Cherry Zaranka

The article presents Cherry Zaranka: description of the variety, photo, instructions for planting, growing, protection.

Cherry Zaranka: variety description and characteristics

Cherry Zaranka: photo of the variety

Cherry Zaranka is considered one of the most modern cherry varieties, which was bred by Belarusian breeders at the beginning of the 21st century. But even despite its youth, the variety has already gained popularity and captured the hearts of gardeners, not only in Belarus, but also abroad. The thing is that the Zaranka cherry variety has a high level of winter hardiness, and therefore in most regions of Russia, where there is no stable climate, this variety will still feel as comfortable as possible. If the gardener observes the most elementary requirements in planting Zaranka and the subsequent care of it, then the plant will demonstrate a high yield level - from 13 to 14 kilograms from one cherry tree.

We will give a brief description of the characteristics of the Zaranka cherry variety, so that the gardener is clearer with what he has to deal with, and what he needs to do in order to achieve the maximum result from his planting. So, the variety was bred at the Belarusian Institute of Horticulture and has the following features:

• this is a hybrid variety that was bred from crossing Novodvorskaya and Vladimirskaya cherries
• Cherry variety Zaranka has been undergoing state tests since 2004, but has already managed to prove itself from the best sides
• this is a medium-sized tree, the crown has a pyramidal shape, but over time it becomes drooping - mainly due to the fact that quite a lot of fruits are formed, and they can slightly incline downward
• the frequency of shoots is estimated as average, the height of the tree is from 2.5 to 3 meters. Basically, the size and parameters depend on the conditions in which the planting grows, and most likely if the gardener constantly looks after the plant, then the result will be more abundant, and the planting itself will be neat and decorative.
• the fruits of the Zaranka cherry ripen in early July, but sometimes these dates can shift forward or backward. It all depends on the climatic and territorial conditions in which this variety grows.
• after the seedling has been sent to the open ground and provided that the grower takes care of the tree, fruiting begins in the third or fourth year.

Cherry Zaranka: description of fruits, features of fruiting

Cherry Zaranka: photo of the variety

The fruits of the Zaranka cherry 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.

Let's talk a little about the fruiting of the Zaranka cherry 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 last year's shoots, 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 that Cherry Zaranka is 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.

Cherry Zaranka: flowering, ripening varieties

Cherry Zaranka: photo of the variety

Zaranka cherry blossoms occur in May, but it may 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 tree to give flowers. The abundance of cherry blossoms for Zaranka 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 the flowering of cherries of the Zaranka variety, 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 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 tree yields 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".

Productivity, application of the Zaranka cherry variety

By the way, I would like to say a few words directly about fruiting and about the yield of this cherry variety. Cherry Zaranka can be called early-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.

The average yield of the Zaranka 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 Zaranka cherry was planted 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, they can be additionally 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.

Cherry Zaranka: planting rules

Cherry Zaranka is very resistant to frost and temperature extremes, and at the same time, the variety gives an excellent yield - from an adult tree you can collect from 13 to 14 kilograms of high-quality and very tasty fruits. The variety is also resistant and immune to some fungal diseases, especially to such dangerous infections as coccomycosis and moniliosis. With all this, the Zaranka cherry is not demanding on caring activities, but, one way or another, it should be borne in mind that there are some conditions that the gardener must create for planting so that it feels comfortable and demonstrates excellent results of growth and development. The variety takes root well in light and fertile soils, and also has its own requirements - for example, the reaction of the environment should be slightly acidic. So the gardener should take care in advance to create the most comfortable conditions. We will talk about this in this part of our article.

You should not plant the Zaranka cherry tree in areas with little nutrition, where the soil is depleted, completely infertile. Before planting, it is necessary to process the topsoil, fill in all the missing elements so that the seedling feels as comfortable as possible, and so that the planting quality is high. Cherry Zaranka responds well to chernozem soils, sandy loam or loamy areas. It should also be a soil mixture with a neutral reaction, and here the gardener himself can adjust the acidity so that the site is as comfortable as possible for growing a cherry tree. There are several features that should be taken into account when the gardener is preparing not only the site, but in particular the soil for the fact that very soon a cherry will be planted in it. The first feature is that acidic peat bogs will definitely not be able to suit cherry seedlings, since in any case the gardener will need to manually change the soil layer to a more comfortable and fertile one. This can be a serious test for those gardeners who do not have some kind of global experience in this matter.The second feature is that the acidity of the soil should always be neutralized - for this, gardeners use dolomite flour and wood ash. They can be purchased in special stores for gardeners and gardeners, which are just intended for planting and growing these plants.

Cherry varieties Zaranka should be planted as far as possible from other, very large plants. 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 Zaranka cherry will receive enough sunlight, and it will have enough space to grow and develop in accordance with all the 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.

Cherry Zaranka: selection of seedlings

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 growth or other growth that could 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 in the store or nursery it was overfed with nitrogen-containing components. 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.

Cherry Zaranka: care after planting

After planting the Zaranka cherry has finally been 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 Zaranka 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 respond in the best possible way to this. 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 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 fertilizing can be prescribed depending on the state of the plantings, on climatic and territorial conditions. It is impossible to overfeed the plantings too much, as this will lead to the fact that the tree with all its 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 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.

How Zaranka cherries are pruned

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. The plant 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 will make out the crown, then the tree will remember the shape 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 how to carry out pruning, what are its key subtleties and rules.

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 felt are ideal. 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 Zaranka 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.

Cherry Zaranka: protection

Initially, the Zaranka cherry variety was bred as a planting that would have high immunity and stress resistance, 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 of the entire landing entirely. 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.

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 Zaranka cherry was 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-stem 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. A 1% solution of Bordeaux liquid is suitable for this. 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.

Cherry Zaranka: reviews of gardeners

• Konstantin Alekseevich, Moscow region: “Cherry Zaranka has been growing in my garden for a long time. Of course, there are also disadvantages, for example - sometimes flower buds freeze and reduce the amount of harvest, but, of course, there are many times more advantages.These include the following: a high level of productivity and stability of fruiting; a 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. "
• Anna Petrovna, Leningrad region: “Cherry Zaranka: a wonderful variety. Of course, he has his own requirements for planting and care, but after all, a certain approach is needed to any variety. Apart from the delicious berries, the Zaranka cherry tree looks amazing. My daughters often arrange photo sessions near him. "

Cherry Zaranka: video about the variety