Description, characteristics and subspecies of the Uslada apple tree, subtleties of cultivation

Gardeners planning to fill their garden with compact, abundantly fruiting trees are advised to pay attention to the Uslada apple tree. The variety has become famous thanks to many qualities that are best studied in advance. It is also better to learn about care before planting; this will facilitate some processes and prevent annoying mistakes.

Advantages and disadvantages

The Uslada apple tree has many advantages, which are noted by experienced gardeners. Among them:

• the tree soon after planting enters the fruiting phase;
• the variety easily tolerates frost;
• The plant can withstand low temperatures.

It’s difficult to talk about the downsides; the only thing that can disturb is the overgrowth of the crown, which will require regular pruning.

The history of the appearance of the Uslada variety

Uslada owes its appearance to one of Michurin’s students, MSU employee Isaev, who crossed cultivated varieties and wild apple trees. Almost in 2000, the variety was allowed to be grown in different regions of Russia. Uslada grows successfully in private gardens and large industrial farms.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the Uslada apple tree usually include the excellent taste of the fruit. Another advantage over other varieties is resistance to diseases of fruit crops.

Among the disadvantages, some gardeners note the uneven ripening of apples. Thanks to thickening, the fruiting season can be extended.

Description

It is better to study the description of the Uslada apple tree in advance in order to prepare the most convenient place for the tree and to avoid mistakes in care.

Trunk height and crown width

The Uslada apple tree is classified as a medium-sized variety. The height of the trunk rarely exceeds 4 m, which greatly facilitates the collection of fruits. Crown width - up to 5 m.

Annual growth

Apple tree shoots grow too actively and can grow up to 25 cm in a year.That is why it is recommended to carry out regular pruning, which will allow you to maintain a compact crown.

Root system

The root system is also actively growing. In an adult tree, shoots can reach 3-5 m. This must be taken into account when planting other plants nearby or when loosening the soil.

Yield characteristics

Gardeners are attracted to the Uslada apple tree not only by the compactness of the trees, but also by the yield. The taste of the fruit is also not the least important aspect of the variety.

Appearance and taste of apples

Uslada apples have a characteristic raspberry hue to the fruit. The pulp is juicy, white with a characteristic pink note. The taste is sweet and sour, with a pronounced apple aroma.

Harvest quantity

An adult tree produces up to 70-80 kg of fruit. Apples have strong, thick petioles, which prevents ripe fruit from falling off.

Collection and use of fruits

The first fruits ripen in mid-August. Fruiting is long-lasting - thanks to the dense crown, apples ripen until mid-September.

The use of Uslada apples is universal. The fruits are used to prepare culinary masterpieces, canned, and consumed fresh.

Specifications

Often, many gardeners give preference not to the taste of the fruit, but to the technical characteristics.

It is better to study the characteristics of trees in advance, this will greatly facilitate care.

Frost resistance

Uslada is resistant to low temperatures and thrives even in harsh conditions. In warm regions, an apple tree can do without winter shelter; in cold regions it is better to protect the tree.

Immunity to infections and diseases

A distinctive feature of the variety is resistance to diseases.Scab and rot rarely affect Uslada, but experienced gardeners warn that it is better not to risk the plant and carry out timely preventive treatment.

Requirements for soil and climatic conditions

Uslada feels great on light loams. If the soil is poor and heavy, it is better to prepare a nutrient mixture. When planting, add compost and humus to the soil. A small amount of sand and clay will be useful.

The apple tree is recommended for growing even in difficult climatic conditions. Frost and heat are not an obstacle to abundant fruiting.

Planting seedlings

Mistakes made when planting a young tree can lead to poor development or even death of the plant. In order not to destroy the apple tree, it is recommended to carefully study the planting requirements.

Deadlines

It is recommended to plant young plants in early autumn; this time is enough for the seedling to adapt to a new location. If you have to plant in the spring, do not delay the process - plant before the sap begins to flow.

Hole layout and dimensions

Plant Uslada no closer than 4 m to other fruit crops. Leave 3 m between rows. The diameter of the hole is at least half a meter. Depth - 55-70 cm. Be sure to install drainage.

Optimal landing place

Delight is afraid of drafts and gusts of wind, so it is better to plant an apple tree in a cozy corner of the garden or near courtyard buildings. Make sure that large varieties of fruit crops do not shade the plant.

Caring for a young tree after planting

After planting, add a layer of mulch to protect from cold and heat. Be sure to water the plant generously - at least a bucket per seedling. In hot summers, moisten the soil and loosen it.

Agricultural technology behind a mature tree

Compliance with the rules of agricultural technology will allow you to get a lush tree with abundant fruiting. Caring for Uslada consists of timely watering, fertilizing, and pruning.

Care Tips

There are many tips that will make it easy to care for your apple tree and get a harvest in a short time.

Watering

Watering should be carried out during dry season - apply 10-20 liters of water under each tree. Be sure to leave the liquid in the sun.

Top dressing

For fertilizers, use complex compounds. You can replace chemicals with organic matter - mullein infusion or humus.

Loosening the soil

Regularly loosen the soil. Be sure to remove weeds that take away nutrients from the soil.

Seasonal processing

During the season, irrigate the apple tree against pests and diseases. Use preparations based on copper sulfate, folk remedies.

Trimming

In the first year of life, the main trunk is shortened. In subsequent years, shoots, dry or broken branches are pruned.

Mulching

For mulching, use peat and compost. The mulch layer is at least 5 cm. If a nutrient layer is used, it is better not to use fertilizers; thanks to the melt water, the plant will receive everything it needs.

Subspecies and options

There are several subspecies of Delight that you need to learn about in more detail. Knowledge will allow you to care for the variety without hassle.

Columnar

When planting, the formation of a root system will be required. The columnar subspecies will have to be pruned regularly. Used in industrial production or in small gardens.

On a dwarf rootstock

Used if you need to speed up fruiting or get a plant that is resistant to freezing or harsh climates.Uslada is not afraid of the cold and thrives in the northern regions.

On clonal rootstock

The main advantage of the apple tree is that all maternal characteristics are completely adopted. Grow if it is necessary to preserve genetic qualities.

Growing an Uslada apple tree will certainly bring pleasure even to inexperienced gardeners, because there will be no difficulties in caring for it. If all the rules of agricultural technology are strictly observed, the tree will certainly reward you with fruiting already in the third year after planting.