The most common fruit on Russian territory is, of course, apples. Such popularity in our country is not accidental. After all, what fruit trees are grown without problems? How to get a decent harvest and preserve it for a long time? Apples contain many useful elements that have a beneficial effect on the human body of any age. When choosing a crop variety to plant on your site, it is recommended to take a closer look at the Richard apple tree.
Description and characteristics of the variety
Domestic amateur gardeners do not often give preference to this apple tree.After all, even with access to the Internet, it is difficult to find the characteristics of the Richard variety. According to some information, this fruit crop appeared by chance. It was discovered 2 centuries ago in a place located near Wittenburg, Germany.
If you delve deeper into the chronicle, the Richard apple variety did not arise on its own. He was brought out by Pastor Klifot in Kerkhove.
In Russia, this variety is known as Richard Yellow. In Germany, apples of this variety are grown on a large scale. The following advantages speak in favor of this choice:
- the fruits are endowed with excellent taste and juiciness;
- the immune system of trees makes it easy to resist various diseases;
- the crop is stored for a long period.
The fruit crop of the Richard variety is characterized by a moderate growth rate and resistance to Russian frosts.
The crown turns out to be translucent, high and spherical. Plants are demanding on soil. They need heavy, slightly damp soil, as well as air humidity. In addition to these conditions, the site for planting seedlings is selected so that they are protected from the wind by bushes and other trees.
If gardeners plan to grow a crop on light and dry soil, then it is necessary to install an artificial irrigation system to the roots.
The fruits grow of medium size, elegant and symmetrical in shape. Sometimes you even come across large specimens in which slight ribbing is noticeable, usually forming on one side. The shape of the fruit is rather conical with a slight truncation.
The attachment of apples to tree branches cannot be called strong. This fact is especially noticeable in the fall, when the fruits easily fall even from a slight breeze.
Fruits have the following external features:
- the presence of thick and short stalks;
- peel with a slight aroma, smooth surface and pale yellow color;
- appearance of blush on the side where more sunlight fell;
- small seeds
If unfavorable weather conditions have been observed throughout the summer, the tree may be slightly damaged by scab.
Chemical composition and application
The characteristics of fruits are not limited only to external description. The apple pulp is yellowish in color, has excellent juiciness and a delicate consistency. According to tasters, the taste is sweet with a slight spicy aftertaste and slight sourness. Fruits contain large amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Richard apples contain fiber, which stimulates intestinal motility and also reduces the risk of developing cancer. In addition to this, the fruits are used as a preventive measure for disorders in the cardiovascular system, as a dietary product, and to stabilize cholesterol levels.
Productivity of the variety
Richard apples ripen quite smoothly. The harvest period is set for the first half of September. Due to the fact that the fruits easily end up under the tree from any breeze, it is recommended not to delay the period of fruit harvesting.
In regions located in the southern regions of Russia, it is advisable to begin harvesting activities in mid-August. To be on the safe side, you can look at the shades of the apple peel. If it has lightened and slightly yellowed, this is a good signal to start picking apples.
The crop is placed in the optimal storage location. If the rules for providing the necessary conditions for the fruit are strictly followed, the fruits can easily be preserved until November.
Flowering and fruiting times
Flowering time is mid-early and long. Fruiting in Richard apple trees occurs quite late - 5 years after planting the seedlings. The harvest quantity is moderate. No periodicity in fruit ripening was observed.
Resistance to frost, diseases and pests
In favorable, not very rainy weather, apple trees are resistant to infections and diseases, including scab. The ability to survive winter cold is also at a high level.
Favorable areas for cultivation
The apple tree reveals its characteristics in places better suited for Richard variety trees - the central regions of Russia, as well as the southern regions.
