Description and characteristics of Idared apples, history and subtleties of cultivation

It is no secret that the Idared apple tree has many advantages that attract beginners and experienced gardeners. Thanks to its advantages, the variety quickly spread in its homeland in the United States and around the world. Apple trees are cultivated in private gardens and on an industrial scale.

History of Idared selection

The history of breeding the variety goes back almost a hundred years. The apple tree was bred back in 1935 by American breeders. The varieties Jonathan and Wagner were used. Thanks to its increased taste and excellent fruiting, the variety quickly gained popularity in all corners of the globe.

Pros and cons of the variety

Idared has many positive qualities. Among the advantages:

• intensive growth;
• the beginning of fruiting just 3 years after planting;
• productivity;
• commodity, taste qualities;
• good immunity.

The variety has no disadvantages. The only thing that gardeners note is a tendency to thickening and disease.

External characteristics

Familiarity with the characteristics will allow you to decide on the planting location and the location of the Idared variety in relation to other fruit crops in the garden.

Trunk height

The Idared variety is classified as a tall fruit tree. An adult plant easily reaches five meters in height.

Crown width

The crown is dense and wide. The diameter ranges from 5-7 m. You will have to use regular pruning to avoid thickening.

Root system size

The roots do not grow too intensively. Typically, the diameter of the root system does not exceed 5-6 m.

Description of the species

A closer look at the Idared apple tree will allow you to study the main characteristics of the variety. The tree is not particularly different from other fruit crops, but it is better to spend a little time studying the characteristics.

Frost resistance

A peculiarity of the Idared apple tree is that the roots are located too close to the surface of the soil, which often causes freezing.

To avoid the death of the plant, you will have to use shelter.

Infection resistance

Resistance to diseases of fruit crops is average - the Idared apple tree is often affected by scab and powdery mildew. There is only one way to avoid a dangerous infection - using chemicals.

Pollinators

Despite the ability of the variety to self-pollinate, it is better to plant pollinating varieties nearby. Perfect for these purposes:

• Rosavka;
• Wagner;
• Delicious.

Ruby Dooks, Gloucester, are also often planted next to Idared.

Ripening and harvesting

Fruiting begins just a few years after planting. Ripening dates are in September. In cold regions, the fruits ripen until almost mid-October.

Lifespan of a tree

The lifespan of an Idared apple tree is at least twenty years. With proper care and timely feeding, the tree will bear fruit much longer - up to 30 years.

Taste qualities of apples

The fruits are sweet, although there is no pronounced apple aroma. The flesh is crispy and juicy. The presentation is excellent - the apples have thin skin and a bright blush.

Planting seedlings

Even beginners will not have any particular difficulties planting an Idared apple tree. The main requirement is to follow the rules of agricultural technology.

Deadlines

The recommended time for planting the variety is early autumn. If winter comes too early, it is better to postpone the process to spring. The main thing is to be in time before the juice starts to flow.

Landing technology

Plant the tree in nutritious soil; the Idared apple tree will like light loam. Before planting, prepare a mixture of compost, peat, and sand. The diameter of the hole is up to 80 cm. The depth is 50-65 cm. Make sure that the roots are comfortably located in the hole and carefully fill it with the mixture. Be sure to water the young tree and apply a mulching mixture.

Scheme on different rootstocks

The distance between seedlings is up to 5 m. Leave row spacing much narrower - up to 3 m. If the plant is planted on a columnar or dwarf rootstock, reduce the recommended distance by half.

Vaccinations

The peculiarity of the Idared apple tree is that the variety easily takes root on any rootstock. It is recommended to use different techniques when vaccinations; this will not affect the results in any way.

Agricultural technology

Caring for Idared is no different from growing other fruit crops in the garden. The main requirements are to observe regular watering, chemical treatment, and loosening.

Watering

A prerequisite for proper care is regular summer watering. Use only water that has been left in the sun. One adult Idared tree will need up to 3 buckets of liquid.

Fertilizer

Adding nutrients is another mandatory condition for caring for an Idared apple tree. It is recommended to focus on complex fertilizing. Many gardeners successfully use organic matter - mullein infusion.

Pruning and crown formation

It is recommended to carry out annual pruning, otherwise the tree will quickly grow and numerous side shoots will appear. It is better to postpone the process until the fall; in the spring, only inspect the plant and cut out branches damaged by winds or frost.

Preventive treatment against insects and diseases

The tendency to disease is the main reason to use regular treatments against infection. It is recommended to focus on copper-containing compounds. The frequency of tree irrigation is at least three times per season. Use chemicals against pests, but you can prepare folk remedies, especially before harvesting.

Preparing a tree for wintering

Low resistance to frost requires annual sheltering of the apple tree. Idared must be wrapped in spruce branches, straw, and burlap. The root trunk must be covered with a thick layer of mulch (peat, compost) or spruce branches spread out. In winter, carry out high hilling with snow - the snowdrift will serve as excellent protection from frost.

Variety varieties

Due to the taste and presentation of the fruit, Idared is often used to breed new varieties. Each type has a number of advantages, which are best studied in advance in order to know what to expect from the tree.

Dwarf

It has one feature - it completely retains the qualities of the mother plant. Wood has a number of advantages:

• ease of harvesting;
• acceleration of fruiting;
• excellent taste of fruits;
• compactness.

The height of the tree does not exceed 3 m. The roots are shallow, no more than 30 cm from the soil surface, so regular abundant watering is required.

Technical

The duration of fruiting (almost 40 years) is a distinctive feature of the technical variety. This characteristic does not affect the number of apples and taste. The trees are more resistant to frost than the mother plant.

Columnar

Trees that form apples directly on the trunk. The crimson hue of the apples, which densely cover the main shoot, attracts attention. The height of an adult plant is up to 2 m. The width is no more than half a meter. Thanks to its developed root system, the columnar variety does not cause any particular difficulties in care; the tree receives the necessary elements and moisture from the soil.

Idared is one of the apple trees that is sure to please even the most demanding gardeners. The tree is easy to care for and has a long life.You should not pay attention to the shortcomings - correct agricultural technology will prevent diseases and freezing.