- Fruit shape: round-cordate
- Foliage: good
- Authors: S.V. Zhukov, M.T. Oratovsky (All-Russian Research Institute of Genetics and Breeding of Fruit Plants and Ukrainian Research Institute of Irrigated Horticulture)
- Year of approval: 1974
- Growth type: vigorous
- Appointment: universal
- Yield: high
- Tree height, m: 5-6
- Crown: wide pyramidal, spreading, medium density, well leafy
- Escapes: curved, 5 mm thick, gray-brown, with rare lenticels on the bark
Cherry Valery Chkalov, like any other plant, challenges gardeners. And only those who are ready to answer it clearly will be able to achieve a good effect. All botanical and agronomic nuances should be taken into account.
Breeding history
This culture has been bred from the number of stone fruit plants for quite some time. It has been undergoing state variety tests since 1953. It has been officially included in the register of cultivated plants since 1974. The project was supervised by breeders Oratovsky and Zhukov.
Description of the variety
It is a versatile plant. It is crowned with a crown in the form of a wide pyramid. The vigorous cherry reaches a height of 5-6 m. The above-mentioned crown is distinguished by spreading. Other features:
average apex height;
intense foliage of the upper part of the tree;
red-brown color of the branches;
bending shoots;
leaves in the form of a wide oval or inverted egg.
Fruit characteristics
This cherry gives large drupes weighing from 6 to 8 g. For them, a geometric shape transitioning from the circle to the heart is typical. The stem is of moderate length and solid thickness. The bone is quite large. It separates well from the soft part of the fruit.
Taste qualities
This variety tastes very good. It is customary to refer it to the dessert category. The dark red rind is relatively thin and has little impact on the palate. The share of dry matter reaches 13.5%. In addition to 10.7% sugars, it also contains 0.6% acids.
Ripening and fruiting
Cherry, named after one of the greatest pilots of the 20th century, is prized for its early development. You can wait for the harvest for 5 years after planting. Roughly it is possible to remove the fruits in the first 10 days of June. Weather conditions can affect this parameter quite strongly.
Yield
On average, one tree of Valery Chkalov produces 62 kg of drupes. The collection in the maximum version reaches 174 kg. Much depends on the weather and on agrotechnical measures. New collections of drupes are normal every year.
Growing regions
Cultivation of Valery Chkalov is allowed in:
Rostov region;
Chechnya;
Stavropol Territory;
Karachay-Cherkessia;
Ingushetia.
Self-fertility and the need for pollinators
The variety is self-fertile. To pollinate its trees, you need to use:
Zhabule;
Early ripening;
April;
Bigarro Burlat.
Growing and care
Valery Chkalov is recommended to plant cherries in early spring. It is necessary to anticipate the moment when the kidneys begin to swell. Rooting is carried out strictly before the onset of frost. It usually passes over the spring and summer without any problems. It is recommended to choose sunny areas protected from drafts.
Good care will allow you to get harvests over 10 years. Due to the dense crown and branched roots, this variety should grow at a distance of 5-6 m from buildings and from other crops.Valery Chkalov develops best in high places. In their absence, it will be necessary to equip embankments and artificial hills. Waterlogging is very destructive for this culture; soil water should be 3-4 m below the surface.
Neighborhood with tomatoes, peppers and eggplants is unacceptable. The neighborhood with linden, oak and birch will also be unpleasant. It is necessary to choose saplings that are smooth and free from delamination with bright foliage. Decent branching of rhizomes is required. It is best to use seedlings 1 or 2 years old. Older specimens take root less well.
A mixture of humus and ordinary soil is laid in the holes. They are left in this form until the growing season. Before planting, the soil should be loosened. At this point, they lay:
magnesium;
potassium;
wood ash.
A small stake must be driven into the middle of the groove. A seedling is tied to it. The root should be placed 5 cm above the soil. It is sprinkled with soil and rammed. Make up an earthen roller so that the water does not spread; each tree is watered using 20 liters of water.
Valery Chkalov should be watered regularly, but not excessively. Excessive bay is dangerous. Normally, irrigation is carried out by:
before flowering;
when the tree has faded;
about 14 days before the removal of the fruit;
in the middle of autumn, but before the cold weather sets in.
It is better to avoid this procedure while pouring berries. Otherwise, they may crack. When planting, the pit and the seedling in it are fertilized. The main focus is on nitrogen fertilization. During the growing season, urea is used 3 times.
At the stage of preparation for winter, the trunk should be whitewashed. It is also desirable to cover it with auxiliary materials. It is best to use burlap. The base of the trunk is insulated with peat. Such simple recommendations allow you to achieve good success.
Disease and pest resistance
Protection against harmful factors is declared at the average level. The plant is relatively well protected from coccomycosis. There is still not the worst immune defense against fungal infections. A potential risk may be associated with gray mold. Competent prevention and thoughtful agricultural techniques reduce the risk to the limit.
Requirements for soil and climatic conditions
Above average frost resistance. In many ways, however, it depends on the correct planting and on measures of care for the culture. Hot season resistance not described. It can be about the same as that of other cherry varieties.
Review overview
Adult specimens of this variety can produce excellent yields. The reviews note that the tree is indeed frost-resistant, and can even withstand severe cold. Provided there is a competent shelter, young plants will not suffer either. Their care is pretty standard. The growth is going pretty fast.