Sweet cherry is an ancient culture. Its berries are deservedly a favorite seasonal delicacy for adults and children. Cherry variety Valery Chkalov (Cherry Chkalov) is the pride of the national selection. The variety has received a good reputation for its high productivity and excellent fruit taste. It was the result of the work of specialists from the Melitopol Experimental Gardening Station named after I. M.F. Sidorenko and the Central Genetic Laboratory. I.V. Michurin. The authors of the variety are S.V. Zhukov and M.T. Oratovsky. In 1974 he was registered in the State Register.
The variety is suitable for growing in regions with temperate continental and subtropical climates. It can be used in regions with mild winters (frosts not lower than −25 ° C). In Russia, it became widespread in the North Caucasus region, Stavropol Territory, Rostov Region, the Republic of Ingushetia, in the Crimea.
Cherry Valery Chkalov: variety description
The tree is tall, up to 6 meters. The crown has a wide pyramidal shape. Shoots slightly curved, brown. Cherry Chkalovskaya has wide large leaves up to 9 cm in length. The edges of the leaf are serrated.
Fruit characteristics
The berries are heart-shaped, large enough, have an appetizing juicy dark cherry-colored pulp. The skin is tender, with an excess of moisture, it can crack. Dessert taste, pleasant sweet. The stone is large, light, it is difficult to separate from the pulp. The cherry contains the following vitamins: A, C, PP, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, E, K, PP. Ascorbic acid is the leader in terms of content - 15 mg per 100 g. Macronutrient composition: calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus. The calorie content of fresh cherries is 50 kcal per 100 g. The daily norm of cherries is 300 g per day. The variety is intended for universal use.
Cherry Valery Chkalov
The advantages of the variety:
- early maturing;
- large-fruited;
- excellent tasting characteristics;
- high productivity;
- suitable for canning.
- Disadvantage: resistance to fungal diseases is low.
The variety has proven itself well among gardeners and they have remained faithful to it for decades. The variety is distinguished by its fast growth, stable annual fruiting, delicious taste. He managed to conquer both professionals and amateurs.
Choosing a quality seedling is the key to a good future harvest. The best survival rate is shown by one-two-year-old seedlings. They must have a developed and strong root system, the diameter of the trunk is at least 2 cm. The seedling can be with one or several shoots, according to the requirements of GOST there should be no leaves.
The best time for planting cherries is April. If you plant cherries in the fall, they may not have time to root well until winter.
The variety is self-fertile. He is not able to self-pollinate flowers. The presence of pollinators nearby is a prerequisite for good fruiting. It is noted that the neighborhood with cherries, which blooms at the same time, contributes to an increase in yield. The most successful cherry pollinators Valery Chkalov are the following varieties:
- April,
- Zhabule,
- Early ripening,
- June early.
Sweet cherry loves the abundance of the sun, so the site for planting is sunny. It's good if he is on a small hill. It is advisable to choose a place so that the plant is protected from a draft.
The culture feels comfortable at the fence or at the southern walls of buildings. Sweet cherry is the owner of a rich spreading crown, so you need to take care of enough space for it on the site.
The tree prefers light, fertile soil. When planting, horse manure, superphosphate, potassium nitrate, and wood ash are placed in the pit. This will provide the necessary nutrition for growth and development in the current and subsequent seasons. If during planting a sufficient amount of fertilizers was applied, then the need to re-apply potash-phosphorus fertilizers to the soil will arise only after 3 years.
Cherry usually begins to bear fruit in the fifth year. An increase in yield is noted by the age of ten, on average it is about 60 kg. The highest yield was noted at the age of 12 years - 174 kg / v.
High yield
In industrial plantings, sweet cherries are usually exploited for 15-20 years. At home, the tree lives up to 100 years.
Cherry care
The tree needs crown formation. An annual seedling is pruned after planting to 40 cm. For cherries, tiered crown pruning is suitable.
Young plantings especially need regular watering, as their root system is actively developing. Abundant watering is provided in spring before flowering, in summer when dry weather is established, and late autumn watering helps to increase frost resistance. To maintain moisture, the trunk circle is mulched. Watering also has a beneficial effect on the yield of the next year.
In spring, nitrogen fertilizers are relevant for cherries, which accelerate the growth and development of plants. In the summer, complex fertilizers are applied. Autumn phosphate-potassium dressings will help to restore strength and make it easier to endure the winter. The amount of fertilizer applied must be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
To protect against pests and sunburn, the trunks are whitewashed annually in the autumn.
Why cherries are useful
Due to its unique composition, the berry helps to quickly restore the lack of vitamins after a long winter. Increases hemoglobin and improves blood composition. Tones the body, promotes weight loss, because cleanses the body with a mild laxative effect. Sweet cherry has a good effect on the microflora and intestinal motility. The fruits are low-calorie foods, so cherries are in demand in dietetics.
Very helpful
Recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis and hypertension. Helps to strengthen the walls of capillaries, reduce cholesterol levels.
Cherry fruits are high in antioxidants. This contributes to the preservation of youth and health. Their effect is especially good for skin health. It is successfully used in cosmetology.
Cherry juice is able to restore weakened gastric motility. Berries and juice are used to prevent diseases of the urinary system, relieve puffiness, because have a diuretic effect.
Cherry Valery Chkalov became the progenitor for such varieties as Cherry Valeria, Donetsk beauty, Farewell, Annushka, Gift to the hero of the day.
