Apple tree Rudolph

Apple tree Rudolph - or otherwise Malus hybride Rudolph - has an expressive decorative meaning. But this does not allow us to conclude that acquaintance with the peculiarities of cultivation and characteristics of the fruits is not necessary. On the contrary, both are extremely useful for any gardener.

Information about its origin in the available sources is absent or differs in an extreme variety of versions; unknown not only the time of appearance, but even the country. The height of the tree can vary from 4 to 6 m. The crown develops, at least in young apple trees, upward. Its cross-section reaches 4 m. The dense foliage is distinguished by a dark green color.

Young leaves may have a reddish tint. As Rudolph reaches the mature level, the branches acquire a weeping appearance. Shoots deviate somewhat to the side. The reverse side of the leaves is darker than their obverse. They have 3, 4 or 5 blades.

The branches of the Rudolph apple tree run vertically. They almost never leave the main trunk. The plant retains its expressive decorative effect for most of the year. Its beauty is associated with:

• a lush-looking rounded crown;

• wide elliptical foliage;

• long period of abundant flowering;

• the colorfulness of the fruit;

• resistance to various adverse influences.

However, the consumer properties of Rudolph apples are not great. Decorating problems begin when cultivating in shaded areas. There are no other difficulties with this variety.

The culture is fast-growing. However, it is almost impossible to use it for horticultural purposes - and experienced gardeners do not even try to do this. Flowers may appear as early as the first year of development, but this is almost always a barren flower. The second and third seasons will reward with only a few dozen small fruits. Their main advantage is not their culinary properties, but their appearance.

There is no exact flowering data. It occurs at very different times, depending on the specific region and the conditions being created. In a favorable environment, flowering will last until the end of June. The flowers are large, can have a red or even purple tint. They will cover the branches tightly, and when they crumble, they will fall on the ground as a continuous graceful carpet.

You can cultivate the variety with confidence in:

• Crimea;

• Volga region;

• Moscow region;

• various regions of central Russia;

• Leningrad region;

• Central Black Earth Region;

• Azov and North Caucasus.

It is purely symbolic. It is hardly possible to get at least 1 kg of fruit from a tree at a time, and during the season - 5 kg. But apples will be a worthy decor for any site, so low consumer quality is forgivable. Neither good weather, nor any agrotechnical measures to increase the fertility of a plant are in principle incapable, this is simply not its profile.

Rudolph apples are colored yellow-orange. They look like a ball. The fruit is 15-25 mm in size. Sprinkling fruit off the branches is almost impossible. There is no other specific information about them.

This variety is best planted in open areas full of sunlight. Shadow growth is also possible, but there culture loses its main dignity - aesthetics. Drafts are not too damaging, but a stagnant atmosphere is more beneficial for Rudolph. Too active winds can lead to diseases. It is unacceptable to choose places where soil water is high.

Moreover, one must beware of landing on the banks of rivers and streams, near wells and springs. If there is simply no other choice, you will need to make a high artificial embankment. The exit of the root collar above the ground should be at least 4-7 cm. Holes are dug 3-5 days before the start of planting work.

The depth of the grooves should be 50-60 cm. Their diameter reaches 100 cm. Garter stakes must be used. Apple trees should be placed on a drainage layer. Compaction of the earth should be done by hand; the best soil is loam and sandy loam.

Other important nuances:

• loosening the land is necessary no more than twice a year;

• in the intervals between these, the soil is plowed up 3-4 times;

• watering should be done 2-3 times a month for young trees;

• adult and decrepit specimens should be watered 3-4 times during the season;

• watering is recommended to be combined with dressing;

• in the first year, the seedling must be shortened by 1/3;

• sanitary trimmings are strictly necessary;

• all cuts are treated with garden pitch.

There is no particular benefit from pollination with other plants. Harm, however, too. A wide variety of pollinating apple trees are suitable for Rudolph. It's probably harder to say which type of them is definitely not suitable. Moreover, this culture itself is capable of becoming a pollinator in the garden.

The culture is distinguished by its impressive resistance to frost. But young shoots can freeze. If such a misfortune happens, the affected areas must be cut off mercilessly. Fruits fall off at a temperature of –2 degrees. Therefore, it is advisable to complete the collection in advance.

Rudolph tolerates the main apple pathologies well. Even if the rest of the trees are affected by scab or powdery mildew, this culture will definitely survive the situation without problems. An important role is played by high-quality prevention, which additionally strengthens the immune system. Preemptive wet-season treatments are especially important.