Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) KOMPAKTNAYA VENYAMINOVA

Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) 'Kompaktnaya Venyaminova'

A compact Russian variety with an excellent chocolate flavour.

'Kompaktnaya Venyaminova' (Компактная Веньяминова) is a unique Russian sweet cherry variety whose name ("Compact") accurately describes its character. It is valued primarily for its excellent sweet flavour with a subtle chocolate note (rating 4.9/5) and for its less vigorous, compact growth, which makes it an ideal choice for smaller gardens. Despite its moderate resistance, it is one of the most interesting varieties in terms of flavour.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Excellent flavour with a chocolate note (rating 4.9/5).
• Less vigorous, compact growth, suitable for smaller gardens.
• Early entry into bearing.
• The stone separates easily from the flesh.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Russia
• Breeders: A. N. Venyaminov, M. V. Kanshina
• Institution: Voronezh State Agrarian University named after K. D. Glinka
• Origin: Seedling from open pollination of the ‘Leningradskaya chernaya’ variety
• Registration: Accepted for state trials in 1987.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Growth: Less vigorous, low, compact.
• Crown: Globular, compact, dense.
• Fruiting habit: Bears fruit mainly on short fruiting shoots and bouquet spurs.
• Pollination: It is cross-pollinated.

Fruit

• Size and weight: Medium-sized, with a weight of 4 – 5 g.
• Shape and colour: Heart-shaped to oval, dark red to almost black.
• Flesh: Dark red, medium firm, tender, and juicy.
• Flavour: Excellent, sweet, with a mild acidity and a chocolate note (rating 4.9/5).
• Stone: Easily separable from the flesh.
• Use: Versatile.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost resistance: Moderate to good.
• Disease resistance: Moderate.

Cultivation Recommendations

• To ensure a harvest, it is essential to plant a suitable pollinator nearby, for example, the 'Iput' or 'Ovstuzhenka' varieties.
• It requires a sheltered location and, if necessary, preventive protection against diseases.

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Mid-early (late June).
• Yield: Medium to good.
• Entry into bearing: Early.