The Carpet variety apple tree is a unique variety. It was created on the basis of the German variety Elisa Rathke, which is classified as undersized. It is dwarfism and frost resistance that are the distinctive features of this species. It is often used for decorative purposes, but it is much more valuable for its high yield.
Description of the variety
This is an autumn variety of apples with a pleasant sweet taste with a slight sourness. The description is as follows:
- The shoots of apple trees of this variety are medium, strong, and brown in color.
- The leaves are bright green, oblong in shape. The branches of trees of this type are strongly inclined towards the ground.
- Apple trees have practically no trunk (trunk).
Pros and cons of the variety
Such dwarf trees are often planted in gardens because they are very compact and fertile.
It should be noted that apple trees of this type have a number of other advantages:
- They are resistant to most diseases, including fungal ones.
- An obvious advantage is that the period from planting to the first fruiting is relatively short: the harvest appears 2-3 years after planting the seedling.
- With proper care, apple trees have extremely high yields.
- The fruits have excellent appearance and taste.
- The trees tolerate frost well, which makes it possible to plant this crop in areas with a very cold climate.
- Apple trees are well resistant to most insects and pests.
However, the variety also has a number of disadvantages, including the following:
- The quality of the fruit deteriorates significantly in extreme heat.
- Due to its low growth in winter, the tree may be completely covered with snow, and branches may break off under its weight. To avoid this, you should free them from snow in early spring.
- Apple trees love sunny places; they do not need to be planted in lowlands or swampy areas.
It is also necessary to plant them in places where there are no strong gusts of wind.
Main characteristics
Apple trees of this type have a number of distinctive features that you should know about.
Dimensions
The tree is classified as a dwarf tree because it grows only 1.2-1.5 m in height. It has a flat-horizontal crown. The apple trees are small, but despite this, they produce fairly large fruits weighing from 150 to 200 g.
Productivity
The trees are very prolific. As a rule, they are dotted with yellow-green apples. The yield is quite high, on average 30-40 kg per apple tree, in some cases the yield is up to 50 kg. During drought, trees require abundant watering 2-3 times a week.
Frequency of fruiting
In the first few years the harvest is regular, then it becomes periodic.
Winter hardiness
Due to its low growth, it tolerates snowy winters well, since snow not only covers the tree, but also is an additional source of moisture.
It is good frost resistance that makes this variety very common in the cold regions of Russia.
Disease resistance
Trees of this species are affected:
- scab;
- tinder fungus;
- powdery mildew.
When infected with tinder fungus, it is very important to destroy the fungus promptly and completely. After removal, the area is disinfected with copper sulfate and then painted over with oil paint. Powdery mildew and scab first attack the leaves and then the fruits. Excessive humidity can provoke such diseases.
Damage can be avoided by taking the necessary measures in time (preliminary spraying, treatment of affected areas, timely formation of the tree crown, feeding with minerals).
Fruit evaluation
The fruits ripen at the end of summer. They are not too juicy, but have a pleasant aroma and taste. The fruits are yellow-green in color, with a slight pink blush, and have characteristic ribbing along the edges. The fruit is smooth. The pulp is cream-colored, moderately juicy, and has a pleasant sweet and sour taste. Fruits can be stored for up to 2 months.If storage conditions are met, fruits can be preserved longer.
Features of fruiting and ripening
The apple tree of the Kovrovoe variety is classified as self-sterile. Pollination occurs due to self-fertile varieties, which means that apple trees of other species should be planted nearby along with these trees.
Good varieties:
- Snowdrop.
- Down to earth.
Young plants should be planted at a short distance from each other, no more than 3-4 meters. Experienced gardeners note that if fruits are not allowed to appear during the first two years (the ovaries are cut off), then in the future the tree will bear fruit abundantly.
Apple tree subspecies
There are several subspecies of this culture.
Dwarf
Thanks to his very short stature dwarf apple tree It tolerates low temperatures perfectly and fruit buds do not freeze. They are easy to care for since no ladders are needed. Very easy to harvest.
short
Has the same advantages as the dwarf subspecies. The difference is that apple trees are slightly taller than dwarf ones.
creeping
This subspecies of apple trees is often used for decorative purposes in private gardens. The crown on them is formed artificially. If there are vertical shoots, do not allow their height to exceed 20-40 cm. Excess shoots are cut off. This treatment has a positive effect on the quantity and quality of fruits.
Distribution in regions
This species is very widespread in Siberia, as well as in the Urals due to its high frost resistance. The variety easily takes root in other regions if the rules for planting and caring for it are followed. It does not take root well in areas with a dry climate.
