Apple tree "Chinese Kerr": variety description and cultivation rules
In almost every garden you can find such a fruit tree as an apple tree. In addition, several species of this tree often grow simultaneously in one area. The Chinese Kerr apple tree is very popular in garden plots, and the description of the variety and the rules for growing it indicate that this variety is able to satisfy the needs of each person.
Peculiarities
Such a fruit tree as the Chinese Kerr apple tree can become a real gem of a garden. The variety got its name because of the special shape of the leaves, which outwardly very much resemble Chinese plum leaves. The height of a tree with a crown in the form of a cone can reach 10 meters. The Chinese Kerr apple tree is truly beautiful during flowering. During this period, the trees are covered with small flowers with a honey aroma, behind which the leaves are almost invisible.
It is worth noting that fruits contain a large amount of vitamin C, due to which they are considered healing and very useful. The taste of apples is sweet and sour, with a pleasant aftertaste.
The description of the variety "Chinese Kerr" suggests that the fruits can be consumed fresh, as well as processed into juice, compote, jam or marmalade.
Landing
Apple tree "Chinese Kerr" is characterized by frost resistance and drought resistance, thanks to which it adapts perfectly to any soil. The tree grows well and develops in light and moderately moist soil, such as sandy and loamy. For planting, it is worth choosing bright areas.The distance between trees should be at least 6 meters. The planting process is recommended in spring or autumn.
Two-year-old or three-year-old seedlings are best suited for planting the China Kerr apple tree. Before planting, the roots of the trees must be poured for 24 hours with warm water, and then dipped in a liquid clay solution. A pit with a diameter of 1 m and a depth of 80 cm is filled with a layer of earth, humus and wood ash. The third part of the pit is filled with such a mixture, after which a seedling is installed and covered with soil from above, leaving the neck of the root system 5 cm above the soil. The earth around the tree trunk should be well tamped, and the apple tree itself should be tied up in order to preserve its integrity.
Care
After planting the China Kerr apple tree, you need to ensure proper care. The standard care package includes:
- watering;
- top dressing;
- pest control;
- pruning.
Watering is recommended only as needed. Especially often the apple tree should be watered during the hot period. For a young seedling, 15 liters of water is enough, and for a tree that is more than 15 years old, 30 liters are needed.
After each watering, it is recommended to cover the soil around the apple tree with a layer of sawdust or peat.
The first feeding is carried out 6 months after planting. In the spring, the root system of the Chinese Kerr apple tree is fertilized with a composition of saltpeter and organic matter. The next top dressing is carried out during the formation of ovaries on the branches using a composition of 1 bucket of water and 250 grams of nitrophoska. After harvesting, the tree also needs to be fed.
Despite the fact that the apple tree "Chinese Kerr" is resistant to the adverse effects of the environment, it is necessary to take preventive measures from time to time in order to protect the tree from diseases and pests.To prevent the occurrence of diseases such as cytosporosis and scab, it is worth spraying the branches with a solution of copper sulfate. A soap solution with the addition of tobacco is considered a good protection against aphids. Chlorine will help from exposure to moths or other flower beetles.
Pruning is done in early spring. It is during this period that dry and damaged branches are removed from the trees. The formation of the crown should be carried out in the fall. For the winter, the trunk of an apple tree must be wrapped with spruce branches or roofing material. In the spring, using a rake, you need to carry out the obligatory procedure for loosening the soil around the trunk, and also whiten it with lime.
In order for the Chinese Kerr apple tree to be under reliable protection against rodents, it is worth wrapping the trunk with newspapers, which are fixed with tape. This will prevent freezing of the tree, and will also keep it safe and sound. Such rules of care will help create the most comfortable conditions for the full growth of apple trees of this variety.
Fruiting
The apple tree "Chinese Kerr" is characterized by a high level of fruiting. The first harvest can be harvested after 4 years from the date of planting. Fruits of red color with a diameter of about 2 cm with a rounded shape and pink flesh. On the branches, apples grow in bunches of 3-8 pieces, which makes the harvesting process quick and convenient. From one tree you can collect up to 100 kg of fruit.
In many ways, the level of fruiting is influenced by weather conditions. Experienced gardeners in order to create high yields recommend the first 2 years after planting a tree, remove emerging flowers. This feature fills the apple tree with vitality and contributes to abundant fruiting.
Harvest and storage
Harvesting is carried out from apple trees "China Kerr" in September.It is recommended to collect apples in wooden boxes or pallets with sides. You can store the crop by setting the boxes in tiers at a temperature of +1 degree for 2 months.
Small gaps must be left between the boxes for proper ventilation. During this time, apples perfectly retain their original qualities and can be consumed fresh.
Reviews
Numerous reviews indicate that the China Kerr apple tree is widely in demand not only among experienced gardeners, but also among amateur gardeners. In general, their increased resistance to frost, as well as the effects of various diseases, is noted. Also, this variety is valued for its good yield and excellent taste, due to which the fruits are actively used for various culinary masterpieces and preparations in the form of preservation.
The big advantage of the China Kerr apple trees is the presence of a strong stem in the fruits. Thanks to this feature, apples can hang on the branches even during frosts, retaining their freshness. In addition, this variety adapts well to any weather conditions and does not require special care. A standard set of measures is sufficient, which applies to almost any fruit tree. All these features make the Chinese Kerr apple tree popular not only in large fruit plantations, but also in summer cottages.
See below for details.