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Apple trees are indispensable guests in gardens of any size. Due to their ecological plasticity, productivity and benefits, they rightfully occupy the best places and delight with ripe fruits every autumn. However, high demand creates even more supply, and sometimes it is impossible to understand the variety of varieties without a hint. The topic of this article: the Orlik apple tree variety is one of those that easily survives the winter period and pleases with delicious apples.
Historical information
The winter variety “Orlik” is considered one of the leaders in taste among fellow species. It was first obtained at the Oryol Experimental Station back in 1959. Trofimova and Sedov were engaged in its selection, having received a hybrid from the Mekintosh and Bessemyanka Michurinskaya varieties.
After 10 years of studying and improving the key characteristics of the parental varieties, “Orlik” eventually turned out to be a universal variety that is resistant to both viral diseases and low temperatures. These two qualities have led to its persistent fruiting, which is highly valued by gardeners. It is not surprising that “Orlik” became an elite variety, which was planted everywhere in the North-Western and Central regions of the USSR.
Variety description
The description should begin with the fact that “Orlik” is a medium-sized variety of an apple tree with a round, not very dense crown. Skeletal branches diverge from the trunk at a right angle, but the tips are still directed upwards. The bark on the trunk and branches is smooth, with a yellow tint. The leaves are large with a rough texture, ribbed, with a thick and short petiole. Often the color of the leaves is dark green, but sometimes they become gray. Blooms “Orlik” large, rich pink flowers. Their shade becomes lighter over time, up to white.
Orlik apples are medium in size, slightly flattened, slightly conical in shape. Covered with a shiny skin with a pronounced wax coating. Its color changes depending on the degree of maturity of the apple from green-yellow to light yellow. The integumentary color is red-pink, it spreads over the entire area of u120buXNUMXbthe fruit in strips flowing into each other. The flesh has a delicate creamy hue, barely green closer to the peel. Apples are very juicy, have a stable, rich aroma and sweet and sour taste. The average fruit weight is about XNUMX g.
However, the main advantage, without which it is difficult to imagine a description of the variety, is, of course, its productivity.
In the fourth year of cultivation, Orlik brings about 20 kg of yield from one tree, in the tenth year the number of apples increases to 70 kg, and when it reaches the age of fifteen, each tree produces up to 120 kg of apples.
As a long-lived fruit tree, winter Orlik is one of the best candidates. It is also important that “Orlik” is moderately resistant to scab.
It is also worth noting the chemical composition of apples of this variety, which deserves a separate description. For 100 g of juicy apple pulp, there are:
- 11% sugars;
- 0,4% of titratable kilos;
- 9 mg of ascorbic acid;
- 154 mg of P-active substances.
In addition, each apple contains a large amount of vitamin C and iron, which has a beneficial effect on the body’s immunity and metabolism.
It is impossible not to note the high keeping quality of fruits – in the refrigerator or any room with low temperature and average humidity, apples retain all their taste until March.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
The main advantage of the Orlik variety is its high yield. Considering that the first fruits can be obtained already in the 4th year of tree growth, this is a good indicator. Moreover, the longer the tree grows, the more apples ripen on it. So from the point of view of the ratio “invested efforts – profit”, everything is very favorable. In addition, the high keeping quality and taste of the fruit also cannot be ignored.
The undoubted advantages, without which it is impossible to imagine the description of the advantages of “Orlik”, include the compactness of the trees. Since the crown size of the apple tree is rather small, the variety gets along well with other plants in areas with a small area. Moreover, the distance between trees can be 1,5-2 m.
Among the shortcomings, it should be noted that during the ripening period, part of the fruit falls to the ground. If this is not a hindrance for you, and you know how to deal with such a “scourge”, then the variety as such has no shortcomings.
Peculiarities of growing
The description of cultivation should begin with the fact that Orlik seedlings can be planted much closer than other varieties. Just 1,5-2 m distance is enough for the trees to feel comfortable.
Planting can be carried out both in spring and autumn. The main thing is that the pits are prepared in advance, approximately 3-4 weeks in advance. This is necessary so that the walls of the pit are somewhat compacted and freed from excess moisture. On the eve of planting, the pits are filled with humus, peat and ash to about a third of the depth. The soil “Orlik” prefers fertile with neutral acidity.
After planting, each seedling must be tied up to avoid breaking the roots in strong winds. In the first months, watering should be especially carefully monitored – young trees need a lot of moisture to adapt and root. Pruning is carried out in the spring before the buds appear. Sections must be covered with slaked lime to avoid infection. For the winter, even despite the good winter hardiness of the variety, tree trunks are recommended to be wrapped. During dry periods and for the winter, you need to mulch the near-trunk circle to ensure long-term moisture retention.
Video “How to store apples”
From this video you will learn when and how best to store winter varieties of apples.
