Content
Cherry plum Cleopatra is a fruit belonging to the group of hybrids known collectively as "Russian plum". The variety of this fruit is unique for its excellent taste and late ripening.
Breeding history
Today there is a variety of cherry plum varieties, which leads to the complexity of choice on the part of gardeners and summer residents. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the specific conditions of planting, the characteristics of the variety, its characteristics and preferences. Cherry plum features are that it is a delicate fruit that is not prone to cold weather. The history of this cherry plum variety began with its breeding at the Moscow Agricultural Academy. K.A. Timiryazeva from a seedling from free pollination of the Kubanskaya comet variety in 1991, and thanks to her breeding, gardeners and summer residents received a resistant, unpretentious and frost-resistant variety. Below is a photo of Cleopatra cherry plum during the harvest season.
Description of culture
The cultivation of the presented cherry plum variety is excellent for the Moscow region and central Russia. It is also possible to grow in the north-west, the Urals, the middle Volga region, in the South Urals, Altai and the Far East.
Description of cherry plum Cleopatra is a medium-sized tree, the crown is thin and spreading, the height of the fruit ranges from 2-3 m, the shoots are thin, the leaves resemble the shape of an ellipse of dark green color. The average weight of the fruit is 37-40 g, the fruit of the tree has a round oval shape, the stone is medium in size and is separated from the pulp of the fruit. The color of the presented cherry plum is dark red-violet, with a slight waxy bloom, the skin of the berry is of medium density, the taste of the collected fruits is sweet with a slight admixture of sourness.
Characteristics
The characteristic of the Cleopatra cherry plum variety is to determine the main factors that many gardeners pay attention to before carrying out the process of planting this variety in their own garden plot. Before planting, it is advisable to consult or use the advice of experienced gardeners.
Drought resistance, winter hardiness
This plum variety belongs to the winter-hardy species. The tree is able to withstand an air temperature of about 400From the frost. If the temperature is low enough, the branches will be exposed to moderate cold, but the shoots will be quite weak. Damage to flower buds by spring frosts is also weak. As for the indicators of drought resistance, this level has indicators above average.
Pollination, flowering period and ripening times
Cherry plum variety Cleopatra belongs to the group of self-fertile plants, so it needs an additional pollinator. Choosing a home type of cherry plum, you need to understand that it will not be a suitable option as a pollinator. Among the optimal pollinators for Cleopatra cherry plum, any kind of hybrid plum can be distinguished, or a species called Chinese plum.
The flowering process is quite early, as it falls around mid-May.The fruits also ripen very early, around mid-August or early September.
Productivity and fruiting
The first harvest can take place in 3-4 years, but this variety is characterized by high fertility. In the first year of harvest and subsequent years, 25 to 40 kg can be harvested from one tree. The harvested crop can be stored at an average temperature of 1-1.5 months. The maximum lifespan of this cherry plum variety is 45-60 years.
Scope of the fruit
Hybrid cherry plum Cleopatra belongs to the dessert species. It is used as the main ingredient in the preparation of jams, juices, compotes, soufflés and preserves. It is consumed raw or it can be frozen for the winter.
Disease and pest resistance
This type of cherry plum variety is quite resistant to pests and all kinds of diseases, since they practically do not affect it. Hole spot, which affects the leaves, has never been observed in this species, fruit rot was found in one out of a hundred cases. Aphids and the widespread moth are also very rare, especially if the care of the plant is correct and of high quality.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of the variety:
- qualitative characteristics of the fruit;
- high productivity and early maturity;
- resistance to all kinds of damage;
- excellent drought and winter hardiness.
The most common disadvantages highlighted by professional gardeners are:
- self-infertility;
- disease resistance - medium.
Landing features
In order for the Cleopatra cherry plum to grow normally, it is necessary to adhere to certain features and planting rules of this variety, because its further yield will depend on this.
Recommended timing
As for the recommended timing for planting this cherry plum variety, it can be planted in the soil both in the autumn (September-October) and in the spring (April-May).
Choosing the right place
It is advisable to plant in the most southern places of the plots, since the fruit loves the sun. You should not try to place the seedling under the large crowns of other trees, since the sun will not have enough light in the future. The presence of groundwater in the planted area will be a big plus. Cherry plum will grow well and yield crops on chernozem, chestnut and sandy soils.
What crops can and cannot be planted next to cherry plum
When planting cherry plum, it should be remembered that there are crops that can and are not recommended to be planted near this variety. The ideal option would be when pollinators with the same flowering period are planted near this cherry plum variety. It is not recommended to plant stone fruits near the cherry plum, to which pears and apple trees belong. A good neighbor for this variety can be gooseberries, raspberries and all shrub representatives.
Selection and preparation of planting material
To plant this cherry plum fruit, you will need to purchase a ready-made 1-2-year-old seedling in a container and immediately transplant it to a prepared place. It is important to inspect the seedling for damage to the bark and root, if necessary, cut the roots for better grafting in a new place.
It is recommended to buy seedlings in special gardening nurseries or shops; it is not recommended to buy them by hand or on the track due to the likelihood of acquiring wild or other fruit.
Landing algorithm
A pit is required for planting (dimensions 60 × 80 cm, depth 50 cm).
Lower the tree into a hole, with a tied peg for proper growth, cover a little with soil and tamp.
Prepare fertilizer from half of the soil, humus in the amount of 4-5 kg and 15 g of various fertilizers, which should be poured into the pit.
After installing the tree in the hole, fill it with freshly dug earth.
Pour 1-2 buckets of water around the seedling and mulch the soil.
When planting several seedlings at the same time, leave a distance of 3-4 meters between them.
Follow-up care of the culture
Subsequent care of the planted Cleopatra cherry plum consists of the following constant actions: the soil should be loosened, and the weeds should be removed. Shoot pruning is done every spring so that the crown does not thicken.
In the first year after planting the Cleopatra cherry plum, no feeding is done. Feeding should be done in the 2nd year and beyond. For feeding, you need to use urea or ammonium nitrate, according to the following recipe: 1-2 tablespoons per 10 liters of water for one tree.
In subsequent years, feeding should be done 2-3 times during the season. Top dressing is correct at the beginning of the flowering season. After fertilizing, remember to mulch the soil.
Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention
The presented cherry plum variety is quite resistant to various diseases and pests, but some of them can be found.
Experienced gardeners recommend timely prophylaxis with special preparations to prevent tree diseases. Preventive measures should be taken in early spring.
Conclusion
Cherry plum Cleopatra is a cherry plum variety, which is suitable for garden and dacha conditions. Cherry plum Cleopatra is distinguished by good growth, resistance to diseases and cold weather, medium but stable harvest. The cherry plum fruit is large, has an excellent dessert taste, delicious fruity aroma.
