Contents
Koshtel’s apple tree is a Polish variety that has spread in Belarus and in central Our Country. Differs in winter hardiness and good productivity, gives moderately large, tasty and fragrant apples. They can lie up to six months without losing their presentation and taste.
The story of
Koshtel’s apple tree is a very famous variety of Polish selection. Appeared a long time ago, is considered one of the oldest varieties in the local region. The variety is not included in the register of breeding achievements, but it is common in many private farms. The culture is undemanding and quite winter-hardy, so it can be grown in different regions.
Description of the Kastel apple variety with a photo
In the description of the variety, the main characteristics of the apple tree, the shape of the crown, as well as the color and size of the fruits themselves are given.
tree appearance
The apple tree of Koshtel is represented by a tree of medium strength, the crown is round, symmetrical, rather sprawling. At the same time, the thickening is small, which makes it easier to care for. The leaves are oval, bright green in color.
Description of fruits
The fruits of the Koshtel apple tree are medium in size, weight 130-160 g. The shape is round, it can also be flattened-round. The color at the time of removal is green, after full maturation it becomes straw. The skin is quite dense, the surface is smooth, without wrinkles.
Characteristic of the variety
In the description of the Kashtel apple variety with a photo, the main characteristics are given, among which taste, ripening time, and yield are of greatest interest. These and other options are described below.
Palatability
The taste of the Koshtel apple fruit is pleasant, with pronounced sweet tones and pleasant sourness. A fruity aroma is noticeable, the pulp is white, juicy, medium density. Apples are used fresh, they can lie up to six months. They also make delicious preparations, including jam, jam, compote.
Terms of maturation
In terms of ripening, the Koshtel apple tree belongs to winter varieties. They are harvested from the last days of September to mid-October. The fruits are durable and transportable, so they can be used both for themselves and for sale.
Productivity
The yield of the Koshtel apple tree is quite high – already at the age of six years the tree gives 15-20 kg. Moreover, the fruiting plants come from 3-4 years.
Frost resistance
The winter hardiness of the Koshtel apple tree is quite high, which makes it possible to grow it in different regions of Our Country. It takes root well in the middle lane and neighboring areas.
Pollinators
The variety does not need pollinators, but in order to obtain consistently high yields, it is recommended to plant nearby trees of other varieties with the same flowering time.
Growing regions
Koshtel’s apple-tree is grown up in the territory of Poland, Belarus. In Our Country, it can be cultivated in the middle lane, the Volga region, the Black Earth region, as well as in the North-West (Leningrad region). Trees are also found in the southern regions – the North Caucasus, Krasnodar Territory, Crimea.
Disease resistance
The resistance of the Koshtel apple tree to diseases is quite high – the description claims good immunity. However, it is imperative to carry out preventive treatments in spring and summer. To do this, use fungicides, insecticides and folk remedies.
Advantages and disadvantages
Based on the review of the Koshtel apple variety and reviews about it, we can say that this is a really good variety. Trees give tasty apples of an attractive presentation, they have sufficient immunity and are quite winter-hardy.
Pros:
- good harvest;
- pleasant taste;
- high winter hardiness;
- immunity to diseases;
- excellent keeping quality up to 6 months;
- transportability;
- fruiting begins after 3-4 years;
- carelessness.
Cons:
- the crown is spreading, takes up quite a lot of space;
- there is little data on cultivation, the culture is not included in the register.
Landing scheme
Planting of the Koshtel apple tree is planned for the end of September or the first half of October. The place must meet several requirements:
- Fully lit, without shade – Koshtel apple trees require a lot of light, otherwise they develop poorly, give a small harvest.
- Without nearby groundwater – the maximum height should be 2 m from the surface.
- Without stagnant water, it is impossible to plant a Koshtel apple tree in a lowland, otherwise the root system will begin to suffer from excess water and lack of oxygen.
- Another important point is the absence of nearby mountain ash and large trees, such as maple, oak, spruce. They take away too much nutrients and water, which is why the apple tree will grow worse.
Koshtel seedlings are purchased from nurseries or other trusted suppliers. When buying, you need to pay attention to the appearance of the seedling. It must be at least 50 cm high, have a healthy trunk and shoots, without mechanical damage and signs of disease.
The site is preliminarily prepared – they dig up the soil, add organic matter (compost or humus) in the amount of 8-10 kg per square meter. If the soil contains a lot of clay, sand or sawdust is added to it in the amount of 3-5 kg per square meter. If necessary, measure the pH – the optimal range of values is from 6,0 to 7,0.
The process of planting a Koshtel apple tree is quite simple:
- Mark holes with a depth and diameter of 80-100 cm with an interval of at least 4 m.
- Insert a wooden peg in the center.
- Pour stones to the bottom, and then fertile soil.
- Soak the roots of the seedling in a mash with clay and a growth stimulator, for example, Zircon.
- Plant a seedling, sprinkle with soil.
- Tamp so that the root neck of the Koshtel apple tree remains 7 cm above the surface.
- Tie to a peg.
- Pour settled water and mulch.
Also, apple trees should not be planted close to houses and other buildings, since the air around the tree should circulate freely.
Features of care
Koshtel’s apple tree is not demanding for care. Young seedlings are watered weekly, and mature trees – 1-2 times a month. If there are good rains, additional moisture is not needed.
Top dressing is introduced from the second year after planting. In the spring they give urea or ammonium nitrate (30-40 g per tree), during the formation of buds – superphosphate (40 g) and potassium salt (30 g). It is desirable to alternate complex mineral compositions with organic matter.
After rains and watering, the trunk circle is loosened, periodically weeding is done. Every spring, before the start of sap flow, formative and sanitary pruning is planned. At the same time, they are treated with fungicides for diseases (for example, Bordeaux liquid or Fundazol).
In the summer, Koshtel’s apple trees are carefully examined and, if necessary, treated for pests (aphids, spider mites, leafworms). Various insecticides are suitable for this, for example, Aktara, Fufanon, Decis.
If the invasion is not very large, folk remedies can also be used, for example, an infusion of tobacco dust or wood ash. Herbs are also used – wormwood, dandelion, celandine. Processing of Koshtel’s apple trees is carried out in cloudy weather, in the absence of rain and strong wind. If it is hot outside, you need to spray the funds in the early morning or late evening.
Collection and storage
The fruits of the Koshtel apple tree are harvested in early October and stored in a cool, moderately humid room with a temperature of up to 6 degrees Celsius. Periodically it is necessary to ventilate, check the fruits. They lie up to six months, but if they begin to soften, the fruits of the Koshtel apple tree should be used for cooking or preparations.
Conclusion
The Koshtel apple tree is an unpretentious variety that almost everyone can handle growing. The culture is winter-hardy, has good immunity, is suitable for most regions of Central Our Country. Gives tasty apples of the correct symmetrical shape.