- Authors: A.N. Venyaminov, A.F. Kolesnikova (All-Russian Research Institute of Horticulture named after I.V. Michurin and All-Russian Research Institute of Breeding of Fruit Crops)
- Barrel type: wood
- Growth type: vigorous
- Crown: reverse pyramidal, raised, medium density
- Escapes: medium, straight, olive brown
- Leaves: ovoid, dark green
- Flowers: bell-shaped, white
- Flowering and fruiting type: bears fruit on last year's growths and bouquet twigs
- Fruit size: large
- Fruit size, mm: height 22-23 mm, width 29 mm, thickness 30 mm
Duke Excellent Venyaminova is a variety bred by the Michurin All-Russian Research Institute of Horticulture and Selection of Fruit Crops back in Soviet times. It got its name from the name of one of the scientists involved in the selection of seedlings, A.F. Kolesnikov, the second author of the miracle tree, is not mentioned. The source was the famous German variety of yellow cherries Drogana. Duke is the name of a cherry and cherry hybrid, in which cherry characteristics are somewhat prevalent. The second epithet is not one iota exaggerated - the variety is really great.
Description of the variety
A tree that gives a bountiful harvest already 4 years from the moment of planting demonstrates its advantages starting from 2 years old - some of the berries have to be removed so as not to weaken it during the growth process. The raised branches do not differ in strong branching, which makes it easier to grow in small areas near pollinators (the variety is self-fertile), for example, Griot Ostgeimsky or Vladimirskaya, other varieties of cherries and cherries. The epithet Excellent in the name is rightfully present. High yield, unpretentious care, taste and versatility.
Fruit characteristics
Duke berries can be of different sizes, with weights ranging from 5.5 to 7 g, and this is not surprising, because they are found in abundance on the branches and on last year's shoots. On petioles about 2 cm long, each inflorescence has 4 large flowers, almost always crowned with a fruit.
Taste qualities
The variety is versatile for use. It is suitable for eating, cooking jam and jam, baking. This is due to several nice features:
the percentage of sugars is more than 13;
low acid content (0.9%);
a small bone (only 6% of the total mass of the berry);
dessert taste that is rated in superlatives compared to any other duke;
easy separability of the stone and stalk.
The beautiful red color inside turns into a pink pulp of medium density, melting in the mouth, filled with sweet juice. Most gardeners prefer to enjoy fresh fruits, and use berries for winter harvesting that do not have such a content of fruit sugars and valuable components.
Ripening and fruiting
The variety in different sources is called either early or middle, it all depends on the region in which the duke Excellent Venyaminova is grown. Beginning at the age of 4, fruiting becomes abundant and full. Flowering begins in mid-May, ripening by the first decade of July. This allows the tree to be grown in regions with cold April and return frosts. The tree is frost-resistant in winter, but the flower buds are not so cold-resistant, and this can reduce the likelihood of a harvest if May is unfavorable.
Yield
The average figure given in the statistics is more than a hundred centners per hectare. By creating optimal conditions for the garden, more than 17 tons per hectare can be harvested. This, together with its excellent taste and the ability to tolerate transportation without damage, makes the variety an excellent choice for commercial cultivation.
However, the statement that a tree is only suitable for large plots and horticultural farms with significant areas is not true - even one Excellent Venyaminova can meet the needs of a large family.
Landing
Experienced gardeners know several ways to propagate trees, but experts recommend purchasing one-year-old seedlings of the described culture in nurseries with a proven track record, choosing healthy trees, with a developed root system, with branches shortened by a third. The location is in a southerly direction where there is little shade during the day. Other varieties of cherries and cherries should grow nearby, this is a necessary condition for pollination and harvesting. Good soils - black soil, loam and sandy loam, if the soil is heavy, it is ennobled.
Growing and care
The variety is considered unpretentious, but requires the same procedures as any fruit tree - crown formation, pruning of branches, top dressing, which will be needed in the fourth year, if you put the necessary fertilizers in a hole when planting a seedling. Watering will be needed infrequently, but loosening the soil should be carried out after each heavy rain, and in the fall, remove all garden debris so that pests do not start on the site. Duke Excellent Venyaminova will thank the owner with a wonderful harvest and pleasure from the unique taste and aroma.
