Winter varieties of apple trees are very popular among gardeners, as they make it possible to preserve fruits for a long period and replenish the supply of vitamins in the body during the cold season. The Topaz apple tree is unpretentious in care, productive, and exhibits increased resistance to common diseases. Apples have an unusual tart, but at the same time very pleasant taste with a barely noticeable sharpness.
Description of the variety
The Topaz apple tree appeared as a result of crossing Rubin and Vanda, which are quite famous and loved by many gardeners. Jaroslav Tupi, who was an employee of the Institute of Experimental Botany of the Academy of Sciences in the Czech Republic, worked on its creation. In 1984, Topaz was first introduced not only to amateurs, but also to professionals. In Europe, this variety has gained wide popularity: juices are squeezed from its fruits and excellent purees are made.
The description of this variety indicates that the tree grows of medium size, with a dense and spreading crown. The crown can be round in shape or in the form of a pyramid, expanding at the top. It requires mandatory shaping and sanitary pruning, and is prone to overgrowing. The branches are directed downwards.
The foliage in the lower part has strong pubescence and is painted in a rich emerald color. The shape of Topaz leaves is oblong, with a rounded base. The flowers are saucer-shaped, medium in size, and snow-white in color.
Apples most often form on ringlets. In the southern climate, fruits are also formed on last year's growths. The weight of one apple reaches 200 grams, its shape is round, slightly flattened. At the stage of technical ripeness, the main color of the fruit is greenish-cream, and the outer color has bright red-orange spots, which occupy almost half the area of the entire apple.
The pulp of the Topaz apple tree has a pleasant sweet and sour taste and is quite spicy. The aroma is tart and strong. The skin on apples is medium hard, a little rough to the touch, a little oily. The fruits have a universal purpose and can be eaten both fresh and used for making jam, compote, and soaking.
Tasters note that they are characterized by excellent dessert taste, rated at 4.8 points.
Characteristics
The characteristics of the Topaz apple tree variety give an idea of the main advantages and disadvantages of the variety. It is worth noting that this tree can be grown not only on a medium-sized rootstock, but also on a dwarf one. Topaz is a good pollinator for other apple trees. The plant itself is partially self-fertile, but when planted next to another pollinating variety, the yield increases significantly.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the benefits of the Topaz apple tree are the following:
- excellent taste of ripened fruits;
- suitability of the harvested crop for transportation over long distances;
- suitability for long-term storage;
- the possibility of using apples of this variety in dietary nutrition due to its composition;
- increased resistance to scab;
- medium resistance to powdery mildew.
No particular disadvantages have been identified in the Topaz apple tree, although reviews from gardeners indicate that when trees are grown in cold climates, the fruits are sour.
Dimensions of an adult tree, annual growth
An adult apple tree of the Topaz variety grows to medium size. Its height ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 meters. Young seedlings grow very rapidly, but an adult tree already produces moderate growth.
Productivity and frequency of fruiting
The young Topaz apple tree bears fruit every year and produces a bountiful harvest. Up to 12 kg of high quality fruits are collected from one plant. With age, productivity decreases. An apple tree can begin to bear fruit within a year. To prevent this from happening, you must strictly follow the care recommendations and take into account the peculiarities of agricultural technology.
Winter hardiness and disease resistance
The Topaz apple tree has excellent winter hardiness. However, when planted in low-lying areas or in areas with high humidity, young trees may freeze. Topaz has excellent resistance to scab and average resistance to powdery mildew.
Features of ripening and fruiting
The winter apple variety Topaz will produce its first harvest only when the tree reaches six years of age. The apple tree blooms at the end of May. The description of the variety suggests that this species belongs to the winter variety, therefore the harvest is carried out closer to the end of September or the beginning of October. In any case, they do this a week earlier than the famous Golden Delicious variety.
After picking apples and storing them, they ripen in November, and the fruits are able to retain their marketability and taste for six months. If the recommended storage conditions are observed, the harvest can be preserved for longer than the specified period.
Favorable regions for growing
The Topaz variety of winter apples is suitable for growing throughout the territory of the Republic of Belarus and Ukraine. Also excellent for cultivation in the climatic conditions of central Russia and the Moscow region. It is possible to grow it in colder regions, however, as evidenced by reviews from experienced gardeners, the taste of the fruit there is significantly deteriorated.
Winter apple tree Topaz has excellent drought resistance, which makes it suitable for growing in hot southern climates. Excessive moisture is detrimental to the tree, but its lack does not have a negative impact on yield, taste and marketability. They remain at a high level.
