Red Chief apples: description and characteristics of the variety, cultivation and care with photos

Red Chief apples were created by breeders from North America. Currently, the hybrid is widely distributed in Russia. The Red Chief apple tree is a high-yielding variety that is suitable for growing in almost any climatic conditions.

History of breeding culture

The Red Chief apple tree is a hybrid of American selection. This hybrid was bred in 1914. Apple trees Grims Golden and Golden Reinet became the parent varieties. Some time after all the necessary procedures were carried out, the hybrid was zoned.

Pros and cons of the variety

Benefits of American Red Chief Hybrid:

Term entry into fruiting.
Apple sizes.
Storage time after harvest.
Immune to powdery mildew.

The disadvantages of the hybrid include low resistance to scab and spotting, as well as difficulties in growing in the northern regions.

Specifications

To understand whether Red Chief is suitable for planting in the garden or not, you need to study all the technical characteristics of the hybrid.

Mature tree size

Description of the Red Chief apple tree should begin with a study of the size of the plant. The tree of this variety is medium-sized. An adult plant reaches a height of 5 to 7 m. The crown is of the correct oval shape.

Annual growth

Growth of a tree for a year is average, during this time the apple tree grows by about 5-8 cm.

Resistant to frost and diseases

Relatively high resistance to powdery mildew and fire blight, but low to scab.

Depending on the strength of the immune system, the plant may be affected by the codling moth.

Frost resistance is average. In the northern latitudes, growing Red Chief will be problematic, the tree may not withstand harsh winters. The apple tree survives frosts down to -25 degrees.

All about the harvest

Another important characteristic that all gardeners care about when choosing an apple variety is yield. Any summer resident wants to find a variety that requires a minimum of maintenance, but which at the same time gives a good harvest.

First fruiting period

A characteristic feature of Red Chief is precocity. After planting a seedling, the tree begins to bear fruit in the 2-3rd year. At first, the harvest is not very plentiful, but as the tree grows, so does the yield.

Frequency and quantity of harvest

Red Chief refers to large-fruited high-yielding hybrids. In the first few years, up to 30 kg of fruits are harvested from the tree. Subsequently, the yield can increase up to 130 kg. Fruiting annual.

Collecting and using fruits

The plant is a winter hybrid. Picking the first ripe apples from the tree will not be possible until September. The mass harvest falls on the last days of September-October. On average, the weight of fruits is about 190-370 g. Apples are versatile in use. They are used to make jam, jam, used for baking and consumed fresh.The harvested crop can be stored for up to 7 months.

Apple tasting evaluation

The taste of apples is on top. The rating is 4.7 points out of 5. The pulp of apples is juicy and grainy, sweet in taste.

How to plant an apple tree

The yield of an apple tree depends on the correct planting.

Preparations

Before planting, a hole is dug 2 weeks in advance, the topsoil is mixed with manure, mineral fertilizers and ash. Then they fill the bottom of the pit with them. Immediately before planting, the root system of the apple tree is dipped into a liquid solution of clay.

Choosing a seat

The apple tree prefers to grow in open sunny areas, on light and fertile soils.

Disembarkation dates

In the spring, seedlings are planted after the threat of frost has passed. Approximately end of April - May. In autumn, planting is done in October, before the onset of cold weather.

Scheme and landing technology

The distance between other trees should not be less than 3 m. To plant a seedling, they dig a hole 1 m deep and 70-80 cm wide.

Basic care activities

To get a good and stable harvest, it is not enough to follow the rules of agricultural technology when planting a seedling. It is necessary to pay attention to caring for the tree.

Water frequency

The apple tree does not belong to moisture-loving crops and it will not be necessary to water it often. 4 irrigations per fruiting season are enough:

First watering done when buds swell.
Second - with the onset of flowering.
Third time the soil is moistened during the formation of ovaries.
Last time before frost in October.

It is not recommended to water the plants with cold water. This increases the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

In the first half of summer, nitrogen is introduced into the soil. Nitrogen-containing compounds include ammonium nitrate, urea or ammonium sulfate. Organic fertilizers are also applied to the soil.

During the fruiting period, the soil is fed with superphosphate and potassium supplements.

Loosening the soil

The soil is loosened to a depth of 15 cm before each watering.

Crown formation

The tree is formed on the 2-3rd year after planting the seedling. In the spring, young shoots are cut down, part of the branches are cut off, leaving 3-4 skeletal ones. Dry branches are removed in autumn.

Prophylactic treatment

In spring, the apple tree is sprayed with Bordeaux liquid or other copper-containing preparations. If necessary, spraying is repeated during the flowering period.

Preparing the tree for winter

Before the onset of cold weather, the soil around the trunk is mulched. Also, so that rodents do not gnaw at the bark, they smear it with lime or tie the trunk with spruce branches.