Cornelian cherry Nastya

Chokeberry 'Nastya' is a medium-sized tree reaching up to 3 m in height, featuring an oval crown of medium density and grey, shredding bark. The branches are straight and green, while the leaves are large, elongated, wrinkled, dark green, and matte. The tree is self-sterile, but for full fruiting, the presence of several plants or other self-fertile varieties is desirable.

The fruits of 'Nastya' are drop-shaped, with an average weight of about 5 g, a bright-red color, and a thin skin. The flesh is juicy, cartilaginous, red in color, with a dessert taste – sweet with a slight sourness and a cherry aftertaste; the pit is small and easily separates from the flesh. The fruits contain about 10% sugar, 0.8% acid, and 123 mg of vitamin C per 100 g of dry matter.

The tree is resistant to diseases and pests, hardy (zone 4) – tolerating frosts down to -30 °C. It requires a sunny or semi-shaded location, grows in any soil, but performs best on light, fertile, and well-drained soils. Regular moderate watering and sanitary pruning promote healthy growth and high yield (about 104 c/ha).