Bigarro cherry: variety description and characteristics, planting and cultivation

Large and juicy berries, one of the first to ripen on the plots of domestic gardeners, are very popular with summer residents. Sweet cherries are not only tasty, but also contain a lot of vitamins and minerals in the pulp that the human body needs after a cold winter. When planting, gardeners prefer early varieties, which include Bigarro - a time-tested cherry that has many advantages.

History of selection

A sweet cherry seedling of this variety was accidentally discovered back in 1915 in France. Gradually, thanks to the work of breeders, the variety of culture received increased characteristics of frost resistance, immunity to diseases and improved taste.

European gardeners were the first to pay attention to the Bigarro variety and began to cultivate trees on their plots. Cherry seedlings came to our latitudes relatively recently and are still being tested in domestic nurseries. But those who have already planted plants in their gardens claim that trees have much more advantages than disadvantages, and take root and bear fruit in our climate without any problems.

Description and characteristics of culture

The French variety has the following characteristics:

1. Tree. Height in adulthood does not exceed 3.5 meters. Sweet cherry has a spherical crown, it is quite dense. A distinctive feature of the trees of this variety is that their bark has a light brown tint. To get a rich harvest, it is necessary to plant other varieties nearby for cross-pollination.
2. During the flowering period, cherry trees are covered with white saucer-shaped flowers, their diameter does not exceed 3 cm.
3. The fruits of the variety have an average weight of 6 grams, and their skin is painted in a dark, almost black color.
4. The taste of medium-dense, rich red pulp is harmonious, sweet and sour. The stone is well separated, and its weight does not exceed 6% of the total mass of the berry. The fruits are used both for fresh consumption and for preparations for the winter.
5. The frost resistance of a tree is average, the maximum temperature that a cherry can withstand is -20 degrees, so plants in the middle lane must be insulated. However, Bigarro is resistant to spring frosts.
6. The ripening period of berries is early, the first harvest begins to be harvested in early June. The first fruiting begins 4-5 years after planting the seedling on the site. About 80 kg of berries are harvested from one sweet cherry.
7. Bigarro has an average immunity to crop diseases, so preventive tree treatments are necessary. If the summer is rainy, cracking of the cherries is observed.

Good and bad sides

Over the years of growing trees of this variety, gardeners have noticed the advantages and disadvantages of the variety.

Pros and consearly ripening of fruits;resistance to transportation over long distances;pleasant taste of berries;rich harvests of fruits;the possibility of using berries both fresh and for canning;average degree of frost resistance.cracking of berries in rainy summer;the need for pollinators.

Features of planting Bigarro Burlat

In order for the cherry seedling to quickly adapt to a new place, it is necessary to properly prepare the site and carry out planting work.

Date and place of landing

Acid soils, as well as peatlands and infertile soils, are not suitable for the cultivation of this variety. You can not plant sweet cherries on heavy clay soil, as there it will grow poorly and bear fruit.

The plot is selected so that it is illuminated by sunlight for most of the day, otherwise the fruits will form small and taste sour. Also pay attention that groundwater does not come closer to the surface of the earth than 2 meters. It is better to choose a place for landing on a small hill, but protected from drafts.

If the gardener lives in the southern region, then planting work is best done in early autumn, spring is considered a favorable time for summer residents of the middle zone, in this case, the seedling will have time to fully take root before the onset of cold weather.

Preparation of seedlings

When purchasing planting material, pay attention to the graft on the seedling, it is located just above the root collar. Quality material has flexible branches and well-developed roots. For several hours, the roots are soaked in a clay mash, adding a growth stimulator there for better rooting.

Plant pattern

Pits are prepared 2-3 weeks before planting. The diameter of the hole is about 1 meter, the width has the same parameter. The selected soil is mixed with nutritious dressings and left.

Planting cherries is carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. A tree support is dug into the bottom of the hole.
2. Pour about half of the soil and put a seedling on it, spreading the roots along the edges.
3. They fall asleep with the remaining earth and lightly crush the soil so that there are no voids.
4. A hole is made around the young tree to be irrigated and tied to a support.
5. Water the seedling abundantly.

Further tree care

The amount of the harvested crop and the he alth of the sweet cherry itself depend on compliance with the rules of care.

Irrigation and fertilization

Irrigation is plentiful, especially trees need moisture at the leafing stage, during the formation of fruits and before preparing for winter. In the event that it is a dry summer, the soil around the seedlings is moistened once a week. It is not recommended to irrigate the trees during the ripening period of the berries, so that they do not crack from excess fluid.

Feeding starts from the second year of cultivation. Urea, superphosphate and potassium sulfate are used as fertilizers.

Pruning and wintering

In the spring, rejuvenating and sanitary pruning is carried out, removing weak, diseased and frozen branches. It is important to have time to finish the procedure before the kidneys swell.

Diseases and pests of the variety

Main diseases that affect cherries in the absence of prevention:

• bacteriosis;
• coccomycosis;
• moniliosis;
• clasterosporiasis;
• rot;
• powdery mildew.

Insects that damage trees include: cherry fly and cherry moth, sawfly and weevil, aphid.

Harvest and storage of crops

The harvest begins in early June. Berries are not stored fresh for a long time, so they are frozen, preserved and made into juice.

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