Description and characteristics of Ranetki apple varieties, ripening periods and crop care

Varieties of small-fruited apple trees - ranetki - grow in many summer cottages and garden plots. This variety is used as a preparation for jam for the winter, and is also consumed fresh, despite the small size of the fruit. Ranetki were bred by breeders by crossing the Sibirka variety with common European varieties.

Advantages and descriptions of the type

The main characteristic feature of ranetki is the small weight of the fruit, not exceeding 15 g. The small fruits fully ripen in early September and have a pronounced sour taste. Ranetki contains tens of times more bioactive components compared to classic varieties.

Any variety of ranetki is unpretentious in care and grows almost everywhere, while having several features and advantages. The fruits share some of the positive properties of the Siberian apple tree, including resistance to cold, early ripening and stable yield.

Thanks to these qualities, Ranetki are actively used by breeders for crossing with other varieties.

Growing areas

In most European regions, gardeners prefer trees with larger and juicier apples. Ranetki with a pronounced sour taste can often be found in Siberia. Seedlings are able to grow and bear fruit in any climate zone, with the exception of the Far North, where low temperatures do not allow the fruits to ripen fully.

Tree height and crown width

For proper growth, one tree needs to allocate an area of ​​5 x 5 m. A large space is required due to the spreading crown, the width of which is 1-4 m, depending on the specific type of apple tree. The height of the seedlings reaches 4-5 m.

Taste qualities of apples

The taste of the fruit primarily depends on the characteristics of the variety being grown. Also, the taste characteristics are influenced by environmental conditions, care of seedlings, fertilizers used and climate.Most common varieties have a pronounced sweet and sour taste and insignificant astringency. Some varieties produce juicy apples that are distinguished by their sweetness.

Frost resistance

The Ranetkas bred by breeders retained some of the positive characteristics of the Siberian apple tree. One of the properties is the ability to endure cold winters at any temperature without leaving a trace. The duration and degree of exposure to cold, as well as the amount of precipitation, do not affect fruiting.

The results of selection experiments confirm that seedlings do not die at temperatures down to -47 degrees. Frosts do not spoil the taste and juiciness of the crop.

The only measure to protect green spaces that may be required during the winter is to wrap the trunk with spruce branches and rags. This will protect the tree trunk from frostbite and rodent attacks.

Resistance to diseases and pests

Ranetki are especially valued by beginning gardeners for their resistance to infections and harmful insects. As an additional protection against negative impacts, it is recommended to carry out preventive measures in order to increase the immunity of trees.

Primary spraying with urea solution is required before sap flow begins. The procedure repels pests that remain under the bark during the winter. With the onset of summer, Ranetka needs to be worked with Bordeaux mixture. Cracked areas on the trunk are covered with a solution of copper sulfate or garden pitch. During active fruiting, treatments should not be carried out so that substances do not get on the crop.

Lifespan of a tree

Ranetka varieties with periodic fruiting begin to bear their first harvest a year after the seedlings are planted.Subject to regular proper care, optimal climatic conditions and the absence of negative external influences, the lifespan of a tree is several decades. Throughout the entire period of development, the plant bears fruit without losing the taste characteristics of small apples.

Varieties and their characteristics

Several varieties of ranetki, which differ from each other in a number of characteristics, have become widespread among gardeners. Each variety has the following individual qualities:

• taste;
• fruit size and juiciness;
• features of cultivation and care;
• appearance, color;
• crown width and height (stunted species and trees up to 5 m high are distinguished).

Dobrynya

The Dobrynya variety of ranetki has become widespread due to its resistance to frost and intensive growth. The variety begins to bear fruit later than other varieties - no earlier than 4 years after transplanting into open ground. Dobrynya easily tolerates dry conditions and is immune to scab. From one tree it is possible to obtain about 35-50 kg of harvest.

The fruits have a classic sweet and sour taste with a pronounced tart aftertaste. The harvest ripens by the beginning of autumn and can be stored without loss of taste until February. Apple fruits can be frozen because they will retain their juiciness after thawing.

For a long time

The main characteristics of the Dolgo variety are the sweet taste of the fruit with a slight sourness in the aftertaste, fruiting 3 years after planting, the possibility of using the crop as a raw material for making jam or juice. The ranetka variety has average frost resistance. The harvest ripens by early autumn and is stored for a month after harvest.One tree bears about 25 kg of fruit.

Golden

Ranetka Zolotaya is one of the most winter-hardy varieties. The trees reach a height of 7 m and are characterized by intense fruiting. The first harvest is obtained after 3-4 years of growth. Each tree can grow up to 50 kg of apples weighing 10-15 g. Depending on environmental conditions, the crop ripens from mid-summer to September.

The fruits have a yellow peel and dense pulp. The taste of ranetki is sour and tart. The Golden variety is not suitable for long-term storage.

Red

Due to its short shelf life, Red ranetka is used for making purees, compotes and juices. You can harvest from trees of this type the next year after transplanting into open soil.

The fruits ripen at the end of the summer season. Stable fruiting allows for regular harvesting. In appearance, Red ranetka resembles small balls of rich color. The pulp is juicy and creamy, the taste is sour with pronounced astringency.

Laletino

Trees of the Laletino variety have compact sizes and a round, sparse crown. The advantage of the variety is the early ripening of the crop - the first fruits appear 2-3 years after planting. Externally, the fruits look like small ribbed apples with a reddish peel. The soft pink flesh has a dense structure and juiciness.

The shelf life of the Laletino variety does not exceed 2 months, so they should be consumed fresh. Among experienced gardeners, the variety is considered one of the most delicious.

Raspberry

Small apples of the Raspberry variety grow on trees 3 years after planting. The variety is famous for its stable and large harvest, which is harvested in early autumn.

The weight of the fruit is about 10 g, and in appearance they look like a plum. The pulp is juicy and tender with a sweet and sour taste. One of the key advantages of the variety is its long-term storage ability - Raspberry Ranetka does not spoil until spring.

Purple

Among the wide variety, Purpurovaya ranetka is considered the most frost-resistant variety. This species brings a bountiful harvest after 2-3 years from the moment of planting. The fruits are harvested in early September. It is possible to collect up to 50 kg of apples from each tree.

The weight of the fruit does not exceed 10 g, the shape is slightly flattened. The color of the peel is bright red, monochromatic. The pulp has a standard sourish tart taste. Most often, apples are used for processing, since the shelf life is about 2 months.

Siberian

The fruits of the Sibiryachka variety begin to grow after the 3-4th year of tree development. Ranetka of this type is not distinguished by its large harvest, but its quality is not inferior to others. The Siberian is resistant to infectious diseases and is practically not subject to scab.

The spherical fruits weigh up to 20 g. The peel can be yellow or with a red tint. The pulp is juicy with a slight sour taste. If not watered enough, the taste may taste slightly bitter. The harvest ripens by the end of summer and is stored for three months in a cool room.

Flashlight

Trees of the Flashlight variety have a pyramidal shape. Active fruiting begins 3 years after planting. The harvest ripens by early autumn. In one season, up to 20 kg of fruits grow, each of which weighs no more than 15 g.

Ranetki are distinguished by their oval shape, smooth surface and bright crimson peel. During storage, the shade acquires a more saturated color. The taste of the fruit is sweet and sour, there is practically no aroma.

Amber

Ranetka Amber has a long lifespan and actively bears fruit for 3 decades. Tall trees with dense vegetation provide a stable harvest. The weight of the fruit does not exceed 10 g. Apples are yellow in color, spherical in shape and have a smooth surface. Due to its standard taste characteristics, the crop is often used as a raw material for making jam and juices.

Honey

Tall Honey Ranetka trees with a rounded crown bring a stable and large harvest, which is harvested at the end of summer. Ripe ranetki fall off the branches on their own, which simplifies the harvesting process.

Compared to other varieties, the fruits weigh more, reaching 40 g. The pronounced sweet taste with honey notes allows apples to be used in the preparation of various dishes or consumed fresh.

Dwarf

Despite the compactness of the trees, Dwarf Ranetka bears fruit no less intensely than other varieties. The trees bear bright red fruits with a dense structure and juicy pulp.

The disadvantages of the variety include a short lifespan (2 times less than that of other varieties), as well as the need for better garter due to the many fruits that ripen on thin and fragile branches.

Columnar

The variety belongs to the mid-season category and bears fruit in early autumn. Small juicy fruits have a rich red color and a sour taste. The shape of the ranetki is spherical with pronounced ribbing.

Columnar ranetka requires careful care, including regular watering and fertilizing. If the rules of care are followed, the yield reaches 180 centners per hectare. Throughout the year, trees bear fruit evenly, without a clearly defined periodicity.

Optimal care for good growth and harvest

To get a large harvest of ranetki, you must adhere to some rules for caring for seedlings. In particular, trees require:

1. Regular watering. The soil in the tree trunk circle must be constantly moistened.
2. Fertilizer application. Fertilizing ensures intensive growth and affects the abundance of the harvest.
3. Crown trimming. With heavily dense vegetation, the amount of yield may decrease.
4. Protection from pests and diseases. Spraying plantings with insecticidal and fungicidal preparations helps preserve the quality of the crop.
5. Garter. To prevent seedlings with fragile and thin trunks from breaking due to exposure to precipitation or wind, it is necessary to securely fix them on the site.

In order to promptly detect problems in tree development, it is recommended to constantly inspect the plantings. If traces of pests or diseases are noticed on the wounds, it is necessary to treat the seedlings and create favorable environmental conditions.

Planting and care conditions

It is recommended to transfer ranetka seedlings to open ground before sap flow begins in March or autumn. For trees, a hole with humus is dug in advance and a stake is inserted for tying.

It is necessary to place the seedling in the hole in such a way that the top of the root system remains above the soil surface. To ensure that the roots are firmly fixed in the soil, abundant watering is required immediately after sprinkling with soil.

Crown formation

After the second year, the formation of the tree crown is required. Pruning is carried out after the leaves fall or in early March before the onset of active growing season. Dried and old branches must be removed from the crown.

It is also recommended to cut young shoots directed at an acute angle to the trunk, which will protect the branches from breaking under the weight of the apples. In the absence of shelter formation, the tree will produce a small harvest.

Reproduction

It is possible to increase the number of trees on a site in various ways. The easiest way is to plant the seeds in open ground and wait for inputs. Due to its natural vitality, the seedling grows with minimal care.

Reproduction can also be done through grafting. To do this, some of the ranetka branches are grafted onto other apple or wild apple trees. In this case, you will not need to look for a new place to plant seedlings, while increasing the amount of harvest.

Ripening and fruiting period

Most varieties of ranetki begin to bear fruit in the second year of tree development. Flowering occurs in late spring or early summer. The exact timing depends on the characteristics of the variety and climatic conditions. The duration of flowering can reach 10 days.

The trees begin to actively bear fruit, subject to regular care and suitable weather. There are varieties that bear fruit periodically - the harvest of such trees ripens every year.

When the fruits ripen

Common types of ranetkas bear fruit at the end of the summer season or the beginning of autumn. Late-ripening varieties fully ripen in October. In order to always have a fresh harvest, experienced gardeners plant different varieties on plots, which differ in ripening time and storage duration.

The harvest volumes from each tree vary from 20 to 70 kg depending on the variety. Winter cold does not affect the fruiting of most types of ranetki.