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The apple tree variety Gift to gardeners is one of the most popular, as it has a stable yield in regions with risky farming. The fruits of this species are characterized by high palatability and are subject to long-term storage under certain conditions. The name of the variety fully justifies the expectations of gardeners, since in order to get a good harvest of apples, it is enough just to follow the general rules of care.
“Gift to gardeners” – a variety of universal purpose
History of breeding
“Gift for gardeners” was received in 1959. Employees of the Siberian Institute of Horticulture named after A.I. M.A. Lisavenko. The purpose of the breeding work was to create a stable variety that gives stable fruits under temperature extremes, in conditions of a short summer. And the resulting variety fully met all expectations.
The basis for the apple tree “Gift to Gardeners” was such species as “Melba” and “Laletino”. Officially, the variety standard was recognized in 1998 and entered into the State Register. It is recommended for cultivation throughout the West Siberian region.
Description of the apple tree Gift for gardeners
This species has a number of characteristics that significantly distinguishes it from the rest. Therefore, when choosing a variety, you should pay attention to them, which will allow you to get a complete picture of the apple tree “A Gift to Gardeners”.
Appearance of fruit and tree
The variety belongs to the category of medium height. The height of the tree does not exceed 3 m, and the diameter is 3,5 m. The crown of the “Gardeners’ Gift” is round, of medium density. Branches of moderate thickness. Ripe shoots have a red-brown hue of the bark, and young shoots are green. On the surface of the branches there is pubescence.
The leaves of this variety are large, oblong-oval. Petioles of medium length. The plates have a greenish-gray tint, they are pubescent on the reverse side. There are small notches along the edge of the leaves.
Apples are one-dimensional, small, the average weight is 70-80 g. The shape of the fruit is round, slightly flattened towards the center. The main color is greenish-yellow, the cover color is red, presented in the form of small strokes that reach half of the fruit.
The pulp of the “Gift to gardeners” is white, with a slight greenish tinge, dense, slightly grained.
Apples when fully ripe are juicy, with a pleasant aroma
Life time
Apple tree “Gift to gardeners” steadily bears fruit until the age of fifteen, and then must be replaced. Subject to all the rules of planting and agricultural technology, the lifespan can be extended by another 5 years, and if the recommendations are ignored, it can be significantly reduced.
Taste
Apples “Gift to gardeners” have a pleasant sweetish taste with a slight sourness. The tasting score of the variety is 4,5-4,8 points out of 5 possible. The fruits contain tannins, ascorbic acid, and P-active components. But at the same time they have an insignificant concentration of pectins and titratable acids.
Apples of this variety are ideal for drying and making compotes, jams and jams.
Growing regions
Apple tree “Gift to gardeners” is widely grown in the Altai Territory and Siberia. But the variety also shows high productivity in the central regions. And in the southern regions it is not recommended to grow it, since the apple tree does not tolerate dry air and lack of moisture. In such conditions, it is almost impossible to achieve even an average level of productivity.
Productivity
The first fruiting of the apple tree “Gift to Gardeners” occurs 3-4 years after planting, and continues every season in the future. The average yield of a ten-year-old tree is 20,5 kg, and by the age of 15 – 30 kg.
Frost resistance
Frost resistance of the variety “Gift to gardeners” is average. When the temperature drops to -40 degrees, freezing of the bark with the appearance of cracks is possible. But the peculiarity of this apple tree is that it has the ability to quickly regenerate.
Temperature fluctuations and prolonged frosts do not significantly affect the yield of the variety
Disease and pest resistance
Apple tree “Gift to gardeners” is immune to scab. But it shows moderate resistance to other common diseases. In case of inconsistency in growing conditions, this variety may suffer from aphids and leafworms. Therefore, in order to prevent damage, it is necessary to treat the crown and trunk with fungicides and insecticides every spring.
Flowering period and ripening period
Apple tree “Gift to gardeners” is one of the autumn species. Her flowering begins in early June and lasts from 6 to 10 days, depending on the air temperature. Removable fruit ripeness occurs in the second half of September. Therefore, harvesting can be carried out during this period and for the next 2 weeks.
Pollinators
Variety “Gift to gardeners” is self-fertile. Therefore, for the ovary of apples, he does not need other pollinating trees.
Transportation and storage
The fruits have a thin but dense peel, so they easily tolerate transportation even over long distances. Also, apples of this variety are well stored for a long time without loss of commercial qualities.
Advantages and disadvantages
This variety has advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, when choosing it, you should pay attention to them.
Variety “Gift to gardeners” can be used as a basis for breeding new species
The main advantages of the variety:
- stable yield;
- presentation of apples;
- excellent taste;
- versatility of application;
- fruits can be stored and transported for a long time;
- quickly recovers from freezing;
- immune to scab, weather conditions;
- does not need pollinators.
Disadvantages:
- small apples;
- the tree does not tolerate even a short-term drought;
- average frost resistance.
Landing
For planting, 2-year-old seedlings should be selected. You can plant plants in a permanent place at the end of April or in the first decade of September.
Procedure algorithm:
- Prepare a hole 80 cm deep and 70 wide.
- Lay a layer of crushed stone 5 cm thick at the bottom.
- Fill 2/3 of the volume of the pit with a nutrient mixture of turf, humus, leafy soil in a ratio of 2: 1: 1.
- Additionally, add 30 g of superphosphate and 15 g of potassium sulfide, mix everything thoroughly.
- Make a small rise in the center of the hole.
- Put a seedling on it, straighten the roots.
- Place a support next to it.
- The root collar of an apple tree cannot be buried when planting, it must be at the level of the soil.
- Sprinkle the roots with earth, compact the surface at the base.
- Water the seedling thoroughly.
Cultivation and care
It is necessary to water the apple tree regularly, in the absence of seasonal precipitation – 2 times a week. Top dressing is also important for this variety. They strengthen the immunity of the plant and increase its frost resistance. In spring, the apple tree should be fertilized with urea or ammonium nitrate, and superphosphate and potassium sulfate should be used during budding and ovary formation.
Pruning should also be carried out annually, which helps to give the crown the correct shape and clear it of thickening shoots. In addition, in early spring, the “Gift to Gardeners” apple tree should be sprayed with a Bordeaux mixture, as well as additionally treated with the Inta-Vir insecticide.
What to do if it does not bear fruit
Sometimes you can hear the complaints of gardeners that the apple tree of this variety does not bear fruit. This can happen for a number of reasons:
- The root neck of the seedling is buried in the soil.
- Excess nitrogen in the soil.
- Lack of timely pruning.
To correct the situation, it is enough to correct the care and remove excess soil at the base of the tree.
Collection and storage
Apples “Gift to gardeners” are suitable for long-term storage for 4 months. and more. To do this, it is necessary to fold the crop into wooden boxes and shift it with straw so that the fruits do not touch each other. Then they should be placed in a cool room with good ventilation.
Fruits should be picked from the tree at the stage of absolute maturity.
Conclusion
The apple tree variety Gift to gardeners is an ideal variant of a culture that is able to show stable productivity, subject to standard care rules. Therefore, this species has not lost its relevance for many years. The variety still adequately withstands competition due to its increased vitality in difficult climatic conditions.
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