Cherry plum Kuban comet - how to plant and grow

The Kuban comet and its popular species are some of the best representatives of this culture. The lush flowering of luxurious, lush trees creates a spring mood. Juicy berries are tasty and fragrant. The gardener, thinking about planting a cherry plum, should first get acquainted with these varieties.

Description of varieties and popular species

The variety was isolated at the Crimean (Krasnodar Territory) experimental station and transferred to state variety testing in 1977. It was included in the state registry in 1987. Zoned in the Northwest, Central Black Earth, North Caucasus and Lower Volga regions.

A tree of small stature, the crown is flat-round, of moderate density. The bark is gray, smooth, overgrown shoots are short. Each flower bud forms two flowers. Winter hardiness, according to the State Register, is above average, according to the All-Russian Research Institute of Cultural Vocational Medicine (All-Russian Research Institute for Fruit Crop Breeding) - high. Flower buds can tolerate freezing frost. The variety has medium resistance to drought and relative immunity to major diseases.

Each flowering bud of the Kuban comet forms two flowers

The productivity of the Kuban comet is very high, annual. From one tree, 10 to 50 kg are collected (depending on the age of the tree and the quality of care). Ripening period is early. Depending on the region, berries are harvested from the second decade of July to the first decade of August. Partial autonomy, the presence of pollinators is desirable, which can be other varieties of cherry plum or plums, for example, Mara, Traveler, Red Ball. It is important that pollinators have the same flowering time. The Kuban comet blooms in late April.

Harvest from one tree of the Kuban comet reaches 50 kg

The berries are usually large, egg-shaped. The average weight is 30 grams. With large yields, the berries grow smaller. The skin is thin and dense, covered with a slight waxy coating, the color is burgundy (according to VNIISPK - red). The pulp is dense, fibrous, juicy. It has a yellow color and a characteristic aroma. The bone is small; it separates poorly. The taste of the berry is good, sour-sweet. Tasting score - 4.6 points. Short, firmly attached, the stalk does not allow even an overripe berry to fall. Fruits do not crack, tolerate transportation well. Especially well-stored and transported slightly unripe berries, which subsequently ripen well and take the usual color. The purpose is universal.

Video: cherry plum Kuban comet

Late comet

He also came from Krymsk, in the State Register since 2006. Unlike the Kuban comet, it is zoned only in the North Caucasus region.

The tree is medium-sized, with an oval, raised crown of medium density. It tolerates winters with frost down to -30 ° C, so that seedlings of this variety (despite its tolerance region) can be found on sale even in the suburbs. It has an average immunity to diseases, high early maturity.

Conflicting data on self-fertility. In the State Register, the variety is self-infertile, but VNIISPK has a directly opposite point of view and reports on the self-fertility of the late Comet. Gardeners in reviews on forums are more prone to the first version. In any case, the presence of pollinators will be a positive factor.

Brings high yields that ripen in the second half of July. The purpose of the fruit is universal, from fresh consumption to the preparation of juices, compotes, jams and preserves.

The berry is quite large, with an average weight of 32 grams, has a dark red or burgundy color. The form is oval, the surface is covered with a wax coating. The dense, gristly flesh of the red color has a very good sweet and sour taste and a characteristic aroma. The size of the bone is medium, it does not separate very well.

The late comet's berry is quite large, with an average weight of 32 grams, has a dark red or burgundy color

July rose

She’s the June Rose, she’s an early Comet. Under the first name she was entered in the State Register in 1999 in the North Caucasus region. Homeland - Krasnodar Territory.

The tree is medium-sized, with a gray, even, medium thickness, stem and a flat-round, moderately thickened crown. It has high winter hardiness, medium drought tolerance and good early maturity. In the third year, it begins bearing fruit, and by eight years, the yield reaches 10 kg per tree. Flowering early - in early April. Self-infertile variety, although VNIISPK reports partial self-fertility. Good immunity to claustosporiosis and other diseases. High adaptability to growing conditions.

The fruits ripen first among the remaining varieties of cherry plum. At the end of June, the first ripened berries are removed, but they ripen unevenly. The fruits are ovoid in shape and dark red in color with a pinkish tinge. The average weight of the berries is 29 grams. The pulp is dense, fibrous, yellow, slightly succulent. It gets dark slowly in the air. The taste is sweet and sour, pleasant. The aroma is weak. The purpose of the fruit is universal.

The fruits of the early comet are ovoid and dark red with a pinkish tinge

Video: short review of cherry plum berry Comet early

Cherry plum landing

Planting cherry plum is not more difficult than any other fruit tree. As usual, start by choosing a place. Cherry plum, although a winter-hardy plant, does not like the cold northerly winds. And also it does not tolerate wetlands and close occurrence of groundwater. He loves the sun, warmth, airing, but not drafts. So, summarizing, we can formulate a characteristic of a place that is successful for planting and growing cherry plum. On a small southern or southeastern slope, with a deep occurrence of groundwater, protected from the north or northeast by natural barriers - tall trees, the wall of the house, a fence. And also with loose, well-drained soil with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. If there is such a place, you can think about landing.

The best time to plant cherry plum is early spring, before the sap flow begins. At this time, the seedlings should be in a dormant state, but already ready for awakening. If seedlings with a closed root system are purchased, the planting time is uncritical. They can be planted in the ground from April to October.

Step-by-step instructions for landing cherry plum

Following simple recommendations, even an aspiring gardener can plant cherry plum.

1. The first thing to do is to purchase a seedling. So that the gardener does not suffer disappointment, it is better to do this in specialized nurseries. It is better to purchase in advance, in the fall. It was at this time that a massive digging of seedlings for sale took place. Choose one or two-year-old plant - these take root better than overgrown. Of course, they pay attention to the state of the root system - it must be well developed, have fibrous roots. And also the bark of the tree should be smooth, without cracks and other damage. Seedlings should be sold in a sleeping state, if there is foliage left on them, it should be cut off.
   

   Pay attention to the state of the root system of the seedling - it must be well developed, have fibrous roots

2. When the seedling is acquired, it is necessary to save it until spring. To do this, you need to dig it in the garden, after dipping the roots in a mash of clay and mullein. They put the tree in a pre-dug hole of a suitable size, the roots are covered with sand and watered. After this, the pit is completely covered with earth, it is possible with a small mound, leaving only the top of the tree on the surface. You can store the seedling in the basement, if the air temperature in it is maintained in the range from 0 to +5 ° C.
   

   For winter, the seedling should be dug.

3. Proceed to the preparation of the landing pit. Do this in the following order:
   1. At the chosen place, you need to dig a hole about 80 centimeters in diameter and the same depth. If the topsoil is fertile and rich in humus - lay it aside for future use.
   2. At the bottom of the pit, a ten-centimeter layer of drainage is covered, for example, gravel, gravel, expanded clay, broken brick, etc.
      

      A ten-centimeter layer of drainage is covered at the bottom of the pit, for example, gravel, gravel, expanded clay, broken brick, etc.

   3. Fall asleep a nutrient mixture. It can be prepared directly in the pit. The composition of the mixture:
      • chernozem (you can use the soil deposited at the beginning);
      • well rotted humus or compost;
      • grass peat;
      • sand - these components are taken in approximately equal amounts;
      • wood ash - 2-3 liters;
      • superphosphate - 300-400 grams.
        

        The nutrient mixture can be prepared directly in the pit
   4. The mixture is well mixed with a shovel or pitchfork and covered with something waterproof until spring - roofing material, film, etc.
4. In the spring, as soon as the favorable time arrives, they proceed directly to the planting of the plant.
   1. They take out a seedling from the storage place, examine it. If there are dried or damaged roots - cut out with secateurs.
   2. Soak the seedling in a bucket of water for 2-3 hours. You can add growth stimulants and root formation to water, for example, Kornevin, Epin, etc.
   3. A small mound is prepared in the pit and a stake is driven in at a distance of 10-15 cm from the center. Its height should be at least 80 centimeters above the soil.
   4. A sapling is placed on the knoll with the root neck to the top. The roots neatly spread around the mound.
      

      Roots neatly spread around the knoll

   5. They fill the pit with earth, ramming it in layers.
   6. They make sure that the root neck is not deepened. If it is located a few centimeters above the soil level, then after irrigation the earth will settle and the root neck will drop to the soil level - this is necessary.
   7. The sapling is tied to a peg, paying attention not to pass the trunk.
   8. Around the tree form a near-stem circle from the remaining soil. It is convenient to do this with a plane cutter or chopper.
   9. The soil is abundantly watered with water for a good fit to the roots and elimination of the air sinuses, which inevitably form when filling.
      

      The soil is abundantly shed with water for a good fit to the roots and elimination of air sinuses

   10. Mulch with suitable material - hay, husks of sunflower or buckwheat, humus, etc.
   11. Cut the seedling to a height of 60-80 cm, if there are branches, shorten them by a third.

Features of cultivation and subtleties of care

Agricultural technology for growing cherry plum The Kuban comet and its species is not difficult.

Watering and feeding

These types of care are important, but do not have any special requirements. A gardener, even a beginner, has an idea of ​​how to conduct them. Therefore, in short:

• Cherry plum is watered during the growing season about once a month.
• Water consumption for a young tree is 40-50 liters, for an adult - more. It should be checked to what extent the earth is moistened. For normal development, 25-30 centimeters are needed.
• The day after watering, the soil is loosened and mulched.
• Cherry plum need to be fed starting from the third year after planting.

Table: what and when fertilize cherry plum

Pruning

Cherry plum requires regular pruning. Forming and regulating trimmings are especially important.

Crown formation

Without the correct and timely crown formation, the gardener will lose part of the crop. Sometimes the cherry plum is given a sparse-tier form, but the formation in the form of a bowl is preferable. In this case, all the leaves and fruits are lit up as much as possible by the sun's rays, the crown is well ventilated, the berries ripen well and are poured with juice. The bowl can be simple when all branches grow from the stem at the same level and are directed in different directions. In this case, with large yields (which is not uncommon for the Kuban comet), there is a risk that the branches may break off under the weight of the fruit. The improved bowl allows you to distribute the load along the trunk due to the fact that the skeletal branches are at different heights and are located one above the other.

In winter, the skeleton of the cherry plum tree is clearly visible Kuban comet formed as a simple bowl

Important. Work on the formation of the crown is carried out only in the early spring before the swelling of the kidneys.

How to properly form the crown of cherry plum in the form of an improved bowl - step by step instructions.

1. If the gardener did not forget to cut when planting, the seedling is 50-60 cm - the first step has already been taken.
2. The second step can also be taken during planting - select four growth buds on the trunk with an interval between them of about 10-15 centimeters. Counting lead from the upper cut. All kidneys below are blind. If this step is taken a year after planting and young shoots have already grown, then four of them are chosen according to the same algorithm, the rest are cut “into a ring”. The central conductor (if it was not cut during landing) is cut "on the kidney."
3. On each of the skeletal branches, 1-2 branches of the second order are formed and shortened by a third.
4. In the following years, it is necessary to monitor the thickening of the crown, timely thinning. And also do not allow that one of the branches (usually this is a second-order branch) does not assume the role of the central conductor and does not grow up.
   

   The formation of the crown of cherry plum as an improved "bowl" begins at the time of planting

Adjust cropping

The crown formed by the type of bowl usually gives a large amount of shoots and needs periodic regulatory pruning. So they are called because they consist in adjusting the filling of the crown. They are usually carried out in early spring by removing shoots growing inside the crown, as well as vertical “tops”. Slices are performed "on the ring."

Support Crop

Its essence is to maintain tree productivity at a high level. It is carried out by a method of shortening annual shoots by 10-12 cm, which causes their branching and additional formation of fruit buds. This method is also called coinage. Spend it in the summer during a period of rapid growth of shoots.

Sanitary pruning

Required by any fruit tree. It is carried out in the late autumn and (or) in the early spring. It consists in the removal of dry, diseased and damaged branches.

How to propagate cherry plum Kuban comet

Cherry plum reproduces well in many ways. In order to choose a suitable one, you first need to determine whether the propagated tree is root-owning or grafted.

Propagation of grafted cherry plum

The grafted plum can be propagated in the following ways:

• Vaccinated. As a stock for cherry plum, only cherry plum or its hybrids with Ussuri plum or with Chinese plum can act.
• Lignified cuttings. Step-by-step instruction:
  1. In early summer, cuttings from annual shoots 20-30 cm long are cut, having two to three growth buds.
     

     At the beginning of summer, cuttings from annual shoots 20-30 cm long are cut, each having two or three growth buds

  2. On the bottom of the cuttings make incisions on the bark. Then place the lower ends in water. Root formation stimulants, for example, Cornevin or Heteroauxin, can be added.
  3. Withstand 12 hours.
  4. It is better to root cuttings in containers with a volume of 5-6 liters. Plastic bottles for water with a cut neck are well suited for these purposes.
  5. Prepared containers are filled with a substrate from a mixture of sand and peat in equal quantities.
  6. Cuttings are placed in a substrate, leaving one kidney on the surface.
  7. Water and cover with a film to create high humidity.
  8. Containers are placed in a greenhouse or under a canopy, covering from the sun. It is necessary to maintain a temperature of 25-30 ^aboutFROM.
  9. After 2-3 weeks, roots should appear. The film can be removed.
  10. For the winter, it is better to place containers in the basement or to build some kind of insulated shelter. Storage Temperature - 0-5 ^aboutFROM.
  11. In the spring they are planted in a permanent place along with the substrate.
• Green cuttings. Step-by-step instruction:
  1. In early summer, young branches with leaves are cut.
  2. Cuttings with three leaves are cut from these branches, the two lower ones are cut.
     

     Cuttings with three leaves are cut from twigs, two lower ones are cut

  3. A layer of light nutrient mixture is poured into the box, for example, peat in half with sand, 5-7 cm thick.
  4. A layer of sand 2-3 cm thick is poured on top and moistened.
  5. The shank with the lower end is deepened in the sand to a depth of 2-3 cm along with the two lower kidneys.
     

     The stem with the lower end is deepened in sand to a depth of 2-3 cm together with two lower kidneys

  6. They cover the box with film so that it does not touch the cuttings.
  7. Put the box in a shaded place, maintaining the temperature in it no higher than 30 ^aboutFROM.
  8. Roots form after 30-40 days.
  9. In winter, the box is stored in the basement at a temperature of 0-5 ^aboutFROM.
  10. In the spring they plant in the ground in a permanent place.

Video: how to root green cuttings correctly

Propagation of root plum

Own cherry plum usually has a multi-stem bush formation. This allows you to get seedlings in the following ways:

• root cuttings;
• root shoots;
• layering.

Diseases and Pests

Cherry plum is quite resistant to diseases and pests. If you help her with timely prevention, then you can not worry about the safety of the crop.

Table: preventive measures against diseases and pests

Table: main cherry plum disease and treatment

Photo gallery: signs of cherry plum disease

Table: main plum pests

Photo gallery: cherry plum pests

Reviews

I dug out two cream-wilds on an abandoned site. Transplanted to himself and instilled the Kuban comet. 8 years have passed ... From year to year, these vaccinations invariably delight with a plentiful harvest. Only one rule. It is imperative to support the branches, otherwise they will break off. The year before last we went on vacation and left the cherry plum with free branches. As a result, three branches could not be saved. He cut the ones lying on the ground and removed them. There will be a science.

August, Kiev region//forum.vinograd.info/showthread.php?p=1096314

Cherry plum Kuban comet will not be superfluous in any country, the fruit of the sea, bears fruit annually, the taste is 4.5 ... early. In Volgograd, cherry plum The July rose (Early Comet) was collected by me from July 01 to 10, the Kuban comet from July 10 to 23, the cherry plum General from July 18 to 25, Huck (yellow) from July 20, probably the first to July 30, Scythian Gold (yellow ) from July 25 ... the beginning of August, another yellow-raspberry variety on July 28 ... the beginning of August.

ask-34, Volgograd//forum.vinograd.info/showthread.php?p=1096314

I also want to sing an ode to the cherry plum Kuban comet! I would say that this is just a must have any cottage. Anything can rest with you: an apple tree, a pear, apricot, plum can freeze, but this workhorse plows for wear from year to year! Without top dressing, absolutely not demanding on soil conditions, reward you with a plentiful or heavy crop. In general, in any year you can count on it. I have a small tree, about 2 meters high, a little wide in width, it is convenient to care for and harvest. Fruits are 35-40 grams, very tasty. I close the compote for the winter, cook jam, but most of the children eat fresh. Another indisputable plus is the early ripening period. Branches need to be protected, propped up, otherwise they break under the crop. In 2015, the rains watered everything that bloomed, apple trees, pears, cherries and everything else started very poorly ((only the Kuban comet invariably pleased with a generous harvest. I’m ready to carry the creators of this miracle in my arms! __________________ Sincerely, Daria. "!

Strela, Volgograd//forum.vinograd.info/showthread.php?p=1096314

For Ulyanovsk, the Kuban comet can already be said to be borderline culture, bears fruit for several years and always has only single fruits, pollinators (Zlato Scythians, Ariadna) also have only single fruits on them, this year so far the minimum at the site was -25C, it may be lucky live hope. PS: in general, I noticed if it was -30C or nearby, at least for a short time, then you can’t wait for the fruits or there will be dozens of them, huge, honeyed ones ...

DiP, Ulyanovsk//forum.vinograd.info/showthread.php?p=1096314

I've been growing cherry plum the Kuban comet for 7 years now, the tree is 5-6 m in diameter and 3-4 m in height, it has never frosted. This year I discovered that only those branches that were under the snow bloom, all the rest are alive , try to grow leaves, but not a single flower bud.

ElenaM Moscow//www.websad.ru/archdis.php?code=219114&subrub=%CF%EB%EE%E4%EE%E2%FB%E5%20%E4%E5%F0%E5%E2%FC%FF

Of course, I am not the most experienced sinker, and I live in the Moscow Region, and not in the middle of the Volga region, but I will try to be useful. My cherry plum has already survived 2 winters, varieties Lama, Apricot, Kuban comet. Nothing froze. It seems to me that you need to start with the Kuban comet variety, because it is partially self-fertile, frost-resistant, very productive and well adapted in different conditions and climates. The only thing to consider when growing cherry plum is that it needs to be cut off a lot, because increments she can give a meter and a half per season.

muse//dacha.wcb.ru/index.php?showtopic=37574&st=100

2. Two of your varieties of Comet (I suspect that this is the Kuban comet, but check on the fruit by going to the VNIISPK website) and late comet will be pollinated by other dr. Check for flowering dates, it is desirable that they coincide (at least for half a term). Third, etc. the variety will not hurt, only improve pollination. I wrote about China. 3. The annual abundant harvest is very good. Trees build a powerful root system under it. You take care (feed, drink, watch the angles of departure, so that there are no breaks). With an oversized harvest, I recommend placing a pole with hanging ropes parallel to the trunk. Attach branches with a plentiful harvest to the center of gravity.

toliam1, St. Petersburg//forum.tvoysad.ru/viewtopic.php?t=114&start=220

My friend has two Early Comet trees in the garden. Despite the fact that I have seven varieties of plums and cherry plum in my garden, last year I took cuttings from him and went on a wild cherry plum in my school to have this wonderful cherry plum in my garden. Early, tasty, trouble-free in cultivation. I like her very much. The bone is half detached, at least from that Early Comet that is in the friend’s garden.

Apple, Belgorod//forum.vinograd.info/showthread.php?t=11105

Comet early-Tasty, juicy. Ripened on July 4th. The bone separates. The skin is dense, very fruitful on July 6 removed

The skin is dense, very fruitful, on July 6 removed

igorek75, Odessa region//forum.vinograd.info/showthread.php?t=11105

The Kuban comet has indisputable advantages - productivity, excellent quality of berries, undemanding care. By choosing one of these varieties, the gardener will never regret. Growing such a tree will not be difficult. And the joy of family members after the first harvest will be a reward for work.