Description and characteristics of the Mechta apple tree, planting, cultivation and care

The main features of the Mechta apple tree are its ability to produce high yields and resistance to low environmental temperatures. Most often, this variety is planted in the central part of the Russian Federation, as well as in Belarus.

Selection of the Dream variety

This variety was obtained by breeders carrying out their scientific work at the Michurinsky horticultural farm. The varietal species was obtained by crossing Pepin saffron with Papirovka.

External parameters

This tree has an interesting appearance. Its apples have an attractive plump appearance.

At the same time, the taste qualities of ripened apples are placed at the highest level.

Tree height

The trunk is straight and strong in structure. In exceptional cases, its height reaches 3.5-4 meters.

Apple tree crown width

The crown has a spreading shape. Most often, the crown is characterized by a rounded conical shape. To bring a tree into a well-groomed appearance, regular pruning of branches is required.

Description of the fruit and its taste

The tree bears fruit of medium to large sized apples. In the average version, the weight of 1 fruit is in the range of 110-250 grams. At the same time, the largest bulk apples grow under conditions of a dwarf rootstock. The fruits have a regular round shape, light yellow color with a green tint. If the tree grows in sunny areas, the color of the fruit may be red.

Apples are distinguished by their sweetness with a sour taste. The pulp has a loose structure and is white with pink veins.

Characteristics of the species

In addition to the external qualities of the tree, there are other advantageous characteristics of the variety. These include resistance to cold, diseases and pests, and characteristics of plant growth and development.

Resistance to sub-zero temperatures

This plant is highly resistant to low temperatures typical of the northern regions of the country. Also, plantings are not afraid of temperature changes.

Susceptibility to diseases and pests

Apple tree Dream is characterized by increased immune abilities. It exhibits resistance to pests, fungi, scab, and powdery mildew. This variety is only affected by codling moth and mites in some regions of the country.

Self-fertility and pollination

Mechta is not a self-fertile variety. To get a regular harvest, the tree must be planted close to other pollinated plants. They must be placed no further than 40-50 meters from the planting. The varieties Antonovka, Borovinka, Melba are best suited as pollinators.

Timing of flowering and first fruiting

The tree blooms in late April - mid-May. The first harvest from an apple tree can be obtained in the 4th year after planting. If weather conditions are favorable, the tree begins to bear fruit in the 2nd year.

Productivity

Basically, 100 kilograms of fruit are collected from one plant. When favorable conditions are formed, this figure can increase to 150 kilograms.

Harvesting and storage duration

The harvested crop does not differ in shelf life due to the fact that the fruit pulp is loose.

In which regions is it recommended to grow?

It is best to grow such an apple tree in warm regions of the country. Plants adapt best to winters with little rainfall. If an apple tree is grown on a dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstock, the optimal region is considered to be the north-west of the Russian Federation.

The Dream variety can also be grown in the Moscow region. The plant tolerates the Ural climate well. Due to its frost resistance, Mechta can be grown in Siberia.

Tree planting and care technology

To get a healthy plant and a rich harvest, you need to prepare in advance for planting an apple tree. Preparatory and planting work must be carried out in the autumn or spring.

Preparation of young seedlings

When choosing a seedling, you must give preference to those specimens that are 1-2 years old. This is due to the fact that they have a high survival rate.

If the seedling needs long-term transportation, its roots need to be wrapped with wet material. If there are dried roots, the base of the seedling needs to be soaked in water for 1-2 days.

Requirements for earth composition

Site preparation is carried out in the autumn. To do this, you must do a deep digging. During digging, you can use phosphorus flour, superphosphate, sulfate or potassium chloride. You can replace mineral complexes with wood ash, humus, and mature compost. If the soil is putrefactive, sawdust or sand should be added to it.

All roots and debris are removed from the site. If the soil is highly acidic, liming is required. To grow the plant, you need soil with a neutral pH.

Disembarkation dates and scheme

The planting hole is made in autumn or early spring. The pit must be at least 1 meter in diameter and 70 centimeters deep. Next, prepare the soil for backfilling. It is a mixture of removed soil, 4 buckets of humus, 400 grams of nitroammophosphate, 8 kilograms of ash. A third of the resulting mixture is poured into the bottom of the hole, then a seedling is planted. The remaining part of the soil is used to fill the roots. During planting, the root collar should not be buried. The soil must be compacted carefully so as not to damage the root system.

The optimal period for planting is considered to be early spring. After planting, the seedling is tied to a support 1.5-2 meters high. After planting, the plant needs to be watered abundantly.

Regularity of irrigation

The frequency of watering depends on environmental conditions. During drought, irrigation should be organized weekly. It is necessary to stop watering in the second half of summer, preparing the plant for cold weather.

Weeding and loosening the soil

After planting, it is necessary to take care of the tree trunk area. It is necessary to carry out weeding and loosening regularly. Such care will protect the plant from pests and help organize oxygen access to the root system.

Foliar and root feeding

Fertilizers should be applied from the second year of plant growth. In the spring, the tree needs nitrogenous fertilizers, and in the autumn - potassium and phosphorus fertilizers.

Trimming

Formative pruning is carried out for 5 years. After this age, only sanitary pruning is necessary, carried out twice a season.

Prevention and protection from diseases and pests

When forming the crown, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the leaves and branches. If signs of pests or pathological damage appear, trees must be immediately treated with the necessary preparations.

To prevent diseases during bud opening, it is recommended to treat the tree with fungicides. It is also recommended to whiten the trunk and skeletal branches.

Mulching and preparing for winter

In order for the tree to more easily adapt to cold weather, it is recommended to mulch the tree trunk. This needs to be done in the autumn. In the spring, when temperatures rise, the mulch is removed.