Aphrodite apples
Apple tree Aphrodite - a culture of a new generation. It can withstand critically low ambient temperatures and is not susceptible to fungal diseases.
general characteristics
The variety Aphrodite is early-growing: the apple tree begins to bear fruit from 5-6 years old and gives a stable harvest every year - a small increase is observed at 6 and 7 years after planting.
The average yield increases on grafted crops: up to 150 kg per tree. The best yield is at the age of 9-12 years.
The variety has increased winter hardiness. The best landing place is the middle zone of Russia.
High resistance not only to fungi, but also to scab - if the growth conditions are created correctly, then prophylaxis will not be needed.
The culture is undemanding to the composition of the soil (even with a close location of groundwater).
Description of the tree
The trees are large: they grow in the first years after planting.
The crown density is average. The top begins to form from the second year. The leaves are large - they have an oblong shape and wavy edges, the plate is dark, matte.
The bark is smooth, and if roughness appears, they speak of a lack of minerals in the soil.
The variety differs in mixed fruiting. In most cases, the process of ovary formation occurs on simple and complex ringlets.
Description of fruits
Aphrodite apples ripen by mid-September. At an average ambient temperature, the fruits hang on the tree until the end of December. They are crimson, medium-sized, weighing 120-140 g.
The pulp is crispy and juicy, with a characteristic sweet-sour taste. The fruit contains no more than 12% sugar and up to 11 mg of ascorbic acid.
Tasting score - 4.4 points.
According to the description, the fruits can be eaten raw or used to make jams, juices.
note
The variety is sterile, so apples appear on a tree with an advantageous neighborhood in the garden. Cross-pollination improves their quality.
Other apple trees with similar characteristics are suitable for pollination.
Planting varieties
The best time to plant a seedling is early spring. In autumn, he will not have time to get stronger before the arrival of the first frosts.
In the spring, planting is planned before budding on neighboring crops. If you still need an autumn planting, then it is better to plant the crop a month before the expected frost.
Two-year-old seedlings take root better and get sick less. The landing pit is prepared in advance. The tree should not be left in the shade or in the lowlands. An excess of stagnant liquid will lead to rotting of the rhizome. There are no special requirements for the composition of the soil.
Disembarkation scheme
In order for the apple trees to quickly take root, successive work is carried out:
- The first step is to dig a landing pit (2 weeks before the day of planting). The depth of the pit is not less than 70 cm. The same width will ensure the correct growth of the root system. The pre-planting pit is not watered.
- Fertilizer is applied to the pit.It should stand for 2 weeks and nourish the soil with useful substances. Organic is suitable for these purposes. After a week, it is mixed with the upper layers of the soil.
- On the day of disembarkation, a rhizome is placed in the pit, and a support is nailed nearby. The rhizome is carefully covered with soil and rammed.
- A soil roll forms around the trunk. It will allow you to retain moisture in the root part and protect the crop from harmful environmental factors.
- The seedling is abundantly watered with purified water. Additionally, the culture is mulched. To do this, humus is laid on the upper soil layer - at least 5 cm thick.
It is important to maintain the correct distance between trees during planting. Aphrodite grows well if a distance of 6-7 m is maintained to the nearest tree.
Care rules
According to the description, for the rapid growth of the Aphrodite sapling and the correct formation of the fruits, the apple tree needs watering, loosening the soil, preventive work and protection from pests.
Watering is an essential part of grooming. Immediately after disembarkation, within a week, it is impossible to add additional moisture. When the seedling is accepted, it is watered several times per season (as the soil dries up).
Purified water is selected, without impurities. River water, the composition of which is unknown, must not be used.
Irrigation works are combined with soil fertilization and loosening. In winter, soil replenishment is not carried out.
The best nutrition for an apple tree is organics introduced in a timely manner. Mineral fertilizers are applied twice a year. This amount is enough for the rhizome to grow properly. Nitrogen and mineral fertilizers are applied in liquid form.
Pruning branches and forming a crown
Aphrodite's apple tree has high productivity. It can bloom and bear fruit for up to 80 years.
To rejuvenate the tree and give it additional stimulus for growth, pruning is carried out twice a year. In the spring, with the help of such work, a crown is formed, and in the fall, prevention is carried out.
Dry and old branches are cut off. If they are infected with a fungus or any infection, the environment is additionally treated with a disinfectant. Poorly growing branches are also pruned.
How an apple tree ripens and bears fruit
Aphrodite is an early ripening variety. The first ovaries form on the apple tree in the 5th year. Flower buds begin to open in mid-May.
She has a unique delicate aroma.
Apples reach full ripeness in September. By the twentieth, the harvest is already possible.
Fruits are stored for up to 3 months. For this, comfortable conditions are created: boxes with fruits are stored in a cool, semi-dark room with an average level of humidity.
Where is the best place to grow an apple tree
Due to its high frost resistance, the tree quickly adapts to any conditions. A seedling takes root well in the Urals, in central Russia, in the Moscow region and in the northern regions. The variety is popular on the territory of Ukraine.
Gardeners reviews
The apple variety Aphrodite is popular. With a high yield, the tree is undemanding to care and is not susceptible to the most common fungal diseases.
The quality of the fruit does not depend on the characteristics of the climate in the region. Apples are stored for a long period and do not spoil.
Disadvantages of the variety are minor:
- The need for good pollinators. In conditions of isolation, yield decreases.
- Regular pruning: If you do not thin out the branches, the fruits may deform or ripen at different times.