Description and characteristics of Gloucester apple trees, planting and growing rules

Apple fruits contain many vitamins and microelements. The crop is bred for personal consumption and to replenish the budget. One of the common varieties is Gloucester, the fruits of which reveal their taste in mid-winter. Further information about the use of Gloucester apples, the pros and cons, and the nuances of growing the crop on the site.

How the Gloucester variety was developed

The Gloucester apple tree was bred by German breeders in the mid-20th century. To do this, experts crossed 2 varieties: Glockenapfel and Richard Delicious. Gloucester inherited the best qualities from his “parents”. The variety is very popular in different European countries.

Pros and cons of apple trees

The positive qualities of culture include the following characteristics:

• good taste and appearance of the fruit;
• high productivity;
• precociousness;
• excellent keeping quality and transportability of fruits;
• good immunity;
• unpretentiousness of the plant in care.

Negative qualities include poor frost resistance and large dimensions of the tree.

Description

When young, the Gloucester apple tree has a rounded shape. Over time, it becomes pyramidal. The leaves are dark green, round, jagged along the edges. The root system is superficial, branched.

Dimensions of an adult tree

Without crown formation, the Gloucester apple tree can reach a height of 8 meters. This is one of the significant disadvantages of the variety. A tall tree is difficult to care for and harvest.

Annual growth

The variety is characterized by rapid growth. The crown of an adult plant spreads up to 3.5 meters in width. The shoots predominantly extend from the trunk at an acute angle. Fruits are formed on ringlets and annual shoots.

Specifications

Up to 75 kilograms of round-conical apples are harvested from the tree. Their weight varies between 160-200 grams. The fruits are colored yellow.A red blush runs across the entire surface. The Gloucester apple tree is harvested at the end of September. The fruits reach consumer maturity in mid-winter.

Growing areas

This variety of apple tree is cultivated in many European countries. Gloucester is popular in the southern regions of Russia and Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine.

Winter hardiness

The frost resistance of the crop is average. It does not tolerate winters well in cold regions. The Gloucester apple tree will withstand frosts down to -22 °C without loss of yield. Therefore, the variety is recommended to be grown in warm areas.

Immunity to infections, fungi and bacteria

The culture has good immunity. But under unfavorable climatic conditions it can be affected by scab. High resistance of plants to powdery mildew and fruit rot. In spring, the bark of trees is burned by the bright rays of the sun.

Therefore, experienced gardeners recommend treating trunks with a lime solution at the end of autumn. The procedure also helps to destroy the larvae of harmful insects.

Tasting evaluation of apples

The pulp of the fruit is cream-colored and juicy. They contain a large amount of vitamins and microelements. The fruit tastes sweet and sour. Tasting score – 4.5 points out of 5 possible.

Precociousness

The apple tree begins to bear fruit 4-5 years after planting. On dwarf rootstocks, the gardener can harvest the first harvest in the 3rd year after planting the tree in the ground.

Nuances of ripening and fruiting

The fruits are set on annual shoots and ringlets. Harvest in the first month of autumn. Fruits reach technical maturity after they have been left for a while.

Pollinator varieties

Gloucester is a self-fertile variety. But when pollinators are planted nearby, yields increase significantly. The following varieties of apple trees are used:

1. Jonathan.
2. Spartan.
3. Idared.
4. Gala.

Additional Information. An apple is 25% air, so it does not sink in water.

First harvest

The gardener can remove the first fruits in the 4-5th year after planting the tree. If the apple tree is grafted onto a dwarf rootstock, the fruit begins to set in the 2-3rd year after planting. 40-75 kilograms of apples are harvested from an adult plant.

Fruit ripening time

The harvest is harvested in September. After lying in storage for 2-3 months, the fruits reveal their taste even more. Apples reach consumer maturity in mid-January.

Periodicity

The Gloucester apple tree is distinguished by its regularity of fruiting. Every year the yield increases, reaching its peak at the age of 10-12 years. Up to 75 kilograms of fruit are harvested from one plant.

Storage and use of apple trees

The fruits are consumed mainly fresh. You can also squeeze juice from juicy fruits. In addition, apples are used as a filling for confectionery products. Store the fruits in a cool place.

Agricultural technology

The yield and immunity of the crop depend on correctly performed agrotechnical measures.

Landing

Trees that are 2 years old are planted. Purchase seedlings from plant nurseries or garden centers from reliable sellers.

Landing season

Young trees are planted in open ground in spring or autumn. The first option is preferable for regions with a temperate climate. In warm areas, planting in the fall is allowed.

Preparation of seedlings

The root system of the apple tree is placed in a container with warm water. To prevent diseases, you can add a few crystals of potassium permanganate. If there are damaged areas, they are cut off and disinfected.

Scheme and rules for planting a tree

An apple tree is planted in open ground as follows:

• dig a hole 60 centimeters deep, 1 meter in diameter;
• pour fertile substrate;
• A seedling is placed in the middle, the roots are straightened, and covered with soil;
• water abundantly, mulch;
• A stake is driven in next to the seedling.

Important! The root collar should be buried no more than 2-3 centimeters.

Watering rules

The Gloucester apple tree is watered in stages. For the first time in a season, the ground is irrigated before the buds open. The tree is then watered 20 days after flowering. The third time the procedure is carried out 2 weeks before harvest. Depending on the age, plants use from 30 to 120 liters of water.

Top dressing

Fertilize the soil in the 3rd year after planting the apple tree. In spring, nitrogen is added to promote the growth of vegetative mass. Then, before and after flowering, complex mineral fertilizers are used. In summer you can carry out foliar feeding.

How to prune

To stimulate the growth of side shoots, the top of the main stem is shortened in the first year. Then dry, diseased, frozen branches are removed. Every year, shoots that thicken the crown are cut off.

Shelter for the winter

In the southern regions, winter shelter for the Gloucester apple tree is not required. In colder areas, the tree is wrapped in agrofibre. The tree trunk circle is mulched with humus.

Treating apple trees against diseases and insects

In early spring, to prevent diseases, preventive spraying is carried out with a solution of Bordeaux mixture. To prevent the appearance of insects, trees are treated with Karbofos and Nitrophen according to the instructions.

Subspecies and options

Gloucester is used to produce other varieties of apple trees. The crop itself is grown on different rootstocks. The lifespan and height of trees depend on them.

On a dwarf rootstock

M9 is used as a rootstock.The tree reaches a height of 2.5 meters. It is convenient to collect fruits from such an apple tree. The consumer qualities of the fruit are preserved.

Columnar

Trees grafted on columnar rootstock take up very little space. This is a big plus if the gardener has a small plot. But the viability of such an apple tree is only 15 years.