Content
- 1 History of selection
- 2 Description of the Gloucester apple tree with photo
- 3 Characteristics of the Gloucester apple tree
- 4 Advantages and disadvantages
- 5 Planting a Gloucester apple tree
- 6 Care instructions
- 7 Collection and storage periods
- 8 Conclusion
- 9 Reviews from gardeners about the Gloucester apple tree
The apple tree is the most popular fruit tree. Its fruits are used both fresh and in cooking and for preservation. Contain a large amount of microelements and vitamins. The Gloucester apple tree is rich in nutrients and very popular in Western Europe.
A strong, fast-growing tree with a pyramidal crown produces up to 35 kg of yield
History of selection
The Gloster apple tree variety belongs to the German selection. Bred in 1951 in Germany by crossing the hybrids Glockenapfel and Richard Delicious. Initial tests were carried out on the territory of Ukraine. Production was organized in scientific institutions and private farms in the steppe and forest-steppe zones. In Russia, the Gloster apple tree variety is popular among gardeners in the southern regions.
Description of the Gloucester apple tree with photo
The plant has a fast growth rate. Experts characterize the type of fruiting as mixed. T.e. ovaries are formed on rods, rings and fruit bags.
Wood appearance
The moderately dense, pyramidal crown acquires rounded outlines in adulthood. The tops are directed towards the sky. Skeletal branches form an angle of 45-600 with a barrel. The buds are easily excitable and have low shoot formation.
The Gloster apple tree variety has high shelf life and can be transported over long distances without the use of stabilizers.
Description of fruits
The skin is bright crimson, the flesh has a delicate creamy tint. At the time of collection it has a yellowish-green flank. The fruit is large, reaching a weight of 140-200 g.
Conical rounded shape with pronounced ribbing at the top. The skin is strong, glossy and smooth. Multiple light-colored subcutaneous dots are visible. Recessed closed cup.
The funnel can be wide or narrow. There may be rustiness. The subcup tube is in the shape of a medium-sized cone. The peduncle is strong and medium in size. Heart-shaped center with oval seeds.
Medium sized axial cavity
Characteristics of the Gloucester apple tree
Long-term storage Gloucester winter apple tree. The fruits retain their juiciness until the spring of next year. They acquire bright taste while lying in storage. Long flowering in the mid-late period. The inflorescence consists of 3-4 flowers.
Taste qualities
Juicy, sweet fruit with a distinct sour taste. Creamy, light green dense pulp. Tasting assessment by specialists: 4.6 points.
During storage, the greenish pulp becomes creamy.
Gloucester apple tree ripening time
The fruits reach technical maturity in September-November. To get a pleasant taste, apples are stored until January.The fruits last in the basement until February-March, and in the refrigerator until May. The variety has low requirements for transportation.
Productivity
The Gloster apple tree begins to bear fruit in its fourth year. Dwarf rootstocks - for 2-3 years. Every year, fruiting increases with proper agricultural technology. The Gloucester apple tree gains its highest yield in the tenth year and amounts to 40-70 kg.
Gardeners realize high productivity on dwarf trees. Already in 2-3 years they get up to 5 kg of apples.
Winter hardiness
Experts note high frost resistance. The variety can withstand up to -35 0C. In the northern regions of Russia, the Gloucester apple tree is not grown. Gardeners plant the variety in the south and in the middle zone.
Gloucester apple pollinators
Neighborhood with the best pollinators increases productivity by 10%. This is evidenced by statistics: usually up to 16% are tied, and with the help of a vector - up to 26%. Breeders consider Gala, Spartan, James Grieve, Idared and Jonathan to be the best varieties for increasing productivity.
Growing regions
The crop is mainly grown in the south. A good harvest is obtained both in central Russia and in the Moscow region. In the Urals and the north, the variety is more demanding in care.
In the Moscow region, the Gloucester apple tree is often watered and fertilized during the dry summer period. The variety tolerates frosts and sudden temperature changes. The plant does not need shelter.
The Gloucester apple tree is resistant to powdery mildew and can withstand prolonged spring floods.
Siberia has long snowy winters. To prevent the Gloucester apple tree from freezing, in the fall the trunk circle is insulated with humus, and the trunk is wrapped in non-woven material, newspapers or burlap.
The Gloster apple tree grows well in the Urals. When planting, sand and humus are added to loamy soil. The first year is tied to a support to protect it from the wind. To prevent the Gloucester apple tree from getting sunburn in summer or winter, the trunk is covered with lime.
In Belarus, the Gloucester apple tree passed production tests. However, the plant is affected by scab, so it becomes demanding to care for. Timely treatment completely heals the fruit crop from the disease.
In Ukraine, the Gloucester apple tree grows and produces a good harvest if agricultural practices are followed. When planting, minerals and humus are added. The Gloucester apple tree is planted in steppe areas.
Disease resistance
The Gloucester apple tree is resistant to powdery mildew, but can be susceptible to scab. The bark is sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. Burns may occur. As a preventative measure, gardeners recommend whitening the trunk in the fall and spring.
Advantages and disadvantages
The fruits of the Gloster apple tree have an attractive presentation, which is why the variety is popular among farmers. The fruit tree is suitable for industrial production due to its taste.
Starting from the fourth year, the Gloucester apple tree bears fruit; up to 12 years, the yield increases annually
Pros:
- preserves well during long-term storage;
- undemanding for transportation;
- Yield increases annually;
- large fruits, weighing up to 200 g;
- frost-resistant variety up to -35 0WITH;
- undemanding to watering, drought-resistant;
- resistant to powdery mildew.
Minuses:
- in northern regions winter shelter is required;
- the bark is susceptible to ultraviolet rays;
- at high humidity it is affected by scab.
Planting a Gloucester apple tree
Seedlings aged two years are selected for planting. Choose a place on the site that is sunny, protected from the wind on the north side. Planting is done in the fall 20 days before the onset of frost or in the spring after the earth has warmed up. When planting several seedlings, leave a distance of 3-5 m between them.
In autumn, superphosphate is chosen with a low nitrogen content, and in spring - with a high
Dig a hole 70*70 cm. Add a drainage layer of sand, then a layer of humus. Add some superphosphate, spreading evenly over the surface. The roots are saturated with water, and the dried ones are cut off. Prepare a peg 100-150 cm high. The seedling is placed in the prepared hole. A stake is driven in nearby. Cover the roots with soil so that the neck is 3 cm above ground level. Soak generously with water. Sprinkle earth on top.
Care instructions
After replanting, do not allow the soil to dry out. In the first year, the Gloucester apple tree is watered three times a month, 20 liters each. Add minerals and fertilizers and dilute with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
In the northern regions, the Gloucester apple tree needs additional shelter. The crown is covered with agrofibre, the trunk is wrapped in burlap, the trunk circle is insulated with a layer of humus 10-15 cm high.
In the fall, double superphosphate is added. It stimulates the formation of new roots. In the spring, fertilize with nitrogen-containing preparations for the growth of green mass. During the flowering period, phosphorus agents are added, and when the fruits ripen, potassium agents are added.
In order for mineral fertilizers to be better absorbed by the roots, 15-20 cm depressions are dug around the circumference of the tree trunk.
After planting, the central conductor is cut off by 1/3 of the branch.This event stimulates the active growth of side shoots. To prevent the crown from thickening in the future, the Gloucester apple tree is formed in February-March.
Collection and storage periods
Technical ripeness occurs at the end of September. In the northern regions, harvesting begins before the onset of the first frost. In central Russia and the Moscow region, fruits are harvested at the end of September, beginning of October. In the south, apples can hang on a tree until November. The main thing is not to leave the fruits to freeze.
Gloster apples are stored in the cellar at a temperature of 4-10 0C. The fruits remain until March of next year. In the refrigerator at 4 0Apples remain juicy until April-May.
Conclusion
The Gloucester apple tree pleases the gardener with its sweet and sour taste and juiciness. Consumer demand for the variety attracts industrial producers and farmers. Undemanding conditions for transportation make it possible to deliver apples to the far northern regions while maintaining an attractive appearance.
Reviews from gardeners about the Gloucester apple tree
