Contents
In the gardens of our country, you rarely see unusual fruit trees. One of these is the Chinese Kerr apple variety. The plant has miniature fruits. It meets the highest requirements for frost resistance and tolerates drought well. She has high yields, up to 120 cm can be harvested per season.
History of breeding
Apple tree “Kitajka Kerr” (Kitajka Kerr) appeared in 1952. The creator of the variety is William Leslie Kerr (Canada). The breeder successfully crossed two varieties: “Long” and “Harrison apple”. According to some reports, the second plant was “Haralson Red”.
There is no Kitayka Kerr in the Breeding Register.
Apple tree “Chinese Kerr” requires the installation of a peg
Description of the apple variety Kitayki Kerr with a photo
The apple tree of this variety is a very beautiful plant, especially during the flowering period. The buds have a strong aroma that attracts bees for pollination, as a result of which the fruits are distinguished by excellent quality characteristics. The period of appearance of buds falls on April-May.
This process is similar to cherry blossom. These are large inflorescences, with five leaves, in which up to 4-6 flowers.
Appearance of fruit and tree
This is a small plant with a neat, slightly spreading crown that does not require regular pruning. Only damaged branches should be removed. Shoots are greenish-brown in color.
There are 3 subspecies of “Chinese Kerr”:
- Tall, which stretch up to 8 m.
- Medium-sized or semi-dwarf – up to 5 meters.
- Dwarf, not growing more than 2,5 meters in height.
The leaves of the Chinese Kerr apple tree are easily confused with plum ones. They have the shape of an ellipse, with pointed tips, small in size. Their surface is smooth, the edges are serrated.
The tree bears red fruits. There are always a lot of apples on the branches.
The shape of the fruit is slightly elongated; in the process of ripening, their color changes from green to burgundy. There is a wax coating on the skin. The aroma of the pulp resembles the smell of Antonovka apples.
Apples of the “Chinese Kerr” variety in the cellar can be stored until the middle of winter
Life time
Tall apple trees can grow and bear fruit up to 60 years. Semi-dwarfs have a shorter lifespan – up to 40 years, and dwarfs have even less – up to 25 years.
Taste
The pulp of apples is dense and slightly colored in pink. “Chinese Kerr” is considered the leader among all varieties of dwarf fruit trees. Fruits in diameter reach 7 cm with a weight of 20 to 50 g.
The taste of apples is rich, juicy, with a slight sourness and astringency.
For tasting qualities, apples are rated at 4,4 points on a 5-point scale.
The sugar content of the pulp is 12-16%. Apples contain a lot of vitamin C, which allows them to be called medicinal.
Apples are suitable for fresh consumption, making jams, jams and baking in the oven.
Growing regions
The Chinese Kerr apple tree has a shallow root system, but is highly branched. This allows you to grow a tree even in the harsh conditions of Siberia and the Far East.
The plant is not afraid of drought either, so it can be planted in any region of Our Country.
The apple tree does not like transplants, in extreme cases it can survive it at the age of 3. Therefore, it is best to plant a seedling on the site immediately to a permanent place.
In warm climatic zones, seedlings can be planted from the end of September until the 3rd decade of October, that is, before the first frost. In colder regions, it is better to plant a plant in the spring, at the end of April, so that it has time to take root and take root.
The ripening period of the apple tree Kitayka Kerr
The fruits ripen late and can be harvested in mid or late September. The main advantage is that the fruits do not immediately crumble after ripening, but remain on the branches.
The first collection is carried out 3-4 years after planting. Yields alternate every year between abundant and moderate.
If you store apples in a cool place, then they can lie until mid-January.
During the flowering period, the apple tree looks like a sakura
Frost resistance
The apple tree calmly tolerates a drop in temperature to -30 оC. For this reason, “Chinese Kerr” can be found even in the Urals and in the West Siberian region.
Disease and pest resistance
Apple tree “Chinese Kerr” is very resistant to diseases and pests. Good resistance to oidium, scab and mildew. However, the entire plant should be periodically inspected for aphids, fungus and caterpillars. It is recommended to whitewash the root part in autumn and winter to prevent the reproduction of pest larvae.
As a preventive measure against the development of cytosporosis, it is recommended to treat the plant in the spring with the Hom preparation or a solution of copper sulphate. From aphids use tobacco or soap.
Flowering period and ripening period
The flowering of “Chinese Kerr” occurs at the end of April – the beginning of May. If the tree grows in a warm climate, then harvesting may already begin in mid or late August. In temperate areas, fruits are harvested in September.
Pollinators
“Chinese Kerr” is often used as a rootstock for other varieties of apple trees. The abundant flowering of the tree increases the yield of nearby plants.
Transportation and storage
Subject to storage rules, apples will lie quietly until mid-January. At the same time, they will not lose their attractive appearance and their taste qualities will not change.
It is not difficult to transport fruits, there are no special requirements.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main positive aspects of “Chinese Kerr” include:
- High degree of frost resistance.
- Tolerates drought well.
- Excellent resistance to diseases and pests.
- Unpretentious to the quality of the soil.
- The fruits are juicy and tasty, suitable for preparing preparations and desserts.
The tree has good aesthetic qualities, so it is often used in landscape design. A well-chosen place for planting will allow not only to decorate the site, but also to get a good harvest of apples every year.
No negative aspects of the apple tree were found.
After watering, the root system of the apple tree is recommended to be mulched.
Rules of landing
Apple tree “Chinese Kerr” prefers non-acidic and fertile lands. A sunny site is suitable for a tree, but it can also survive in a shaded area.
It is better not to plant the plant in the ground, where there is high groundwater or heavy earth. The apple tree will survive, but will not have its decorative features.
A pit for planting a tree is best prepared a month in advance. To do this, after digging, fertilizer is added inside:
- 3 buckets of humus;
- 10 art. l. wood ash;
- 1 glass of superphosphate;
- 4 tbsp. l. potassium sulfate.
All components are thoroughly mixed with each other and with the lower fertile layer of the earth. In a month, fertilizers will be able to partially decompose and improve the quality of the soil. After planting, seedlings are watered abundantly.
Before planting, it is recommended that the roots of the apple tree be soaked in warm water, and just before being placed in the ground, dip in a clay mash.
Cultivation and care
The first 2 years after planting, the plant must be tied to a peg. If we are talking about a dwarf species, then it is left for the entire life cycle of the plant. During the same period, in the spring, all flowers must be cut off. In the future, it is also recommended to thin out the buds in order to regulate fruiting and reduce the load.
Young plants are fed 2 times a year: in May and September. Fruiting trees are fertilized 4 times.
Near trees, weeds should always be removed, especially if it is a dwarf species.
The Chinese Kerr apple tree is unpretentious in care, however, it does not require frequent, but plentiful watering. One tree requires 3-4 buckets of water, preferably warm. It is best to cover the root system with mulch after watering.
Collection and storage
Fruit picking occurs around mid-September. Apples grow in clusters, 4-8 pieces. This greatly simplifies the collection process.
After harvesting, it can be placed in a cellar or basement. To prevent the process of decay, the fruits are placed in wooden or cardboard boxes. Each layer of apples must be shifted with paper.
If there is time and desire, then each apple can be wrapped in a newspaper.
“Chinese Kerr” not only gives an excellent harvest, but also has a decorative function
Conclusion
The apple tree variety Kitayka Kerr is a spectacular representative of dwarf fruit tree species that can decorate any site. The fruits have an unforgettable taste, with light notes of sourness and astringency. There are no care problems, the plant is not prone to diseases and resists pests and severe frosts well.
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