Apple Tree Grounded

One of the most demanded fruit trees in our country is the apple tree. There are a lot of varieties, and new varieties appear regularly, more or less whimsical, frost-resistant and tasty. The type of fruit tree Ground is perfect for growing in Russian climatic conditions. If you follow the rules of agricultural technology, planting, take into account all the features of the plant, this tree can bring an excellent harvest for many years.

The trunk of the apple tree of this variety is small, respectively, and the name was chosen for it. South Ural breeders bred the variety by combining the Vydubetskaya weeping apple tree with a hybrid plant. The growth of a tree rarely exceeds 2.5 meters when bred on a seed stock. Clonal rootstocks produce plants that do not exceed 1.5 meters in height. The tree is considered a natural dwarf tree.

As for the crown, it is round in shape, standard for an apple tree, and small shoots. The foliage is nut-green in color, the leaves are large, elongated, finely serrated along the edges with slight pubescence. The branches grow at right angles to the trunk.

The main feature of the variety is its unconditional frost resistance. In addition, experts highlight the following advantages:

• the crown is of a compact type, the tree is small, does not take up much space, the decorativeness is quite high;

• the crop can be harvested 2 or 3 years after planting;

• the apple tree bears fruit regularly and very abundantly;

• fruits ripen quickly;

• suitable for growing in any region of Russia and other countries;

• the dessert taste of the fruits is excellent, the presentation is very aesthetic;

• good scab resistance;

• non-capricious care.

There are negative points that should also be taken into account:

• small fruits;

• apples are not stored for long;

• fruiting period no more than 25 years;

• the root system is located high, there is a risk of drying out, damage.

In the second or third year after planting, the apple tree begins to bear fruit - thus, the variety is fast-growing. In subsequent years, the amount of the crop increases. Flowering is tied from below, after which it is distributed along the upper branches. The flowering period is quite long, but if the weather conditions are not suitable for this variety, then often only a third of the growth or apical bud will bloom.

Ripening ends in autumn, around October, apples are stored for about two months, but the taste may deteriorate. Fruiting may not occur if too many formulations with nitrogen are applied, unfavorable weather conditions during the season, a lack of phosphorus in the soil or during drought.

If the climate conditions are favorable, and agricultural technology is maintained, the apple tree bears a harvest annually, and very abundantly. One tree can harvest about 130 kg of fruit. Apples have an excellent chemical composition, a lot of vitamin C. The warmer the summer, the sweeter the apples.

As for the apples, they are small in size and round in shape.The skin is light green with a bright scarlet blush over the entire surface. The pulp is light, granular in type, excellent crunch, good juiciness. The taste is sweet, the aroma is pleasant, rich apple. The weight of one fruit varies from 90 to 120 g.

One of the prerequisites for a high-quality and consistent harvest is the competent planting of the Grounded One. Choose a well-lit area, open, groundwater should not be too close. In lowlands with the risk of stagnant water, it is better not to plant an apple tree, there is a risk of root rot. As for the timing, the variety is planted either in April or in September.

Landing Algorithm:

• a hole is dug to a depth of 80 cm, of a decent diameter;

• a soil mixture with organic matter of any available type is applied to the bottom;

• a stake is dug in the middle for support;

• the seedling is placed in the hole, the roots are straightened, sprinkled with soil mixture;

• it is necessary to water the seedling, tamp the soil;

• the root collar is not buried, otherwise there is a risk of decay.

Care activities are simple, but require regularity.

• Moisturizing. It is carried out throughout the entire growing season, especially when the apple tree blooms and forms fruits. It is important to vary the frequency and amount of watering depending on the weather conditions. An adult apple tree needs hydration 2 times a month. Young trees are watered as the soil dries up.

• Fertilizer. This variety is responsive to feeding, so you should not forget about them. Nitrogenous compounds are introduced in the spring, when the apple tree blooms, it needs phosphorus. Autumn is the optimal time for organics, potassium-phosphorus mixtures. Good feeding makes the plant strong, it tolerates cold well, develops well and brings a rich harvest.

• Pollination. Since the variety is classified as self-fertile only partially, it is important to ensure the presence of pollinating varieties on the site. For this, the varieties Wonderful, Carpet, Autumn undersized are perfect.

• Pruning. Crown formation is an important care stage. In the spring, in the first year of life, before sap flow begins, you need to cut the plant by 15 percent. Then it is enough to remove powerful annual growths in the spring. It is necessary to sanitize, removing damaged and dry branches throughout the life of the apple tree.

• Preparing for winter. Variety Land was bred specifically for the Ural regions, it grows well in Siberia, often without additional manipulation. The tree tolerates frosts well down to minus 30 degrees, provided there is a sufficient amount of snow and the absence of strong winds. If there is a high risk of a severe winter in the region, it is worth taking care of shelter, because the root system is located quite high. In the fall, the near-trunk zone should be mulched with humus and spruce branches to avoid freezing.

Despite the relatively good immunity and resistance to scab, there are a number of ailments that pose a danger to the apple tree of this variety. Most often, gardeners are faced with a nuisance in the form of leaf flies and aphids.

• Aphid. It is necessary to manually pick off leaves that have curled up and are covered with a sticky type of bloom. And it is also important to get rid of weeds - it is she who attracts pests. Lemon balm, lavender can be planted under the tree so that the aroma drives away insects. For treatment, spraying with a solution of dusty soap and ash is suitable.

• Leaf beetles. They are especially dangerous when the tree is in bloom, they drink the sap of the foliage. To prevent attacks, it is worth doing preventive tree pruning in the spring. Spraying with Karbofos works well.

• Powdery mildew. Fungal infection in the form of white plaque on foliage and branches, ovary. The disease affects trees during periods of high humidity. If you do not fight the disease, the leaves and shoots will dry out. In the fight against powdery mildew, regular loosening, saturation of the soil with air, and prevention of mold will help. Fruits and foliage must be collected from the ground and burned. The infected plant is treated with a solution of copper sulfate. You can also irrigate with a soda-soap solution.

• Scab. Another fungal disease that often affects apple trees. The disease damages foliage, branches, fruits. If you notice dry brown mottling, the tree is most likely affected by scab. Spores are formed in the bark, fruits, leaves. As a preventive measure, it is necessary to loosen the soil, get rid of weeds, fallen leaves, apples. You can treat the plant with a solution of Bordeaux liquid.