Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) from the Cornaceae family is an unusual fruit species producing very valuable, nutritionally rich and health-promoting fruits. It originates from Central and Southern Europe, Asia Minor and the Caucasus. Cornelian cherry grows naturally in forest-steppes, dry and light-filled forests and on rocky slopes. It is very unpretentious, adaptable, frost-resistant and lives to a great age. While commercial cornelian cherry plantations are relatively rare, amateur plantings exist in various European countries and spontaneous populations thrive in regions such as Iran, Azerbaijan and Turkey. Recently, this species has been gaining more and more attention. Several large-fruited varieties are an interesting addition to gardens. Their tasty fruits are suitable for direct consumption and processing, and the numerous yellow flowers are also very decorative and attractive to bees.
Cornelian Cherry is a shrub or small tree with a low trunk growing up to 3 meters high. The older the plant, the more it slows down its growth. The cornelian cherry is a long-lived tree that, with good care, can produce a harvest for several generations. Thanks to its frost resistance, it can grow in foothill areas up to an altitude of 1000 meters or more. Its yellow flowers are self-pollinating and appear in abundance in March and April. However, for a higher harvest, the presence of another plant is an advantage. The fruits are most often pear-shaped. The typical color of the fruits is deep red or dark red, although we also know yellow varieties of cornelian cherry. The fruits ripen in late August and the harvest is harvested until October. Unripe fruits are bitter. When fully ripe, they are aromatic and sweet-sour. The intensity of the aroma and taste depends on the variety. Eating fresh fruits is the most beneficial for health. However, they can be processed into compotes, candied, sterilized, used to make jams, juices, syrups and are also used to make fruit distillates.
Requirements for growing conditions
Cornelian Cherry is undemanding to soil conditions. However, it thrives primarily in alkaline, well-drained soils, and is less tolerant of acidic and poor soils. However, acidic soil can be adjusted by adding dolomite or limestone. Although cornelian cherry is a drought-resistant plant, it loves moderately moist soils. Cornelian cherry feels best in partial shade. The plants are practically not damaged by pests and diseases. They do not require pesticide treatment or any special agricultural techniques.
Planting and care
The most ideal time for planting is autumn. A container plant can be planted from spring to autumn. If the plant is grafted onto a rootstock, the grafting site must remain above ground after planting. Individual plants are planted at a distance of 3-4 meters on fertile soils, and 2-3 meters on poorer soils and without irrigation, taking into account that cornelian cherries live for 100-150 years and bear fruit abundantly throughout their life with proper care. The planting pit should be 40-50 cm deep and 50-80 cm wide, depending on the size of the plant. The pit is filled with a mixture of compost, topsoil and limestone if the soil is acidic. After planting, it is important to water the plant abundantly and shorten the shoots by 1/2-1/3 to balance the above-ground and root systems. Since the root system of cornelian cherries is relatively shallow, it is good to water the soil in the summer months to provide the roots with enough oxygen and water. Too dry soil can affect the quality of the harvest in a given year, but also in the following year. Roots can also be damaged by overheating in the sun. Therefore, a good measure is to use mulch bark, wood chips or a combination of geotextiles and mulch. A universal fertilization system is suitable for cornelian cherries. We fertilize with a multi-component mineral fertilizer during the growing season and in the fall we incorporate organic fertilizer such as compost or manure into the soil. Drying of leaves can be caused by a lack of potassium. This can be prevented with appropriate fertilizer. However, be careful not to overfertilize. Grafted plants begin to bear fruit in the 2nd - 3rd year, while seedlings only in the 5th - 7th year after planting. A young cornelian cherry will yield about 15 kg of fruit. With age, production increases under favorable growing conditions and can reach up to 80 kg of fruit per plant.
