Description and characteristics of Red Chief apples, cultivation and care

Red Chief apples were created by breeders from North America. Currently, the hybrid is widespread in Russia. The Red Chief apple tree is a high-yielding variety that is suitable for growing in almost any climatic conditions.

History of culture development

The Red Chief apple tree is a hybrid of American selection. This hybrid was bred in 1914. The parent varieties were the Grims Golden and Golden Reinet apple trees. Some time after all the necessary procedures had been carried out, the hybrid was zoned.

Pros and cons of the variety

Advantages of the American hybrid Red Chief:

• Date of entry into fruiting.
• Apple sizes.
• Duration of storage after harvest.
• Immunity to powdery mildew.

The disadvantages of the hybrid include low resistance to scab and spotting, as well as difficulties in growing in the northern regions.

Specifications

To understand whether the Red Chief variety is suitable for planting in the garden or not, it is necessary to study all the technical characteristics of the hybrid.

Dimensions of an adult tree

The description of the Red Chief apple tree should begin with studying the size of the plant. The tree of this variety is classified as medium-sized. An adult plant reaches a height of 5 to 7 m. The crown is of a regular oval shape.

Annual growth

The growth of the tree per year is average, during this time the apple tree grows by about 5-8 cm.

Resistance to frost and disease

Relatively high resistance to powdery mildew and fire blight, but low to scab.

Depending on the strength of the immune system, the plant may be affected by the codling moth.

Frost resistance is average. In northern latitudes, growing Red Chief will be problematic; the tree may not withstand harsh winters. The apple tree survives frosts down to -25 degrees.

All about the harvest

Another important characteristic that concerns all gardeners when choosing an apple tree variety is the yield.Any summer resident wants to find a variety that requires a minimum of care, but which at the same time produces a good harvest.

First fruiting period

A characteristic feature of Red Chief is early pregnancy. After planting a seedling, the tree begins to bear fruit in the 2-3rd year. At first the harvest is not very abundant, but as the tree grows, the yield increases.

Frequency and quantity of harvest

Red Chief is a large-fruited, high-yielding hybrid. In the first few years, up to 30 kg of fruits are collected from the tree. Subsequently, the yield can increase to 130 kg. Fruiting is annual.

Collection and use of fruits

The plant belongs to winter hybrids. The first ripe apples will not be picked from the tree until September. Mass harvesting occurs in the last days of September-October. On average, the weight of the fruit is about 190-370 g. Apples are versatile in use. They are used to make jam, jam, used for baking and consumed fresh. The harvested crop can be stored for up to 7 months.

Tasting evaluation of apples

The taste of apples is excellent. The rating is 4.7 points out of 5. The apple pulp is juicy and grainy, with a sweet taste.

How to plant an apple tree

The productivity of the apple tree depends on the correct planting.

Preparatory activities

Before planting, dig a hole 2 weeks before planting and mix the top layer of soil with manure, mineral fertilizers and ash. Then they fill the bottom of the hole with it. Immediately before planting, the root system of the apple tree is dipped into a liquid clay solution.

Selecting a location

The apple tree prefers to grow in open sunny areas, on light and fertile soils.

Disembarkation dates

In spring, seedlings are planted after the threat of frost has passed. This is approximately the end of April - May.In autumn, planting is done in October, before the onset of cold weather.

Planting scheme and technology

The distance between other trees should not be less than 3 m. To plant a seedling, dig a hole 1 m deep and 70-80 cm wide.

Basic care measures

To obtain a good and stable harvest, it is not enough to follow the rules of agricultural technology when planting a seedling. It is necessary to pay attention to tree care.

Watering frequency

The apple tree is not a moisture-loving crop and will not need to be watered often. 4 irrigations per fruiting season are sufficient:

• The first watering is carried out during the period of swelling of the buds.
• The second is with the onset of flowering.
• The third time the soil is moistened during the formation of ovaries.
• The last time was before the onset of frost in October.

It is not recommended to water plants with cold water. This increases the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

In the first half of summer, nitrogen is added to the soil. Nitrogen-containing compounds include ammonium nitrate, urea or ammonium sulfate. Organic fertilizers are also added to the soil.

During the fruiting period, the soil is fed with superphosphate and potassium fertilizers.

Loosening the soil

The soil is loosened to a depth of 15 cm before each watering.

Crown formation

The tree is formed 2-3 years after planting the seedling. In the spring, young shoots are cut down, some of the branches are cut off, leaving 3-4 skeletal ones. In autumn, dry branches are removed.

Treatment with prophylactic agents

In spring, the apple tree is sprayed with Bordeaux mixture or other copper-containing preparations. If necessary, spraying is repeated during the flowering period.

Preparing the tree for winter

Before the onset of cold weather, the soil around the trunk is mulched.Also, to prevent rodents from gnawing on the bark, it is smeared with lime or the trunk is tied with spruce branches.