Apple tree Red Chief

Breeders from the United States managed to create a unique variety called Red Chief. This type of apple tree has a large list of positive qualities, thanks to which it has become widespread and popular among gardeners. And also Red Chief stands out favorably against the background of other common varieties of apple trees that are grown within the borders of Russia.

The trees can grow in height from 6 to 7 meters. The crown is small and has a narrow pyramidal shape. The size of the leaves is average, the shape is oblong, oval. The tip is elongated, and the base is rounded. The lower part of the leaves turns bright red. Shoots can be either straight or slightly curved. They are heavily pubescent and have a rich red-brown color.

The main feature of the Red Chief variety is a high yield, which persists from season to season. This indicator can only be achieved with careful care. Any disturbance in the cultivation process will lead to a decrease in the quality of the crop.

A number of characteristics are noted as advantages.

• The ability to create a tight and compact fit due to the small crown and medium height.

• Young trees will begin to delight with the first harvest already a couple of years after planting.

• The fruits are great for realization. They have an attractive appearance that will impress buyers. It is also worth noting the rich content of vitamin C and sugar.

• The fruits will remain beautiful even after long-term transportation. They practically do not wrinkle, keeping their shape.

• Apples are stored until February, retaining their taste and marketability. This does not require special containers or conditions.

• The variety is undemanding to care.

• Large distribution area.

• Strong immunity to certain diseases.

There are also drawbacks to the fruit crop.

• Hot and dry weather is difficult for apple trees. It is important to maintain the correct humidity level.

• Trees can only withstand frosts down to 25 degrees below zero. For the winter, the orchard must be prepared and insulated.

• The cultivar is prone to scab, bitter spot and rot.

The fruits ripen in autumn. Removable maturity falls at the end of September. Fruiting is stable if trees are protected from diseases, pests, and also fed and watered in time.

When laying a garden, it is very important to take into account the peculiarities of the climate of the region. Red Chief is considered to be a medium-hardy variety, and it is also difficult to tolerate frosts in early March. Experienced summer residents recommend growing this variety in the south of Russia or in central regions with a temperate climate.

In the regions that are located north of the Moscow region, it is not recommended to plant apple trees. To protect trees even in the Moscow region, it is advisable to cover them before the beginning of winter so that low temperatures do not harm the apple trees.

The American variety boasts a high yield. And also early maturity was noted.

Apples are usually eaten fresh. The main color is yellow-green. At first, a weakly expressed blush appears in the form of stripes on the fruits.As it ripens, it becomes brighter and gradually covers the entire fruit. The shape is slightly elongated, conical. There are 5 tubercles on the top of the apple. Weight reaches 180 to 200 grams. The sizes are large. The peel is dense, covered with a translucent bloom.

The taste combines sweetness and sour notes. Some consider it a little bland. The pulp is firm and not very juicy. The color is cream. Pronounced and pleasant varietal aroma. Assessment of professional tasters - 4.8 points.

The quality of the crop is greatly affected by the correct planting site. When choosing a site, the following requirements should be taken into account:

• the variety loves sunlight, so the area should be well lit, so the fruits will be bright and sweet;

• an area protected from drafts and cold northern winds is perfect;

• apple trees take root well and grow on loamy soils, when grown on sandy loam soil, frost resistance indicators fall;

• stagnation of water or its abundant amount leads to decay of the root system, which leads to the death of the tree, in the presence of groundwater, they should be located deep.

Pollinating trees are planted next to the Red Chief variety, since it is considered self-fertile. It is recommended to grow the following species nearby: Gloucester, Golden Delicious and Elstar.

Fertilizers are needed for all fruit crops. Top dressing is laid in the ground when planting. The nutrients that are laid during planting are quite enough for young seedlings.

After feeding is performed according to the following scheme:

• nitrogen compounds are used in the summer, in the first year of planting;

• in the season of the first fruiting, potash-phosphorus compositions are chosen;

• as soon as the tree begins to bloom, you need to add urea or superphosphate;

• in the process of fruiting, apple trees are fertilized 3-4 times per season.

When the tree begins to bear fruit, it is fed 4 times a season with mineral fertilizers and urea. Fertilizers are applied to the trunk circle. Before feeding, the apple trees are watered and after the introduction of nutrients, they are watered again.

The apple plantation should be carefully inspected for disease. Most often, the variety originally from the United States suffers from several ailments.

• Scab. A common fungal disease that can attack the whole tree, along with the fruits. This is a dangerous disease that can completely destroy the crop. Fight scab with fungicides, including Bordeaux liquid. Some summer residents use folk remedies such as a solution of dry mustard or horsetail infusion.

• Apple moth. A dangerous insect, the larvae of which eat away the pulp of apples. They can rob a large portion of the crop. To get rid of parasites, you should spray with insecticides and apply a whole range of agrotechnical measures.

• Spotting. Fungal disease that can be identified by foliage. Popular methods of struggle are Bordeaux liquid and copper oxychloride. Trees are sprayed with these compounds. And also folk remedies can be effective - an infusion of ash and garlic.

Preventive measures:

• arrange an apple plantation on a hill;

• loosening the soil with the arrival of autumn;

• cleaning the garden from plant residues;

• regular crown thinning for normal oxygen circulation.