The Starkrimson apple tree is the result of selective crossing of the Delicious and Starkin varieties. This variety was developed in America at the beginning of the 20th century. Apples have a pleasant sweet taste with a slight sourness, they are very aromatic. In the middle of the last century, the variety was extremely popular, but in recent years the popularity has decreased significantly due to the appearance of other species.
Description of the variety
This variety of apple trees belongs to the spur trees. The Starkrimson trees themselves are quite short. The crown has a compact pyramidal shape.There is a small branch on it, but the branches of the tree are very strong. The shoots are quite thick, dark brown in color, and the internodes are short.
The trunk is gray-brown with a pronounced gray coating. The leaves are dense and have a slightly elongated shape. The apples have a bright carmine color and a cone shape. Their weight is usually from 100 to 200 g. Translated, Starkrimson means “dark red star,” which is essentially a description of the color of the fruit.
They have a pleasant sweet taste with a slight sourness, very aromatic and strong. They have a dense structure, so they are easy to transport.
The skin of the fruit is an intense cherry color with small pink spots. The flesh of unripe apples is green; when fully ripe, it has a yellowish tint. The fruits ripen quite late: at the end of September and at the beginning of October.
Pros and cons of the Starkrimson apple tree
Trees of this variety have a number of obvious advantages. Among them, it is important to note the following:
- Due to its compact shape, this variety of apple tree can be planted in a small area.
- Trees have high yields.
- The fruits are stored for quite a long time and over time their taste only improves.
- The fruits have a pleasant taste and attractive appearance.
- Apples are suitable for consumption not only fresh, but also for processing.
However, with many advantages, this type also has a number of disadvantages that you should be aware of:
- Apple trees of this variety do not tolerate severe drought or frost.
- They have relative resistance to disease. Such trees are especially susceptible to scab.
- During long-term storage, fruits may suffer from bitter pitting.
- If the ovary is too abundant, small fruits may develop, so it needs to be thinned out.
Main characteristics
With proper care and watering, apple trees provide a high yield of quality fruits.
Dimensions
Apple trees of this variety are classified as medium-sized, sometimes even undersized. Typically, at the age of 5 years, the tree is no more than 2.5 m in height.
Productivity
Trees of this species have quite high fertility. On an industrial scale, about 300 centners of fruit are harvested from one quintal, on average 150 kg from one apple tree. Apples acquire a special juiciness after they are removed from the tree and stored for a short time.
Frequency of fruiting
Starkrimson is an early ripening variety. They bear fruit annually. A significant advantage of this variety is that the period from the moment of planting the seedling to the start of fruiting is relatively short. Apple trees need good watering 2-3 times a week with at least 10 liters per tree.
Winter hardiness
Unfortunately, Starkrimson apple trees are not very resistant to diseases and sudden temperature fluctuations. That is why this species began to give way to new varieties that are more resistant to diseases. Trees do not tolerate frost well, as well as severe drought. To prevent hypothermia, the root collar is covered with spruce paws at the end of autumn.
Disease resistance
This species is moderately resistant to scab. To avoid infection, apple trees are pre-sprayed with Bordeaux mixture. They are quite resistant to such a common disease as powdery mildew.
Apple trees are highly susceptible to destruction by the codling moth.
Also, the trunk can be damaged by rodents, so trees need additional protection.Preliminary sanitary treatment is necessary, which is carried out in the area of the crown and trunk.
Distribution in regions
Starkrimson does not tolerate frost well, so most often apple trees of this type are planted in areas with a mild climate.
In recent years, these fruit trees have become widespread in the southern regions of Russia, Ukraine and the Caucasus. It is here that the climate is most favorable for their growth and fruiting.
What are the varieties?
As mentioned, this species belongs to the spurs. Apples of the Starkrimson variety are very similar in appearance and taste to the fruits of the Red Delicious and Royal Red Delicious varieties.
