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One of the oldest, varieties of apple trees is Semerenko. The variety is still popular both among summer residents and among horticultural farms. And this is not surprising, since Semerenko has proven himself well. Let’s get acquainted with its description, main characteristics, reviews and photos. We will learn how to properly plant and care for an apple tree of this variety.
History of breeding
Semerenko is an old apple variety. The exact origin of the species is unknown. For the first time, the fruit tree was described by the famous gardener Lev Platonovich Simirenko. The Soviet breeder named the new variety in honor of his father – Renet Platon Simirenko. Later the name was changed, now apples are known as Semerenko.
In 1947, the variety was added to the state register of Our Country. Since the plant prefers a mild and warm climate, the apple tree began to be grown in the southern part of the country and in the Central Black Earth region. Also, the fruit tree is cultivated in Georgia, North Ossetia, Abkhazia and Ukraine.
Variety description
Semerenko – late-ripening, high-yielding and self-fertile variety. It is also called winter, as apples can be stored for about 8-9 months.
Tree
The apple tree is tall, with a dense and spreading crown, which has the shape of an inverted cauldron. The bark of the tree is gray, with a reddish tint on the sunny side. Shoots are brown-green, straight, may be slightly bent. Lentils are rare and small. During the year, shoots grow by 45-60 cm, depending on age.
The leaves are medium in size, light green in color with a shiny surface and a twisting top. The shape is rounded, elongated. The leaf plate is slightly bent down. The flowers are large, white, saucer-shaped.
Fruit
Semerenko fruits are large and medium. The average weight of one apple is 155-180 g, some specimens can reach 190-200 grams. They have an asymmetric, flattened-rounded shape. The surface is smooth and even, the peel is dense. There are white subcutaneous dots, which do not exceed 2-3 mm in diameter. A characteristic feature of Semerenko apples is wart formations, about 7 mm in size. Usually there are no more than 2-3 pieces.
Ripe fruits are painted bright green, on the sunny side a light pink blush may appear. The pulp is fine-grained, juicy, dense, white or slightly greenish. The taste is pleasant, sweet and sour. During storage, the skin acquires a yellow tint, and the consistency of the apple becomes looser.
Yield and maturity
Semerenko is one of the highest yielding varieties. The tree begins to bear fruit 5 years after planting. The apple tree blooms in May, and the harvest ripens in late September – October. A plant aged 7-8 years brings about 12-16 kg of fruit. A tree older than 10 years gives up to 100 kg of yield. Up to 13-15 years, the apple tree bears fruit annually. But with age, the number of fruits decreases, and then the harvest becomes periodic.
Advantages
Many gardeners and summer residents grow the Semerenko apple tree on their site. This variety is popular because it has many advantages:
- apples have excellent commercial and taste qualities;
- fruits tolerate long-term transportation well and can be stored for about 7-8 months;
- the tree is famous for its high yield;
- the plant tolerates the lack of moisture and heat well, while the number of apples does not decrease;
- suitable for dietary and baby food;
- fruits are not prone to sprinkling.
Apples help in the treatment of beriberi and anemia, rheumatism and gastrointestinal diseases. Fruits can be consumed fresh, prepared from compotes, juices, jams, added to salads and pies.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantages of the Semerenko apple tree:
- Low frost resistance. In the northern regions, trees need to be covered for the winter.
- The apple tree is not capable of self-pollination. It is recommended to plant a pollinator variety next to it, for example, Golden Delicious, Memory of Sergeyev or Idared;
- The tree needs annual pruning. The plant grows very fast.
- Low resistance to scab and powdery mildew.
- A tree older than 13-15 years brings an unstable harvest.
If you provide the apple tree with competent care and create favorable conditions for it, many troubles can be avoided.
Features of agricultural technology
To grow a healthy apple tree that will bring a rich and high-quality harvest, you need to follow the rules of agricultural technology.
Terms of planting
In the spring Semerenko planted in late March or early April before the awakening of the kidneys. By now, the snow should have melted. Before winter, the seedling will have time to gain strength and take root.
Autumn planting begins in the period from 15 of September to 15 of October. At the same time, a month should remain before the first frost. When spring comes and warm weather sets in, the seedling will quickly grow.
Site Selection
The apple tree of the Semerenko variety prefers flat terrain, which is well lit by the sun. If the tree is planted in the shade, its fruits will be sour. The apple tree needs protection from cold, northern winds. Therefore, it is planted on the south side of any building or fence. Semerenko does not like swampy and waterlogged soils. Groundwater should be located no closer than 1,5-2 meters to the surface.
The apple tree of this variety grows best on fertile and loose soil. Loams, sandy loams, chernozems and sod-podzolic soils are most preferred.
Planting pit preparation
The selected area should be dug up, remove stones and weeds. If the soil is clay, add sand. Two weeks before planting dig a hole about 60-70 cm deep and 90-100 cm in diameter. Set aside the top layer of soil, add 2-3 buckets of humus, 1 bucket of ash, 1 tbsp. l. superphosphate and potassium salt. Mix the mixture thoroughly and pour into the planting hole. From above you need to pour a few buckets of water.
Landing scheme
Step-by-step process of planting an apple tree of the Semerenko variety:
- Half free the prepared pit from the soil mixture.
- Drive in a peg intended for gartering an apple tree.
- Lower the seedling into the recess and straighten its roots.
- Lightly shaking, cover it with soil. root collar should be 5-8 cm above ground level.
- Compact the soil around the apple tree and pour 2-3 buckets of warm water.
- As soon as moisture is absorbed, mulch the trunk circle with a layer of sawdust, peat, branches or dry grass.
Since the apple tree of this variety tends to grow, the interval between trees should be at least 3 meters. The distance between the rows is about 5 meters.
Features of care
Semerenko is an unpretentious variety of apple trees. Knowing how to care for it, you can grow a healthy tree that will delight you with tasty and fragrant fruits.
Watering
Young trees should be watered 2-3 times a month with 25-30 liters of water. The frequency of irrigation depends on the weather. The adult apple tree of the Semerenko variety tolerates drought well. Despite this, the soil must be moistened 3-4 times per season with 40-50 liters of water. It must be warm and settled.
After watering, the soil around the apple tree should be loosened and weeded. Thanks to this procedure, the roots of the tree are saturated with oxygen.
Trimming
The Semerenko apple tree is prone to crown growth, which contributes to a decrease in yield and an increase in the risk of diseases. That’s why pruning is recommended in spring and autumn. Dried, damaged, old, diseased and improperly growing branches should be removed. Do not touch the ringlets and fruit spears. It is advisable to cover the slices with oil paint or garden pitch.
Additional fertilizing
The Semerenko apple tree can be fed in the third year after planting. In spring (April-May), the tree is fertilized with nitrogen-containing mixtures – ammonium nitrate, urea, ammonium sulfate. In autumn (in October, after picking apples), phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are applied to the soil, such as superphosphate, potassium sulfate and wood ash. They contribute to the laying of the crop. Manure or humus is applied every 1-2 years.
If the weather is dry, then fertilizers should be diluted in water. The resulting solution is watered near the trunk circle of the apple tree. In wet weather, the mixture is evenly scattered around the tree and the soil is loosened.
Shelter for the winter
This variety of apple trees does not tolerate temperatures below -25 degrees. Before the onset of cold weather, the soil under the apple tree is mulched with peat, humus or sawdust. The barrel is wrapped with burlap or heat-insulating materials.
Young trees are very sensitive to frost, so they are completely covered for the winter. This can be done with a spatula. When snow falls, a snowdrift is collected around the apple tree, which serves as additional protection.
Disease Prevention
Apple variety Semerenko is susceptible to scab and powdery mildew. To prevent fungal diseases in early spring, the tree is sprayed with Bordeaux liquid or preparations containing copper.
After the flowering of the apple tree, biofungicides are used – Fitosporin, Zircon, Raek. Means improve the endurance and resistance of various cultures to adverse environmental factors.
Reviews of gardeners
Conclusion
Growing apple trees Semerenko does not require much effort or effort. In return, the tree gives a wonderful harvest of juicy apples, which can be enjoyed all winter. The variety is recommended for gardeners who live in regions with a temperate and warm climate.
