Apple tree "Chinese Kerr": description of the variety and the rules of cultivation
In almost every garden you can find such a fruit tree as an apple tree. In addition, several species of a given tree very often grow simultaneously on the same plot.The “China Kerr” apple tree is very popular in the garden plots, and the description of the variety and its cultivation rules show that this variety is able to satisfy the needs of each person.
Special features
Such a fruit tree as the apple tree “Kitayka Kerr” can become a real pearl of the garden. The variety got its name because of the particular shape of the leaves, which look very much like the leaves of Chinese plum. The height of a tree with a crown in the form of a cone can reach 10 meters. The “China Kerr” apple tree is really beautiful during flowering. During this period, trees are covered with small flowers with a honey aroma, behind which leaves are almost imperceptible.
It is worth noting that fruits contain a large amount of vitamin C, so they are considered healing and very useful. The taste of apples are sweet and sour, with a pleasant aftertaste.
The description of the variety “Kitayka Kerr” says that the fruits can be eaten fresh and also processed into juice, compote, jam or marmalade.
Landing
Apple tree "Kitayka Kerr" is characterized by frost resistance and drought resistance, thanks to which it perfectly adapts 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 light areas. The distance between the trees should be at least 6 meters. The landing process is recommended in the spring or autumn.
For planting apple trees, "Chinese Kerr" is best suited two or three year old seedlings. Before planting, the roots of the trees must be filled with warm water for 24 hours, then dipped in a liquid clay solution. The pit with a diameter of 1 m and a depth of 80 cm is filled with a layer of earth, humus and wood ash. This mixture fills the third part of the pit, after which the seedling is installed and filled with soil from above, leaving the root of the root system 5 cm above the soil. The ground around the trunk of a tree should be well compacted, and the apple tree itself should be tied up in order to preserve its integrity.
Care
After planting the "China Kerr" apple tree, it is necessary to ensure proper care. A standard set of care measures 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 it needs 30 liters.
After each watering the soil around the apple is recommended to cover 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 apple tree “Kitayka Kerr” is fertilized with a composition of saltpeter and organic matter. The following feeding is done during the formation of ovaries on the branches with the help of the composition of 1 bucket of water and 250 grams of nitrophoska. After harvesting, the tree also needs additional feeding.
Despite the fact that the “China Kerr” apple tree is resistant to the adverse effects of the environment, preventive measures should be taken periodically to protect the tree from diseases and pests. To prevent the onset of diseases such as cytosporosis and scab, it is worth spraying the branches with copper sulfate solution. A good solution against aphid is a soap solution with the addition of tobacco. From the impact of moths or other tsvetoedov help chlorine.
Trimming is done in early spring. It is during this period that dry and damaged branches are removed from the trees. Formation of the crown is worth the fall. In winter, the trunk of an apple tree should be wrapped with fir branches or roofing felt. In the spring, using a rake, you need to make a mandatory procedure for loosening the soil around the trunk, as well as whiten it with lime.
So that the apple tree “Kitayka Kerr” is under reliable protection from rodents, it is worth wrapping the trunk with newspapers that are fixed with scotch tape. This will prevent frosting of the tree, and also allow you to keep it safe and sound.Such rules of care will help to create the most comfortable conditions for the full growth of apple trees of this variety.
Fruiting
Apple tree "China Kerr" are characterized by a high level of fruiting. The first crop can be harvested after 4 years from the time of planting. Fruits are red with a diameter of about 2 cm with a round shape and pink flesh. On the branches, apples grow in the form of clusters of 3-8 pieces, which makes the harvest process quick and convenient. Up to 100 kg of fruit can be harvested from one tree.
In many ways, weather conditions affect fruiting levels. Experienced gardeners with the goal of creating high yields recommend the first 2 years after planting a tree, remove the emerging flowers. This feature fills the apple tree with life force and contributes to abundant fruiting.
Harvesting and storage
Harvesting is done from the “China Kerr” apple trees in September. It is recommended to collect apples in wooden boxes or pallets with sides. You can store the harvest by setting the boxes in tiers at a temperature of +1 degree for 2 months.
Between the boxes must be left small gaps for proper ventilation. During this time, apples perfectly retain their original qualities and can be used fresh.
Reviews
Numerous reviews indicate that the apple tree "Kitayka Kerr" is widely demanded 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 good yield and excellent taste, so that the fruits are actively used for various culinary masterpieces and preparations in the form of preservation.
The great advantage of the "China Kerr" apple trees is the presence of a strong fruit stem in the fruit. Thanks to this feature, even during frosts, apples can hang on the branches, preserving their freshness. In addition, this variety is well adapted to any weather conditions and does not require special care. Enough standard set of measures that applies to almost any fruit trees. All these features make the “China Kerr” apple tree popular not only on large fruit plantations, but also on summer cottages.
See the following video for tips on caring for an apple tree.