To understand the positive and negative aspects of any plant, you need to grow it. The Slavyanka apple tree variety has an excellent reputation; summer residents value it for its high and stable yield, excellent taste of fruits and resistance to harsh winters. And every gardener will be able to evaluate the remaining characteristics after growing it in his garden. The species was developed a long time ago, and during this time it has not lost popularity. Slavyanka is still met in old gardens.
Description of the variety
The variety was bred in 1890, and Michurin I.V. is recognized as its creator. Slavyanka is the result of pollination by Antonovka, pollen and Pineapple Renet. Subsequently, Ivan Vladimirovich observed the growth and development of the tree for 30 years. The variety was released and received recognition among gardeners.
For beginners, a detailed varietal description is of great importance. Information helps to avoid common mistakes and get the harvest as soon as possible.
The apples of this tree are not large; if you graft them onto a cultivated rootstock, the weight of one fruit will reach 110 g. And the average weight is 70-80 g. The ovaries are formed on perennial branches and on last year’s growth.
The peculiarity of the Slavyanka apple tree is that during flowering it can withstand cold weather. The tree can withstand temperatures as low as -5 ⁰C, the ovary will not fall off, the fruits will ripen.
The variety is very hardy, it is frost-resistant, wind-resistant and has high immunity to crop diseases. For these qualities, he fell in love with lovers of healthy fruits.
Pros and cons of the variety
The presence of positive characteristics makes the variety preferable for cultivation. A small number of negative ones is not forbidden. It is difficult to find a completely ideal option for growing. Against the background of its advantages, its shortcomings are almost invisible.
Pros:
- winter hardiness;
- low maintenance requirements;
- wind resistance;
- presence of immunity to major diseases;
- regular harvest;
- good external characteristics of Slavyanka apples;
- long shelf life;
- rapid onset of fruiting in young seedlings.
Minuses:
- the fruits are small;
- partial self-pollination;
- fruits fall off due to lack of nutrients;
- After ripening, apples fall from the branches.
With proper care, the disadvantages are significantly reduced.This apple tree has more positive qualities, which is why most experienced summer residents choose it.
Characteristics
In order to choose the right place on the site and properly care for the tree, you need to know its characteristics, taking into account which gardeners receive the declared harvest. There should be no difficulties with growing Slavyanka; the tree is unpretentious. Virtually no special care is required, everything is standard.
Dimensions
The height of an adult apple tree is approximately 4 m. The width of the crown reaches 3 m. Each year, the apple tree grows by approximately 50-70 cm, depending on the care and climatic characteristics of the growing region. The seedling begins to bear fruit 3-4 years after planting.
Productivity
The Slavyanka variety is characterized by high yield. The frequency of fruiting does not differ. The volume of the harvest depends on the patience and hard work of the summer resident. Up to 200 kg are collected from one tree.
Winter hardiness
The tree is able to withstand prolonged winter frosts. Because of this feature, it is suitable for cultivation in northern regions. This variety, proven over the years, is not wrapped up for the winter; summer residents are completely confident in it.
Disease resistance
Breeders claim that the variety resists:
- scab;
- powdery mildew;
- rot;
- other fungal diseases.
When carrying out preventive treatment of plants in the garden, Slavyanka is also treated. But they don’t do this on purpose. They fight pests with all available means, set traps or treat them with special solutions.
Fruit evaluation
Experts rate the taste of the fruit at 4.5 points on a 5-point scale. Apples are characterized by a slight sourness and a persistent, unobtrusive aroma.Each summer resident evaluates the taste differently, so before planting a tree, it is recommended to try its fruits.
Timing of flowering and fruit ripening
Flowering, like ripening, depends on the growing region. The apple tree of this variety blooms in May. The fruits ripen almost simultaneously in September.
It is recommended to pick Slavyanka apples from the tree when they are not fully ripe and leave them. Otherwise, all the fruits will fall off and become unsuitable for storage.
Apples are suitable for fresh consumption and any method of processing. The use of fruits depends on the personal preferences of family members.
When storing fresh, the necessary conditions should be created. The collection container is taken wooden, sprinkle the fruit with sawdust, straw or sand.
Fruits are stored in basements, cellars or special rooms. During the winter, be sure to re-sort the apples several times to avoid rotting of the harvest.
Favorable areas for growing
Suitable for cultivation in the North-Western and Central regions of Russia, since the variety is adapted to the climatic characteristics of these regions. Slavyanka is also grown in Belarus and northern Ukraine.
Reviews from gardeners growing Slavyanka
To help beginners and inexperienced gardeners, more experienced gardeners leave comments on websites dedicated to apple trees. Beginners find a lot of useful information on planting and caring for trees:
- Nikolai: “I planted Slavyanka on the plot, it suited everyone. For some reason she was frozen. While growing, there was no need for any other winter types of apples. The family liked me."
- Sergey: “This apple tree has been growing for 6 years. It seems to me that she can do everything, withstand the cold, resist the wind. Apples last a long time, enough for yourself and your neighbors.The apples have an excellent taste, neither sour nor sweet. I personally like it."
Growing Slavyanka on the plot is a pleasure. You don’t have to do anything special; caring for the tree is minimal. And the productivity is always at the highest level.
