Every summer resident is tormented by the question of what type of apple tree to plant on his plot, so as not to make a mistake. Everyone wants to harvest a tasty, abundant harvest with juicy and crispy pulp with minimal care. So that the plant is resistant to diseases and withstands cold weather, and the fruits are stored for a long time. The Aphrodite apple tree has all of the above properties.
Description and characteristics of the variety
Breeders have managed to develop an ideal fruit crop that maintains its performance under various growing conditions. The basic descriptions of the variety do not change depending on weather conditions and the degree of care:
- belongs to the winter species;
- resistant to fungal diseases;
- the tree grows large and strong;
- maximum height is 10 meters;
- fast growing plant;
- crown is round;
- apples are consumed fresh and processed;
- mixed fruiting;
- umbrella-shaped inflorescences consist of 4-6 flowers;
- The variety is self-sterile; in order to bear fruit abundantly and fully, a pollinator partner is needed;
- the plant patiently tolerates temperature changes;
- bears fruit from the fourth year.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of the variety include:
- tolerates harsh winter conditions well;
- does not require additional protection in winter;
- the root system withstands the proximity of groundwater;
- high-yielding variety, 278 centners are collected per hectare;
- bears fruit annually;
- immune to scab;
- high commercial quality of fruits;
- long-term storage of crops.
Flaws:
- The large size of the plant makes harvesting difficult. A ten-meter handsome man is not suitable for small areas.
- The variety requires cross pollination.
Characteristics of the Aphrodite apple tree
Let us consider separately in detail the characteristics of the variety.
Dimensions
Mature plant:
- the crown is round and wide;
- height about 10 meters;
- the standard is smooth and strong.
Every year the branches increase in length by 12 centimeters.
Productivity
The taste of the first fruits can be enjoyed in the fourth year after planting. Productive cleaning begins from 9-12 years of age. Every year, 130-150 kilograms of apples are harvested from the plant.
Frequency of fruiting
In any weather conditions, even in the most unfavorable summer, the tree produces a harvest every year.
Winter hardiness
The plant perfectly tolerates severe frosts up to 43 degrees. It has high frost resistance, which allows you not to cover the plant before the onset of winter.
Disease resistance
Peculiarities:
- the variety has a resistant gene - Vf, which helps resist various fungal diseases;
- the plant is resistant to five types of scab.
To prevent the tree from getting sick, follow simple recommendations:
- If you do not clear the garden of fallen leaves and dry twigs, fruit rot will develop.
- Protect the trunk from insects. Young plants are whitened with chalk, adults are treated with lime.
Sawdust soaked in kerosene and spread around the trunk helps save apple trees from rodents. For the winter, cover with pine branches or tie the trunk with parchment.
Fruit evaluation
Fruit:
- maximum weight 150 g;
- ripe fruits have a red blush over the entire surface;
- sweet-sour, dense pulp contains a large amount of juice;
- consumer quality of fruit is rated at 4.5 points.
Variety distribution
Due to the fact that the variety is frost-resistant, well adapted to harsh weather conditions and not picky about soils, Aphrodite grows well:
- in central Russia;
- in the Volga region;
- in the Urals;
- in the northern regions;
- in outskirts of Moscow;
- in Bashkiria;
- in Ukraine.
Reviews from gardeners about the apple tree
Tatyana, 65 years old: “I collect the first specimens in early autumn. After the first frost, apples become juicier and sweeter. I follow storage conditions, so we consume the harvest for six months. Just take care. In the summer I water, harvest on time, and clear the space of leaves.”
Vasily, 45 years old: “An unpretentious tree. Apples are delicious.The size is small. When they sit, they change color to bright crimson and become sweeter. The tree has grown big, but I hardly care for it. Occasionally I feed it with humus, and when it’s very hot, I water it. Winters well."
Marina, 47 years old: “My tree is 12 years old. It reached a height of 5 meters. Every year I remove about a hundred buckets. In the refrigerator, the fruits are stored until the New Year. It blooms beautifully and the fruits are also beautiful in appearance. I’ll be harvesting until the end of September.”
