Persimmon in the Crimea: planting and care

If you prefer to eat exceptionally healthy foods, then persimmon must be on your table every season. Berry will take care of your eyesight, heart, lungs, intestines, kidneys, hemoglobin in the blood, good mood and beauty. Just do not think that such a diet will cost you dearly. In fact, thanks to the efforts of breeders, you can grow a thermophilic Asian culture easily in your garden. What does planting persimmon in Crimea imply? What kind of care and knowledge does it require? We will cover all this later in the article.

Description and useful properties

How ripe fruits of a persimmon look, probably, everyone knows. After all, with the onset of the season, they appear on every fruit counter. But the plant called persimmon saw not all.

Admire small trees or persimmon bushes today can be not only in the homeland of culture in China. They grow successfully in the gardens of Australia, Japan, North America and Europe. These plants are considered long-lived because they live 500 years. In the range, they reach eight meters in height and retain clear signs of wild ancestors. The trees are distinguished by a wide branching crown with weeping shoots, alternate simple leaves, male and female flowers. Given this feature of the culture, experienced gardeners place in the neighborhood heterosexual specimens, which contributes to higher yields.

In contrast to men's, women's buds are characterized by a wide sepal and an elongated corolla shape. And pollinators have yellow-white petals that are arranged in the form of a wide glass.Flowering begins in the spring and depends on the climatic conditions of the region.

With the onset of autumn leaves begin to fall on the trees, but this process does not affect the decorativeness of the culture at all. After all, the branches are densely decorated with large orange fruits that hang until the cold. The color of their skin, depending on the characteristics of the variety, can vary from bright yellow to purple-brown. Very often, the Crimean persimmon is under snow, because its ripening lasts until December.

The peculiarity of the fruit of this plant is the specific jelly-like pulp in one species and the hard fibrous interior in another. The last berries get a pleasant taste, having fallen under the frosts, and the first can be enjoyed even without waiting for maturity.

Lack of fruit only in their tendency to rapid deterioration. Hard-skinned specimens are more profitable, because after harvesting they can lie down for a month and a half, after which they become even tastier.

According to experts, the berries contain a lot of beta-carotene, which contributes to the improvement of vision and does not allow aging of the eye muscles.In addition, the substance takes care of the respiratory tract, cleans them and prevents the development of various diseases, including seasonal.

Fruits collected essential for human health trace elements and organic acids, which strengthen the immune system and have a beneficial effect on the process of blood formation. We are talking about the present in the chemical composition of the fruits of calcium, potassium, iron, sodium, magnesium, iodine and phosphorus. In addition, persimmon is rich in retinol, ascorbic acid, thiamine, fishflavin, niacin.

Herbalists say that persimmon juices and teas are an excellent remedy for acute respiratory infections, anemia, and even diseases of the cardiovascular system. Also, the astringent and bactericidal properties of the fruit have a good effect on gastrointestinal disorders.

3 berries a day is enough to cleanse the kidneys from accumulated salts. This effect is possible due to the content of magnesium, which helps filter the urogenital system.

Berries are also successfully used as an antiseptic for healing wounds and burns. Their pieces are rubbed on a person with problem skin, acne, or wide pores. Moreover, the fruit has a calming effect on the nervous system, which ensures a good sleep and good mood.

Suitable views for our climate zone

According to the botanical classification, the persimmon (Diospiros) belongs to the family of Ebony and charges about 300 species. In the Crimean latitudes, the most interesting are the following species:

1. Eastern (Diospiros kaki) - the type is popular in the Chinese open spaces, it charges more than a thousand varieties. But despite the wide choice of local gardeners prefer only cold-resistant.

2. Caucasian (Diospiros lotus) - is a vigorous trees that develop in their native Caucasus up to 30 meters in height. Characterized by high frost resistance. Fruits large berries with a tart taste and dark skinned. There are no more than 4 pits in their pulp. The species does not have cultivated varieties, but is an excellent material for stock.

3. Virginia (Diospiros virjiniana) - it is distinguished not only by North American origin, but also by a medium-trunk trunk, increased by high yield and endurance to cold.The species is often used for rootstock, but it also notes the fragility of the young seedling and sensitivity to transplants, as well as other changes in growing conditions.

Owing to the love of the Crimean gardeners for the Caucasian and Eastern varieties of persimmon, artificial hybrids were born that were distinguished by extreme cold resistance. But the variety Rossiyanka 18, based on the maternal genes of the eastern and virginian species, is particularly popular on the peninsula. The hybrid is considered the most enduring and safely wintering even at -27 ° C.

He is a little inferior in this aspect varieties Nikitsky maroon, Mount Goverla and Mount Roman-Kosh, which are characterized by large fragrant fruits with amazing taste.

The competent choice of saplings upon purchase

Through the efforts of breeders of the Nikitsky Botanical Garden, it was proved that the plant can bring good yields not only in the southern regions of Crimea, but throughout the entire peninsula.And in order to get quality planting material, it is important to first consult with the specialists of the local nursery. Only they will be able to choose the type of persimmon ideal for your settlement.

It is not suitable for such purchases of market squares and exhibitions. In such places you can get a wilderness or a variety that will disappear on your site in the very first winter.

Today there are several nurseries on the peninsula where you can buy seedlings: in the village of Semennoye, Nizhnegorsky District, and in the village of Novopavlovka, Bakhchsarai District. And it is also possible in the village of Nikita and the city of Yalta, where the Trading House of the Nikitsky Botsad is located.

Do not buy seedlings at random, because in such cases the risks are high that the tree will not take root well and will not bring the expected fruiting. When you get expert advice, carefully inspect the assortment of the proposed variety. Seedlings can be sold in containers and with open roots. In the torus version, it is important to ensure the integrity of the root system and the trunk. A healthy tree should have a highly branched, viable root system with thin branches and a smooth, uniform surface, even thick trunk and 4-5 skeletal branches.

Increased sensitivity of the lateral processes of the roots. If they were dug out incorrectly, they will die in a few hours. Specimens with dead branching and fresh stem roots are quite suitable for planting, but they will begin vegetating much later. Experts advise to treat such moments categorically and give preference to only quality seedlings.

Planting material in the pot is estimated as the trunk and branches. They should have a flat surface, without stains, darkened or moldy areas, mechanical or any other damage. When it comes to grafting, carefully examine the vaccination site.It should not be cracks and rifts. Remember that biennial instances take root.

Location selection

A spacious plot with a loamy or sandy substrate in a place protected from prevailing winds and drafts is ideal for a heat-loving tree. It is important that in the selected area the groundwater lies no closer than 70 m from the surface of the earth.

Otherwise, the root system, the bulk of which is located at a half-meter depth, will soak and the tree will die. Persimmon loves a lot of lighttherefore, the landing zone for it should not be shaded by anything. Otherwise, the shoots of the plants are strongly deformed, and the ovary will crumble prematurely.

Also, when choosing a place for rooting seedlings, it is worth considering the distance from neighboring crops. For the full development of low-growing persimmon varieties, it will take about 25 square meters of area, but high-growth varieties require twice the space. Condensed landings are possible only in tandem by short-lived colonic cultures.

In the northern areas of the peninsula, it is desirable to plant the plant near buildings, which will ensure its comfort and security in winter.

Step-by-step process of planting seedlings

Saplings of all types of this plant in the southern areas of the Crimea can be rooted even in November. The main thing is that the earth has not had time to cool down, and there is no frost. After all, the root system of a tree needs time to adapt to new conditions. But in the northern part of the peninsula planting persimmon is better to engage in the spring, when the threat of frost is over.

It is always necessary to begin the process with preliminary digging and fertilization of the soil. Most often in such cases contribute organic and superphosphates. Also, adjusting the acidity does not hurt, because culture prefers a neutral environment. When the plot is ready, dig on it. landing hole with dimensions 60x60x60 cm.

After that, fill it with a layer of drainage and fertile soil mixture. It is prepared from equal parts of humus, compost, river sand and peat. Then cover with black plastic wrap and allow several weeks to form a specific microclimate.Only then the covering structure can be removed and proceed to the direct landing.

First you need to drive into the center of the recess a wooden peg with a burnt edge. Such processing of wood material is important because it prevents the formation of rot when the support decomposes.

Regardless of whether the seed was purchased with open or closed roots, it must be placed in a container with water or watered abundantly before rooting.

It is advisable to re-inspect the open root system for damage and desiccation, and then to treat it with a clay mash. After the done manipulations, the roots of the plant are lowered into the planting pit, straightened, plentifully watered and covered with fertile soil. Ensure that grafts have a 5–10 cm grafting site buried.

Seasonal care features

Many beginners of gardening and gardening affairs mistakenly think that the more useful the plant is, the more it requires attention and some specific comfort conditions. And in fact, the persimmon in tatters and smashes these misconceptions and proves that genius is simple. Consider in more detail the care of persimmon in the Crimea.

Pollination

To improve the yield of the plant, the gardener must take care of the proximity of persimmon with male and female flowers, because it very rarely happens that bisexual buds form on the tree. Characteristically, these nuances are directly dependent on the variety of culture.

Botanists distinguish sortovidovid exclusively with female inflorescences:

• Tsuru;
• Amon;
• Hachia;
• Sidles;
• Hyakume;
• Aizu Mishirazu;
• Russian 18;
• Nikitsky maroon;
• Tsurunoko;
• Tsurunoko;
• Meoce Saukun.

Of these varieties, only a few can form the ovary without pollinators, but this successful case will be possible only under favorable climatic and agronomic conditions.And, of course, this will not happen annually, but at intervals of 2-3 years. Without outside help, the fruit will be fruits: Kostata, Gosho Gaki, Tamopan Big and Tanenashi. According to experts, for every 8 fruit trees need at least one pollinator. Its functions can be performed by trees with male flowers of the following varieties:

• Shagotsu gaki;
• Gayley;
• New;
• Find;
• Dream;
• Satellite.

Watering

Persimmon will feel comfortable in a moderately humid environment. At best, an excess of water can provoke an intensive development of shoots, which will deprive the nutrition of greens. As a result, you can be left without a crop. Root rotting is also possible, as dampness and heat promote the reproduction of fungal and bacterial diseases.

In the coastal areas of the peninsula, the air has characteristic sea moisture, which affects the frequency and amount of soil moisture required. Experts say that young trees, especially in the first year of life after spring planting, need watering every 14 days.

And mature trees can be moistened once a month. And practitioners in the Crimea advise every time, before watering persimmon, to check the level of moisture in the soil. Make it easy with a small pin.

Feedings

Young seedlings during the first three years after planting limit the amount of nutrients. This is done by making the prepared organic solutions and mineral complexes at a distance of 60-80 cm from the trunk. "Overfed" instances develop poorly and recover for a long time after the resulting stress. And adult plants that are over 8 years old are fertilized according to the crown projection.

Like other persimmon fruit crops, organic and minerals are needed for nutrition. In the first five years of life, plants will need no more than 15 kg of organic matter, and for those about 10 years old, the amount of these substances is increased to 20 kg. Regardless of the frequency of dressings, persimmon needs regular loosening of stem circles.Throughout the growing season, this procedure will need to be repeated about 6 times.

Pruning

The first formative haircut to young persimmon trees should be organized for 2-3 years after planting. Experts advise not to be deceived by the primary fruits that appear in the 3-4 year tree life, but to seriously approach the formation of branches. Otherwise, the trees will look untidy, their fruitful part will concentrate from the middle on the peripheral shoots, which sooner or later will lead to their breaking off.

Growing persimmon in the Crimea is possible in the form of a bush, which develops to a maximum 4-meter height or a tree that stretches to 12 m. Regardless of the shape chosen, remove the entire top at the level of 80 cm from the root neck next spring after planting. Then in the next year, select 3-4 skeletal branches of the first order, and cut off everything else. On thick central shoots, leave 2 buds, and thin ones - 5 each.

Further pruning of the tree, which should already enter the fruiting stage, consists in combing the young growth to the level of 2 lateral buds.Each year, it will be necessary to form the next tier of skeletal branches, leaving 50-60 cm from the previous one.

Properly formed tree is developing rapidly, and gardeners in the future it is easy to thin out the crown. In order to competently create each tier of a branched plant, it is important to understand that fruits appear on annual growths. It is them that should be obtained in sufficient quantity after shearing.

All shoots of persimmon gardeners conditionally divided into 2 groups:

• fruit bearing - they are within 10–25 cm, a grounded part of the ovary is formed on them;
• fatty - their length is from 30 cm and more; during pruning such specimens should be shortened by half.

Every year it is important to remove from the plant all broken, dead, damaged and frostbitten branches. If an adult plant with unknown causes reduced yields and stalled, it needs a rejuvenating cleansing. It consists in cutting wood up to 3-4 years long.Some practitioners advise to repeat this pruning of persimmon in the Crimea every 3 years.

Preparing for the winter

This point should be given special attention. If mature trees of frost-resistant varieties can safely winter throughout the peninsula, then young seedlings require special training.

Immediately after rooting, experts advise to pile up the trunk with primer, and as the frost approaches, hide the plant under the wooden box and pour the earth, sawdust inside or warm it from the inside with foam plastic. The pristvolnye circles of the plant are mulched with a thick layer of peat or humus.

In subsequent winters, it is also important to take care of the wintering of the trunk and skeletal branches. Experts advise on the shelter additionally lay out the reflective material.

On the southern shores of the Crimea, old trees are protected by mulch and lime whitewash. But at the same time, there is damage to the trunk even on frost-resistant varieties, which is expressed by the separation of bark from wood and the death of the cambium.

Breeders Nikitsky Botanical Garden draw the attention of novice gardeners to the importance of the genetic characteristics of the rootstock and scion. And also recommend:

• a month and a half before the end of the growing season of the plant to stop watering;
• in early autumn, feed the tree with phosphorus-potash mixtures or mineral complex substances with the label "autumn".

Diseases and pests

Grown in the Crimea, persimmon is considered an environmentally friendly product, since it is practically not treated with pesticides. In their application there is absolutely no need, because culture is distinguished by its endurance to diseases and pests of fruit plants.

With improper care, putrid infections are possible, as well as the development of scab and fomopsis. To save the tree in such cases is very easy with the help of adjustment of care and Bordeaux mixture. For the final elimination of pathogens will be sufficient and 2 sprays.Alternatively, the drugs "Ridomil", "Skor" and "Fundazol."

Caterpillars sucking parasites, in particular mites and scale insects, can sometimes settle on young foliage. To get rid of malicious insects will help insecticides "Aktara", "Aktellik". Caucasian species of persimmon often suffers from root cancer, therefore, initially requires careful care and competent agricultural practices.

Harvesting and storage of the crop

Persimmon berries are removed from the tree by hand, gently scrolling. For the convenience of harvesting it is advisable to stock up on sustainable ladders or stands in advance. In the process of work, care should be taken not to damage the skin on the fruit. Some gardeners use a pruner, which simply cut the stalk.

Peeled fruits are recommended to be carefully laid in boxes disinfected with potassium permanganate on pre-flooring sawdust.The berries are placed tightly, with the first row cuttings directed down, and the second - up. After that, you need to put a layer of sawdust and repeat the lamination.

It is desirable to store the container in a cellar or another room where the temperature does not exceed 1 ° С and the humidity of the air varies within 85%.

Persimmon for the human body is a real fount of useful substances, vitamins and trace elements. It is also used for treatment and weight loss. If there is an opportunity to acquire a similar tree, immediately use it. And you will not regret. Culture does not cause trouble at all, but at the same time it will abundantly reward the hosts with useful and nutritious fruits.