Description and characteristics of the Zvezdochka apple tree, cultivation, planting and care

A feature of the Zvezdochka apple tree is its vigorous growth. Also, the advantage of the variety is its unpretentiousness in care, the taste of the fruits and the duration of their storage. You can get the maximum yield if you follow all the nuances of planting and caring for the tree.

The history of breeding the Zvezdochka apple tree

This variety was developed thanks to the efforts of breeders from the Michurinsky Research Institute. The plant was obtained after crossing Anise with Pepinka Litovskaya. Thanks to this crossing, the fruits of the plant have excellent commercial qualities. But due to instability to low temperatures, it is necessary to plant this variety in areas with moderate climatic conditions, where cold winters are observed.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Among the positive qualities of the variety are the regularity of fruiting, the taste of apples, their shelf life, and resistance to scab. Zvezdochka also has disadvantages: lack of resistance to frost, lower yields every year. Direct connection between productivity and regular crown formation.

Characteristics of wood

The star has a lot of individual characteristics. They concern not only the external characteristics of the plant, but also its growth characteristics.

External parameters

The description of the variety states that the tree is characterized by an attractive rounded crown. Moreover, the plant is quite tall and requires formative and sanitary pruning.

Tree height

The tree is characterized by active growth. By the age of 20 years, the plant can grow more than 5 meters in height.

Crown width

At the beginning of growth and development, the plant is distinguished by a beautiful rounded crown. With active growth, it can change and become spreading and drooping. At the age of 20, the crown diameter reaches 6 meters in width, if the gardener does not carry out formative pruning.

Annual growth

According to statistics, the annual growth of the plant is set at 0.1 meters.This characteristic describes the tree as an actively growing crop.

Cultural sustainability

Before planting the Zvezdochka variety on your site, you need to know about its resistance to various environmental factors. Most often, gardeners pay attention to the tree’s resistance to temperature changes, attacks by pests and diseases.

To frost and drought

The apple tree has average winter hardiness. If you do not provide it with the necessary care, when the temperature is set at -25 degrees, the plant begins to freeze. In arid climates, the tree needs good watering, otherwise the plant will grow slowly and bear fruit poorly.

To infections and pests

This variety exhibits high resistance to scab. But it is susceptible to fruit rot and powdery mildew.

This variety is occasionally attacked by pests. If you follow all the planting and care technology, the apple tree will grow and develop well.

Harvest Features

The asterisk bears fruit with medium-sized apples, the weight characteristics of which are set in the range of 80-150 grams. The yield rate is high and regular. Every year you can collect 90-170 kilograms of fruit from 1 tree. Under favorable conditions and good care, 230 kilograms of fruit can be harvested from the plant in a year.

Pollinator varieties

In order for the tree to be pollinated, pollinating varieties must be planted nearby. The best options are:

• Antonovka;
• Zhigulevskoe;
• Memory of the Warrior;
• Bogatyr.

If Zvezdochka is planted in an established apple orchard, it is necessary to check that a third of all planted plants are pollinators for this variety.

First fruiting period

If the seedlings were planted on a dwarf rootstock, they begin to bear fruit 1-2 years earlier than standard plants, which form apples 5-7 years after planting. If pruned incorrectly, the tree may also begin to bear fruit later.

Timing of flowering and fruit ripening

Apples begin to be collected in early September if the trees were grown in the southern regions. In northern conditions, ripening begins 2-3 weeks later. The harvested crop should ripen within 3-4 weeks.

Productivity

The yield of this variety is high. With proper care, the tree produces 70-110 kilograms of fruit.

Taste qualities of apples

Ripe apples have a sweet taste. The pulp has an attractive sweet and sour aroma.

Collection and use of fruits

The harvested crop can be stored for 5-6 months. Fruits should be placed in wooden boxes disinfected with antifungal solutions. You need to lay apples in 1 row. The boxes must be placed in a basement or cellar. If you put the apples in the refrigerator, they will be stored there for 2 months.

Apples can be transported. However, they should not be transported over long distances, as they begin to darken at the points of impact with each other.

Planting and care technology

To get a healthy plant, you must follow all the nuances of planting and caring for it. This approach will help to obtain maximum yield and protect the plant from pests and diseases.

Preparation of seedlings

You need to buy seedlings from trusted sellers. It is advisable that it be grown in the region where planting is planned. The branches should be free of traces of diseases and pests. Before planting, the root system of the plant should be soaked in water for a day.All broken roots are removed.

Choosing the best place

The apple tree needs to be planted in a lighted area. The soil on the site should be fertile, loose with deep groundwater. Southern or southwestern locations in the garden are best suited for growing.

Disembarkation dates and scheme

It is best to plant the plant in spring. The optimal period for this is the last days of April, May.

If the seedling cannot be planted in the spring, it should be planted in the fall, 1.5 months before the onset of cold weather. This time is necessary for the tree to adapt.

Agricultural technology

Before planting, the area must be thoroughly dug up and cleared of weeds. Next, a hole with a diameter of 0.4 meters is prepared. The pit is filled 30% with a mixture made from humus, earth, ash, and 35 grams of superphosphate. Next, place the seedling, straighten the roots, and cover it with soil. The root collar should be located 5-6 centimeters above the ground.

After planting, the soil is compacted and watered. Thorough watering is provided to the tree for 1.5 months after planting.

Pruning and crown formation

Since this variety actively sends out shoots, they need to be pruned in a timely manner. It is best to perform the procedure in early spring. When late autumn approaches, formative pruning cannot be carried out.

Sanitary pruning is required when traces of diseases and pests appear. To protect the plant, after the procedure it is necessary to treat it with a special product.

Preparing for winter

To prevent the plant from freezing and to tolerate frost well, it must be prepared for winter in advance. To do this, reduce the frequency of watering. Before the onset of the first frost, it is recommended to cover the tree trunk circle with mulch. Spruce paws are best suited for this.