Cherry Black Prince: variety description and characteristics, planting and care

In Russia, you can grow cherries of different varieties. Despite the fact that this plant is thermophilic and grows better in the southern regions, cold-resistant varieties have also been bred. Consider the description and characteristics of the Black Prince sweet cherry, the pros and cons of the variety, what are the features of agricultural technology, the subtleties of tree care, how to prevent diseases, when to harvest and how to store the crop.

Description and characteristics of the variety Black Prince

Designed for cultivation in temperate climates, tolerates cold snaps, in winter - frosts of 30 ˚С. When the branches are frozen, the tree continues to bear fruit, there is no break in fruiting.

The Cherry Black Prince grows up to 3.5 m, it has a medium spreading crown, strong growth. There are many leaves, they have a wedge-shaped shape, bright green color. The variety is self-fertile, so the tree needs a pollinator - sweet cherry, which blooms at the same time.

The fruiting of the tree begins in the 3rd year, the yield is over 20 kg per plant. The berries of the Black Prince are dark, maroon in color, large, weigh 5-9 g. With a characteristic aroma and taste, juicy. Cherries ripen in July. Berries can be eaten fresh, processed into sweet preparations, frozen for the winter and even dried. When fresh, they do not spoil for a long time.

Pros and cons of cherries

Dignity of Black Prince variety:

cold resistance;
precocity;
resistance to diseases and pests;
moderate tree height;
yield;
large fruit, keeping quality and universal use of berries;
good flavor and aroma.

Cons of the variety: pollinators are required.

Features of growing a tree

The place and time of planting will affect the further development of the tree, so you need to plant it in the garden at the right time and in the area where it will feel comfortable.

When and where to plant

Planting time is mid-spring or mid-autumn. The main condition is to do this before the buds open or after the leaves fall, that is, when the seedling is in a dormant period, there is no sap flow in its tissues. Cherry roots should be fresh, if the tips are dry, they need to be cut.

The place where the Black Prince variety will grow should be chosen on the sunny side of the site. It should be protected from the winds, located on a flat area where water does not accumulate. The distance from fences and buildings and to neighboring trees should be at least 2 m.

Boarding process

Cherries are planted according to the standard scheme: first, they dig a landing hole 0.7 m deep and at least 0.5 m wide. A drainage layer 10 cm thick is laid at the bottom of broken brick, slate, pebbles. A layer of a mixture of humus, ash and excavated earth is poured on it in a ratio of 1 to 1.

Then, a Black Prince cherry seedling is placed vertically in the middle of the pit, the roots are straightened, sprinkled with earth and the substrate is lightly tamped.

Water and cover the soil with mulch from straw, dry leaves, hay. A peg is set nearby and the trunk is tied to it so that the seedling stands straight.

Subtleties of variety care

No less important than proper planting is the further care of the plant. The complex of works includes watering and feeding, pruning and preparation for winter.

Water and fertilize

The first 1.5 months, until the seedling grows new roots, it needs to be watered every week. The first season - every month. An adult tree should be watered during the absence of rain, especially after flowering, when the formation and filling of berries is in progress. In the first year after planting cherries, fertilizers are not applied. In the next fertilize 3 times a year: in the spring, before the foliage blooms, before flowering and in the middle of the berry formation period.

You can use mineral fertilizers or apply organic matter: 1 bucket of humus and 1 kg of ash for each plant.

Pollinators

Cherry of other varieties should be planted near the Black Prince. Simultaneously with it, the varieties Podbelskaya, Brunette, Griot, Apukhtinskaya, Kentskaya, Valery Chkalov bloom. For successful pollination, 1 tree per 3-4 Black Prince cherries is enough.

Preparing for winter

In autumn, after pruning, the soil around the trunk of the sweet cherry is covered with a thick layer of mulch. You can use old straw, hay, sawdust, clean fallen leaves or dense agrofibre.

Disease Prevention

In autumn, whitewash the trunk and thick branches to prevent sunburn on the bark, which is thin in sweet cherries. This is necessary to reduce the likelihood of developing coccomycosis and moniliosis. Against fungal diseases in the spring, spraying with copper-containing preparations is done.

Yield, collection and storage

Harvest cherries after ripening - from the end of June. They should not be overripe, too soft. These are not stored for a long time and do not withstand transportation. Berries intended for storage are harvested in dry weather (wet from rain or dew are not stored at all), cut off with petioles, placed in baskets or shallow plywood boxes with a layer of no more than 10 cm.Put in a cold place, in a cellar or basement, where cherries can be stored for a maximum of 2 weeks.

Only whole, undamaged fruits are selected for storage, the rest must be eaten, processed into blanks or frozen. Frozen cherries can be stored in the refrigerator for up to six months.

Cherny Prince cherries are cold hardy and can be chosen for planting by gardeners in areas with a temperate cold climate. The tree grows medium high, while giving an excellent yield. But the biggest advantage of the variety is considered to be large, sweet, juicy dark red fruits, which can not only be eaten fresh, but also used for processing into blanks and for freezing. And this means that you can use them in winter.