Content
Kostel's apple tree is a Polish variety that has spread to Belarus and central Russia. It is characterized by winter hardiness and good yield, produces moderately large, tasty and aromatic apples. They can lie for up to six months without losing their presentation or taste.
History of appearance
The Kostel apple tree is a very famous variety of Polish selection. Appeared a long time ago and is considered one of the oldest varieties in the local region. The variety is not included in the Russian register of breeding achievements, but is widespread in many private farms. The crop is undemanding and quite winter-hardy, so it can be grown in different regions.
Description of the Kastel apple tree variety with photo
The description of the variety provides the main characteristics of the apple tree, the shape of the crown, as well as the color and size of the fruits themselves.
Wood appearance
The Kostel apple tree is a tree of medium vigor, the crown is round, symmetrical, and quite spreading. At the same time, the thickening is slight, which makes care easier. The leaves are oval-shaped, bright green in color.
Description of fruits
The fruits of the Kostela apple tree are medium in size, weighing 130-160 g. The shape is round, sometimes also flattened-round. The color at the time of harvesting is green, after full ripening it becomes straw-colored. The skin is quite dense, the surface is smooth, without wrinkles.
Characteristics of the variety
The description of the Kastela apple variety with a photo provides the main characteristics, among which the greatest interest is taste, ripening time, and yield indicator. These and other options are described below.
Taste qualities
The taste of the fruits of the Kostel apple tree is pleasant, with pronounced sweet tones and pleasant sourness. The fruity aroma is noticeable, the flesh is white, juicy, and medium in density. Apples are used fresh; they can last up to six months. They also make delicious preparations, including jam, marmalade, and compote.
Ripening time
According to the ripening period, the Koshtel apple tree is a winter variety. They are removed from the last days of September to mid-October. The fruits are fast-growing and transportable, so they can be used both for yourself and for sale.
Productivity
The productivity of the Koshtel apple tree is quite high - already at the age of six years the tree produces 15-20 kg. Moreover, plants begin to bear fruit at 3-4 years of age.
Frost resistance
The winter hardiness of the Koshtel apple tree is quite high, which allows it to be grown in different regions of Russia. It takes root well in the middle zone and neighboring areas.
The Koshtel apple tree is winter-hardy, suitable for most regions of Central Russia
Pollinators
The variety does not need pollinators, but in order to obtain consistently high yields, it is recommended to plant trees of other varieties with the same flowering periods nearby.
Growing regions
The Kostel apple tree is grown in Poland and Belarus.In Russia, it can be cultivated in the middle zone, the Volga region, the Black Earth Region, as well as in the North-West (Leningrad region). Trees are also found in the southern regions - the North Caucasus, Krasnodar Territory, Crimea.
Disease resistance
The resistance of the Kostel apple tree to diseases is quite high - the description states good immunity. However, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatments in spring and summer. For this purpose, fungicides, insecticides and folk remedies are used.
Advantages and disadvantages
Based on the review of the Koshtel apple variety and reviews about it, we can say that this is a really good variety. The trees produce tasty apples with an attractive marketable appearance, they have sufficient immunity and are quite winter-hardy.
The fruits become straw-colored over time
Pros:
- good harvest;
- pleasant taste;
- high winter hardiness;
- immunity to diseases;
- excellent shelf life up to 6 months;
- transportability;
- Fruiting begins after 3-4 years;
- low maintenance requirements.
Minuses:
- the crown is spreading and takes up quite a lot of space;
- There is little data on cultivation; the crop is not included in the Russian register.
Planting scheme
Planting of Koshtel apple trees is planned for the end of September or the first half of October. The location must meet several requirements:
- Fully illuminated, without shade - Koshtel apple trees require a lot of light, otherwise they develop poorly and produce a small harvest.
- Without nearby groundwater - the maximum height should be 2 m from the surface.
- Without stagnant water, it is impossible to plant a Koshtel apple tree in a lowland, otherwise the root system will begin to suffer from excess water and lack of oxygen.
- Another important point is the absence of rowan trees and large trees, such as maple, oak, and spruce, nearby. They take away too many nutrients and water, which will cause the apple tree to grow worse.
Koshtel seedlings are purchased from nurseries or other trusted suppliers. When purchasing, you need to pay attention to the appearance of the seedling. It must be at least 50 cm in height, have a healthy trunk and shoots, without mechanical damage or signs of disease.
When planting a Kostela apple tree, you should preserve the earthen ball as much as possible.
The site is first prepared - the soil is dug up, organic matter (compost or humus) is added in an amount of 8-10 kg per square meter. If the soil contains a lot of clay, add sand or sawdust in an amount of 3-5 kg per square meter. If necessary, measure the pH - the optimal range of values is from 6.0 to 7.0.
The process of planting a Kostela apple tree is quite simple:
- Mark holes with a depth and diameter of 80-100 cm at intervals of at least 4 m.
- Stick a wooden peg in the center.
- Place stones at the bottom and then fertile soil.
- Soak the roots of the seedling in a mash with clay and a growth stimulator, for example, Zircon.
- Plant a seedling and cover it with soil.
- Compact so that the root collar of the Kostela apple tree remains 7 cm above the surface.
- Tie it to a peg.
- Water with settled water and mulch.
Also, apple trees should not be planted close to houses and other buildings, since the air around the tree should circulate freely.
Features of care
The Koshtel apple tree is not particularly demanding in terms of care.Young seedlings are watered weekly, and mature trees - 1-2 times a month. If there is good rainfall, additional moisture is not needed.
Fertilizing is applied from the second year after planting. In the spring, give urea or ammonium nitrate (30-40 g per tree), during the formation of buds - superphosphate (40 g) and potassium salt (30 g). It is advisable to alternate complex mineral compositions with organic matter.
After rains and watering, the tree trunk circle is loosened and weeding is done periodically. Every spring, before the start of sap flow, formative and sanitary pruning is planned. At the same time, they are treated with fungicides against diseases (for example, Bordeaux mixture or Fundazol).
Regular watering and fertilizing ensure a stable harvest
In the summer, Koshtel apple trees are carefully inspected and, if necessary, treated against pests (aphids, spider mites, leaf rollers). Various insecticides are suitable for this, for example, “Aktara”, “Fufanon”, “Decis”.
If the invasion is not very large, you can also use folk remedies, for example, an infusion of tobacco dust or wood ash. Herbs are also used - wormwood, dandelion, celandine. Processing of Koshtel apple trees is carried out in cloudy weather, in the absence of rain and strong wind. If it's hot outside, you need to spray in the early morning or late evening.
Collection and storage
The fruits of the Koshtel apple tree are harvested in early October and stored in a cool, moderately humid room with a temperature of up to 6 degrees Celsius. It is necessary to ventilate and check the fruits periodically. They last up to six months, but if they begin to soften, the fruits of the Kostela apple tree should be used for preparing dishes or preparations.
Conclusion
The Koshtel apple tree is an unpretentious variety that almost anyone can grow.The culture is winter-hardy, has good immunity, and is suitable for most regions of Central Russia. Produces delicious apples with a regular symmetrical shape.
Reviews from gardeners about the Kostela apple tree
https://youtu.be/pq3cywsw56c
