Rules for growing cherry plum of the Zlato Skifov variety

Many gardeners prefer to grow fruit trees in their gardens. Cherry plum is no exception. The Zlato Skifov variety is considered one of the most low-maintenance, requiring minimal care. Simple agricultural practices will promote a strong immune system and a bountiful harvest.

History of the selection of the Zlato Skifov variety

The Scythian Gold plum was developed in 1997. The next stage in its history began in 2005, when this crop was added to the State Register.

When developing this variety, various plum-shaped species were used, such as Ussuri, Chinese, American, and also felt cherry.

Regions for cultivation

The Zlato Scythian cherry plum is adapted to the central regions of the country with a temperate climate. The variety thrives in the Far East, the Urals, and Siberia.

Description

The Zlato Skifov cherry plum has excellent characteristics, making it popular among experienced gardeners. Even those new to fruit trees can easily grow it.

Tree

The tree is characterized by a rounded, spreading crown with drooping branches. The plant itself typically reaches a height of 2 to 3 meters. The branches are strong and thick.

Leaf cover

The tree is covered with large, oblong, bright green leaves. They are slightly elongated and have neat serrations along the edges. The underside of the leaf is pointed.

Flowers

The flowers are medium-sized and bloom profusely and abundantly. The plant is completely covered in white blossoms. The flowering phase begins in the third ten days of April.

Fruit

The oval-round fruits grow large, reaching 35-40 grams in weight. The dense skin has a rich, bright yellow hue. There is a minimal waxy coating. The flesh is juicy, sweet, and slightly tart.

Frost resistance

This garden tree adapts well to temperature fluctuations and frosts. Even with minor frost damage, the tree is capable of fully recovering.

This frost-hardy variety can easily withstand cold conditions without requiring any special winter preparation. However, prolonged frosts down to -30°C can cause the plant's buds to freeze.

Pollinators

The Zlato Skifov cherry plum is a fruit tree that is unable to self-pollinate. To ensure proper pollination, the hybrid variety requires proper proximity to other trees.

Grow this cherry plum variety alongside other varieties. Experienced gardeners note that the best pollinators for Zlato Skifov are the following varieties: Podarok Sankt-Peterburgu, Rubinovaya, and Pavlovskaya Zheltaya.

Productivity

Cherry plums begin bearing fruit 4-5 years after planting. This variety is characterized by annual fruiting and high yields. A stable harvest of approximately 30-35 kg of juicy, ripe fruits per tree. Cherry plums ripen in late June.

How to plant Scythian Gold correctly?

Growing this fruit tree is easy due to its low maintenance, but success depends on strictly following the advice of experienced gardeners. Growing a healthy fruit tree is possible only by carefully following the instructions when planting a young tree in the soil.

Choosing a location

Choosing a plot of land for planting the "Scythian Gold" cherry plum requires meeting certain requirements. Consider the following:

• Lighting. The area should be free from shade, providing sufficient natural light.
• Location. It is preferable to choose areas on the south side, which are protected from drafts and wind.
• Groundwater. It is important that the groundwater level on the site be at least 1 m deep. If there is no alternative, create a mound at least 50 cm high.

Preparing for landing

Soil quality in general isn't as important as its acidity, especially for cherry plum, which, like other stone fruit trees, prefers slightly alkaline soils. Before planting, determine the soil's acidity and, if necessary, amend the soil with dolomite flour.

Although cherry plum grows best in light and fertile loam, this is not the only suitable option, but Scythian Gold does not tolerate waterlogged, heavy soils.

Selecting a seedling

When choosing seedlings, consider a few criteria to identify healthy plants. Helpful tips:

• A well-developed root system is essential for successful seedling growth. The root must be kept moist.
• Make sure there are no knots, growths, or other damage. The preferred age for seedlings is 1-2 years, as at this age, they transplant easily and establish themselves well.
• Make sure there are no breaks on the stems or branches. The surface should be smooth and undamaged, and each branch should have several leaves and buds.
• The bark should be free of peeling, elastic and smooth, and the branches should be sufficiently flexible.

The roots of a one-year-old seedling should reach 10 cm in length. There should be no signs of mold on the root system.

How to plant cherry plum correctly?

For spring planting, begin preparing the hole in the fall, and for fall planting, begin 12-15 days before planting. Dig a hole in the selected area, removing the top layer of fertile soil. Mix it with humus or manure.

A few hours before planting, soak the seedlings in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Immediately before planting, soak the roots in a clay slurry for 1 hour.

Step-by-step description of planting

Planting the Zlato Skifov cherry plum is an important step that determines the plant's future growth and fruiting. Here are step-by-step instructions for planting cherry plum:

1. Place the seedling in a hole approximately 70 x 70 cm in size and about 50 cm deep. Spread the roots around the hole first, ensuring they don't bunch up.
2. Place the seedling in the center of the hole and gradually fill it with the prepared soil mixture.
3. Make sure the root collar is level with the soil surface.
4. After filling the hole with soil, add a little more and compact it gently to avoid the formation of air pockets around the roots.
5. Water the planted seedling generously. Make sure the water soaks into the soil thoroughly.
6. Create a mulch layer around the cherry plum tree using straw, peat, fallen leaves, or other materials. This will help retain moisture, prevent weed growth, and provide additional thermal insulation.

If you are planting several plants at the same time, make sure that the distance between them is approximately 2.5 m, and between rows, when laying out the garden, the distance is kept within 3-3.5 m.

Necessary care

Any cherry plum variety is undemanding when it comes to growing conditions, and Zlato Scythov is no exception. However, you can't simply plant a seedling and forget about it. It's important to provide the plant with modern watering and implement the necessary agricultural practices.

Watering

In regions with limited rainfall, perform three watering cycles throughout the year: during flowering, after fruit set, and during fruit ripening. Use 30-50 liters of water per irrigation cycle.

Fruit crops planted in temperate and cold climates rarely require additional watering, especially if significant rainfall occurs during these periods. After watering or rain, remove weeds and loosen the soil, and apply mulch around the tree trunks.

Top dressing

For successful development and productivity of cherry plums, including the Zlato Skifov variety, regular fertilizing is important. This helps provide the plant with essential nutrients. Here are several types of fertilizers that can be beneficial for cherry plums:

• Organic fertilizers. Adding humus, compost or manure helps enrich the soil with organic matter, improves its structure and retains moisture.
• Mineral compositions. Applying fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is important for overall plant development. For example, nitrogen promotes foliage growth and stimulates fruit formation, phosphorus promotes root development, and potassium improves fruit quality.
• Foliar feedingFoliar spraying can be an effective way to supply micronutrients, especially if the soil does not provide sufficient access to them.
• Autumn feeding. Helps prepare plants for winter by strengthening their immune system and improving winter hardiness.

Use complex fertilizers. Using balanced fertilizers containing all the necessary elements ensures complete nutrition for cherry plums.

Trimming

This pruning procedure is particularly important, and its implementation requires strict adherence to recommendations. Follow the pruning plan below:

• First year. Prune the central shoot at a height of 60-70 cm from the ground. Shorten 2-3 well-developed branches to 10 cm, and remove the rest.
• Second year. Save and slightly shorten 3-4 shoots that have grown above last year's branches. Cut off the remaining shoots.
• Third year. Form a third tier consisting of a single branch growing from the topmost bud. Regularly prune this branch to 5 cm.

Over the course of 3-5 years, gradually carry out sparse, layered pruning to shape the crown. In the fall and spring, perform sanitary pruning, including removing damaged, dead, and overcrowded branches.

Preparing for winter

Scythian gold is a plant highly resistant to low temperatures and therefore requires no special winter preparation. Focus primarily on protecting it from potential damage from rodents, which can harm the aromatic wood.

To prevent such damage, whitewash the trees up to a third of the trunk's height using a solution of slaked lime mixed with copper sulfate and office glue. Then wrap the trunk in thick material and tie it with pine branches.

Diseases and pests

Aphids, downy silkworms, and plum moths are the most dangerous pests for the Zlato Skifov cherry plum. Using professional insecticides is an effective method of controlling these insects.

Among the most common diseases of cherry plum are:

• Gum flow.
• Moniliosis (gray rot).
• Phyllostictosis (brown spot).
• Rust.
• Powdery mildew.

For treatment, spray the plant with Bordeaux mixture or copper sulfate solutions. Effective treatments for fungal infections include HOM, Nitrafen, Horus, Mikosan-V, Topaz, Vectra, Fundazol, and others.

Harvesting and storage

The first harvest of the Zlata Scythian cherry plum occurs in the fifth year after planting the seedling in its permanent location. Harvesting occurs in midsummer, during warm and dry, but not too hot, weather. Harvest the fruits with the stems attached, plucking them.

If it has rained recently, wait, as even fully ripened fruits remain on the tree for 4-5 days. The fruit ripens unevenly, so harvest 2-3 times, 5-7 days apart. Choose a specific harvesting time based on your intended use.

Cherry plums are versatile: they can be eaten fresh, used in desserts, sauces, juices, seasonings, and other winter preserves. Store cherry plums in a cellar at a temperature of approximately 5°C in boxes with ventilation holes. The plums will stay fresh for up to 18-20 days, or 3-5 days at room temperature.

Gardeners' reviews

The Zlato Skifov cherry plum is a true miracle in the world of gardening. Able to overcome the vagaries of nature and delight with magnificent fruits, this Russian plum becomes an essential part of any garden. By following the care recommendations, you can grow a plant that will delight you with abundant harvests.

Frequently Asked Questions