The fruits of the Limonka apple tree are among the most delicious and appetizing. They have a rich lemon color and a stunning aroma. What is the variety of winter Lemon apples, what are its pros and cons, as well as other useful information about it below.
Description and features
In any gardening reference book, Limonka is classified as a winter and autumn variety.Its detailed description contains information that Limonka belongs to a well-known variety, included in the state register of many Russian regions as a leading early summer variety.
It is of interest to gardening farms that are located directly near cities or industrial areas, as well as to plots and gardening partnerships. The variety was widely used to participate in apple breeding. Thanks to him, more than 20 new species of apple trees were created.
Apple trees of this type belong to autumn-winter trees, since the harvested crop can be preserved in winter, and it will not lose its taste, presentation and beneficial qualities. At the same time, with proper care, you can reap a rich harvest.
History of selection
The history of the development of this apple variety is not fully known. There is information that the origin of this species occurred through a random crossing of two apple trees: Renet Semirenko and Granny Smith.
It was entered into the national register of Russia in the middle of the last century. Since these two apple trees contain citric acid and the fruit looks like a lemon, the new variety was named lemon or Limonka. Sometimes the name winter lemon is found.
In Russia today the variety is popular in the Krasnodar Territory, Adygea, North Ossetia and other regions.
What are the pros and cons of the variety?
Lemon apples, like all types, have their own list of positive and negative qualities.
The advantages of the Limonka variety, thanks to which it has become popular both in Russian regions and abroad, include the following:
- Long-term storage of the harvested crop.
- Unpretentiousness when growing a tree.
- Excellent tolerance to heat and cold (withstands temperatures down to -35 degrees).
- Relatively early fruiting.
- Unique lemon flavor and color.
- Demand among consumers due to low calorie content.
The main disadvantages include:
- Low resistance to diseases, such as scab.
- The need for frequent pruning due to strong growth.
Characteristics of the Limonka apple tree
Limonka is one of the best apple varieties for growing in central Russia. Such apple trees rarely get sick and bear fruit after three years. The fruits are large in size, truncated-conical and slightly ribbed in shape.
The skin has a shiny yellowish color. Apples of this type contain a large amount of citric acid and beneficial trace elements that are necessary for the functioning of the vascular system and digestion. They contain a lot of iron with potassium and calcium.
Tree size
If we talk about the size of the tree, then the Limonka apple tree is of medium size and dense. It has a spherical crown with dimensions of 30-40 cm, characterized by late flowering and excellent winter hardiness.
On average, at the age of three years it reaches one and a half meters in height, and at the age of 5 years it grows another 1.5 meters. In ten years it can reach 6 meters with normal development. In windy weather, a young tree needs support. The root system of the tree is compact.
Fruit evaluation
Limonka fruits are medium in size, reaching one hundred grams. The color of unripe fruits is yellow-green. When ripe they turn golden yellow. The pulp of the fruit has a creamy, dense, fine-grained and juicy texture. It has an excellent dessert taste and characteristic lemon sourness.
When overripe, the pulp becomes mealy.When you press the fruit, a pleasant aroma is felt. The skin has a smooth, thin, shiny texture, slightly covered with a waxy coating.
Limonka apples ripen early, in the first ten days of the last summer month. They are perfectly stored in a cold place until spring, without losing their aroma and characteristic taste.
The fruit stalk has an average length, the funnel has an average width and depth. The saucer is small and narrow, and the cup is closed. The seed nest is large and has the shape of an onion. The seeds have an irregular short shape and a rich brown color. The subcup tube has a short, conical shape.
Winter hardiness
Apple trees tolerate winter cold relatively well. Flower buds are also characterized by high winter hardiness. Resistance to fruit and leaf scab is low. Throughout the country, the Limonki in the middle zone endure the winter best.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The variety is resistant to various diseases and pests. Severe frosts, as well as prolonged drought, can reduce the immunity of the apple tree, but this will not affect its health in general. But if it is close to an affected tree, it can get sick.
How often does it bear fruit?
The tree begins to bear fruit at the age of 2-6 years. It bears fruit on ringlets and fruit twigs every year. Refers to early fruit trees. Apple trees of this species are self-sterile, incapable of high-quality self-pollination. Therefore, for a high yield it is necessary to plant them directly next to other apple trees.
Apple tree productivity
The harvest is rich in the absence of diseases and with proper care. Good tree productivity, in addition to depending on the weather and general health, also depends on the load on the tree.
The greater the load on the branches of a tree, the less harvest it brings.On average, at the age of two years, an apple tree of the Limonka variety can produce from 6 kg of harvest. The quantity increases with each year of the tree's life. Peak fruiting occurs between 6 and 40 years.
Regions of distribution
Most often, apple trees of the Limonka variety take root in steppe, forest-steppe zones and woodlands, on lands with fertile soil. Therefore, most often it can be found and grown in the south and central part of Russia.
