We all have heard about this sort of apples like Macintosh. This variety is preferred by breeders as the basis for obtaining new good varieties of apples.
Spartan, which we will talk about today, is also its derivative. The second variety chosen for crossing was Yellow Newtown - also not a little-known among gardeners. But how successful was the new cultivated variety - we will try to understand.
Apple Spartan. What are the features of the variety?
The variety of apples Spartan can not be attributed to the large varieties. Rather, to the middle ones, since their weight hesitates in the region of 120 g. Apple attracts the eye with its beautiful spilled blush, behind which in some places the yellow-green color with white patches shows through.
The peel has a matte appearance and in the most saturated in color places casts a blue. The fruit is very juicy, the pulp is snow-white and hard, and if there is a slight sourness, it is quite insignificant. Most characterize this apple variety, as sweet. The shape of the fruit is round, but slightly flattened.
Now about the tree of Spartacus
The tree is characterized by quite intensive growth, although it does not grow high, with a wide crown and a predisposition to thickening, which is why pruning is a necessary step in the process of caring for him.
The branches in relation to the trunk are angled at 60-80º. The tree blooms together, pleasing the eye with an abundance of small flowers. Disease resistance average, the scab carries the greatest threat, but powdery mildew is not so terrible for this variety.
With the right care, you can count on a harvest in the third year after planting. Apple tree generously bestow fruit, however yield will vary from 15 to 100 kg, depending on the age of the tree and the effort involved in the process of caring for it. In late September, the apples are ready for harvest, and December is the month when they reach full ripeness and are saturated with taste.
What is different shoots
Let's not forget that our apple tree is of Canadian origin, and therefore it has some visual differences. So, shoots havecharacteristic of this variety pubescence and rich dark cherry color, and small dark green leaves are distinguished by a kind of twisting, which makes them different from the usual branches of our eyes.
Talk about the virtues of our variety.
And immediately select such advantages as precociousness, high transportability, a very long storage period (at the right temperature and conditions, until April) - all this makes the variety the most attractive for commercial activities.
In addition, gardeners who already have experience in growing this tree know that another advantage is low shedding of fruit even under adverse weather conditions. We have already mentioned a fairly high yield, the tree bears fruit every year, though with varying success, but constantly, which can also be noted as a plus.
And now about the sad: disadvantages
The disadvantages include not highly high winter hardiness varieties, but with this problem you can easily cope by grafting the apple petiole, which copes well with this task and is not afraid of frost.
Not very big apples - can also affect the choice in favor of another tree, but their fragrant and sweet taste can be put in against this factor, because for many tastes are much more important than the size of the fruit.
The scab will also not become a significant problem if you respond to the problem in time and take care of the tree and garden.
Details about the features of landing
When buying a tree sapling, it is necessary to give preference to plants with a more developed root system. Pruning can be done immediately (40-60 cm). When choosing a place, it should be taken into account that the tree will be wide enough in the future, and therefore it should not be an obstacle for the comfortable existence of other plants.
The apple tree loves the light and it will be better on the open and unshadowed terrain The optimal time for planting is spring and autumn.
The soil should be loamy, because any apple tree reacts painfully to the lack of air, and the clay composition will be disastrous for it. To this end, it adds river sand and peat. If, on the contrary, it is more sandy, then it is necessary to introduce compost, humus, peat and clay.
In general, the recommendations for planting are the same as for planting any other apple. Pit is recommended scoop up to 70 cm deep and about a meter wide. To fill the bottom of the pit with a fertile layer of soil with the addition of mineral and organic fertilizers, mix and add a layer without fertilizers.
Closer to the edge of the landing pit need to drive a stake, which will rise above the ground by half a meter, and serve as a support for the young plant.Carefully get a sapling, trying not to shake off the ground from it, and place it in a pit so that the ground level matches the tree’s habit (the one that was in the container), trample down the soilby filling all the voids, and make around a small cushion.
Water until water is absorbed. Soil around grind peat. Twine tie tree, trying not to damage it.
Now about the features of care
The main stages of care are regular watering, feeding and pruning. Watering depends on the time of year and the amount of natural precipitation. In the hot season, the frequency of watering should be at least one - two times a week.
Useful method of "rain" irrigation. In addition to beneficial irrigation, this method is an additional protection against pests. You should also not forget that in no case should watering be carried out during the day, it can cause burns of the plant. The best time for this is evening.
Soil loosening - also an important point. It should be done carefully, observing the necessary distance and depth, in order to avoid damage to the root system.
Do not forget about feeding the tree
In spring and autumn, the plant needs feeding. It is desirable to produce it in three stages: in April, when the trees begin to bloom and at the end of the flowering period. Usually, humus, bird droppings, and slurry are used for these purposes.
If you do not pay attention to pruning, the tree will soon cease to produce the desired yield, and its quantity will decrease with each passing year. Do not forget about it.
Well, and, of course, necessary monitor sanitary conditions not only this variety of apple, but the garden as a whole. After all, all fruit trees are prone to various diseases and pest attacks.
Scab, fruit rot, powdery mildew, moth, hawthorn - can be a significant problem and cause a considerable amount of trouble. Timely symptoms are key to successful treatment. Therefore, one should not neglect even such simple procedures as cleaning and burning leaves in the autumnbecause many pests are hiding there for the period of the cold season.
BUT spraying plants folk remedies not only will not harm, but also can bring significant benefits.
Love nature, plants, surround them with care, and they will certainly thank you, giving a rich harvest.
