Content
The dwarf apple tree Wonderful has unique characteristics. The variety attracts the attention of gardeners for its ease of care and harvest quality. Growing a fruit tree is not difficult. To get the desired result, it is only important to follow the subtleties of agricultural technology of dwarf species.
The dwarf variety is very convenient to harvest
History of selection
The apple tree variety was bred by Russian scientists from the Chelyabinsk Research Institute of Horticulture and Potato Growing. The Ural breeder M.A. Mazunin worked on the creation of a dwarf tree. He crossed two worthy varieties - the German Elisa Rathke and the Russian Ural Winter (northern). Mikhail Alexandrovich developed a whole series of apple trees, which received the popular name Mazuninsky dwarfs. Wonderful has the amazing taste of German apples and the high frost resistance of domestic Ural apples. The variety is suitable for cultivation in any climatic zone of the Russian Federation.It is a natural dwarf but can also be grafted onto a vigorous rootstock.
Description
Dwarf apple trees have their own characteristics that distinguish them from ordinary varieties. One of them is simplified agricultural cultivation technology. The variety of low-growing tree was focused on the weather conditions of the Ural region, the chemical composition of the soil, and the level of groundwater. Besides this, the low size of the Wonderful makes it easy to care for the apple tree. Photo of an apple tree of the Wonderful variety:
The yield of the variety is easy to maintain by following the growing rules
Appearance of fruit and tree
Natural dwarfs are always short. Variety parameters:
- The height of the Chudnoe apple tree does not exceed 1.5 m. If the variety is grafted onto a vigorous rootstock, then the adult tree reaches a height of 2.0-2.5 m. The Chudnoe apple tree is a naturally low-growing tree. Its crown is voluminous, about 3 m wide, the branches are spread to the sides. When the time comes for the harvest to ripen, they fall down to the ground under the weight of the fruit. If pruning is not practiced when caring for a tree, the crown becomes very dense. At the same time, it almost spreads along the ground. Annual growth is about 10 cm.
- The trunk diameter is small. In a tree on a natural scion it is 8-12 cm, on a dwarf scion – no more than 10 cm.
- The root system of the dwarf tree is fibrous, strong, located in the fertile layer, with a good growth rate. Occupies quite a large area. This allows the Chudnoye variety to withstand wind gusts well and not react to the shallow depth of groundwater.Important! The dwarf variety lacks a main root.
- The leaves of the Chudnoye apple tree are oval-shaped, medium-sized (up to 7 cm), rich green in color.The surface of the plates is glossy, there are small light stripes on it.
- The fruits of the dwarf variety are large, the weight of one apple is 120-140 g. Under good growing conditions and upon reaching maturity, it can be 200 g. The shape of the fruits is flat-round, some have slight ribbing, the funnel is weakly expressed. The variety inherited the appearance of apples from the German Eliza Rathke. The main color is yellowish-green. The top coat color may be completely absent or appear as an uneven dark red blush. Usually it is located on the side of sunlight and signals the ripeness of the fruits of the Wonderful apple tree. The skin is thin, with small dots visible underneath. The pulp is juicy, but dense, crunches when eating the fruit.
Lifespan
Depending on the climatic conditions of the region, the lifespan of the Chudnoye variety varies. The maximum period during which a tree is viable is:
- Central zone - from 40 years to 45 years;
- Siberia and the Urals - no more than 35 years;
- areas of temperate climate up to 40 years.
A dwarf tree survives to the specified maximum levels only with high-quality care and timely rejuvenation.
Taste
The fruits of the Chudnoe variety have tight, dense pulp and a granular structure. Ripe apples have a dessert taste, sweet with a slight sourness. Tasting score 4.6 points. The main value is due to the balanced composition of the fruit. Apple fruits contain up to 11% sugars, 14% dry substances, 1.2% pectin compounds. Apples are high in vitamin C – up to 20 mg. When consumed fresh, the entire spectrum of beneficial elements enters the human body.Some housewives prepare compotes, preserves, marmalade, other desserts and even aromatic wine from the fruits.
The photo shows the Chudnoye apple variety:
The appearance of the fruit emphasizes its amazing taste
Growing regions
The variety is zoned for the Ural region. In the regions, it is necessary to cover young trees with spruce branches before the onset of winter, after mulching the soil.
Also, the weather in the Moscow region is very favorable for growing the dwarf Chudnoye apple tree. Gardeners only need to water the tree in a timely manner during drought periods. Special agrotechnical measures are not needed, crown formation and fertilizing are also not needed.
When planting a variety in Siberia, it is necessary to insulate not only the tree trunk, but also the trunk of the tree. Although the apple tree can withstand low temperatures well, such measures will still have to be taken.
In North-West Russia, the variety demonstrates excellent productivity and responds well to fertilizing. It is mandatory to carry out preventive treatments against fungal infections. Best in early spring and twice.
Productivity
The main indicators of the yield of a dwarf tree are constancy (annuality), independence from climatic conditions. One tree produces up to 85 kg of delicious fruit. The maximum yield value shows in 5-7 years. The indicator drops with strong crown thickening and moisture deficiency. Increases when planting pollinators in the garden. The variety has excellent keeping quality, which is not typical for late-summer varieties. The shelf life reaches 1 month with full preservation of taste and commercial qualities.
One tree produces a surprisingly large number of apples.
Frost resistance
Despite its small size, the Chudnoye apple tree can withstand even severe frosts. The plant is not afraid of temperatures dropping to -40 °C. A very valuable quality of the dwarf variety is its ability to withstand spring frosts, strong winds and temperature changes in extreme continental or continental climates. However, breeders recommend covering trees in areas with prolonged frosts and snowless winters. During periods without snow, it is important to additionally cover the lower part of the trunk.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The description notes the resistance of the apple tree to fungal infections. The variety resists scab, bacteriosis, powdery mildew, and fruit rot well. Parasites - scale insects, bark beetles, and aphids - cause more harm to the tree. To prevent the spread of pests, it is necessary to treat the apple tree with copper-containing preparations or urea. It is imperative to collect and remove fallen leaves or debris, and dig up the tree trunk circle in the fall. It is also important to inspect the bark and leaves regularly.
Flowering period and ripening period
The apple tree of the Chudnoe variety bears fruit from the 3rd year of life. Flowering begins in the 2nd year.
In this case, all forces will be directed to the growth and development of the seedling.
The flowering period is extended, beginning at the end of April or beginning of May. The exact time depends on weather conditions. The flowering of the Wonderful variety has its own characteristics. At first, the flowers cover the upper branches. This allows the tree to calmly survive return frosts.The fruit ripens in late summer, apples are ready for harvest in August.
You should carefully select the planting site in order to use the decorative effect of the variety at the time of flowering.
Pollinators
The Chudnoye variety does not require pollinators to form a harvest. But, in this case, only part of the flowers will be pollinated. To get the maximum number of ovaries, you need the help of other types of apple trees. The best pollinators for the Chudnoye apple tree are the Ural dwarf varieties Bratchud, Prizemlennoye, and Anis Sverdlovsky.
Transportation and keeping quality
When dropped, apples of the Chudnoye variety are almost not injured and are not subject to rotting. Therefore, the crop tolerates transportation well over long distances. At the same time, the quality and presentation of the fruit remains the same. The author of the selection included another unique property for the late-summer apple variety - good keeping quality. They can even be stored in a room for a month. Under favorable conditions in the refrigerator or cellar, they retain their quality until October.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Chudnoye apple tree variety
Based on the description and reviews of gardeners, the pros and cons of the tree can be grouped. Among the obvious advantages it should be noted:
- precociousness;
- resistance to frost and frost;
- wind resistance;
- ability to grow in close proximity to groundwater;
- efficiency;
- comfort of care due to low height;
- great taste;
- long shelf life.
Apple lovers do not note any significant shortcomings in the variety. The downside is the inability to store the crop longer. This is due to the desire to extend the period of consumption of very tasty fruits.
With proper care, the variety produces an enviable harvest every year.
Planting a Chudnoe apple tree
Its further growth and development depends on the quality of planting of the seedling. There are certain rules that must be followed. This will allow you to grow an amazing apple tree on the plot on a dwarf rootstock of the Chudnoe variety. You need to pay attention to:
- Term. Optimally - early autumn (no later than mid-October) and spring (until mid-April). In the spring, you need to choose a time when the ground has thawed and the buds have not started to grow. In the fall, it is important to finish a month before the ground begins to freeze.
- Place. The Wonderful variety has a unique feature. The tree thrives when groundwater is close to it. Therefore, areas that are completely unsuitable for other fruit trees are suitable for it. The soil is preferably light and nutritious. Sandy loam or loam will do. Pre-lime acidic soil.
Inspect the seedlings before planting. Pay special attention to the condition of the roots. They must be fresh. They need to be planted as quickly as possible, and immediately wrapped in a damp cloth after purchase.
Landing algorithm:
- Prepare planting holes on the site with a depth of 0.5 m and a diameter of 0.7 m. The distance between the holes is at least 3 m.
- Pour 1 bucket of water into each.
- Mix the turf soil with humus and fill part of the hole with the mixture.
- Place the seedling so that the grafting site is 2 cm above ground level.
- Cover the roots with soil, trample them a little, and water them generously.
- Form a roller of soil for subsequent watering.
Seedlings should be placed at a sufficient distance so that they develop well
Growing and care
Growing the Wonderful variety is very simple. An apple tree does not require special knowledge and skills. The basic rule is proper watering, in other words, regular. In summer you need to water the tree weekly.Consumption per tree – 10 liters.
Loosening after each watering or rain. Care is required to avoid damaging the roots.
Fertilize twice during the season - in spring and autumn. You need to start at 2 or 3 years old. The variety responds well to organic matter (chicken droppings or manure). Dilute the infusion before watering in a ratio of 1:20 (litter) and 1:10 (manure). In the fall, it is good to feed the tree with complex mineral fertilizer with a high content of potassium and phosphorus.
In the first year, be sure to form the lower tier by pruning. Remove the top at a height of 50 cm. In subsequent years, you will need to remove branches growing at an acute angle to the trunk and damaged ones. Even a novice gardener can cope with the formation of a Wonderful apple tree.
Before the onset of winter, be sure to water the apple tree well. In cold regions, mulch the tree trunk, cover the tree with snow, and insulate the lower part of the trunk.
The Wonderful variety will withstand any weather tests only with sufficient watering. The superficial location of the root system requires the gardener's attention to this point of care.
Collection and storage
The fruits are ready for harvest from mid-August. It is recommended not to delay the procedure so that the fruits do not become overripe. Another reason is that the tree should not waste extra energy on ripe apples. The maximum shelf life of the Chudnoye variety is 4 months. In order for the apples to withstand this time without damage, it is necessary:
- highlight a dark room;
- maintain the temperature no higher than +12 °C;
- humidity indicator no more than 70%.
The ideal place is an enclosed balcony or basement.
Conclusion
The dwarf apple tree Wonderful is a worthy choice for planting in the garden. The size of the variety simplifies tree care and saves space.You can grow apples with amazing taste in any climate zone, following agrotechnical recommendations for caring for the variety.
Reviews
Reviews from gardeners are the best description of the advantages of the Wonderful apple tree.
