Before choosing an apple tree variety for planting on a plot, first study all the characteristics of the tree, so that later you do not regret choosing a fruit tree. For example, for many summer residents the main selection criterion is winter hardiness. One of the fruit trees popular among summer residents is the Aprelskoye apple tree.
Description and features
We need to start characterizing the April apple tree with a description of winter hardiness. The tree is one of those varieties that can survive frosty winters.The seedlings are suitable for growing in the European part of Russia. During severe winter frosts, some branches of the apple tree may freeze.
The plant is tall, so the annual growth of the plant is at least 60 cm. If the annual growth is less than 60 cm, this indicates that the tree is sick with something or insect pests have appeared on it.
Pros and cons of the April apple tree
Among the advantages of the variety are the following:
- Regular and abundant fruiting.
- Resistance to frost of average temperature.
- High taste qualities of ripe fruits.
Disadvantages include average immunity to crop diseases and late fruiting. The variety is a winter variety, so harvesting begins only in mid-September.
Characteristics of the variety
Before planting an April apple tree seedling, you need to study all the characteristics before buying a tree. First of all, they study the size of the tree, the timing of fruit ripening and yield. These characteristics form a general description of the Aprelskoye variety.
Tree dimensions
The April apple tree variety is classified as tall. The branches are long and powerful. A mature tree reaches a maximum height of 6 m. On average, the height of the trunk is from 4 to 5 m. In order for the plant not to be so tall, but compact, pruning is carried out every year and the crown is formed.
Ripening time
This variety belongs to apple trees with a late ripening period. This is a winter variety and harvesting begins in mid-September. And sometimes the fruits reach biological maturity even at the end of September. There is no point in picking apples before autumn. They will not be as tasty and aromatic. But late fruiting is compensated by long shelf life of the crop.
Under favorable conditions, apples can be stored until April.
Based on the fact that the April apple tree bears fruit later, the flowering is also later. The inflorescences begin to bloom at the end of May, and the process continues until the end of June.
Fruit evaluation
Fruits that have reached biological maturity have a pleasant apple aroma. The fruit pulp is juicy; the ripe fruit score is 4.7. Apples are suitable for making jam and marmalade.
The mass of apples reaches 200 g. The peel is light green with red stripes. Sometimes there are apples with a pink blush on the skin. The fruits are round in shape, without ribbing on the peel.
Fruiting
The tree bears fruit annually. It is worth noting that yields may decrease in different years. This depends on climatic conditions and the health of the tree. If the apple tree is affected by diseases or insects appear on it, then the yield decreases. Healthy trees produce a consistent harvest every year. The yield is above average, which is what attracts summer residents to plant the Aprelskoye variety.
Winter hardiness
The Aprelskoye variety has an average level of frost resistance. During severe frosts in winter, the apple tree freezes. But due to the ability to quickly restore tissue, this does not affect the yield and growth of the tree. This is one of the advantages of the variety.
Diseases
One of the main disadvantages of the April variety is weak immunity. Also, the apple tree is not immune to scab. Therefore, to prevent the death of a tree, you need to inspect it regularly.
At the first signs of disease or insects, action is taken. This will allow you to quickly heal the tree without damaging it. To increase immunity, fertilizing is applied to the soil with the onset of the season.Use mineral and organic fertilizers.
Best Growing Regions
The April variety can be grown in any region of Russia. It is not recommended to plant the plant in the north, where in winter the sub-zero temperatures reach critical levels. The tree will not be able to withstand such frosty winters and will die.
It is best to plant seedlings in the southern and central regions. And also areas where winters are not so harsh. The European part of Russia is also considered favorable for cultivation. The apple tree grows well in any type of soil except sandy soil. The most favorable growing regions are considered to be latitudes with moderate winters and fertile soil. In such conditions, the plant produces a stable harvest every year, regardless of weather conditions in spring and summer.
