Veda

Veda cherry is a winter-hardy variety of Russian breeding, characterized by high frost resistance and capable of withstanding temperatures down to -30°C. The tree is of medium height, reaching up to 2.5 meters, with a spreading, dense, and rounded crown. Shoots have an olive-gray hue, while leaves are large, oval-shaped, with a smooth matte surface and leathery texture. Flowers are white, gathered in inflorescences of three pieces. Fruiting begins in the 4th–5th year after planting, while harvest ripening occurs at the end of July. Veda cherry berries are of medium size, weighing about 5 grams, with a heart-shaped form and dark-red color, featuring a smooth tender skin and barely visible subcutaneous dots. The fruit pulp is dark-red, juicy, tender, and sweet, with a tasting score of about 4.0–4.6 points. The stone separates easily from the pulp, and the pedicel detaches dry. The berry juice is also dark-red in color. The variety yields high — averaging 7.7 centners per hectare, which corresponds to approximately 23 kg per tree, with a maximum yield of up to 66 kg. Veda cherry is undemanding and resistant to diseases such as cockle and moniliosis, however it is susceptible to grey mold and powdery mildew. The cherry is self-sterile and requires the presence of pollinators, which include varieties Bryanchka, Tyutchevka, Michurinka, Iput, Leningradskaya Chernaya, and Revna. Berries are suitable for fresh consumption and are widely used for canning, making juice, compotes, and jams, making the variety universal in application.