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The Spartan apple tree is a relatively new variety of Canadian selection with high yields and winter ripening. Spartan fruits are famous for their excellent taste, so these apple trees are very popular among gardeners.
General information about the variety
The variety appeared in 1926 thanks to the efforts of Canadian breeders. Pepin Newtown and McIntosh varieties were taken as the basis. The first seedlings were brought to the territory of modern Our Country only in the 1980s.
The apple tree feels great in the central regions on chernozem soils. The fruits are distinguished by excellent commercial qualities, they tolerate long-term transportation well, and are famous for their excellent taste.
Video “How to properly cut an apple tree”
In this video, an expert will tell you how to prune an apple tree in the garden.
Description and characteristics
Trees prefer temperate regions where there are no too cold winters and low levels of humidity. Apple trees need careful preparation for wintering, otherwise they may die from the cold. A young tree can give about 25 kg of fruit, more mature plants give up to 80 kg of apples.
Crown width and height
Soon after planting, the trees grow rapidly. At the same time, apple trees do not differ in height – this is a medium-sized variety. The leaves are dark green, small, with a glossy surface.
The branches grow at an angle of 70° to the trunk. The crown is lush, the variety is prone to the formation of additional shoots, so regular pruning should not be neglected.
Fruiting and taste
The description of the fruits should begin with their unusual purple color, which is the result of the Canadian origin of the crop. Photos of fruits are eye-catching – they are so interesting and attractive.
Apples are distinguished by the correct shape: rounded, slightly flattened. Unripe fruits have a yellow color that changes to intense purple as they ripen. The surface of the apples is covered with a light wax coating.
The fruits are medium-sized – each weighs about 140–180 g. The taste is sweet and juicy, with a wonderful aroma and a dense pulp structure. Fruiting occurs no earlier than 3 years after planting.
Self-fertility
Gardeners’ reviews indicate that the variety is self-fertile, and effectively bears fruit without the presence of other apple trees in the neighborhood. Moreover, Spartan often acts as a pollinator for other varieties.
Frost resistance
The culture is susceptible even to spring frosts, and even more so to severe frosts. Even in the conditions of the middle lane and the Moscow region, trees need mandatory shelter for the winter.
Main rootstocks
As rootstocks for a variety, apple trees of dwarf, semi-dwarf and even columnar varieties can be used. Of the dwarf varieties, Budakovsky’s red-leaved paradise is most often used – such an apple tree is resistant to low temperatures, gives large fruits if the gardener does not neglect top dressing. Another plus is the small height of the tree: it reaches an average of 2 m, which greatly simplifies the care of the apple tree.
The semi-dwarf stock for the variety was bred by the same breeder Budakovsky. The variety is characterized by good frost and drought resistance, consistently high yields and a well-developed root system.
Spartan on columnar rootstocks is distinguished by a straight trunk that can withstand a significant load. Such trees do not require pruning, are characterized by resistance to extreme growing conditions and numerous diseases.
Growing rules
It is better to plant trees in areas with fertile soil, where there is no close-lying groundwater. The place should be sunny, then the yield indicators will not suffer. Autumn and spring planting is allowed. Planting holes are formed with a size of 50 * 100 cm, filled with fertile soil with fertilizers: a mixture of potassium, superphosphate, ash and rotted manure. Holes are formed approximately 3 m apart.
In summer, trees need additional watering – at least 2 times a week, using the rain method. In order for the roots to be saturated with oxygen, the near-stem circle should be regularly loosened.
Advantages and disadvantages
Spartan bears fruit every year, and gives a rich harvest, subject to proper tree care. Fruits differ in excellent taste, are stored for a long time, are well transported.
Trees are not resistant to low temperatures, they need to organize additional winter shelter, they are prone to chopping fruits due to the lack of timely pruning.