Contents
Apple variety Kitayka Long is considered one of the most delicious species. But growing it is quite difficult, as the tree is whimsical. This variety adapts to various climatic conditions, and also has a plentiful harvest.
Description of the apple variety Kitayka Long with a photo
The Chinese apple tree is grown in many countries. It is not only a wonderful decoration of the garden, but also capable of producing very tasty fruits. There are many different varieties. Each of them has its own qualities.
History of breeding
Variety Kitaika Long was created by the Americans at the beginning of the XNUMXth century. Several scientists worked on it, but Hansen was most interested in the apple tree. As a basis, they took the variety of Sibirka apples and another type of tree, which is still unknown.
When breeding fruits, a popular hybridization method was used. Of the 15 experimental trees, pollen was taken from only 11 of them. Then the scientists pollinated the apple trees again, and as a result of this reaction, they managed to develop the seeds of a new variety.
Before planting, Hansen subjected the seeds to stratification. This process took him about 5 months. After planting, he took care of the variety for a long time and tested it in harsh conditions.
Appearance of fruit and tree
The Chinese apple tree delights many people with its appearance, so it is often used as a garden decoration. The trees are relatively small, but some of them reach 4 m in height.
The crown is round and broad in shape. The shoots are considered medium pubescent and have a dark green tint.
The branches are going up. During active flowering, they begin to be completely covered with fruits that are held on a short stalk.
There are plum-colored leaves on the tree. They are characterized by an oblong shape and slightly serrated edges. The fruits are small in size. Their weight usually does not exceed 20 g. They are cone-shaped, but some of them may resemble a ball.
Yellowness is observed in the depression area. They have firm, creamy flesh. There are reddish patches. The taste of the fruit is sweet and sour.
Life time
It is recommended to store fruits in a dark and cool place. Then it will be possible to extend their lifespan up to 2 months.
Taste
The pulp of the fruit is elastic. It has a creamy hue with splashes of red.
Growing region
The Chinese apple tree grows for a long time in areas with cold lands. Therefore, it is often found in the west and east of Siberia, where a continental climate is observed. This variety is perfect for growing in harsh winter conditions. The root system is located deep, so the tree manages to maintain the optimum temperature.
In addition, the variety quickly adapts to dry and hot areas. To make adaptation go better, it is necessary to water the tree regularly. If this condition is neglected, the root system will begin to deplete.
Productivity
Apple variety Kitayka Long grows well in various conditions. But most often apple trees are used as garden decoration.
Fruits begin to appear only 4-5 years after planting. The peculiarity of apples lies in their location on the branches. During maturation, they are placed close to each other, while holding very tightly.
Harvest begins to be harvested in late August – early September.
Frost resistance
Variety of apples Long adapted to the cold. Considered to be fairly cold hardy.
Disease and pest resistance
This variety is disease resistant. But there are several diseases that can affect the yield and appearance of a tree – cytosporosis, fire blight and black cancer.
The first type of the disease is severe. To avoid illness, during flowering, it is necessary to treat with Hom, and before that – with copper sulphate.
A bacterial burn is also considered a serious and dangerous disease. You need to fight only by destroying the source of infection.
Black cancer has a bad effect on wood, which significantly deteriorates the appearance. The damaged bark is removed, and the resulting wounds are healed with the help of medicines.
The main pests include:
- Green aphid. To fight using a tobacco-soap solution.
- Ploshka. The pest does not like tobacco smoke, so the tree must be fumigated periodically.
- Apple moth. To avoid its appearance, the surface of the tree is sprayed with a solution of chlorophos.
- Leaflet. Adversely affects the appearance. You can get rid of the pest with a solution of nitrofen.
If you properly care for the tree, then it will become a wonderful decoration of the garden, while it will produce delicious fruits.
Flowering period and ripening period
The first apples appear 4-5 years after planting the tree. Then China Long begins to bear fruit every year.
Pollinators
Variety Kitayka Long feels great alone. Therefore, it is not recommended to plant an apple tree next to other trees. It does not need to be pollinated, as this process is carried out by insects. The variety has good characteristics for attracting bees and butterflies. If a tree is planted among other shrubs, the smell will be interrupted, which means that insects will not be able to pollinate the apple tree.
Transportation and storage
It takes a long time to transport the Chinese apple tree very carefully, otherwise the tree will not be able to take root under any circumstances. The seedling should not lie too long, it will dry out and will not be able to grow.
Advantages and disadvantages
Looking at the photo of the decorative apple tree Long, we can conclude that it is quite beautiful in appearance and will become a real decoration of the garden.
In addition, Kitayka Long has other advantages, such as:
- resistance to many diseases and the adverse effects of pests;
- high yield;
- frost resistance, which allows planting trees in countries with different climates;
- annual fruit bearing;
- no shedding of apples.
But there are also a few downsides:
- The maximum shelf life of fruits is 2 months.
- Apples are small.
- Not everyone will like the taste of fruits.
It is not necessary to use Kitaiku Long apple tree only for cultivation. It will be a wonderful decoration for any garden, which is already a significant advantage.
Landing
Before you start breeding a variety, you need to decide on a place where the Chinese apple tree will feel comfortable for a long time. Preparations begin at least a week in advance. At this time, you should dig a hole with a depth of 80 to 100 cm, and then fertilize the ground in it.
If they take an apple tree with a closed root system, then planting is carried out in the spring at the end of March – mid-April or in the fall from mid-September to the end of October. With an open root system, manipulations are carried out from April to May or from September to mid-October.
Cultivation and care
During the first two years, the Kitayka does not need to be fed for a long time. She will have enough fertilizer that was laid during planting. Then top dressing is carried out every year in the summer.
In order for a tree to grow beautiful and powerful, its root system must be protected in winter. For this, newspapers and spruce branches are used. To protect against freezing, you will need peat, humus or sawdust. With the advent of spring, the protective cushion is removed.
It is also necessary to take care of the Chinese apple tree for a long time correctly:
- The tree should be inspected regularly.
- If necessary, the resulting wounds heal.
- Every spring, dry and damaged branches are removed.
- In spring, the soil is loosened, weeds are removed.
- In summer, you need to water the tree regularly.
- Periodically it is necessary to carry out treatment from pests.
If you follow all the recommendations for care, the Kitayka Long apple tree will become an excellent decoration of the garden.
Collection and storage
The fruits are harvested in late August or early September. They should be stored for no longer than two months in a cool and dark place. If you do not follow these rules, the apples will quickly turn yellow and lose their taste.
Conclusion
The apple-tree variety Kitayka Long will be a wonderful decoration for any garden. At the same time, the tree gives a good harvest every year. The fruits have excellent taste and juiciness. But for this you need to carefully care for the plant, conduct regular inspection and watering. Otherwise, the root system will become thinner.