Apple tree Mutsu

Apples are the most popular fruits in the world, which is why they are grown in summer cottages, in gardens, in the courtyards of private houses and, of course, by farmers on an industrial scale. When choosing a variety for planting, every gardener wants the apple tree to bring a high yield and not be capricious in its care. It is among these that the Mutsu variety belongs.

The Mutsu variety was bred more than 90 years ago in Japan, from where it was brought to our country, to Ukraine, to Belarus. Japanese breeders, by crossing Indo and Golden Delicious, developed a new variety, which was named after the Japanese province. The apple species has another name - Mutsu, which is used less often.

The Mutsu apple tree is a fruit tree that, depending on the growing region, can grow up to 5-6 meters in height. In regions with a temperate climate, the apple tree reaches a height of 3-4 meters. It is characterized by a not very dense crown of a round or pyramidal shape. It is the moderate density that ensures good penetration of sunlight onto the fruits during ripening. In the first few years, the tree grows rapidly, but as soon as it begins to bear fruit, growth slows down noticeably.

The winter apple variety is endowed with many characteristic features, thanks to which it quickly adapts in the ground, is undemanding to care for, has a long shelf life, is easy to transport, has a pronounced taste, and is also free from colorants.

Along with many advantages, this type has some disadvantages - poor immunity to scab and pest infestations, as well as insufficient winter hardiness.

The flowering period of the tree begins at the end of May and lasts 7-12 days. During this period, the crown is covered with small, but very beautiful white-milky flowers. The first apples that have reached full maturity can be tasted from the second half of September. Fruits can hang on the branches until mid-November, without crumbling, without freezing. The timing of flowering and fruiting may shift slightly, due to the peculiarities of the climate of a particular region. Fruiting begins at 4-5 years of growth and development of the fruit tree.

Mutsu apple trees grow well in central Russia, in the Volga region, in the Moscow region, as well as in Ukraine and Belarus. The optimal growth and development zone is considered to be an area with a temperate climate, where heat, drought and frost are corrected by irrigation and insulation.

The yield of the variety is impressive. At the 5th year, the apple tree gives up to 30 kg of fruits, at 10-12 - up to 65 kg. An adult tree bears maximum fruit, allowing you to collect up to 150 kg of fruit per season.

Mutsu apples are quite large - the weight of the fruit reaches 155-280 grams. The shape of the apples is correct, but it can change due to the climatic characteristics of the growing region. Rounded fruits with beveled sides are sometimes found. The color of the fruit is yellow-green with sun-stained red sides. The pulp is fleshy, juicy, aromatic, and the skin is thickened, with a glossy finish. The apples taste sweet and sour with a pronounced honey taste.A few months after the harvest, apples acquire the most intense taste.

To successfully grow the apple tree, Mutsu will need a breathable and fertile soil with neutral acidity. Saplings grow well on black soil or loam. The area for growing an apple tree must be exposed to sunlight, as well as protection from drafts and strong winds. Humidity should be moderate. Before planting, the soil is carefully prepared - weed cleaning, digging, furrowing, top dressing.

Planting seedlings can be carried out in early spring, when the soil is already well warmed up, or in the fall, a month before the onset of cold weather, so that the root system has time to adapt.

The Mutsu apple tree is self-fertile, therefore, with self-pollination, only up to 6% of ovaries are formed. That is why other pollinating species are grown in the same area with this apple variety. The following varieties are considered optimal: Jonathan, Gala, Spartan, Champion, Gloucester and Braeburn, as they bloom in parallel with Mutsu.

For the healthy growth and development of the tree, you will need to perform a number of activities, including regular feeding. Nitrogen fertilizers are applied in the spring, and mineral fertilizers in the fall. In addition, insufficiently fertile soil should be regularly fed with humus and wood ash.

The variety has an average frost resistance, withstanding temperature drops to –30… 35 degrees. In regions with harsh winters, apple trees require additional care - warming the circle around the trunk by mulching using straw or humus. Burlap is required to insulate the trunk.

The variety has a good immune system, but the tree is exposed to scab and powdery mildew, so preventive manipulations are required. As a preventive measure, it is enough to spray with special solutions. Trees growing in regions with high humidity are especially susceptible to scab and powdery mildew. Among pests, the most frequent invasions are organized by moths, eating out the middle of the fruit.

Analyzing a number of reviews of gardeners who are happy to grow this species on their site, one can note the bright honey taste of Mutsu apples, good keeping quality of fruits, due to which, if properly stored, fresh fruits can be eaten throughout the winter, as well as versatility (canning, freezing, drying).

The only problem when growing a variety is additional care during the cold season, but this problem can only arise for beginner gardeners.