Description and characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of Red Delicious apples, subtleties of cultivation

The gardener decides for himself what type of apple tree to grow on the plot. I want to plant only the best. To do this, gardeners study the descriptions of varieties to find a species that meets their needs. Red Delicious - late ripening apples. They have many advantages, thanks to which they are valued by summer residents.

How did culture appear?

This variety of apples arose by accident. One branch on the Delicious tree bore red fruit. Scientists, having studied the characteristics of the fruit, came to the conclusion that the apples are of excellent quality and are quite suitable for growing. Red delicious translated means “red delicious”. There is a type of apple called Royal Red Delicious. It is similar in characteristics to the Red Delicious variety, but its fruits are slightly larger.

Pros and cons of the variety

The plant has a lot of positive properties. Summer residents choose it for this reason.

Advantages:

• Excellent external characteristics.
• High stable yield.
• Versatility of use.
• Long shelf life.
• The fruits tolerate transportation.
• Easy to care for.
• Average frost resistance.

Flaws:

• The pulp becomes loose during storage.
• Poorly adapts to unstable climate.
• Susceptible to diseases.
• Requires formation.

Description

Studying the data will help you avoid mistakes when growing. These criteria are assessed by summer residents first of all.

Trunk height

On a seed rootstock the tree grows up to 5 m, on a dwarf rootstock 3.5-4 m.

Crown size

The shape of the apple tree is oval or pyramidal. The width depends on the formation.

Leaves, flowers

Small leaves have a rounded base, the tip is slightly elongated. The flowers are white with a pink tint.

Fruits and their taste

Appearance is rated 4.8 points, taste 4.6 points on a 5-point scale. The fruits are round-conical in shape. The color is dark red. Apples have a sweet and sour taste.

Before use, it is recommended to peel the fruit, it is too dense and hard. The pulp is juicy and crispy. Apples from the Red Delicious variety are universally used.

Specifications

After assessing external data, gardeners study the properties of plants. These criteria are evaluated and selected more carefully.

Resistance to sub-zero temperatures and drought

The Red Delicious apple tree does not tolerate temperatures below -20 ⁰C. Does not like drought, regular watering is necessary.

Immunity to diseases and pests

There is no immunity to any disease. Mandatory treatment of apple trees against diseases and pests is required.

Recommended growing areas

Due to its positive characteristics, the Red Delicious apple tree is grown in central Russia. Some summer residents from Siberia and the Urals plant apple trees. Only they prepare it more carefully for winter.

Productivity and fruiting

Every summer resident should know the fruiting characteristics of this variety. If you fulfill the necessary requirements, the apple tree will produce the declared harvest.

Pollinator varieties

Red Delicious is self-sterile; for successful pollination, the following types of apple trees are planted:

• Golden;
• Idared;
• Fuji;
• Gloucester;
• Everest.

It is necessary to select types of apple trees whose flowering period coincides with the variety being planted.

Beginning of fruiting

The tree produces its first fruits 5-6 years after planting the seedling. The dwarf rootstock allows you to get the harvest a year earlier. If you follow the rules and regulations for planting Red Delicious apple trees, fruiting begins in a timely manner.

Apple ripening time

It all depends on the growing region; the warmer the climate, the earlier the variety ripens. Apples are ready to eat at the end of September - beginning of October.

Collection and use of the fruit

Apples are picked at the moment of ripeness. Lay carefully, trying not to damage the structure.Thanks to the thick skin, the fruits tolerate transportation well. And they are less injured during collection.

When storing Red Delicious apples, sprinkle them with sawdust or layers of paper.

Housewives use the fruits to prepare:

• juice;
• jam;
• desserts;
• jam.

This variety is suitable for drying and freezing.

Landing nuances

In order for an apple tree to grow well and delight you with harvests, you need to plant it correctly. To do this, purchase high-quality planting material, choose a place and time.

Deadlines

Depending on the climatic conditions of the region, the optimal time is calculated by the gardener himself. Red Delicious apple trees are planted in spring and fall. In the first case, before the start of sap flow, in the second case, a month before the first frost.

Choosing a suitable location

The area should be well lit and protected from drafts. It is desirable that groundwater flows at least 2-3 m deep. Otherwise, the root system will begin to rot. The composition of the soil must be nutritious; if there is a deficiency, humus and mineral fertilizers are added to the soil.

Preparation of planting material

Seedlings are purchased at 2 years old. Before planting, the tree is placed in a growth stimulator for several hours.

Landing technology

The pit is prepared in advance. Depth 70 cm, width 80 cm. A drainage layer is formed at the bottom, then soil mixed with peat, sand and humus is poured. They make a small mound, place a seedling on it, and straighten the roots.

Then they are sprinkled with a fertile layer of soil so that the root collar or grafting site remains above the surface of the earth. Finally, water generously.

Aftercare

When planting is complete, all that remains is to properly care for the plants.Apply fertilizing, watering and treating against pests in a timely manner.

Regularity of watering

In spring, the tree is watered abundantly and often. In summer, as the top layer of soil dries out. Young trees especially need watering.

Top dressing

The Red Delicious apple tree needs feeding. Especially in spring, during flowering, fruiting and after harvest. They use complex mineral fertilizers and organic matter, alternating them to avoid addiction.

Pruning and crown formation

The crown is thinned out; overloading the tree will affect the yield and weight of the fruit. All branches growing deep into the crown must be pruned. Remove dry, damaged, deformed shoots.

Preventative treatment

To preserve the tree and the harvest, it is recommended to treat plants against diseases in early spring, autumn and, if necessary, in the middle of summer. Special chemicals are used. Be sure to follow safety precautions.

If desired, the summer resident uses folk remedies; their effect is short-lived, but safe for humans.

Preparing a tree for winter

In regions with harsh climatic conditions, it is necessary to cover the tree for the winter. The trunk circle is mulched, the trunk is wrapped in special material or burlap.

The Red Delicious apple tree has many fans among gardeners. The reason is that the tree is unpretentious and very productive.