Silver hoof apple tree: variety description and characteristics, planting and care

Unlike other apple trees, the Silver Hoof variety is more often grown in the Urals and Siberia. Such localization is due to the increased drought and frost resistance of the plant, the ability to withstand sudden temperature changes, good productivity and precocity. Planting and caring for the Silver Hoof is not difficult. However, in order for the plant to bear fruit, a number of conditions must be met.

History of breeding and region of growth

Gardeners owe the appearance of this variety to the breeder L. A. Kotov, who in the 80s of the last century bred the plant in the nursery of Yekaterinburg. The silver hoof was obtained by crossing apple trees Rainbow and Snowflake.

The plant took its unique characteristics from crops that were not popular with gardeners. But in part, the Silver Hoof received frost and drought-resistant properties due to the fact that among the "descendants" of the Rainbow and Snowflake there are Siberian varieties.

The plant, due to these characteristics, is suitable for growing in any region. But breeders recommend planting crops in territories located from the Urals to Kazakhstan.

Features of the variety

The indicated characteristics are due not only to the "ancestors" of the tree. The external features of the culture also played a significant role in this.

External data

The description of the variety indicates that the Silver Hoof is a medium-sized tree. However, the "live" plant looks different.

Tree height

As noted, the Silver Hoof belongs to medium-sized varieties of apple trees. In height, an adult tree does not exceed three to four meters.

Crown width

The crown of the tree is round or rounded. The branches are located almost at an angle of 90 degrees to the trunk. The size of the crown depends on the nature of pruning, which must be carried out annually, as the tree is prone to overgrowth. However, the branches do not extend far.

Root system

The root system of an apple tree is developed and relatively powerful, but is located close to the surface. This must be taken into account when fertilizing.

Shape of leaves and flowers

Apple tree leaves have the following characteristics:

• rich green shade;
• round base;
• pointed top;
• medium pubescence;
• matte surface;
• raised edges with fine teeth.

The apple tree of this variety has rounded flowers of medium or large size, white.

Technical description

The apple tree of this variety has an important feature: the tree tolerates prolonged drought well. But this plant is characterized not only by this dignity.

Winter hardiness

Culture is able to tolerate prolonged frosts, while maintaining the same fertility. Therefore, this variety is preferred to be grown beyond the Urals.

Disease resistance

The likelihood of infection with scab and other diseases directly depends on the nature of tree care. With abundant moisture in warm summers, the risk of infection increases.

But with proper care, the plant shows average resistance to diseases.

Pollinator varieties

The apple tree of this variety is self-fertile. To obtain a crop next to the plant, it is recommended to plant the following pollinators:

• Zhigulevskoe;
• Anis Sverdlovsk;
• White filling;
• Cowberry.

The maximum distance to the pollinator should not exceed 60 meters. But the optimal landing pattern is 5x3 meters.

Self-fertility

As mentioned earlier, the Silver Hoof variety is not capable of self-pollination. Therefore, without trees that could perform this function, the apple tree does not produce a crop.

Ripening dates and yields

The timing of apple ripening depends on the region where the tree grows. Ripe fruits are harvested from late July to mid-August. Apples left on the tree until September become translucent. With proper care, an adult tree produces up to 160 kilograms of ripe fruit.

Taste and nutritional value of apples

Apples of the Silver Hoof variety are distinguished by fine-grained pulp with a juicy texture. The fruits have a pleasant, sweet and sour taste. The composition of an apple contains up to 13% sugars and up to 17% solids. Also, for every 100 grams of fruit, there are up to 12.5 milligrams of ascorbic acid.

Methods of reproduction

The silver hoof apple trees are propagated by cuttings and grafting (buds or cuttings). Less commonly used is the method of planting seeds in open ground.

Planting and Care Technology

The characteristics of the plant and the yield of the apple tree directly depend on how accurately the planting rules are followed.

Disembarkation

An important condition for the normal development of the apple tree is the correct choice of the place and timing of planting.

Optimal timing

It is recommended to plant seedlings of the Silver Hoof variety in:

• April;
• late July;
• mid-October.

Autumn is considered the best time for landing.

Location and soil composition

It is recommended to plant an apple tree in well-lit areas with deep groundwater. The culture develops better in light and loose soil.

Technology

For seedlings of the Silver Hoof apple tree, it is recommended to dig a hole with a diameter of 70 centimeters and a depth of up to 60 centimeters. At the bottom of the hole, it is necessary to pour 4 kilograms of humus, 20 grams of urea with calcium, 40 grams of superphosphate. After that, fertilizers must be sprinkled with earth, forming a hill, on which the seedling is then placed and buried with soil. The tree must immediately be tied to a peg.

Water Regularity

The frequency of watering depends on the nature of the warm season. On average, water is applied under the plant no more than three times. For the first time, the tree is watered during flowering, then - before the beginning of July, at the end - after harvest.

Under young apple trees you need to bring up to four buckets of water, under adults - up to 10.

Feeding the tree

For young trees, the following feeding scheme is recommended:

• urea solution in March;
• liquid feeding in May or June;
• superphosphate solution after harvest.

An adult tree needs urea (500 grams) every spring. During flowering, a mixture of 20 liters of water, 50 grams of urea, 80 grams of potassium sulfate and 100 grams of superphosphate, infused for a week, should be added under the trunk. At the end of flowering, the plant is fertilized with a solution of 2 grams of dry sodium humate and 100 grams of nitrophoska, diluted in the same amount of liquid.

After harvesting, the apple tree is fed with humus or a mixture of potassium sulfate and superphosphate (300 grams each). These fertilizers need to be applied to a depth of 20 centimeters.

Seasonal processing

In order to prevent infection, the apple tree is recommended to be treated with fungicides and insecticides until the first leaves appear, and then before flowering. It is also necessary to mulch the soil around the trunk.

Cutting

For the first time, tree pruning is carried out in the spring, the next year after planting seedlings, completely removing branches. In the future, similar manipulations must be performed near the bottom of the trunk. It is also necessary to remove damaged and affected branches, preventing the crown from overgrowing.

Do I need to cover the apple tree for the winter

In the first three years after planting, young trees need to be covered for the winter by mulching the soil around the trunk and wrapping the apple tree with fir branches with burlap. In the future, it is enough to treat the barrel with disinfectants.

Transfer

Transplantation of the Silver Hoof apple tree is not required. But if such a need arises, then the tree must be moved, trying not to damage the roots.

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