Description and characteristics of the Florina apple tree, planting and care rules

The apple tree is one of the most common plants in the garden. Its fruits have a large number of useful elements. An apple tree called Florina is a product of selection by French specialists. They created a variety whose fruits can be consumed almost until summer. Next, the history of selection is told, a description and characteristics of the Florin apple tree are given, the nuances of the tree’s fruiting, and features of planting and care in the garden plot.

History of selection of the Florina variety

The hybrid was developed by French specialists in the mid-20th century. To do this, they crossed the following varieties of apple trees: Starking, Golden Delicious, Rum Beauty, Jonathan. Florina is grown in many European countries. Additional Information. The variety was included in the State Register of Russia in 2000.

Characteristics of the apple tree

As a result of hard work, breeders developed an apple tree for winter consumption. The hybrid has good immunity and is resistant to many crop diseases.

External tree parameters

The variety is characterized by medium growth. Due to this, it is convenient for gardeners to harvest crops from trees without the use of special devices. According to the description, the tree looks attractive and can decorate a garden plot.

Trunk height

The tree reaches a height of 2-4 meters. The trunk is wide and strong. The branches are located at an angle of 60-80 °. Their ends are slightly curved upward.

Crown width

The crown shape is round. Florina is characterized by a high rate of branch growth. Therefore, for good fruiting, the crown needs to be pruned at least once a year.

Annual growth

The shoot-forming ability of young trees is high. During the season, the growth of branches is 40-60 centimeters. Fruiting occurs on the ringlets and tops of annual shoots.

Shape of leaves and flowers

The leaves are green, ovate-shaped.Their lower part is slightly pubescent. Flowering is long lasting. The petals are painted white and pink.

Productivity

The first harvest is harvested in the 4th year after planting. At first, the tree grows 5-10 kilograms of apples. With age, productivity increases. From one apple tree, with good care, a gardener can collect up to 70 kilograms of fruit.

Tasting evaluation of apples

Florina fruits are large, cylindrical, their weight reaches 110-130 grams. The skin is colored red, the flesh is light yellow. The apples taste sweet and sour, with a fruity aroma. Tasters gave the fruit a rating of 4.4 points out of 5 possible.

Resistance to diseases and pests

Florina has good immunity. The variety is resistant to powdery mildew, moniliosis, and bacterial blight. Trees are rarely attacked by aphids.

Frost resistance, drought resistance

Frost resistance is average. If a harsh winter is expected, trees need shelter. The apple tree is moderately resistant to drought. In hot, dry weather it must be watered.

In which regions is it preferable to grow?

The hybrid created in France soon became widespread throughout Europe. The variety is recommended for cultivation in the North Caucasus region of Russia. It is also cultivated throughout Ukraine and Moldova.

Nuances of tree fruiting

Florina needs to be planted close to pollinating varieties. Without them, the fruiting of the apple tree will be much worse.

Pollinator varieties

It is recommended to plant the following crop varieties next to Florina:

1. Idared.
2. Golden Delicious.
3. Liberty.
4. Gloucester.

Pollinating varieties contribute to the setting of a large number of fruits.

Flowering time

Florina blooms in early spring and lasts 10-14 days.During this period, trees should not be sprayed with chemicals, as bees collecting nectar from flowers may die.

Ripening time

The harvest begins at the end of September. If the fruits are intended for winter storage, they can be kept on the tree a little longer. Then they will gain even more sugar and flavor.

Harvesting rules and storage duration

Apples are harvested after the stalk easily begins to move away from the branch. It must remain on fruits intended for long-term storage.

Harvest in warm, dry weather. Apples are picked first on the lower branches, then on the upper ones. If properly maintained, they can last until spring.

Important! The wax coating cannot be removed: it prevents the apples from getting pathogenic microorganisms on them.

Area of ​​application of fruits

Apples of the Florina variety are consumed primarily fresh. The fruits contain a large number of useful substances. They can also be baked, used to make confectionery, and dried for the winter.

Features of planting and care

You need to purchase seedlings from plant nurseries or a garden center from reliable sellers. You need to make sure that there are no signs of diseases on the trees. The grafting site should be smooth and clean.

Preparation of seedlings

Young trees are placed in a bucket of water for several hours. For better survival, you can add heteroauxin according to the instructions on the package. The trunk is trimmed, leaving a length of no more than 90 centimeters. A root system that is too long is shortened.

Disembarkation dates and schemes

An apple tree is planted in open ground in spring or autumn. The procedure is performed as follows:

• dig a hole with a depth and diameter of 0.8 meters;
• lay out a 10-centimeter layer consisting of expanded clay, crushed stone, broken brick;
• fill the pit with a substrate consisting of black soil, humus, peat, river sand;
• an apple tree is planted in the middle, the free space is filled with substrate;
• water generously.

If several trees are planted, the distance between them is left at least 3 meters.

Watering frequency

In the first years, Florina is watered frequently. It is preferable to use warm, settled water. As the apple tree ages, 3-5 waterings per season are enough. At least 7-8 buckets of water are spilled under each tree.

Feeding young and adult trees

Considering that the apple tree was planted in fertile soil, they begin to feed it in the 4th year. In the spring, urea or ammonium nitrate is added, which promotes the development of shoots and root systems.

Note! During the period of ovary formation and fruit growth, potassium and phosphorus fertilizers are used. These same substances are added to the tree trunk after fruiting.

Crown formation

Apple tree shoots grow quickly. At the same time, they begin to interfere with each other’s development; the fruits no longer receive enough sunlight. Therefore, pruning is done in early spring. For good ventilation and uniform illumination of the shoots, the crown is formed in the form of a bowl.

Mulching

To preserve moisture in the soil and prevent the appearance of a dry crust, the root circle is mulched. To do this, use tree bark, mown grass, straw, and sawdust. When rotting, the mulching material serves as additional fertilizing.

Seasonal prevention against infections and insects

To prevent the appearance of diseases and pests in early spring, the apple tree is sprayed with special preparations.The procedure can be repeated several times per season.

Important! The last treatment is carried out 20-30 days before the fruit ripens.

Subspecies and culture options

Breeders have created various subspecies of Florina: from a tree 2-4 meters high to a small column.

Red

When grafted onto a vigorous rootstock, the apple tree reaches a height of 4 meters. The fruits are red in color, with tasty, aromatic pulp.

Columnar

Compact trees are designed for planting in a small garden plot. They are easy to cover for the winter, making them easy to cultivate in cooler regions.

Winter

Florina fruits are tasty and aromatic. With proper maintenance, they last until spring, even early summer.

Immune

An apple tree with good immunity grows a large number of fruits. At the same time, it requires less treatment against diseases and pests. In this case, the gardener is able to grow organic fruits on his plot.

Florina is a variety of apple tree with tasty red fruits. It is not difficult to grow. You just need to carry out agrotechnical measures correctly. If you keep the fruit in a cool, dry place, it can be stored until early summer.