Content:
The apple tree is one of the most popular fruit crops. However, more than half of the territory of Russia is in the zone of risky gardening. The regions of the European north of the country, the Urals and Siberia are characterized by severe climatic conditions unfavorable for the growth and development of fruit trees. Most varieties of apple trees do not tolerate winter frosts well. The fruits do not ripen in a short period of heat. Therefore, among the huge variety of apple trees, summer residents choose winter-hardy varieties. Among them is the Sverdlovsk variety, which has proven itself well among the Ural gardeners.
The apple tree of Sverdlovsk residents was born thanks to the efforts of the breeder L.A. Kotov. The variety was obtained by crossing the varieties Yantar, Samotsvet, Zvezdochka and Orange. The winter-hardy apple tree got its sonorous name in honor of the Sverdlovsk breeding station. The variety is successfully cultivated in the northern regions of Russia and Siberia. Gardeners appreciate this apple tree for its hardiness, good yield and high quality of the fruit.
Characteristics and varietal characteristics
A young apple tree develops well. Its annual growth ranges from 9-12 cm. An adult plant is not at all dwarf growth and grows to 6.7-8.5 m. A vigorous tree forms a spreading, but rare openwork crown. The leaves are narrow, long, with a carved edge.
Apple tree Sverdlovsk resident
According to the description of gardeners, the Sverdlovsk resident of the apple tree is frost-resistant - it easily tolerates even 40-degree frosts. Due to this, there is no periodicity in fruiting. The first harvest can be expected at 5-6 years of tree life. Each subsequent year, the yield of the apple tree increases. By the age of 11-12, the tree gives up to 120-150 kg of apples.
An important varietal advantage of the Sverdlovsk resident is self-fertility. That is, the apple tree is able to pollinate itself on its own, without the participation of insects. Spring cold snap cannot become an obstacle to pollination. Since in plants of this variety, fruits are set without pollinators, which is very important in the cold climate of Sverdlovsk.
Mass ripening of fruits of the Sverdlovchanin variety occurs in the last decade of September. Such apple trees are classified as mid-winter varieties.
Ripe apple is yellowish-white in color, sometimes with a faint reddish tan. The round, slightly ribbed fruit weighs 90-135 g. The fruit pulp is fine-grained and firm. When biting off, it emits a characteristic crunch. The taste is pleasant, sweet and sour apple.
A characteristic feature of the variety is its high resistance to fungal infections. Apple tree Sverdlovchanka is a variety that is immune to powdery mildew and scab. However, bright sunlight can burn the bark of the tree. In order to prevent this kind of damage, experienced gardeners recommend carrying out autumn and spring whitewashing of trunks.
Where can I get seedlings?
The apple of the Sverdlovsk residents has long won respect and honor among summer residents. Therefore, there are many who want to have an apple tree of this kind on their site. Growing an apple seedling on your own is quite difficult. It is best to buy it from an experienced farm.For example, the garden center "Solnechny" offers seedlings of fruit trees grown in its own nursery. On the trading floor in Yekaterinburg, you can buy annual seedlings for 750-800 rubles *. Biennials will cost 1200-1400 rubles. And if you don't want to wait for the harvest for a long time, you can buy fruiting seedlings from 5000 rubles.
Apple tree seedlings
* - hereinafter, prices are for August 2018.
Growing conditions
Planting of seedlings of Sverdlovsk residents is carried out in spring or autumn, provided there is no frost. In cold regions, these dates coincide with the end of May or the beginning of October. Another important condition for the good survival of the apple tree is good hydration.
For an apple orchard, it is best to allocate a place on the south side of the site. It should be well lit by the sun and receive a lot of heat. In addition, the seedlings must be protected from drafts and strong winds. You can not plant trees in the depressions of the relief, as moisture and cold air accumulate there. This can lead to rotting of the roots of the apple tree and provoke its death.
Agrotechnics
Before planting a seedling in the ground, you need to prepare the site. Free him from weeds and carefully dig up the ground. Add humus or peat to feed a young plant. If the soil on the site is acidic, then you can deoxidize it with lime. To do this, evenly distribute the liming composition over the surface and dig it in to a depth of 0.2-0.3 m.
The planting hole is best prepared in advance, 10-15 days before planting. The depth of the hole should be 90-100 cm, its diameter - 50-70 cm. The top layer of soil must be removed. Pour humus into the pit and pour it well with water. The pit should shrink as much as possible.
Prepare the planting hole 10-15 days before planting
When planting, it is necessary to carefully spread the roots of the seedling. A wooden support for a young plant must be hammered into the edge of the pit. The hole with the seedling must be filled up carefully, tamping the soil.
This varietal variety of apple trees is demanding on moisture. Seedlings especially need regular abundant watering (1-2 times a week). Adult plants are rarely watered, only during severe drought.
Watering must be alternated with loosening the near-stem circles, since this agricultural technique provides soil aeration. In addition, apple trees of the Sverdlovsk variety require mulching of the root zone.
Top dressing
The Sverdlovsk variety loves light fertile soils. Therefore, caring for seedlings includes mandatory spring and autumn feeding of plants. Apple trees respond well to fertilizing with complex fertilizers.
Pruning
The main shoot of the apple tree requires pruning, provided it is planted in the spring. You should not cut off seedlings of autumn planting, otherwise it may freeze in winter. In the second year of the tree's life, it is necessary to make a formative pruning of the crown. It needs to be produced in the spring. Removing shoots actively stimulates the growth of apple tree branches.
Pruning
Adult plants need mandatory sanitary pruning when infected and dead branches are removed.
Benefits of the variety
The Sverdlovsk variety is versatile for cultivation in areas of risky gardening. In addition, it has the following benefits:
- high frost resistance;
- resistance to many fungal infections;
- fast ripening of fruits in a short warm period;
- fruits have high taste, are stored for a long time;
- apples are ready to eat immediately after harvest;
- juicy fruits can be used to extract juice.
Analysis of the characteristics of the variety showed that the only varietal disadvantage of the Sverdlovsk resident is a long period of maturation. You have to wait 6-7 years for fruits.
This disadvantage cannot affect the choice of the Ural and Siberian gardeners. Most of them are willing to wait a few years for delicious apples. With properly organized care, the Sverdlovsk variety will delight with rich harvests for more than 25 years.
