Description of the cherry plum variety Zlato Skifov, cultivation and pollinators

The Zlato Skifov cherry plum variety tolerates low temperatures well and is grown in a variety of climates. Incidentally, cherry plum is one of the most popular and widespread fruit crops, grown in virtually any climate. This garden plant is easy to care for and produces a high yield, while its juicy, sweet-tart fruits are suitable for both raw and processed consumption.

Thanks to years of work by breeders, numerous varietal varieties of fruit crops have been developed that possess increased frost resistance and natural immunity to fungal and viral diseases.

Interesting! Cherry plums' closest relatives are peaches, apples, apricots, and pears.

History of the selection of cherry plum Zlato Skifov

At the end of the last century, breeders at the Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, through pollination of the Kubanskaya Kometa plum variety, obtained a new hybrid with a unique taste and characteristics. This hybrid was subsequently entered into state registers under the name "Zlato Skifov" cherry plum. This variety is recommended for cultivation in the central regions with a temperate climate.

Description and characteristics of the culture

Scientists have incorporated only the best and most unique characteristics of the fruit crop into the hybrid cherry plum variety, Zlato Skifov.

Tree dimensions

Zlato Scythov is a low-growing tree, 2 to 3 meters tall, with a spreading, spherical crown and thick, strong, yellow-brown shoots. The foliage is dense, bright green, with sharp tips and serrated edges.

Root system

The tree's root system develops quickly and is capable of recovering from damage and severe frosts. The root system is located superficially, at a depth of 30 to 60 cm from the topsoil, allowing trees to be planted even in areas with groundwater.

Drought resistance, winter hardiness

In its natural habitat, cherry plum is a southern, heat-loving plant, so it easily copes with prolonged drought. Even in hot and dry conditions, the trees continue to grow and produce abundant fruit.

The Zlato Skifov hybrid was developed by breeders specifically for cultivation in temperate and northern climates. This fruit easily withstands temperature fluctuations and frosts, and quickly recovers from winter frosts.

Immunity to diseases and pests

The Zlato Skifov cherry plum has a natural immunity to some fungal diseases and pests. Timely preventative treatment of the garden crop will help prevent the development of diseases and pests.

Pollinators, flowering period and ripening time

Fruit trees enter the flowering phase at the end of April. The trees become completely covered in medium-sized white flowers.

This cherry plum variety is unable to self-pollinate; the trees require suitable neighbors. Any plum variety with similar flowering times will work as pollinators for this garden crop. To increase fruit yield, Rubinovaya or Yellow Pavlovskaya plum varieties are suitable.

The garden variety begins bearing fruit in its third or fourth year of growth. Large, bright yellow fruits, weighing up to 40g, with juicy, sweet-tart flesh, ripen in late June.

Important! To ensure fruiting of the Scythian Gold, pollinators should be planted no more than 30 meters away from the cherry plum.

Yield and application of berries

This fruit variety is known for its high yield. Each mature tree produces up to 20-25 kg of juicy, ripe fruit during the ripening season.

Cherry plums contain a wide variety of vitamins and nutrients. They are suitable for eating raw. Ripe plums are also used to make jams, preserves, gourmet sauces, desserts, and compotes. Plums are also dried, canned, and frozen.

Advantages and disadvantages

Before growing a fruit tree in your garden, you need to carefully understand all the pros and cons of this fruit crop.

Advantages of the variety:

1. Easy to care for.
2. The fruits ripen at the end of June.
3. Cherry plum begins to bear fruit in the 3rd year of growth.
4. Annual, stable fruiting.
5. Resistance to cold temperatures and prolonged frosts.
6. High taste qualities and universal use of fruits.

Important! Low-calorie fruits are suitable for people with diabetes. They don't cause a sharp spike in blood sugar levels and provide the body with beneficial micro- and macronutrients.

Flaws:

1. Ripe fruits are not suitable for long-term storage. If long-distance transport or storage is planned, harvesting begins 6-8 days before the fruit is fully ripe.
2. Young trees are susceptible to fungal diseases.
3. Lack of ability to self-pollinate.
4. Due to the early flowering period, the buds are often exposed to spring frosts.

According to gardeners and farmers, with proper seedling planting technology and subsequent care, the risk of problems with cherry plum cultivation is reduced.

Planting technology

Following the rules for planting seedlings in open ground is the key to growing a healthy fruit tree. This garden plant is easy to maintain, and even a novice amateur gardener can grow cherry plums.

Optimal timing

The timing for planting trees in open ground is calculated based on the climatic characteristics of the regions.

In southern latitudes, cherry plums are planted in late autumn, after all the leaves have fallen. For temperate and cold climates, spring planting is more suitable.

Important! High-quality seedlings are purchased in the fall. When planted in the spring, the plants are covered with soil and left until spring.

Selecting a suitable site

When choosing a plot of land for planting the Zlato Skifov cherry plum, consider the following requirements:

1. Good lighting. Cherry plum is a heat-loving plant and enjoys plenty of sunlight.
2. This fruit crop does not tolerate strong gusts of wind and drafts. Seedlings will thrive best on a south-facing site.
3. This garden crop isn't demanding when it comes to soil quality. However, for best growth and development, choose loose, fertile soil with low acidity.

Once you have decided on a place to plant the seedlings, you can begin preparing the land.

1. 2-3 weeks before planting seedlings in open ground, holes 60-70 cm deep and wide are dug in the area.
2. Humus and mineral fertilizers are added to the soil dug from the holes.
3. Clay soil is mixed with sand and peat, and turf soil is added to sandy soil.
4. A drainage layer is placed at the bottom of the hole and a support peg is driven in.

Tip! To help the seedling take root and begin developing faster, add lime or ash to soil with a high acid content.

What can be planted nearby?

Although cherry plum has a complex and extensive root system, it grows close to the soil surface. Therefore, trees with deeper rhizomes are better planted as neighbors. They won't compete for nutrients and moisture in the soil.

Cherry, plum and apricot trees will be excellent neighbors for cherry plum.

Don't forget about pollinators for this variety of fruit crop.

Preparing and planting seedlings

When choosing and purchasing seedlings, first of all pay attention to the condition of the plant:

1. The rhizomes are free from damage, nodules and growths, and are well moistened.
2. It's best to purchase seedlings that are 1-2 years old. At this age, the tree will survive transplanting more easily and establish itself quickly.
3. The trunk and branches are free from breaks and damage, smooth and strong.
4. Each branch has several buds or leaves, depending on when the seedling is purchased.

According to gardeners and vegetable growers, the younger the seedling, the less susceptible it is to fungal and viral infections.

The technology for planting seedlings in open ground is simple and does not require any additional skills or knowledge from the gardener.

Before planting, the plants are placed in a container with warm water for 4-6 hours, and then the roots are treated with antibacterial preparations and growth stimulants.

1. A mound of fertile soil is poured into the prepared hole.
2. A seedling is placed on top of the mound.
3. Carefully distribute the plant roots in the hole and cover with soil. Try to avoid creating any gaps between the roots and the soil.
4. The seedling is tied to a support peg, the soil is lightly compacted and thoroughly watered.

Important! The root collar of the seedling remains at least 5-6 cm above the soil level.

Care instructions

The health, development and fruiting of garden crops depend on compliance with agricultural practices.

Watering

In arid southern regions, the Zlato Scythian cherry plum is watered 3 times throughout the season.

The first irrigation is carried out as soon as the cherry plum has finished flowering. The next irrigation is carried out after the fruit buds have finished forming. The last irrigation is carried out during the ripening process. During irrigation, 30 to 50 liters of water are applied to each plant.

In regions with temperate and cold climates, irrigation depends on precipitation. If there have been heavy, prolonged rains, the crop does not require irrigation.

Caring for the soil and tree trunk area

After watering, weeds are removed and the area around the tree's trunk is loosened. These activities help oxygenate the plant's roots and retain moisture in the soil for longer.

Mulching of the tree trunk area is also performed. Sawdust, dry grass, or leaves are used for this procedure.

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Fertilizers

Hybrid garden crops require additional nutrition. Organic and mineral fertilizers are used for this purpose.

After flowering, the trees are fertilized with manure, previously diluted with water.

And at the beginning of summer and autumn, trees are fed with a mineral complex.

Trimming

Pruning allows you to get rid of unnecessary, broken branches and shape the tree's crown.

The first formative pruning is performed immediately after planting the seedling in open ground. No more than three strong, elastic branches growing from the main stem are left on the tree. The procedure is repeated over the next 2-3 years.

Every spring and autumn, sanitary pruning of trees is carried out, removing broken, damaged and frozen shoots.

Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention

Fruit crops are most often susceptible to attacks by cherry plum aphids and plum fruit moths. Professional insecticide-based pest control products are used to eliminate these pests.

To prevent and treat fungal and viral infections, fungicide-based products containing copper are used.

Important! Proper and timely care of garden crops reduces the risk of disease and pests.

Preparing cherry plums for the winter period

The Zlato Skifov cherry plum variety was bred to be particularly frost-resistant. Therefore, no additional insulation measures are required.

In the fall, the fruit tree is watered generously, and the area around the trunk is mulched with peat mixed with sawdust. The lower part of the trunk is treated with a lime solution containing copper sulfate and regular office glue. This treatment will protect the young cherry plum from rodents and small animals during the winter.

In northern regions, the tree's trunk is covered with spruce branches, and the trunk is covered with burlap. As soon as the first snow falls, a large snowdrift is created under the tree.

Methods of reproduction

Vegetative propagation is used to propagate this garden crop. Cherry plums are propagated by cuttings, grafting, and root suckers.

Important information! Since Zlato Skifov is a hybrid variety, propagation by seed will result in the loss of all varietal characteristics of the parent tree.

Gardeners' reviews of the variety

Kira Vladimirovna. Pskov.

A few years ago, a neighbor gave me two Zlato Scythian cherry plum saplings. I've never been a fan of plum trees; I know they're finicky and prone to disease. But for two years now, we've been harvesting delicious, sweet cherry plums, and they've been trouble-free. Now they're my favorite tree in the garden.

Svetlana Leonidovna. Tver.

I really wanted to grow a plum tree at the dacha; my whole family loves them. I went to a nursery, and they recommended the Zlato Scythian cherry plum. Last year, we harvested our first crop of delicious and juicy plums. The plum requires minimal care; there was a lot of rain, so we didn't even have to water it. The only thing we do every year is preventative pest control.

Igor Petrovich. Moscow region.

Two years ago, I planted the Zlato Scythian cherry plum. My plot is in a small depression, but the seedlings took root well and have survived the winter for two years now. They're growing vigorously, disease-free, and I'm looking forward to the first harvest.