Sweet cherry is one of the first summer berries that were so long awaited after the winter. But not in all regions it bears fruit equally well. Therefore, you should pay particular attention to the winter-hardy varieties of these berries. One of the representatives of this species is Valery Chkalov, a sweet cherry.
Breeding history
Cherries "Valery Chkalov" was derived by the method of free selection in the seventies of the twentieth century. Scientists from TSGL them. Michurin and Melitopol OSS, which took the Caucasian Rose variety as a basis, succeeded in developing a sweet cherry variety, characterized by its large size and sufficient winter hardiness. They named a new variety of berries in honor of the pilot V.P. Chkalov.
Check out the peculiarities of growing other varieties of cherries: "Regina", "Large-fruited", "Franz Iosif", "Pest's heart", "Fatezh", "Chermashnaya", "Iput", "Revna", "Red Hill", "Dybera black "," Adeline "," Ovchuzhenka "," Bryansk Pink ".
Tree description
The tree is big and tall. In height to five meters. The bark is rough, gray-brown in color. Crohn with medium foliage. The main branches grow at an angle of 45-60 degrees to the trunk, have a reddish-brown color. Shoots slightly curved, half a centimeter in diameter. The leaves are quite large, up to 9 cm in length. Broad with jagged edges, have a sharp transition to the top.
Fruit Description
The characteristic difference "Valery Chkalov" are large fruits. The mass of berries - up to 8 g. Ripe berries have a very dark color, almost black. The flesh is juicy, with red veins, as well as the juice of a dark red color. Stone rounded, weighing about 0.37 g. Berries are connected by cuttings of 2-3 pieces. The length of the stem is 45-50 mm. Grow on the branches rather densely.
Did you know? Due to the diuretic effect, the sweet cherry helps to lose weight and remove swelling.
Pollination
Since the variety is samobesplod, for cherry "Valery Chkalov" pollinators are required. Such varieties as "Skorospelka", "June early", "Dneprovskaya", "April" and "Bigarro Burlat" are best suited.
Fruiting
Variety "Valery Chkalov" begins to bear fruit in the fifth year after planting. Further, the tree gives fruit annually. Many factors affect fructification:
- without pollinators, only 5% of the fruit will be tied;
- the presence of fungal diseases in the garden. Kokkomikoz and moniliosis lead to the fact that the tree ceases to bear fruit;
- at too dry and hot weather, pollen, hitting the flowers, may not produce pollination.
Like all fruit trees, cherries need proper planting, feeding, pruning and autumn care.
Flowering period
Flowering cherry begins in late April - early May. The flowers are white, appear almost before the leafing.
Gestation period
Since "Valery Chkalov" refers to early varieties, it is possible to harvest in the first decade of June. Understand that the berries are ripe, you can, when they have a pronounced aroma, dark red color, and shine appears on the skin.
Important! With abundant watering or frequent rains, the berries crack..
Yield
The yield of such a tree is average and depends on the region. The north, the less the berries grow. So, in the southern regions of the tree can be collected about 60 kg of berries. Cherry harvest can be removed in two stages. Berries on the upper branches are sown faster than on the lower ones. It is advisable to first collect the fruit from the top, and after a couple of days from the bottom.
Transportability
Berries that are supposed to be stored or transported, it is better to pluck with the stem. Due to the fact that when the stalk is torn off from the bone, the juice does not flow from the berry, it tolerates transportation. In a cold room "Valery Chkalov" is stored up to 2 weeks. 
Disease and Pest Resistance
When describing the cherry variety "Valery Chkalov", it is worth noting that the berries of this species are very prone to fungal diseases. Most often they are affected by coccomycosis and gray mold. Coccicomycosis is manifested by the appearance of a gray plaque, which gradually covers the entire foliage.
To combat the diseases of cherries, you can use the following fungicides: “Copper sulfate”, “Skor”, “Horus”, “Switch”, “Abiga-Peak”.
The leaves fall early, and the tree is not ready for winter. The fruits themselves may also be affected. For prophylaxis, immediately after the snow melts, trees are sprayed with 3% Bordeaux liquid in dry sunny weather. The second time the procedure should be repeated immediately after flowering. But you need to use already 1% liquid.
Important! The most important prevention of fungal infections is burning of fallen leaves..
Drought tolerance
Although the variety is intended for the southern territories, it does not tolerate drought quite well. If in dry weather the trees are not watered, then the yield for the next year may be halved. In the case when the spring is dry hot weather, the leaves can swell. 
Winter hardiness
Unlike most cherry varieties, "Valery Chkalov" differs in the increased winter hardiness. With a long frost around -25 ° C, the tree will save up to 30% of the buds. This makes it possible to count on a harvest even after cold winters.
Fruit use
Berries of this variety are classified as dessert. It is best to feel their taste just fresh. But you can use them for jam, compote or add to baked goods.
Advantages and disadvantages
Cherry varieties "Valery Chkalov" has many positive characteristics from gardeners. This is due to the fact that the advantages of this tree more than the disadvantages.
pros
- Early maturity.
- Large fruits.
- Taste qualities.
- Good winter hardiness.
Did you know? Of cherries make food dye, and the color is not red, but green.
Minuses
- Susceptibility to fungal diseases.
- Poor tolerance of waterlogging, the fruits are cracking.
"Valery Chkalov" is an early, winter-hardy variety of sweet cherries. It gives a rich, tasty harvest. Thanks to the dessert properties, it will delight the gardener both fresh and in compotes.
