Apple Pink Pearl: variety description and characteristics, planting and care

As a rule, the flesh of apples is cream colored. But breeders around the world are striving to develop a culture with an unusual fruit color. So, an American specialist produced a variety with fruits, the flesh of which is pink-red. The name of the apple was Pink Pearl. Further information about the features of the variety, technical characteristics, planting, crop care.

Pink Pearl Breeding History

Apple variety bred in California. American specialist Albert Etyer carried out selection work in 1944. The scientist crossed 2 apple trees: Nedzvetsky and Surprise. The result is a variety called Pink Pearl.

Features of the variety

The Pink Pearl apple tree is self-fertile. Pollinator trees should be planted next to it. The unusual culture is that the pulp of the fruit has a pink-red color. Apples do not oxidize when cut, they retain color when cooked.

External parameters

Trees reach a height of 4-5 meters. The culture grows especially fast in the first 4 years. Inflorescences are pink. The skin of the fruit is light green in color. The sides are covered with a slight blush. The average weight of apples is 150-200 grams.

Specifications

The first fruits are harvested in the 3rd year after planting. They have high transportability, but not enough good keeping quality. The use of fruit is versatile.

Chemical composition and beneficial properties of fruits

The fruits of Pink pearls contain anthocyanins useful for humans.They are antioxidants and promote healing in many diseases. In addition, apples contain a large amount of vitamins and minerals. Pectins contained in fruits improve the condition of the gastrointestinal tract.

Apple yield

The fruiting of the variety is periodic. 70-90 kilograms of fruit are harvested from the tree. Apples begin to ripen at the end of August. In order for Pink Pearls to form fruits, pollinating trees are planted next to them. To do this, select varieties that bloom at the same time as Pink Pearl.

Soil and climate requirements

Trees grow well and bear fruit in temperate regions. In these areas, trees safely, without shelter, endure winter frosts. The apple tree is unpretentious to the composition of the soil. But the best yields will be when planting in fertile soil.

Resistant to diseases and pests

Culture has good immunity. But under adverse conditions, it can be affected by powdery mildew and scab. To prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests, the apple tree is sprayed with fungicides and insecticides. The procedure should not be carried out during flowering to avoid the death of pollinating insects.

Planting a tree

You need to purchase seedlings grown in the same region where the planting will be carried out. Zoned trees adapt more easily to a new location. The territory for planting an apple tree is selected well-lit by the sun.

Timing

In cold regions, the Pink Pearl apple tree is planted in the spring. During the season, the culture adapts well to a new place, it will safely survive the winter. In warm areas, planting trees in autumn is allowed. For the winter, plants are mulched, in cold areas the trunks are wrapped with agrofibre.

Procurement of seedlings

1-2-year-old plants are chosen for planting. The height of apple trees should not exceed 1.5 meters. The root system is placed for 1-2 hours in a container with water. For disinfection, you can add potassium permanganate. The trunk is cut off by a third before landing.

Important! Seedlings are purchased in plant nurseries or in the market from reliable sellers.

Choosing the best landing spot

Trees are planted on the sunny side of the site. In the shade and partial shade, apples will not be able to gain enough sugars. The territory is selected protected from cold winds. Groundwater must be deep.

Preparation of soil and holes

The area is cleared of debris, dug up. A hole is dug 80 × 80 centimeters in size. A layer of drainage material is laid out at the bottom. The pit is filled with fertile soil. A seedling is installed in the middle, the roots are straightened, covered with soil.The root circle is abundantly moistened with water.

Apple tree care

Care consists of watering, fertilizing, loosening the soil, mulching. To prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests, they are treated with special preparations. In order for the apple tree to bear fruit abundantly, they form a crown.

Water Regularity

Seedlings are watered weekly for 2 months. Use at least a bucket of water. In the future, focus on weather conditions. In order for the apple tree to safely overwinter, the near-trunk circle is plentifully irrigated in the middle of autumn.

Foliar and root fertilizer

In the spring trees are fed with nitrogen. During flowering, a complex mineral fertilizer is applied. Before the formation of fruits, the crown of trees is sprayed with nutrients. In autumn, a mixture of potassium and phosphorus is added.

Cutting and shaping

During the season, sanitary pruning is carried out, removing dry, diseased, broken branches. In the spring, before sap flow, cut off the shoots growing inside the crown. Pruning is done annually. Use a sharp, sanitized tool.

Preventive treatment

Several times during the season, the Pink Pearl apple tree is treated with special preparations. Fungicides are used for fungal diseases. To prevent trees from being attacked by harmful insects, insecticides are used. Spray plants in calm weather.

Preparing for winter

Apple Pink Pearl has good winter hardiness. It is enough to make water-charging watering in the middle of autumn, then mulch the root circle. The trunk and lower branches are whitewashed with a solution of lime. To enhance the disinfectant properties, copper or iron sulfate can be added to it.

When to wait for the first harvest from young trees

The apple tree begins to bear fruit in the 3rd year after planting. Fruit weight - 150-200 grams. The fruits are distinguished by an unusual, pink-red color of the pulp. The better the illumination of the tree, the brighter the color of the apples.

Terms of ripening and harvesting of fruits

Apple tree Pink pearl belongs to the early autumn varieties. In warm regions, the fruits begin to ripen at the end of August. Mass collection is made in September. Pick apples in dry, warm weather. If the fruit is intended for storage, the stalk is kept on it.

How to store and where to use

Apples are stored in a dry, cool place. They can be placed in a wooden box with the stalks up. Each layer is sprinkled with sawdust. The fruits are mostly consumed fresh. Fruit can also be dried, frozen, canned.