and the breeders themselves boldly attribute this variety to the mid-season group. If, however, those who call cherries are medium late. Here, again, a lot depends on the climatic conditions of the area in which this variety grows, as well as on whether the gardener himself was able to take care of the cherries so that the Mayak cherry would yield a crop ahead of schedule or on time. Hence the difference in assessments in that, sooner or later, fruiting begins. Sometimes it can be regulated - if you plant a tree in favorable conditions and regularly monitor it, implementing all the rules and subtleties of agricultural technology and care. Ripening usually occurs in the second half of July, and if cherries grow in very hot conditions, then the fruits can be harvested at the very beginning of July. In any case, many factors add up so that fruiting can be a little "floating".

By the way, I would like to say a few words directly about fruiting and about the yield of this cherry variety. Cherries can be called fast-growing, since you don't have to wait long for the harvest. Trees grow to a large size quickly enough, and fruiting occurs in the fourth or fifth year after the seedling was planted in the open field. At this time, the height of the tree already reaches three meters, further growth slows down, but it still exists, and every year the tree adds several centimeters. Under favorable conditions, it will be possible to collect up to ten kilograms of large and ripe berries from a five-year-old cherry tree. According to this indicator, this variety is ahead of many other cherry varieties, which are also very popular today, and the gardener is striving to improve them. They have something to compare with in such an abundance of landings, and they have what indicators to focus on. In this respect, the cherry really managed to get ahead of many of its fellows, and even parental cultures.

Productivity, application

The average yield of a cherry tree is approximately 45 quintals per hectare of land. On an industrial scale and in appropriate plantings, about one hundred centners per hectare of land can be harvested. Again, the plantings and their saturation depend on the purpose for which the gardener decided to grow this variety on the site. These can be small home gardens where from one to two trees will fit, or there can be industrial plantings, when cherries are grown not only for consumption and processing for their own purposes, but also for mass production and sale of fruits in markets, in supermarkets. Accordingly, the methods of care can also change from this, and the form in which planting is carried out and, of course, the amount of harvest from one site, from a hectare of land, changes. If we talk about average numbers, then the maximum yield of one adult tree varies from ten to twelve kilograms.The average lifespan of one tree can be up to fifteen years. If the cherry planting was carried out in the southern region, then the tree can live longer than twenty years and, accordingly, the fruiting period can also be noticeably stretched.

I would like to say about what is the area of ​​application of berries. In general, cherries are considered very versatile berries, they have a very pleasant, pronounced cherry flavor in the dessert category. They can be eaten fresh immediately after the gardener has removed the fruits from the tree, and you can also prepare drinks, juices and compotes from cherries. In addition, the fruits are wonderful in preparations for the winter, in addition they can be frozen. They do not lose their gustatory and external characteristics for a long time, they perfectly tolerate long-distance transportation, if, of course, the gardener creates all the most favorable conditions.

Stability, advantages, disadvantages

Initially, the Mayak cherry was bred as a planting that would have high immunity and resistance to stress, and would be able to withstand a disease such as coccomycosis - a fungus that develops very actively and, accordingly, which can lead not only to the loss of an abundant and tasty harvest, but also to death the whole landing. If the year is rainy, and there is a lot of heavy wet rainfall, then this can lead to the fact that the tree will nevertheless become infected with the fungus, but this can be avoided - it is enough to carry out preventive and recreational measures and treatments so that the trees feel much more comfortable and safe. ...

If we talk about other diseases and dangerous infections, as well as pests, then, in principle, it should be said that this variety has an average level of resistance to them, but still the gardener should not ignore preventive measures and treatments that will help protect the tree itself, future harvest. So it is necessary to be very attentive to such conditions, and the result will not be long in coming. In addition, experienced gardeners recommend organizing treatments and preventive measures in spring, when the plant is already waking up after winter and can best accept all drugs or other substances, interventions by gardeners that can somehow affect the plant and its condition.

The variety has its advantages, but there are also disadvantages. Among the advantages of this planting, one can single out the fact that the Mayak cherry is an absolutely self-fertile variety, which means that planting does not require additional pollinator varieties to demonstrate a high level of fruiting. The second advantage is that the berries are very tasty and large, they want a lot here will depend solely on subjective assessments and on the tastes of the gardeners themselves, so everyone should try to grow a planting on their own, and then decide whether the fruits are sufficiently large and tasty, and is this tree worth the effort and time that the gardener himself invests in them. It is also worth saying that the yield of the variety is at a high level, but this can only be achieved thanks to the care and attention from the gardener himself.

But this variety has no drawbacks as such - it also grows well in comfortable conditions for itself, is demanding in some activities and additional care, if you grow the planting in those conditions where there is no climate stability and there are sharp temperature changes. Although experienced gardeners say that, in general, plantings react absolutely calmly to such conditions - sometimes they need the gardener to carry out additional fertilizing and simply maintain the vital activity of the planting with the help of treatments.But otherwise, it is a wonderful plant that has rules for planting and subsequent care that are quite standard for cherry crops. We will take a closer look at the intricacies of caring for a plant and tell you what the agricultural technology of this beautiful tree is.

Cherry Lighthouse: Planting Guide

The cherry of the variety we are considering is very resistant when it comes to prolonged droughts or drops in temperature. Frost resistance by some gardeners is assessed as good, without shelter the tree can withstand up to -35 degrees of frost, while thin shoots and some buds may freeze a little, but the damage is minor. Cherry Lighthouse usually begins to bloom by the end of May, berries are harvested by the end of July or in August, but these dates can sometimes shift, because we are talking about planting, which is usually grown in different climatic regions and conditions. The variety is considered to be partially self-fertile, which means that most of the harvest is tied independently. But if the gardener wants to improve the fruiting rates, then it is recommended to plant several varieties nearby, which will become successful pollinators for planting. If the gardener wants to get a bountiful harvest, then it is best to plant cherries of such varieties as Generous or Vole nearby.

Fruiting occurs in the fourth year after the seedling was sent to the open ground, but sometimes it happens that these dates come a little earlier, or are shifted to a later time. The yield is estimated as average - from one tree you can collect from five to fifteen kilograms of fruit. Productivity largely depends on whether the gardener supported the requirements for planting and agricultural technology, and how much he withstood all the nuances of the subsequent care of the plant. In our country, cherry Mayak is considered one of the most important crops, after the apple tree. But over the years, the cherry planting area may decrease, and there are several reasons for this:

- gardeners are increasingly growing cherries on their own private plots, where there is not so much space for planting a large number of trees
- climatic shifts - hot summers, abnormally cold winters
- due to uncontrolled pollination, some varietal forms become wild
- fungal diseases, which lead to the fact that the plantings simply die at a very early age.

But still, experienced gardeners give some tips on what to do in order for the cherry tree not only to take root safely on the site, but also so that it can give abundant fruiting. before planting a seedling, the soil should be dug up, do it carefully and not once, but several times. You should also manually remove all weeds, any other plants or their debris, because cherries will feel very uncomfortable in an unpeeled area; while digging a personal plot for planting cherries, compost and manure, mineral fertilizers must be added to the soil. Both those and other additives have an excellent effect on the general state of planting, saturate the root system and stimulate the growth and development of the aboveground part of the cherry seedling. As a result - a comprehensively developed planting, which will have a very high level of immunity and absolute immunity to those pests, bacteria and diseases that can have a very negative effect on the general condition of both the plant itself and the future harvest.

If we talk about shrub crops, then such a culture as honeysuckle perfectly coexists with cherries. But raspberries and currants, gooseberries - these plants are best planted at a distance from cherries, since they have a lot of common pests, bacteria that can actively reproduce. Also, for the same reason, it is best not to plant cherries near nightshade crops, among which peppers and tomatoes, eggplants are prominent representatives.This will protect all plantings from a massive attack from pests and bacteria. In fact, this is also one of the preventive measures that can become incredibly useful and save the life of plants and plantings from unwanted harmful effects.

Cherries should be planted as far away from other, very large plants as possible. The thing is that large plantings can shade cherries, especially when it is a very small seedling, and therefore it is worthwhile to play it safe once again. The distance from cherries to apple or pear plantings, as well as to spruces and birches, oaks or poplars must be at least ten meters. Then the Mayak cherry will receive enough sunlight, and it will have enough space to grow and develop in accordance with all requirements. But if we talk about crops such as rowan or hawthorn, elderberry and grapes, then they will become ideal neighbors for cherries, they will be able to give it a little energy, and as pollinators they fulfill their role to the highest score.

Selection of seedlings, preparation for planting

Next, it is worth talking about how to select and prepare planting materials so that the seedlings are ready for normal growth and development. Seedlings should be chosen only in specialized garden centers, as well as in nurseries. In the same place, the gardener will receive all the most detailed information on what kind of variety it is, what type of rootstock is, and also what is the planting age, and whether the seedling is ready to be sent to open ground. The root system of the seedling must be sufficiently developed, very strong. A large number of thin roots should also form on it, which just absorb useful and nutritious components, which can also develop, absorb moisture into the root system. There should be absolutely no damage on the shoots, and in general the entire planting should be as strong as possible, the bark should be free of damage or unnecessary growths, which may signal that something is wrong with the planting, that the seedling could pick up some infection.

The rules for choosing planting materials (seedlings) of cherries can be listed in the form of the following aspects:
- the seedlings are distinguished by absolute health, fresh and attractive appearance. The bark should be strong, free from damage, fungal or other growths that can signal that something is wrong with the cherries. The root system is also examined - it must also be completely healthy and without damage.
- the best seedlings are considered annual plantings, the height of which varies from seventy to eighty centimeters. You can also use two-year-old seedlings, which are 110-120 centimeters high.
- the root system must be complete and well developed, at least 25 centimeters long
- if the seedling has a height of over 120 centimeters, then this indicates that it was overfed with nitrogen-containing components in the store or nursery. Because of this, plants can be large, but at the same time they will be completely non-resistant, which means that with the first frost, there is a high probability that the plant will not survive and die. If the seedlings are exactly like this, then it is recommended not to plan planting before the onset of winter frosts, as this can lead to the fact that the seedlings will die from freezing.
- own-rooted seedlings - they are considered the most winter-hardy. But if we talk about grafted seedlings, then it is recommended to plant them in the spring, since it is at this time that they will feel most comfortable. If all these conditions are taken into account, then it is possible to strengthen the planting, to take into account all the subtleties of agricultural technology.

It can certainly be difficult for a less experienced gardener to grasp all of this information all at once, but overall it is not a problem.Cherries can forgive some mistakes in planting, care or agricultural technology, if these mistakes are not constantly repeated. This is the only way you can learn something new, improve your knowledge of planting and caring for cherries and try to improve the condition of your personal plot.

About eight hours before the seedling is sent to the open ground, the root system should be dipped in a solution based on a growth stimulator. The root is the best option for this - this is ideal for the roots to awaken, so that the planting feels more comfortable, so that the roots begin to gradually saturate. At the same time, it is very important to take into account the planting algorithm, because the health and fertility of the plantings, their yield and, in general, how the plantings themselves will take root in the personal plot will depend on the timeliness and process.

If the gardener has decided to plant not one, but several cherry trees at once, then the distance between them should be about 3.5 meters, no less. Each planting needs free space, the Mayak cherry must have freedom to grow both in the roots and in the upper part. A pit for planting is prepared in advance, if it is a spring planting, the pit is dug in the fall. Much depends on the condition of the soil, on its composition. For example, if the soil is very heavy, it is clayey in composition, then it is necessary to create a drainage layer, which consists of sand or gravel. The drainage layer is installed at the very bottom of the planting pit, its height should be about ten centimeters. A peg is installed in the very center of the pit, to which the gardener will then tie the seedling. This is necessary so that a still very young and immature plant can develop calmly without succumbing to drafts or possible strong gusts of wind.

Around the established column, the root system of the plant is placed, which must be straightened. The roots are gradually covered with soil mixture, and the roots should be constantly shaken so that air pockets do not form around the root system. In planting cherries, not one, but two gardeners should take part - one will hold the seedling on top, and the second will install the root system. The grafting site and the root collar must necessarily be on the surface, since if they are deepened, this can lead to not very positive consequences. It is also worth mentioning that just after the hole is completely filled up, the gardener should water the seedling using one or two buckets of water. The water must be settled, at room temperature, since if you water with very cold water, this can lead to the fact that the root system of an immature plant will experience shock and will not take root normally, and even more so it grows or develops. After watering, the soil between the roots should be slightly compacted.

Cherry Lighthouse: landing dates, care after planting

In general, every gardener has the right to independently decide for himself at what time to plant a cherry seedling - in spring or in autumn. There are no unambiguous requirements, installations or answers to this question, but there are recommendations that should always be followed in order to get the most meaningful and best result from this process. Some say that cherry seedlings are recommended to be planted in the fall, and there are several pretty good reasons for this:
- spring planting involves risks that do not exist if the gardener decides to plant cherries in the fall. In the spring, the seedling can be attacked by recurrent frosts, and also due to sudden temperature changes, immunity can also sharply decrease.As a result, in the spring, when all the plants wake up and begin the process of active life, cherry seedlings, on the contrary, can experience severe stress and ailments, and sometimes young plantings may not take root at all and die.

- during autumn planting, the plant is minimally affected by unfavorable external factors, especially if we are talking about factors of a natural nature. If the Mayak cherry is planted in accordance with all the requirements of planting and agricultural technology, and if all comfortable and optimal temperature conditions have been created, then in the fall the plant has more chances to adapt and take root faster and more successfully even before the very first frosts come. As a result, there will be another advantage in the autumn planting that deserves attention.
- in the fall, any damage and wounds will heal quickly and efficiently. Saplings can be pruned, and this can be done not only after planting, but even in front of it. For all the time of rest in the spring, the wounds will heal much faster. Thus, the fit will feel safe and comfortable, and self-healing will be regulated much more efficiently.
- trees that were planted in autumn develop much faster than spring plantings. The root system has time to adapt and grow, and with the arrival of spring, the trees increase their vegetative mass. Accordingly, there is a high probability that fruiting at the planting will begin much earlier. But, again, such a result can be achieved only if the gardener observes all the rules and regulations for planting and subsequent care for cherries. We will talk about these points in more detail later.

In addition to the fact that the autumn planting has its undeniable advantages, there are risks that we simply cannot ignore. The root system can freeze slightly and the entire tree can be uncomfortable when very severe winter frosts set in. So with an autumn planting, you should have time to do this before the frosts come (about two to three weeks before their onset), and for the winter the cherry seedling will need additional shelter. But usually this should be done in the first year after planting, then the cherries adapt, strengthen and, accordingly, in favorable territorial conditions, the trees will not need additional shelter.

Secondly, it is worth noting that in winter the seedlings can become icy, due to heavy snowfalls and sharp gusts of wind, planting may experience inconvenience. For this reason, the risk of developing diseases is high, or the seedling itself will be weakened. Because of this, while the gardener spends time restoring the planting, it is possible to shift the fruiting period to a later date. There is a third risk, which is due to the fact that rodents are very fond of eating the bark of the plant. Because of this, the plantings also become weaker, and in general the Mayak cherry may not survive the piled stress. Trees also do not tolerate transplants from place to place, so the gardener should take care in advance to choose a favorable place for planting. We have already mentioned this.

After the planting has been finally completed, the gardener should carry out the finishing touch - to mulch the trunk circle. To do this, you can use organic fertilizers. Subsequently, the mulch layer must be maintained in the same condition and at the same level. You can also add mulch about once or twice a season, doing this very carefully. Mulch plays a very important role - it can slow down the evaporation of moisture from the soil, keep it warm, and also protect the plant from attacks from pests and bacteria. So it's worth taking some time to mulch to make it easier for yourself to care for the plant.It is also worth saying that if the mulch is laid out on the site, then it prevents the growth of weeds. Thanks to this, the site looks very clean, well-groomed and neat, which means that the hygiene of the site is at a height.

If the Mayak cherry grows in central Russia, then it is necessary to additionally organize watering and soil moistening during the first year after the plant was planted in open ground. It is especially worth focusing on climatic conditions, since if the weather is hot and dry, and precipitation is not expected in the coming days, then there is a high probability that the plant may not react in the best possible way to such a thing. Accordingly, it is worth planning watering in such a way so that not only organize them in accordance with the schedule, but also be able to water the plants additionally when they especially need it.

Top dressing, weeding, pruning

Top dressing is the most important part of agricultural technology and additional plant care. They begin to fertilize the plants only when the tree enters the fruiting period. Usually, fertilizing is prescribed twice for the entire season. The first time is during the flowering period, and the second time feeding is carried out when the fruits begin to form. Plants can be fed with the help of humus, as well as with the help of mineral fertilizers and mixtures. Top dressing can be alternated with each other so that the cherry trees receive comprehensive support and development. Of course, it is also extremely important to take into account that top dressing can be prescribed depending on the state of the plantings, on climatic and territorial conditions. You cannot overfeed the plantings, as this will lead to the fact that the tree with its entire appearance will demonstrate the inability to normal growth and development precisely because of this.

The cherry tree trunk circle should be weeded out regularly or the mulch layer should be renewed regularly. Then, as we said above, the site will look very well-groomed and pleasant, and in general the plantings will feel great. It is also very important to keep in mind, because the plants must be in a well-groomed form and in a clean area - this is a guarantee not only of a neat appearance, but also a guarantee of plant health. If you save time on mulching the site, then you will have to spend a lot of time weeding, which usually does not really inspire gardeners. Otherwise, if all stages of the algorithm are carried out in a timely manner, then it will be possible to save the plant, it will be possible to strengthen the planting, and it will also be possible to achieve the maximum indicators of growth, development and fruiting. In addition, cherries will develop their own immunity, thanks to which the plant will be able to resist pests, diseases and bacteria that are dangerous for planting, especially while they are still very small.

Pruning is an important undertaking. Cherry pruning can consist of sanitary pruning and formative pruning. Sanitary pruning means that the grower will remove any dead, damaged, or weak branches that will not do the tree any good, but can significantly weaken it. If we talk about formative pruning, then thanks to it, the gardener will be able to create the most bizarre crown shapes that will stand out for their external characteristics. It is most convenient to form a crown in the shape of a ball, all branches that thicken it are removed. Cherry Lighthouse looks incredibly attractive, it looks really pretty good. For the rest, if the gardener observes the rules of agricultural technology, then even without some experience, he will calmly cope with these tasks. In general, shaping is very important, and it is worth starting to start it even when the tree is very young. If from an early age the gardener makes out the crown, then the tree will remember the shapes and will be able to grow in accordance with the declared parameters.Agree, this is quite convenient, in the future it will also save enough time and effort for the gardener himself. If the gardener doubts his abilities, then he should get acquainted with the video materials, which tells in great detail about how to carry out pruning, what are its key subtleties and rules.

Cherry Lighthouse: protection

With the onset of later autumn, the tree trunk should be coated with garden paint. This will protect the cherry trunk not only from sunburn, but also from possible pests - primarily from rodents. If the gardener knows that they have divorced on the site or in nearby areas in very large numbers, then the stem of a still very young seedling should be wrapped in the first few winters. For shelter, such dense materials as plastic or roofing material are ideally suitable. Then no planting pests will be scary. If you plant cherries in the middle zone of Russia, then, in principle, you can not worry too much about additional shelter. Cherry is already in the most comfortable conditions for itself, and will experience absolutely any troubles or moments that are just related to shelter or preparation for winter. But sometimes gardeners are advised to reinsure themselves - to find either more suitable conditions, or to additionally protect the plants, because this is extremely necessary not only for the health of plantings, but also for abundant fruiting, for their very attractive appearance.

There are two problems that can be quite critical for cherries - fungal diseases and pests, and both problems require either a very prompt resolution, or that the gardener can take preventive measures to protect his plantings. If the plant has been affected by fungi, then it is necessary to use a biological group of drugs. Ideally, you can use a fairly effective blend that includes Trichodermin and Baxis. Throughout the summer, it is worth using this drug and this mixture for spraying the crown, trunk and near-trunk territory. Processing begins after the air temperature is established at around +12 to +15 degrees. In the fall, after the gardener has harvested the entire crop, it is also worth spraying the cherry tree. For this, a one percent solution of Bordeaux liquid is suitable. In this case, you should always focus on the general condition of the plantings and make sure that preventive treatments are not frequent. Also, the plant is regularly examined for a variety of diseases or pests.

Much depends on the feeding of the cherries. With the correct filling of the planting pit, where the seedling will be sent, the planting itself in the first two years of life will draw all the useful components from there. Accordingly, there will be no need to additionally feed the plant. Unless it will be enough to add a small amount of ammonium nitrate to the trunk circle. After fruiting begins, the plant will need organic matter, potassium and nitrogen, as well as phosphorus. Regular feeding in the correct proportions is what will keep the planting in perfect condition and, accordingly, the gardener will have no reason to worry about his plant at any stage of its growth and development. watering, pruning, timely harvesting - all this will affect the condition of the cherry, and if the gardener takes into account all the subtleties and external circumstances, the characteristics of the variety, then as a result he will receive magnificent plantings that will delight any lover of fruit and berry crops.

How to grow a healthy, sturdy tree

As we can see, in general, the well-being of the plantings depends on how the gardener himself takes care of the cherries.But the varietal characteristics, the features of a particular planting, the history of the variety are also very important - if the gardener knows everyone about this, then the likelihood of making some mistake in planting and leaving will decrease. Although, we have already noted earlier that cherries are plantings that can forgive some mistakes and shortcomings in agricultural technology, so you should always take these points into account in order to achieve success.

The variety has several significant advantages, as well as several disadvantages that you should pay attention to when choosing plantings and when selecting territories for them. So, among the advantages of the variety - a high level of productivity and stability of fruiting; very large harvest (the berries are very abundant, large and fleshy, have a very pleasant taste); wood can withstand lower temperatures, is resistant to freezing; the berries are perfectly attached to the stalk, which means that the risks of shedding are minimized. Also among the advantages of the variety are the compactness of planting, the versatility of both the tree and the yield, the high self-fertility of the variety (you can not plant pollinator varieties nearby and make it easier for yourself to grow one tree).

But the variety also has disadvantages - flower buds can freeze, which is why, in some conditions, the yield level decreases; the transportability of berries is not very high, although there are gardeners who say that in general they cope with the transportation of berries just fine, but only if the berries were harvested a little unripe; coccomycosis is a dangerous disease to which the variety has an average level of resistance; the seed is quite large, and sometimes it can complicate the process of processing the crop. Otherwise, it is a wonderful variety that has the same planting and care requirements as any other cherry varieties. It is possible to plant seedlings both in spring and autumn, it all depends solely on in what areas and in what territories this plant grows. If you prepare a plot and a place for planting in time, then the seedlings can not be tormented for a long time after the acquisition, and this is really very important, since it is best to immediately send them for planting and get excellent results of growth and fruiting.

The variety is also great for growing cherries in private gardens, and can also be used for wider commercial cultivation. The variety has a large number of advantages, that even the disadvantages rarely manifest themselves and play a significant role in making the gardener choose other varieties. The composition of the fruits includes a large number of useful components, so you should not ignore the planting, because it not only looks attractive, but also has a positive effect on the human body - both an adult and a very child.

In order for the cherries of this variety to develop correctly and safely, it is necessary to take into account all the nuances, and then even that gardener who does not yet have any experience in growing a cherry culture can achieve success. The place for planting should be well lit, on a hill, the soil should be fertile enough (for this, the gardener prepares the site in advance). It is recommended to plant several pollinating varieties nearby - although the plant is half self-fertile, it is still worth playing it safe so that the plantings give as much tasty and bountiful harvest as possible.

If all these conditions have been met, then the tree will feel very comfortable. Accordingly, planting will give all its strength not to survive, but to please the gardener with an annual and very tasty harvest. It is best to plant cherries in the spring, but sometimes autumn planting can also work - it all depends on the area of ​​planting and on what period the gardener has free time. We also talked about this in detail earlier.Care also consists of simple procedures and manipulations that even a gardener who has no experience in this activity at all is able to perform - watering, loosening the area, feeding, protecting against pests and diseases, as well as pruning, which must be done just in time. ... You can make a memo for yourself in which the gardener will make a schedule of watering, dressing and pruning. But it is not always possible to follow the schedule - you need to be flexible, focus on the general condition of the planting and the prevailing temperature and climatic conditions. Thus, even though the variety is one of the oldest and undoubtedly legendary, it can still compete for the leading position even with very young varieties.

The rules for care, therefore, are completely standard, as in the care of many other varieties of cherries: applying dressings during planting - ten kilograms of humus or compost, potassium chloride and superphosphate; watering regularly, about four buckets per bush, and then cutting back slightly - from one to two buckets per bush. It should not dry out, but at the same time the gardener should make sure that the area does not become waterlogged, otherwise the root system will begin to rot very actively; pruning in the early spring period, shortening shoots and shaping the planting in accordance with the fact that the plant not only feels comfortable, but also can self-repair and look attractive and interesting at the same time; protection against pests is not only targeted, but also for prevention.

It is easier to protect the planting in advance than to further deal with pests that can cause plant death or loss of most of the crop. In general, gardeners speak very positively about the variety - they rate both the cherry growing process and its fruiting by 4.5 points out of five. This rating is high, which suggests that the variety really deserves attention and love. Also, gardeners highlight the balanced taste of berries, their versatility, yield with minimal care, the ability to plant even in areas where the climate is not stable. - this is really very important, because it is quite important for gardeners in all areas to have high-quality plantings and a decent fruiting result.

Thus, it is necessary to choose the right place for planting, plant several seedlings at once, so that cross-pollination is carried out, and the harvest is more abundant and, of course, tasty. You should definitely pay attention to the process of selecting seedlings, since they should not just belong to fertile varieties, but the planting materials themselves should be viable and strong. The tree must be formed from a very early age, so that then it will remember in which form it should grow, and showed excellent growth and development indicators. In addition, the brightness of flowering will depend on health, and cherries are often valued for the fact that during this period they look really attractive and incredibly interesting. Pruning is carried out for several purposes:

- shaping the crown
- thinning the crown to prevent thickening. In a dense crown, a favorable environment for the development of pests and pathogenic bacteria can form
- sanitary pruning - to remove all damaged, weak or large shoots and branches.

Cherries can be very versatile. The fruits are used for quick freezing, so that in the future you can cook dumplings or pies with them; for making preserves, jams or sauces, for jam and jam; cherry sherbet, blanks; ice cream. Cherries can simply be eaten fresh immediately after the berries have been removed from the tree.The advantages of the variety include excellent taste characteristics, endurance in frost or in arid conditions, the ability to grow a tree even in Siberia - an area where there is no resistance in climatic indicators and conditions. The fruits are large, excellently suitable for using them for subsequent processing.

Cherry Mayak is considered today not just one of the most popular varieties - it is really in demand among gardeners, and breeders use it for crossing to get new unique cherry plantings. In Siberia, cherries are planted in early spring, before the buds begin to bloom. In one season, the planting will have time to take root and get stronger, and at the same time it will absolutely calmly survive the winter. If the gardener purchased the seedlings in the autumn, then it is worth digging them in until spring, but in the spring, in accordance with all planting rules, plant them in open ground. We have indicated the rest of the subtleties in this article and we hope that the variety will become even more in demand, since it really has many positive characteristics.