Content
It is almost impossible to find a garden without apple trees today. Every summer resident has his favorite varieties. And this is not surprising, because despite the variety of varieties, every apple tree has its own characteristics.
The Zavetnoe apple tree is the result of crossing the Melba and Autumn Joy varieties. The Zavetnoye variety is valued by gardeners for its excellent frost resistance and resistance to pests and diseases. The apple tree is a semi-cultivated early winter variety. Fruits successfully in Siberia and the Urals.
Description of the variety
The apple tree has the appearance of a low tree with a spreading, wide crown. A height of 3-3.5 meters is considered the maximum for this apple tree.
Throughout the summer, the sun evenly illuminates the entire crown, thanks to which it is well ventilated, and the apples ripen at the same time. A distinctive feature of the tree is the color of the trunk bark – dark brown.
The special attachment of summer residents to this variety is also explained by its regular yield. Ripe fruits can be collected from the second half of September, and up to 70 kg of bright apples can be easily removed from one tree.
As a rule, the average weight of one fruit is 45-65 grams, and in the first years of growth - 75-80 grams. The decrease in fruit weight is explained only by an increase in the number of apples and does not in any way affect the taste of the fruit.The round-shaped apple has a pale yellow color with a rich red “blush” (as in the photo).
The fruit has tender and juicy pulp, which has good density. Some gardeners distinguish light notes of strawberries in the taste of the Zavetnoe apple.
Apples acquire a special sweetness in the case of a cold autumn, when the harvest occurs at the end of September and beginning of October. In the case of a hot summer period, the time for picking apples also shifts - the fruits ripen at the end of August.
Advantages of the Zavetnoye variety:
- frost resistance;
- the beginning of fruiting from the age of four;
- good resistance to pests and diseases (especially scab);
- maintains high yield apple tree varieties Treasured of any age;
- simultaneous ripening of fruits;
- excellent shelf life (up to 5 months) and decent transportability.
The ability to freeze in very severe frosts is considered a disadvantage of the variety.
Growing an apple tree
The procedure for planting the Zavetnoye variety does not cause difficulties even for novice gardeners. There is no clearly defined period for planting apple tree seedlings. Some summer residents prefer to plant in the spring - after the 20th of April, when the ground has already warmed up better, but has not lost moisture from the melted snow.
But in areas of Siberia, it is not recommended to plant a tree at the end of summer, since there is a high chance that the Zavetnoe apple tree will not take root and will die.
Planting stages:
- Prepare a hole for the seedling in advance. Suitable size – depth approximately 50-60 cm, diameter – 45-55 cm.
- The excavated soil is mixed with manure and mineral fertilizers.
- The hole is 2/3 filled with fertile mixture.
- The roots of a seedling of the Zavetnoye variety are carefully straightened and placed in a hole. The top is covered with soil. At this stage, it is important to ensure that the root collar of the apple tree is not covered with soil. The root collar should be approximately 6-8 cm above the ground level.
To ensure that the tree takes root securely and does not break in case of bad weather, it is recommended to drive several stakes near the hole, between which to secure the trunk of the Zavetnoe apple tree (as in the photo).
Watering and fertilizing trees
One of the components of proper apple tree care is watering. In Siberian conditions, it is recommended to water the Zavetnoye variety at least twice during the season. It should be taken into account that in the spring an adult tree needs approximately 100 liters of water. In the autumn, after the leaves have fallen, it is also advisable to water the apple tree.
In case of a dry summer period, it is recommended to water the Zavetnoe variety twice: when the ovary forms and during the ripening of apples. To prevent watering from being useless, it is recommended to make a round moat around the trunk, approximately 10-15 cm deep. It is into the moat that water should be carefully poured.
Fertilizing is also an important part of proper care for the Cherished apple tree. This variety has no special soil requirements. Liquid mullein will be an excellent fertilizer option. In spring, you can also sprinkle urea in the area around the tree trunk.
Apple tree pruning
For the Zavetnoye variety, thickening of the crown is uncharacteristic. Nevertheless, pruning branches is an important and necessary part of apple tree care.
Thanks to pruning, excess branches are removed (that interfere with each other or grow incorrectly), a crown is formed, and the tree is cleaned of old branches. It is recommended to carry out work in the spring using pruners or a hacksaw.Pruning should be done before the buds begin to grow.
After finishing the work, it is recommended to treat the cut surface with garden varnish. Thanks to these actions, the sections are protected from infections and precipitation, do not dry out and heal more easily.
On old apple trees, pruning is carried out not only to remove excess branches, but also for the purpose of rejuvenation.
Protection from diseases and pests
The Zavetnoye apple tree variety is highly resistant to diseases and pests. In terms of prevention, it is recommended to spray the apple tree with a special solution: add 700 g of urea and 50 g of copper sulfate to 10 liters of water. The procedure must be carried out before the Zavetnoe variety begins to flower.
Particular attention should be paid to protecting the tree from moths, which can cause significant damage to the future harvest.
The codling moth is a butterfly that attacks apples of the Zavetnoe variety. There are many ways to combat the pest. The most effective is the use of special chemicals - insecticides. It is recommended to carry out the first treatment of trees in late May-early June. The following drugs are most suitable for spraying: Inta-vir, Kinmiks, Decis, Fury. The optimal treatment time is a quiet evening without rain, when pest butterflies begin to fly.
The following treatments cannot be carried out with chemicals, so it is advisable to use folk remedies. As an option - infusions of pine needles, tansy, burdock. Apple trees are pollinated at the end of flowering and at intervals of approximately 2-2.5 weeks. As a preventive measure, it is advisable to plant dill and mustard between Zavetnoye apple trees.
Many summer residents notice the fact that apple tree wood attracts small rodents. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to protect tree trunks, especially in winter. It is advisable to carry out the following activities:
- clean the area around the trunk of the apple tree and burn the debris;
- dig up the soil near the tree;
- wrap the trunk of the apple tree with a protective cloth and secure it. If there is no suitable material, you can use spruce branches. Moreover, they must be positioned in such a way that the needles are located at the bottom. In addition, you can spray the protective layer with a rodent repellent.
The Zavetnoye apple tree variety is undoubtedly very productive and unpretentious, and therefore very popular. Many summer residents and gardeners were able to appreciate the merits of the apple tree. Therefore, we recommend that beginners and apple lovers plant the Zavetnoye variety on their plot.
Reviews from gardeners
