Description and characteristics of the Champion apple tree variety, history and nuances of cultivation

The beautiful presentation of apples attracts gardeners. The Champion apple tree boasts this feature. In addition to their bright color, they like them because of their incredible taste. To grow Champion apple trees and reap a rich harvest, the nuances of planting and care are taken into account.

History of selection and description of the variety

It was bred by Czech breeders in 1970. The champion received genetic traits from the orange Renet and Golden Delicious. In the fruit and vegetable market, Champion was rated very highly, which helped him become desirable throughout Europe.

Homeland of growth

The champion grows on the soils of Ukraine, Belarus, Russia and other European countries. Grown in steppe and forest-steppe zones. Poland is considered the main supplier of apples.

External parameters

Despite their compact size, the trees produce a rich harvest. At the same time, fruiting is stable.

Fruit

Champion apples look appetizing in appearance, which is what attracts gardeners. One copy weighs around 140-210 g. Each apple collected from a tree has a regular round shape. Under the thin red skin with white speckles there is tender apple pulp.

Tree

Champion is considered a low-growing variety. It has an oval-shaped crown and compact dimensions. Thin gray bark covers the medium-width trunk. The tree reaches a height of 5 m, while the crown width is 3-4 m.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages include:

• drought resistance;
• a bountiful harvest;
• good taste;
• bright color;
• strong immunity to powdery mildew and scab.

Disadvantages:

• poor tolerance to cold;
• needs pollination.

The immune system of the variety is unable to protect the apple tree from bitter pitting and bacterial burn.

Specifications

A description of the characteristics of an apple tree will help a person find out whether this variety is suitable for him to grow or not.

Suitable region and climate

To enjoy the apple harvest, it is recommended to grow trees in regions with climatic characteristics close to their native ones. The Carpathian region is best suited - a steppe or forest-steppe zone. If the Champion grows in a region with a warm climate, it may need shelter for the winter.

Frost resistance

In this regard, the indicator is at an average level. If the frosts are severe, not only the trunk, but also the base branches require shelter. In some cases, complete covering of the tree will be necessary.

Susceptibility to diseases and pests

The champion occasionally suffers from diseases characteristic of fruit trees. A strong immune system often protects against parasitic fungi and bacteria. Most often, the gardener is faced with bitter pitting of fruits.

Features of fruiting

Before the apple tree pleases you with rich and tasty fruits, it goes through several stages of apple formation.

Pollinability

Champion is an apple variety that is prone to partial self-pollination. To increase the percentage of ovary formation, plant apple trees Prima, Idared, Lobo and others.

Pollinators should be planted close to Champion.

Beginning of fruiting

After planting, the apple tree is not ready to produce a harvest. The period of formation of green apples falls on the 2nd or 3rd year of the Champion’s life. Sometimes the fruits appear 4-5 years after planting the seedling.

Productivity

In this regard, the Champion adheres to stability and generosity. A five-year-old tree produces at least 20 kg of apples. The fruits are large and identical.

Tasting characteristics of the fruit

Apples taste sweet and sour. They are considered dessert. The pulp is dense, but not very, with a creamy tint.

The nuances of growing in different regions

Features that a gardener should know about:

1. Southern Urals. This is the most favorable zone for all Champion subspecies.There is no need to apply additional protection measures for growth. Included in the top 10 popular varieties of apple trees.
2. Moscow region. Due to the less favorable climate, trees have to be wrapped for the winter.
3. Ukraine. Popular in the country. The variety bears fruit because it grows at the same latitude as Poland.
4. Belarus. One of the favorite varieties among amateur and professional gardeners. Polish varieties are grown in specially designated areas.

Whatever region the Champion is grown in, it is recommended to choose a place for it on the south side of the land. It must be protected from the wind.

Planting and care

A person who has purchased a seedling and wants to plant it in the garden is sure that it is necessary to act according to the classical scheme. The main thing is that the young tree is healthy. But this is a mistake that inexperienced gardeners often make.

Preparation of young seedlings

There are no special secrets in this matter. The person is required to carefully inspect the tree for damage, fungi and mold. The best seedling is considered to be one that has reached 2 years of age. Regardless of what time of year the seedling is purchased, the roots are treated with a clay mixture. This will keep them from drying out. If the seedling is purchased in the fall, all leaves are cut off before planting.

Disembarkation period

Depends on the age of the seedling:

• 2-year-olds are planted in the soil in the spring;
• more mature ones - in the fall.

The champion is not afraid of transplantation both in spring and autumn. Each gardener plans the event independently, taking into account individual preferences.

Scheme and basic rules

It is planted in the spring in a hole the size of which should completely accommodate the root system of the seedling.In the place where the Champion will grow, there should be no wetlands or stagnant water. The seedling is placed in a hole, spreading the roots along the bottom. Before filling the hole with soil, water the roots with water.

Watering frequency

Moisture is added in the evening. If the area with apple trees is large, install drip irrigation. An option such as sprinkling is also being considered.

Seasonal fertilizer

The first feeding is carried out in the spring using chicken manure. The procedure is repeated at the time of bud formation and preparation for winter cold (in August). At the second stage, superphosphate is used, at the third - mineral complexes.

Crown trimming

It is carried out before the start of sap flow - in March. The side shoots that are directed to the middle of the crown must be removed. Old, bent and diseased branches are trimmed.

Mulching

The procedure is necessary to preserve moisture in the soil. To do this, organic mulching of the area around the trunk is used. Layer depth - 6-10 cm.

Variety varieties

The champion has good characteristics, but the breeders did not stop there and developed subspecies. As a result, gardeners are engaged in their cultivation.

Renault

The level of frost resistance is average. It is characterized by a wide crown, but the tree is not as tall as Champion. The sweet-tasting fruit with intense color was bred in Poland.

Giant

Tastes the same as Champion. Has good frost resistance. The maximum fruit weight is 900 g.

Dwarf

Has the same technical characteristics as the Champion. It has a small stature, which is why it got its name. Small dimensions make it easy to care for the tree.

Semi-dwarf

An adult tree reaches a height of 4-5 m. The taste of the pulp is sweet, but in moderation.Practically not affected by scab, resistance to powdery mildew is less pronounced.

Columnar

The tree produces a harvest in the 3rd year after planting. Up to 15 kg of apples are harvested from one specimen. It has a lot of advantages and only one drawback - a short fruiting period. Anyone can grow a Champion apple tree if they follow the recommendations and advice.