Apple Dream: variety description and characteristics, planting, cultivation and care

The main features of the Mechta apple tree are its ability to produce high yields, resistance to low ambient temperatures. Most often, this variety is planted on the territory of the central zone of the Russian Federation, as well as in Belarus.

Mechta Breeding

The specified variety was obtained by breeders who carry out their scientific work in the Michurinsky horticultural farm. The varietal species was obtained by crossing Pepin saffron with Papirovka.

External parameters

This tree has an interesting appearance. Its apples have an attractive plump appearance.

At the same time, the taste qualities of ripe apples are put on the highest level.

Tree height

The trunk is characterized by its straightness and strong structure. In exceptional cases, its height reaches 3.5-4 meters.

Apple crown width

The crown has a sprawling shape. Most often, the crown is characterized by a rounded conical shape. Regular pruning is required to keep a tree looking good.

Description of the fruit and its taste

The tree bears fruit with medium to large sized apples. In the average version, the weight of 1 fruit is in the range of 110-250 grams. At the same time, the largest bulk apples grow in conditions of a dwarf rootstock. The fruits have a regular rounded shape, light yellow color with a green tint. If the tree grows in sunny areas, the color of the fruit may be red.

Apples are sweet with a sour taste. The pulp has a loose structure, it is white with pink streaks.

Characteristics of the species

In addition to the external qualities of the tree, there are other advantageous characteristics of the variety. These include resistance to cold, diseases and pests, features of plant growth and development.

Resistance to sub-zero temperatures

This plant is highly resistant to low temperatures, typical for the northern regions of the country. Also, landings are not afraid of temperature changes.

Susceptibility to diseases and pests

Dream apple tree is characterized by increased immune abilities. It shows resistance to pests, fungi, scab, powdery mildew. This variety is affected by the codling moth and ticks only in some regions of the country.

Self-fertility and pollination

Dream is not a self-fertile variety. To get a regular harvest, the tree must be planted near other pollinated plants. They must be placed no further than 40-50 meters from the landing. The varieties Antonovka, Borovinka, Melba are best suited as pollinators.

Terms of flowering and first fruiting

The tree blooms in late April - mid-May. The first harvest from an apple tree can be obtained in the 4th year after planting. If the weather conditions are favorable, the tree begins to bear fruit in the 2nd year.

Yields

Basically, 100 kilograms of fruits are harvested from one plant. With the formation of favorable conditions, this figure can grow to 150 kilograms.

Collect and duration of storage of crops

The harvested crop does not differ in the duration of storage due to the fact that the pulp of the fruit is loose.

Which regions are recommended for growing?

It is best to grow such an apple tree in warm regions of the country. Plants adapt best to winters with little rainfall. If an apple tree is grown on a dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstock, the north-west of the Russian Federation is considered the optimal region.

Mechta variety can also be grown in the Moscow region. The plant tolerates the Ural climate well. Thanks to frost resistance, Mechta can be grown in Siberia.

Technology for planting and caring for a tree

To get a he althy plant and a rich harvest, you need to prepare in advance for planting an apple tree. Preparatory and planting work must be carried out in autumn or spring.

Preparation of young seedlings

When choosing a seedling, it is necessary to give preference to those specimens whose age is 1-2 years. This is due to the fact that they have a high survival rate.

If the seedling needs to be transported for a long time, its roots must be wrapped with wet material. If there are dried roots, the base of the seedling must be soaked in water for 1-2 days.

Earth composition requirements

Preparation of the site is carried out in the autumn. To do this, it is necessary to make a deep digging. During digging, you can use phosphorus flour, superphosphate, sulfate or potassium chloride. You can replace mineral complexes with wood ash, humus, matured compost. If the soil is rotten, sawdust or sand should be added to it.

All roots and debris are removed from the site. If the earth is highly acidic, liming is required. The plant needs neutral pH soil to grow.

Date and disembarkation scheme

The landing pit is done in autumn or early spring. The pit should be at least 1 meter in diameter, 70 centimeters deep. Next, prepare the soil for backfilling. It is a mixture of removed earth, 4 buckets of humus, 400 grams of nitroammophoska, 8 kilograms of ash. A third of the resulting mixture is poured into the bottom of the pit, then a seedling is planted. The rest of the earth is used for backfilling the roots. During planting, do not bury the root neck. Compact the soil carefully so as not to damage the root system.

The optimal period for planting is early spring. After planting, the seedling is tied to a support 1.5-2 meters high. After planting, the plant should be watered abundantly.

Irrigation Regularity

The frequency of watering depends on environmental conditions. During drought, irrigation should be organized weekly. It is required to stop watering in the second half of summer, preparing the plant for cold weather.

Weeding and loosening the soil

After planting, it is necessary to take care of the near-trunk area. It is necessary to regularly carry out weeding, loosening. Such care will protect the plant from pests, help organize oxygen access to the root system.

Foliar and root top dressing

Fertilizers should be applied from the second year of plant growth. In the spring, the tree needs nitrogenous top dressing, and in the autumn - potash, phosphorus fertilizers.

Cutting

Shaping pruning is carried out for 5 years. After this age, only sanitary pruning is necessary, carried out twice a season.

Prevention and protection against diseases and pests

When forming a crown, it is necessary to monitor the condition of leaves and branches. If there are signs of the presence of pests or damage to pathologies, the trees must be immediately treated with the necessary preparations.

For the prevention of diseases during bud opening, it is recommended to treat the tree with fungicides. It is also recommended to whitewash the trunk and skeletal branches.

Mulching and winterization

In order for the tree to more easily adapt to cold weather, it is recommended to mulch the near-stem circle. This must be done in the autumn. In the spring, when temperatures rise, the mulch is removed.