Undoubtedly, the apple tree is a long-favorite fruit tree that can be found in every garden. Moreover, this is the first seedling from which the planting of gardens and summer cottages begins. Ripe and aromatic apples are used for many purposes: homemade baked goods, compotes, syrups, drying, jam and freshly squeezed juices. The Katya apple tree variety is suitable for all culinary delights and for fresh consumption.
History of selection
The summer variety of apple tree Katya was bred by breeders not so long ago.The first fruits appeared only in the 80s of the last century. Breeders Parman Worchester and James Grieve crossed two varieties and developed the Katya variety in Sweden.
Later, this apple tree came to our area and was loved by many gardeners for its characteristics, which are mostly positive.
Description of the variety
Thanks to this description, you can understand whether this tree is suitable for growing in a garden with certain climatic conditions, as well as what features the apple tree has.
The Katya fruit tree is considered a late summer variety, since the first fruits begin to appear only in the second half of August. It must grow next to pollinating trees. Pollinators include White Pouring, Papirovka and James Grieve.
An apple tree bears fruit consistently if various fertilizer mixtures are used and other measures are taken. As a rule, the main purpose of this variety is fresh consumption. If you carry out pruning and periodic rejuvenation, it will respond with a positive reaction, and the marketable quality of the fruit will significantly increase. The Katya apple tree is not capable of self-pollination and requires moderate watering.
Advantages and disadvantages
Collected fruits can be stored for a long time even at room temperature. They tolerate storage well in the refrigerator or cellar. In this case, the fruits can be transported. The shelf life in a cool room ranges from one month to two. If the fruit sits for a while, then during this time it will be able to ripen and get a richer taste. Also among the advantages are high resistance to cold temperatures and first frosts. In addition, the Katya apple tree is distinguished by its increased yield - up to 80 kilograms of fruit can be harvested from one mature tree.
The apple tree is extremely resistant to dangerous diseases, especially fungal infections. The variety also boasts a long shelf life – up to 2 months. This variety of apple tree begins to bear fruit already in the third or fourth year of growth.
But, with all the positive aspects, some negative aspects can also be highlighted. The skin of apples is relatively thick, so you will have to peel it off.
On a note! After long-term storage, the peel becomes softer.
Characteristics of the Katya apple tree
Many characteristics directly depend on the care and agricultural techniques of growing a fruit tree. With proper care and increased care, this variety will delight you with many of its features: high yield, high immunity, good resistance to frost and good commercial quality.
Tree dimensions
In growth it reaches medium size. Its height, as a rule, does not exceed four meters. The crown can be round or broadly oval. This fruit tree grows narrow in width, not spreading. Fruiting occurs on ringlets, annual growths and fruit twigs. Flowering begins quite early. Experienced gardeners also note that a better harvest can be achieved with the help of pollinating varieties.
Ripening time
The apple tree is characterized by medium early fruiting. The first fruits will appear only in the second half of August. A lot of fruits are set on the branches of the tree, so in some cases plucking will be required for better growth. Sometimes harvesting begins later if the summer has been relatively cool.
Fruit evaluation
Apples of this variety weigh up to 150 grams, the average fruit is 100-120 grams. Crispy and dense fruits taste sweet, but with sourness.The fruits have a delicate creamy consistency. As they develop, the apples change from yellow-greenish to bright red. The shape is elongated-conical. The skin of the fruit is dense, so the fruit is reliably protected from mechanical damage when falling to the ground. The peduncle is long and smooth. The marketability of the fruit is assessed as average.
Fruiting
Fruiting begins already in the third year of the apple tree’s life. It has a high yield. Young seedlings will delight you with a bountiful harvest of almost 20 kilograms. At the age of six years, the amount of harvest increases, and the apple tree can produce up to 40 kilograms of fruit. When a tree reaches ten years of age, it can reward a caring gardener with a harvest of 80 kilograms.
Winter hardiness
The Katya apple tree variety is highly resistant to low temperatures, so the fruit tree can withstand wintering and does not need additional covering. Therefore, it tolerates winter well, and in spring it blooms profusely.
Diseases
This variety is resistant to serious diseases. However, it is especially resistant to disorders such as apple scab and powdery mildew. Thanks to immune protection, the fruit tree is able to resist most harmful insects and fungal diseases. With careful care, the crown, fruits and roots maintain an intact structure. For additional protection against root rot, it is recommended to carry out treatments.
Regions of distribution
The Katya apple tree variety has become widespread in many regions of Russia, mainly in the central regions. However, this fruit tree adapts to any terrain.
If the climatic conditions are not entirely suitable for growing an apple tree, the tree will need care.
