Content
Apple tree Black Diamond, or Black Diamond, is a rare variety that belongs to the elite varieties of the crop. The unique dark purple color of the fruit attracts many gardeners, but to obtain unusual apples it is necessary to create specific conditions, which is why the variety remains rare in the gardens of our country.
History of selection
The black diamond is a variety of which little is known about its origins. It is believed that its predecessor is the well-known Red Delicious throughout the world. On its basis, in 2009 or 2010, the Hua Niu variety was bred in New Zealand, the seedlings of which were subsequently transported to China. Thanks to the further work of Chinese farmers and the unique climate of the Tibetan highlands, where apple trees began to be cultivated, the characteristics of the variety were significantly improved.A large amount of ultraviolet radiation in mountainous areas, combined with changes in daily temperatures, caused the unusual black-purple color of Black Diamond apples.
Since 2015, this elite variety of apples has been available for sale; the fruits can be purchased individually in individual packaging by appointment. Currently, it is possible to buy seedlings and try to independently obtain fruits with an unusual color and excellent taste.
Description of the Black Diamond apple tree
The Black Diamond apple tree is a medium-sized variety. The tree is characterized by rapid development, especially in the first years, before fruiting begins. It blooms in May with large pink flowers with a strong aroma that attracts insects. The tree has a powerful branched root system, which allows it to extract water from the deep layers of soil in mountainous areas.
Wood appearance
Black Diamond apple trees reach a height of 3–4 m, although experts recommend formative pruning to limit their growth and obtain higher yields. The shoots of a young tree form an oval crown, and in adult specimens they deviate from the trunk and droop. The branches themselves are brown, with a greenish tint, and heavily leafy. The leaf blade is medium in size, with pronounced serration. The leaf shape is oval with a sharp tip.
Fruits of unusual color from a distance resemble plums
Description of fruits
Black Diamond apples have an unusual dark purple skin color. However, such a rich color can only be achieved in climatic conditions as close as possible to the weather of the Tibetan highlands.An apple of this variety, grown according to all the rules, received 5 points for appearance - the highest tasting score.
Black Diamond apples are round in shape, slightly elongated, with pronounced ribbing. The skin has a glossy sheen and is dense.
Numerous green or gray subcutaneous dots on Black Diamond fruits are clearly visible
The pulp is juicy, aromatic, snow-white, closer to the skin with purple or reddish veins. The structure is fine-grained.
The apples are quite large, in some cases their weight can reach 250 g, but more often it is about 120 g.
Characteristics of the variety
According to Chinese farmers, the Black Diamond variety demonstrates good yield and frost resistance and is resistant to diseases and pests. So far, sufficient data has not been accumulated on the results of cultivating the variety in Russia and European countries, but there is reason to believe that they will not differ significantly.
Taste qualities
The fruits of this apple tree are characterized not only by their unusual appearance, but also by their outstanding taste. Out of 5 possible tasting points, Black Diamond received a rating of 4.9. The taste of the pulp is dominated by sweetness and a pleasant light sourness is clearly visible.
Ripening time
Black Diamond apples reach maturity starting in the second ten days of August. It is noteworthy that even fruits that have reached technical ripeness have an excellent taste.
Productivity
The first harvest of the Black Diamond apple tree can be expected on average in 8–10 years.The tree enters the period of effective fruiting at the age of 12–14 years, then it is capable of producing from 150 to 180 kg of apples.
Frost resistance of apple tree Black Diamond
The Black Diamond apple tree is highly frost-resistant and tolerates winter temperatures down to -39°C. Gusty winds also pose no threat, but a prolonged icy draft can lead to freezing of the shoots.
Pollinators of the Black Diamond apple tree
The Black Diamond variety is self-fertile, which means it does not require pollinators. The inflorescences of this apple tree contain enough pollen, and insects attracted by the aroma of the flowers ensure effective self-pollination.
Growing regions
The variety is adapted to the climate of the Tibetan highlands, so it feels good in areas with similar climatic conditions, for example, in the Crimea or the North Caucasus. Its characteristics make it possible to obtain an excellent harvest in the central part of Russia and in the southern regions, but the color of the apples will not be so original. The fruits of apple trees growing on the plains will have the usual red, burgundy or purple color.
Disease resistance
The Black Diamond apple tree has a natural immunity to the most common fungal diseases. Its resistance to pest damage is also noted.
Advantages and disadvantages
Despite the fact that the consumer properties of apples of this variety allow them to be used in preparations, Black Diamond is not usually processed. The unique appearance and outstanding taste of this noble fruit can only be appreciated when eaten fresh.
The snow-white flesh of the apple Black diamond stands out against the background of the dark skin, which gives the fruit an exotic look
Pros:
- unique coloring;
- ability to grow in extreme high mountain conditions;
- frost resistance and resistance to sudden temperature changes over a wide range;
- immunity against fungal diseases and crop pests;
- higher content of nutrients than other varieties;
- self-fertility;
- good transportability.
The disadvantages are:
- the need to create specific conditions for obtaining apples of original color;
- The tree enters the fruiting period late.
How to plant
When growing an apple tree of this variety, you should remember that the more sunlight the tree receives, the darker the color of the fruit will be. The sunniest areas are suitable for Black Diamond; it is better if they are located on the southwestern slopes.
The plant is practically undemanding in terms of soil composition, the main thing is that the substrate is light and loose.
Like most other fruit trees, the Black Diamond apple tree can be planted in either spring or fall, but many gardeners recommend fall planting, 2-3 weeks before frost.
Keep a distance of at least 150 cm between Black Diamond apple tree seedlings.
For planting, it is important to properly prepare the hole:
- A hole with a diameter of 80–100 cm is dug in advance, at least a month in advance.
- Add 200 g of superphosphate to the soil mixture and pour it to the bottom.
- Lay a layer of drainage, water well and leave until planting.
The seedling is placed in a hole and buried, leaving the root collar above the soil surface.
To avoid accidentally deepening the neck of the seedling, you can place a level stick on the edges of the hole to determine the soil level.
Next, the plant is watered abundantly, and the soil around the trunk is mulched.
Care instructions
Although the Black Diamond variety is noticeably different in the exotic appearance of its fruit, the apple tree is unpretentious and does not require special care. She, like other garden crops, needs the following measures:
- loosening, which is enough to carry out once a season;
- removing weeds as necessary;
- moderate watering during periods of prolonged drought;
- formative and sanitary pruning;
- regular fertilizing with mineral and organic fertilizers.
Collection and storage
Apples of this variety begin to be harvested as they reach technical ripeness. The harvest period lasts from mid-August to early September. The fruits collected at this time are ready for consumption and will be stored longer. All the rules for picking apples are also valid for Black Diamond, however, in order to preserve the impeccable appearance of these valuable fruits as much as possible, they must be removed from the tree especially carefully.
Dry fruits without signs of damage are stored for storage. In a cool place they retain their consumer properties for up to three months.
Conclusion
Apple tree Black Diamond is a variety that is not common in our country due to the specific conditions necessary to obtain a VIP class harvest. However, seedlings of this crop can be found on sale and successfully grown in most parts of Russia.The resulting harvest will differ only in the color of the fruit.
Reviews from gardeners about the Black Diamond apple tree
Good afternoon.
We are very sorry. Unfortunately, in recent years, unscrupulous sellers are no longer uncommon. Therefore, we always recommend (and write about this in articles) that you buy seedlings only from trusted sellers. And even better - in nurseries.
We can assume that, most likely, Black Diamond cuttings were grafted onto wild animals. Or is it just some kind of decorative variety, very similar in appearance to Diamond.Or the variety is not zoned. There can be many reasons. The important thing is that, alas, it is no longer possible to change the size of apples.
Seedlings are not a product that can be valued in a short time. In the best case, they begin to bear fruit 4-5 years after planting, and, alas, there is no one to express dissatisfaction at this time. And scammers actively take advantage of this.
There are serious discrepancies in your case. According to the description of the Black Diamond apple tree, fruiting of this variety begins at 8-10 years. And you write that your apple trees began to bear fruit in the 4th year.
Hello, please tell me. I planted this tree about four years ago. Yes, it’s very beautiful, the leaves and flowers are all just classy, but the apples on it are the size of a thumbnail. I don’t understand why. I live in Crimea and he gets enough sun, the apples are really purple. But they are tiny. I’m already cursing myself and the sellers for deceiving me about the size of the apple. It’s just that if they said that it was decorative, I would still buy it. But I would have planted it somewhere else. And of course the tree is very beautiful. I just want big apples 🙁