For optimal garden organization, the correct selection of fruit tree varieties is important. Apple trees are not the last place in the list of mandatory components of any summer cottage. The Paper apple tree has an unusual name, but it is one of the best varieties whose fruits ripen in the summer. The material discusses the features of the apple tree, advantages and disadvantages, and other related issues.
Description and characteristics of the variety
The description of the variety given in the botanical reference book contains the following information:
- tree of medium height with a wide rounded crown;
- deep root system, reaching a depth of up to one meter;
- the size of the fruit is medium, up to one hundred grams, almost always white, they are slightly sour in taste, the pulp is characterized by a delicate structure and juiciness, retains its taste well for a long time;
- in cool summer conditions, the fruits ripen in August. Fruits annually;
- The apple tree is resistant to frost and various diseases.
For reference! The apple tree is part of the Rosaceae family, which has about fifty species.
History of breeding the Paper apple tree
The variety was bred for the climatic conditions of the Vologda region by two breeders P.I. Lavrik and L.A. Zhmurko. The researchers set a goal to achieve rapid ripening of fruits in the short summer conditions characteristic of the specified area. The seeds of the Borovinka variety were used as the basis.
What are the varieties?
These apple trees are self-fertile, therefore, for the formation of the ovary, cross-pollination is required with nearby trees of a similar flowering period.
The apple tree has a subspecies - Paper Ranet, so it is necessary to clearly understand the differences when choosing a seedling for the home garden, so as not to make a mistake.
Rennet
The origin of the Paper Ranet is unknown for certain. It is cultivated mainly in the Krasnodar Territory. Unlike Bumazhnoe, its fruits ripen a month later - in September; the tree is less resistant to cold winter conditions and is susceptible to scab and other diseases. Apples are yellow in color with a characteristic red blush, juicy, sweet and sour taste, and are able to retain their taste until spring.
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
The variety is characterized by the following advantages:
- high fertility, persisting every year;
- resistance to fungal diseases;
- ability to withstand harsh climatic conditions of cold winter;
- early ripening of fruits and their high taste;
- long shelf life of apples (all winter);
- relative compactness of the tree.
One of the main disadvantages is the fragility of the branches, which is a problem in strong winds.
Planting and growing conditions
The landing site is chosen so that it is protected from the cold north wind. A hole is dug ninety centimeters deep, with a diameter of about one meter. The main condition is that the dimensions of the planting pit must exceed the dimensions of an adult tree.
The base of the pit is loosened to a depth of twenty centimeters, then covered with a fertile layer of soil, and the necessary mineral and organic fertilizers are applied. The applied fertilizers are mixed with the loosened soil, and a mound is formed in the center. After this, the soil is left for a couple of weeks, only then planting begins.
The seedling is pre-soaked in water for a day to restore lost moisture in the root system. A wooden rod is placed in the center of the formed mound to form a support for the seedling. Planting is carried out by two people: one places the tree in the center of the mound, the second straightens the roots and sprinkles them with earth. The depth of the seedling is five centimeters of the rootstock. If this is not observed, its own root system will begin to form, and the benefits of the variety will be lost.
As the soil is poured, the soil is compacted tightly. After planting, the tree is fixed with twine to a wooden support. Watering is carried out as the soil absorbs moisture - about one hundred and fifty liters.The top soil is mulched with the addition of humus or peat. A week later, watering is repeated.
In the initial couple of years after planting, it is necessary to weed the area around the trunk and carry out regular watering - monthly. Water consumption is determined by the age of the apple tree - by the number of buckets for each year.
An adult plant requires at least four abundant waterings per season:
- in early spring, before buds open;
- twenty days after the end of flowering;
- a month before harvesting the fruit;
- when leaves fall in autumn.
It is not recommended to water during harvest to prevent fruit cracking and to ensure the shelf life of apples.
Productivity and frequency of fruiting
The apple tree consistently produces high yields. From an adult tree - from eighty kilograms or more. Fruiting is regular, the yield does not decrease from year to year.
The first fruits appear four years after planting. To ensure a stable harvest every year, the number of ovaries is manually adjusted and excess ones are removed. Ripening time is from the twentieth of August to mid-September.
Frost resistance and disease resistance
Paper was developed based on cultivation in cold winter conditions. The variety is able to withstand prolonged winter frosts. When cold weather sets in below thirty degrees, the crown is wrapped up to avoid damage. During heavy snowfall, snow is cleared from the crown to prevent branches from breaking off.
The apple tree is resistant to scab and powdery mildew, but is susceptible to fruit rot - one of the few diseases dangerous to the crop.
Best Growing Regions
The most suitable conditions for growing the crop are the Moscow region, Leningrad region and Volga region, based on the qualities planned when breeding the variety.
As can be seen from the presented material, the Bumazhnoe apple tree is a wonderful variety, characterized by high fertility, resistance to frost and disease, and excellent taste of the fruit.
But, when choosing such a seedling, it is important to take into account local climatic conditions - how suitable they are for this crop.
