Apple Tree gift to Grafsky: variety description and characteristics, planting and care

Late varieties of apple trees are chosen for winter storage. Fruit ripening occurs in late September or early October. Fruits are stored until mid-spring. One of the late varieties of culture is an apple tree called gift to Grafsky. Red-purple fruits have a sweet and sour taste, light aroma. Further information about planting, care, fruiting nuances, advantages and disadvantages of the plant.

Culture Origins

gift to Grafsky was bred in the 70s of the 20th century. Breeding work was carried out by specialists from an experimental station located in the Vologda region.They crossed the elite American variety D101 and the usual domestic Vyaznikovka. The breeders named the bred apple tree in honor of the director of the state farm on whose territory the station was located.

Pros and cons

The positive qualities of culture include the following characteristics:

frost resistance;
rapid growth;
good immunity;
unpretentious care;
regular fruiting;
excellent taste;
good keeping quality.

The negative qualities of the apple tree include poor lighting of the lower branches, uneven fruit size.

Characteristic variety

Culture refers to late winter varieties. Fruits can be stored at home until mid-spring, in industrial storage - until early summer.

External parameters

Apple trees of the variety gift to Grafskoy are tall. The description says that the crown is dense, sprawling. The root system goes beyond the near-trunk circle.

Tree height

Depending on the rootstock used, the height of the tree varies between 5-8 meters. Apple growth is regulated by pruning.

Crown width

The diameter of the crown is about 4 meters. Leaves are densely arranged on a spreading crown, protecting the trunk from the bright rays of the sun.

Annual growth

Apple Tree gift to Grafskoy is characterized by rapid growth. Annual shoots lengthen by 1.2 meters.

Root branching

Apple tree builds horse system up to 18-20 years of age. The presence of thin hairs is of great importance: nutrition occurs through them, as well as the release of decay products. Part of the roots goes beyond the edges of the near-trunk circle.

Fruits and their taste

Weight of apples - 250-300 grams. The skin is colored red-violet. Fruits are sweet and sour, with a slight candy aroma. The pulp is fine-grained, yellow in color. Tasting score - 4.3 points out of 5.

Tolerance for low temperatures and drought

Trees are able to endure frosts down to -42 °C. Therefore, the culture can be grown in the northern regions. Due to a well-developed root system, it withstands a short drought.

Disease resistance

Apple Tree gift to the Count has good immunity. Trees are resistant to many fungal diseases.

Pollinator varieties

Culture is not self-fertile. In order for the plant to bear fruit abundantly, pollinating trees must be planted next to it. The best varieties of apple trees for pollination: Moscow later, Sinap northern, Student.

Important! Trees should bloom at about the same time.

Yields

Up to 250 kilograms of apples are harvested from an adult plant. Fruiting is annual. Begins in the 3rd year after planting. Fruit ripens in autumn.

Self-fertility

Apple Tree gift to Grafskoy does not apply to self-fertile varieties. For abundant fruiting, planting nearby pollinating trees is required.

In what areas grows

Frost-resistant crop capable of growing in areas with harsh winters. The trees can withstand temperatures of -42°C without loss of yield.

Crop technology

Purchase seedlings in plant nurseries of the same region in which they will grow in the future.

Landing

Trees can bear fruit for 20 years. Therefore, the landing site is chosen carefully.

Preparation of seedlings

The root system of an apple tree is placed in a bucket of water for 1 hour. Fungicide can be added for disinfection.

Choosing the optimal location and preparing the soil

The apple tree prefers to grow in a sunny area with low groundwater. The soil is selected loamy or sandy. The hole is dug 2-3 weeks before planting the tree.

Date and disembarkation scheme

Plant an apple tree in spring or autumn. The procedure is performed as follows:

dig a hole measuring 80×80 centimeters;
spread drainage;
fill the pit with fertile soil;
plant an apple tree;
fall asleep with soil, water abundantly.

The trunk circle is mulched to preserve moisture.

Proper Care Conditions

The quantity and quality of fruits depend on proper crop care.

Water and loosen the soil

Young seedlings need frequent irrigation. With age, the tree forms an extensive root system, and the frequency of watering is reduced. So that a crust does not form, periodically loosen the soil.

Feeding

The next year after planting, make a solution of chicken manure or slurry. In summer, potash and phosphorus fertilizers are used. After harvesting, minerals are applied, with the exception of nitrogen.

Pruning and crown shaping

Sanitary pruning carried out during the season will protect trees from diseases and pests. When forming the crown, they get rid of branches growing inward.

Preventive treatment

To prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests, trees are sprayed several times a season with special preparations. Processing should not be carried out during the flowering period of trees.

Mulching and wintering

The root circle is sprinkled with mulch: straw, sawdust, peat. The procedure will prevent the evaporation of moisture, contribute to the successful wintering of trees. A special shelter for a frost-resistant apple tree is not required.

The nuances of fruiting

Apple trees of the variety gift to Grafsky are self-fertile. In order for fruits to set, planting nearby apple trees of other varieties is required.

Flower period

Buds open in May. The petals are colored pink.

Fruit ripening period

Harvest in late September or early October. After a month, the fruits become even tastier. They are stored until the end of April.

Collecting and using apples

Fruit from trees is removed in dry, calm weather. The use of fruits is universal. Apples are consumed fresh, frozen, dried, canned.