Regina Cherry: variety description and characteristics, cultivation and care, pollinators and photos

Cherry is the first of the stone fruit crops that pleases with fruiting in summer cottages. It often surpasses cherries in taste and has a lot of fans. Regina cherries are the work of German breeders. Appeared in Russia at the end of the last century, is rapidly gaining popularity. Consider the characteristics, advantages and features of growing your favorite cherry variety.

How the variety was bred

The parents of sweet cherries were two popular varieties - late Schneider and Roubaix. The selection was made in Germany. Remarkable taste qualities were quickly appreciated in Europe, Regina is widely grown on an industrial scale.

Photo and description

German cherry variety is successfully cultivated in the warm regions of the country to the Middle Volga region. This is provided by two important qualities of Regina - resistance to frost and disease. The tree grows up to 3.5-4 meters, has a crown of medium branching and density.

General Description

Regina is classified as an unpretentious variety, therefore it is successfully grown in large farms. Flowering and fruit ripening occurs annually. The tree blooms at the end of May, the fruits ripen at the end of July, Regina is a late-ripening variety that ends the cherry season.

Cherries are stored on the tree for a long time, which is important for busy summer residents, they lie well and are transported without loss of taste. The fruits do not expire with juice, they do not become wet.

Dignity

The list of benefits of the variety is quite impressive:

• taste, beauty and decorativeness of fruits;
• long-term storage without loss of quality, ensured by dry separation;
• annual fruiting of sweet cherries;
• ripe fruits are stored on the tree for up to 2 weeks.

We also note the properties of this cherry variety that are very relevant for Russia - winter hardiness and resistance to fungal diseases.

Flaws

Gardeners consider the only disadvantage of Regina to be the need to plant a pollinator, without which it will not be possible to get fruits.

Kidney

Buds on sweet cherries develop late, tolerate frost well at any stage of development. Sawflies are especially dangerous for the kidneys, which can greatly harm the tree.

Leaf and flower

Sheets of the traditional form - an ellipse, the end is slightly pointed. The edges are serrated. The surface of the plate is glossy, shiny.

Flowers are collected in 2-3 pieces, petals are white, cherry blossoms are plentiful and friendly.

Fruit

The fruits are round-heart-shaped, evenly and uniformly colored.

Mass

Average weight of sweet cherries is 8.5 grams, when grown in good conditions they reach 10-11 grams.

Height

The height of the fruit is slightly more than the width - 2.5-3.2 centimeters.

Width

The diameter of the sweet cherry is 2.5-3.2 centimeters.

Thickness

The thickness of the pulp of the fruit depends on the conditions of care and is 0.5-0.9 centimeters.

Color

Exquisite dark cherry color, shiny glossy skin draws attention to large fruits. The pulp is slightly lighter than the shell of the cherry.

Peduncle

The stalk moves away from the fruit easily, does not take the pulp with it, so the berries are stored for a long time.

Bone

The stone is medium in size, easily separated from the pulp.

General characteristics

The pulp of the berries is dense, without excess juice, cartilaginous. Part of the bigarro class.

Taste

Regina's taste qualities are close to ideal - score 4.8-5 points. The taste of cherries is sweet, with a slightly noticeable sourness.

Nutritional content

Regina demonstrates all the best qualities of cherries. Berries contain:

• carbohydrates - up to 16%;
• fructose, sucrose;
• vitamins B, C, E;
• potassium, iodine, iron, calcium.

There are no fats in the fruits, the content of pectins is high.

Tree height and growth rate

The tree grows up to 3-4 meters, adding up to 50 centimeters annually. The shoots grow upwards, which facilitates the formation of the crown.

The period of flowering and ripening

Regina starts flowering when most of her relatives have long faded - in mid-late May. The fruits also begin to sing late - in mid-late July. With a long preservation of fruits, fresh cherries can be eaten most of August.

Yields

The first harvest of sweet cherries is taken for 3-4 years. A remarkable property of Regina is the annual flowering and fruiting, not dependent on the vagaries of the weather. An adult tree produces up to 40 kilograms of fruit.

Transportability

Dry detachment keeps fruits firm and whole for up to 3 weeks. The crop lies well in storage and transfers transportation over any distance without losing quality. Dense pulp does not flow, the skin is not injured.

Drought Tolerant

For successful development at all stages of vegetation, sweet cherries need sufficient moisture.The variety is not classified as drought-resistant. Watering - monthly, the soil layer at the roots should be free of cracks and obvious signs of drying out. When the soil dries up after watering, it is loosened.

Frost resistance

A he althy tree can withstand frosts down to -25 °, which makes Regina popular and in demand among gardeners.

Disease resistance

Regina is considered one of the most resistant varieties of cherries. In wet cloudy weather, watering is reduced to avoid fruit rot.

Using fruits

Using fruits is universal:

• the best taste - fresh until mid-August;
• freeze;
• preparing desserts;
• comotes and other types of preservation.

Storage quality, preservation of taste after transportation and long storage make the variety popular in agricultural enterprises for industrial cultivation.

Basic soil requirements

Cherry grows well on loamy and sandy soils. When preparing a landing site, the soil is enriched to this state. Clay is added to sandy soils, it retains moisture well. Clay soil is combined with river sand for lightness and friability.

Any kind of soil needs to be fertilized, mixed with organic matter to provide nutrition to the seedling. Soil preparation is recommended to be carried out in advance, 1-2 years in advance, so that the land acquires fertile properties.

Fit features

When planting, it is important to strictly follow all the requirements so that the seedling quickly grows and develops fully.

Seedling selection

Agronomists recommend choosing seedlings of local selection, better adapted to the characteristics of the region. It is better to buy cherries in a nursery than in street markets or prescribe via the Internet.

Let's consider how to choose a cherry seedling.

Root system

A he althy root will ensure quick survival and good nutrition of the plant. Root Requirements:

• 3 large roots with small branches;
• no rot, creases;
• cut white and juicy;
• stretchy - bend, not break.

The root should be moist, covered with earth. During transportation, it is covered with a damp cloth.

Barrel

The size of the seedling is 1-1.5 meters. The trunk is even, without cracks, 3-5 branches more than 30 centimeters long. The kidneys are whole and alive.

Age

Young seedlings aged 1-2 years take root best of all.

Important: seedlings older than 3 years should not be bought.

Vaccinated

Only grafted seedlings provide varietal affiliation of cherries. Wild birds grow from Regina's bone. The grafting site is he althy, whole, without rotting or cracks.

Select pickup time

Cherries are planted in spring and autumn. The term depends on the climatic features of the region and the availability of seedlings on the market. In any season, it is important to plant Regina on time so that the seedling develops in favorable conditions, takes root and grows.

Autumn

Before winter, sweet cherries are planted in warm regions with mild winters and hot summers.

Benefits

Pros of autumn planting:

• vegetation process completed, all the forces of the sweet cherry go to rooting;
• wet autumn reduces the need for watering;
• in spring, a tree rooted over the winter tolerates heat more easily and suffers less from pests.

In hot regions, spring plantings often die due to high soil temperatures and lack of moisture.

Flaws

Sudden cooling often destroys young plants. Weak rooting leads to the fact that the sweet cherry cannot survive a cold winter with little snow and dies. The invasion of rodents often destroys young plantings in summer cottages.

Spring

Spring cherries are planted in most areas of the country. Cold winters are dangerous for weak autumn seedlings - they do not have time to take root and mature.

Benefits

During the warm spring-summer season, the seedling has time to grow roots and strengthen itself in the soil. He has almost six months to do this. You can overcome the influence of the dry period with timely watering. Summer residents can fight diseases and pests by watching cherries all summer.

Flaws

In addition to growing roots, the seedling must ensure the growth of branches, leaves, which requires a lot of strength from it. Young plants are often attacked by pests that prefer weak, juicy young growth. Summer residents need to constantly monitor the condition of the seedling - protect it from insects, prevent drying out and slowing down the growing season.

Autumn choice of seedlings is always larger, many gardeners buy cherries at this time, dig in, and plant in the spring.

Select site

Heat-loving cherries need lots of sun and light. It is important to provide it with illumination by choosing a convenient area. Seat Requirements:

• sunny area - south or west side;
• no stagnant water, low groundwater flow - 2 meters or more;
• a high place without fog accumulation.

Drafts and cold winds slow down growth, cherries without sun become sour, less juicy and fragrant. It is important to remember that the crown needs airing to protect it from rot and harmful insects, so the tree is not planted in closed corners.

We also note a neighborhood that is pleasant for cherries - cherries, plums, pollinating cherries. It is not recommended to grow apple trees, pears, gooseberries, raspberries next to Regina.

Preparing the pit

Terms for preparing a planting pit for cherries:

• for spring - autumn;
• for autumn planting - 2-3 weeks ahead.

For a seedling, a hole is prepared 60-70 centimeters deep and 100 centimeters wide. The upper part of the removed soil is set aside and a soil mixture is prepared from it. The composition of the mixture is soil, humus (2 buckets), complex (phosphorus, potassium) mineral fertilizer, ash.

The prepared soil is poured into the bottom of the pit, strengthening the future support for the cherry in it.

Landing

The roots of Regina's seedling are cut before planting, immersed in water mixed with growth stimulants (Zircon, Kornevin).

The seedling is placed on a mound in a hole so that the grafting site remains above the soil surface. The earth is added in layers, carefully rammed so that voids do not form. After filling the hole halfway, pour in 5-10 liters of water and wait for subsidence.

The pit is completely filled, the earth is rammed, a circle is formed and 2 buckets of water are poured in. The surface of the root circle is mulched.

Pollinators

Almost the only drawback of Regina is the mandatory planting of pollinators near the tree. The main difficulty is that certain varieties are needed that bloom at the same time. The following varieties of cherries and cherries are recommended.

Note that you don't have to plant a tree on purpose. Close enough growing suitable culture from neighbors. They also use a graft with the recommended variety on Regina or any neighboring tree.

Schneider late

Cherry is one of Regina's parents. Very high-yielding variety, the fruits are quite sour.

Sam

Known pollinator of many varieties. The taste of Sam fruits is slightly bitter. Will not crack in any weather.

Donetsk beauty

Excellent variety with red-pink fruit pulp, cherries - up to 7 grams, sweet and juicy.

Sylvia

The tree grows almost without side shoots. Warming is required for the winter for many regions. The fruits are sweet and large.

Godelfinian

The variety is very productive, the trees are tall, the crown is thickened. Fruits - sweet, juicy, up to 6 grams. Bone does not come off.

Wanda

Fruits are slightly flattened, weight - up to 8 grams. The color of the fruit is carmine.

Lapins

Not a hardy cherry variety, grows well only in warm regions. The berries are juicy, with a pronounced aroma, they remain on the tree for a long time.

Bianca

Planted for pollination of Regina at a distance of 3 meters.

Karina

Large fruits of very dark color, juicy, shape - conical. Hard dense bark protects the tree from fungal diseases.

Coral, Tray

Cherry Coral blooms late, short. The pulp is sweet, juicy with a wine flavor. Lotovka (Lutovka) - a variety of cherries, almost never used fresh, intended for processing.

Nefris

Cherry variety shows good yield results only in warm regions. It does not have high winter hardiness.

Cordia

Sweet cherry variety with very dense red pulp, fruit size - up to 10 grams.

Summit

A tree with a powerful crown, it will take up a lot of space on the site. Fruits - up to 10 grams with light red, slightly sour, aromatic pulp.

Care Secrets

Proper care not only increases yield, but also improves the taste and size of fruits, making them sweeter and juicier.

Irrigation

Regina cherries are not drought tolerant and require regular watering. Their scheme is adjusted depending on humidity and rainfall. In wet summers, the frequency is reduced, water stagnation is not allowed.

The following rates are recommended:

• young tree - 30 liters once a month;
• adult, fruiting - 50-60 liters at least 3 times per season.

The first watering is carried out during the opening of the kidneys, then - according to the scheme. It is important to adjust the timing and amount of water depending on the weather. In dry summers, watering is increased, the soil in the circle is mulched to retain moisture for the roots.

Irrigation is stopped 3 weeks before harvest to prevent the fruits from cracking and becoming sour.

It is important to loosen the soil in time and exterminate weeds, cherries do not like them. In order not to damage the roots, a pitchfork or a hand cultivator is used for loosening.

Feeding

During the first year, Regina feeds on the fertilizers applied during planting, and does not need additional feeding. Nitrogen fertilizers are applied in a small dose (120 grams per circle) in the second year. Urea will ensure the growth of green mass and enhanced vegetation.

From the 3rd year, regular feeding begins:

• humus - every 2-3 years;
• superphosphate and potassium s alt - annually, in spring.

The trunk circle is increased as the crown grows (by 50 centimeters per year). Fertilizers are applied dry, burying along the edge of the circle, or in the form of a solution with irrigation. Sweet cherries love top dressing with ash and dolomite flour.

Cutting

At a young age, all incorrectly growing young shoots are removed from cherries. Throughout life, cut out damaged, broken branches. The crown should not be thickened, this leads to a loss in fruit quality.

The top is crucial, its condition is monitored especially. When stronger branches appear, the main conductor is replaced to avoid competition. Old branches (7-8 years old) are shortened, rejuvenating cherries and stimulating the growth of young shoots.

Preparing for winter

Regina's frost resistance protects the tree from low temperatures. A young cherry seedling, especially planted in spring, needs autumn preparation for cold weather. The main stages of pre-winter preparation:

1. Remove the old mulch. They clean the trunk of damaged bark, whiten it with lime.
2. The soil in the circle is dug deep, the cherries are watered.
3. Fertilize 2 weeks before the real cold snap.
4. The soil around the sweet cherry is covered with a layer of mulch of 20 centimeters.
5. The trunk of young seedlings is insulated with burlap.
6. Protection against rodents is a mesh or spruce branches.

If there is not enough snow, add it manually.

Important: you can cover the trunk in winter only with breathable materials, do not use a film.

Prevention from diseases and pests

Regina cherries are well genetically protected from fungal diseases, but with high humidity and lack of ventilation, they can suffer from rot and viral infections.

Moniliosis

Gray rot is a fungal infection that often affects fruits in wet summers. Sick cherries must be removed from the tree, collected from the ground and disposed of. The disease is expressed in rotting of the fruit and monilial burn (damage to parts of the trunk).

Biopreparations (Fitosporin, Fitolavin) and chemicals (Topsin M, iron vitriol, Kuprozan) are used for treatment.

Gommoz

This is the name of gum disease - the expiration of juice caused by adverse conditions. For treatment, they use the removal of frozen juice, treatment with copper sulphate.

Mosaic disease

Viral disease affecting cherry leaves. Yellow stripes appear on the plates along the veins, they curl and fall off. A viral disease cannot be cured. The tree is most often uprooted and destroyed.

Gypsy moth

The pest feeds on any plants, it can penetrate the cherry from the neighboring forest and completely ruin all the plantings. In the autumn, they inspect the cherry, rip off all the clutches of eggs. Insecticide treatment - Chlorophos, Metaphos.

Black Aphid

Small insects settle on the lower part of the foliage and in the forks of the trunk. The foliage becomes sticky, covered with a coating on which dust settles. They use the Spark to fight, Commander. It is especially important to deal with ants, with which aphids share common vital interests.

Cherry Tube Roller

Adult beetles eat the ovaries and leaves, the larvae penetrate the bones and destroy the fruit. The taste qualities of even surviving fruits are lost. It is important to treat the sweet cherry with insecticides (Aktara) in time - 4-6 days after flowering is completed, then another 10 days later.

Cherry Sawfly

Caterpillars of a small insect devour foliage and ovaries. Able to bare cherries to the trunk. They use insecticides - Karbofos, Actellik.

Crown formation

The first time cherries are pruned after spring planting. If Regina is planted in winter, pruning is left until spring. They form a sparse tiered-sparse crown. Ground rules:

• number of branches - 5-10;
• lower branches - 50-60 centimeters from the ground, all small shoots below are removed;
• distance between tiers - 50-60 centimeters;
• tier consists of 3 branches;
• at a height of 3.5-4-x, the growth of sweet cherries is stopped.

It takes 4-5 years to form a crown. Later, the tree is thinned out, old branches are removed, and young ones are allowed to grow.

Spring treatment

With the advent of spring, insulation is removed, sanitary pruning of cherries is carried out. It is important to remove damaged branches. The pruning sites are smeared with copper sulphate and pitch. Until the kidneys come to life, the cherries are sprayed for protective purposes with urea or other drugs (Nitrofen) from pests and diseases.

Harvest and storage of crops

The fruits of sweet cherries are removed with the stalk, especially if they are left for storage. There is no need to quickly harvest the entire crop. Cherries hang up to 2 weeks on a tree without loss of quality and cracking. It is better to eat freshly picked fruits.

Cherries are cut with scissors or secateurs, laid out in small boxes in 2-3 layers. Stored in the refrigerator.

Reviews

The quality of fruits, unpretentiousness and good winter hardiness of Regina are the pluses noted by all amateur gardeners and farm owners. Sweet cherries lie and remain on the tree for a long time, delighting with a long period of fresh consumption. From the fruits you can cook delicious preparations for the winter.

The main difficulty is the selection and planting of a pollinator suitable for flowering time. When solving this problem, growing Regina does not cause other troubles.

Regina cherry is a wonderful variety that allows you to get delicious fruits even in not the warmest regions. The variety is gradually becoming a favorite and popular among summer residents. The southern guest wins a place in summer cottages, delighting with dark fleshy fruits and a long fruiting period.

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