Carmen pear: variety description and characteristics, planting and care rules

Pear varieties for central Russia have characteristics suitable for the regions. Consider the description of the Carmen pear, the advantages and disadvantages of the variety, how to properly plant and care for trees in the garden. How to properly treat diseases and prevent them, how to deal with pests. When to harvest and how to store the crop.

History of selection

The Carmen variety was bred at the All-Russian Research Institute of Genetics and Plant Breeding. I.V. Michurin. Parental forms - varieties Williams red and Daughter Blankova. The variety is not included in the State Register. Now grown mainly in the Central Black Earth region.

Description and characteristics

The tree is fast growing. It grows up to 5 m, has a compact but dense narrow pyramidal crown. Compactness allows you to plant trees tightly, which saves garden space. The branches of the trees of the variety are strong, with brown-brown bark. The leaves are ovate or elliptical, green with a reddish tinge.

The shape of the pears is correct, classical for culture, the fruits are medium in size, weigh, on average, 120-170 g, maximum 300 g. The peel of the fruit is slightly rough, has a slight sheen and a slight wax coating. After ripening, the skin becomes burgundy or brownish-red. The pulp is creamy, moderately dense, juicy, with a slight aroma, semi-oily. The taste is not tart, sour-sweet. Carmen pears ripen in mid-August. Fruits are stored up to 2 weeks. Productivity - up to 30 kg per plant.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Dignity of Carmen variety:

precocity, the first fruits can be harvested 4-5 years after planting;
longevity, pear can live up to 50 years;
undemanding to soils;
cold resistance - up to -30 °С;
resistance to septoria and scab.

Disadvantages of the Carmen variety: does not tolerate stagnant water, does not grow well in areas with close groundwater.

Planting and caring for Carmen pear

Pear seedlings are planted on the site in April or October. The main condition for spring planting is that the buds must not be opened. For autumn planting - the leaves should already fall.

Pear varieties Carmen should be planted in a sunny place, on a flat area. The soil can be of different types, but it is desirable that it be loose and light. It is important that there is no constant stagnation of moisture. The distance when planting between trees should be at least 2-3 m. Each seedling should be planted in planting pits 0.5 m deep and, on average, 0.7 m in diameter. Before planting, humus and ash are introduced into the pits, fertilizers are mixed with soil . The tree is buried along the root collar. After planting, the soil near the trunk is mulched.

Water the pear moderately and rarely, mostly only in the heat. Trees are fed starting from the next year after planting, three times per season: nitrogen organic or mineral fertilizers are applied in the spring, before flowering and after the formation of ovaries - with a predominance of phosphorus and potassium. Loosening is carried out after watering. Watering and fertilizing can be done at the same time by installing a drip irrigation system.

The crown of the Carmen pear is formed so that the branches are as horizontal as possible. While they are young, streamers are installed near the tree.

In autumn, pruning and shelter for the winter with mulch are carried out. Cut out old branches damaged by pests, diseases, young ones if they grow in the wrong direction as needed to form a crown.

Diseases and pests

In general, the Carmen variety is resistant to fungal diseases, but preventive spraying with fungicides can significantly reduce the likelihood of infection. Of the pests, pear fruits can infect codling moths at the ovary stage. As with infections, the tree should be treated preventively before insects appear.

If there are few pests, it is advisable to use biological preparations with substances that are not toxic to humans and animals. When using chemical fungicides and insecticides, trees should be treated with waiting times.

Hares and mice can harm pears in orchards. You need to protect the trunks and main branches of trees from them: tie them with a metal mesh.

Harvest and storage of crops

Carmen pears are harvested when they turn red and the flesh becomes soft. For storage, pears are harvested carefully so that they are not beaten. They are placed in boxes or baskets, which are lowered into the cellar. Storage conditions: dry and dark place. Carmen pears are stored for a short time, because they belong to the summer variety.

Pear Carmen is distinguished by the unusual color of the fruit, which was inherited from the Williams red variety. Agrotechnics for growing this variety is the same as for similar varieties of crops. Suitable for beginners and experienced gardeners.