Apple Orlinka: description and characteristics of the variety, planting, cultivation and care

When planning to grow a luxurious garden, gardeners are advised to pay attention to the Orlinka apple tree, which can boast many advantages. Before going to a proven nursery for a seedling, it is better to study all the characteristics of a tree.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Orlinka has many attractive features that will certainly attract the attention of gardeners. Benefits include:

leadership among frost-resistant varieties;
undemanding;
commodity and taste of fruits;
precocity;
yield.

Of the shortcomings, only one is noted - extended fruiting periods.

History of breeding Orlinka apple tree

The variety was bred in Orel by the All-Russian Research Institute in 1978. For crossing, First Salute and Stark Erliost were used. For several decades, the variety has spread throughout Russia.

External data

Description of the tree is recommended to study in advance. This will allow Orlinka to easily determine a place in the garden, to avoid mistakes in planting.

Tree height and crown width

The height of the Orlinka apple tree is up to 6 m. The crown is spherical, often reaching 5-7 m in diameter.

Root system

The horse system has many branches and grows rapidly. The length of some processes is up to 7 m.

Yield and taste of fruits

Fruits weighing up to 200 g. The taste is pleasant, sweet, has a slight sourness. A young apple tree gives up to 30 kg of fruit, an adult Orlinka - up to 100 kg of apples.

Characteristic

Familiarity with the main characteristics of Orlinka will allow you to compare the tree with other fruit crops and appreciate a number of advantages.

Frost resistance

Not recommended for growing in Siberian regions - Orlinka feels most comfortable in the middle lanes. The tree is afraid of frost, so it's better not to risk it.

Pollination

Be sure to plant pollinators near Orlinka. Recommended varieties - Moscow Grushovka, Papirovka. Less commonly used for co-planting Malibu.

Ripation and harvest period

The plant begins to bear fruit in the fifth year after planting. Apples ripen in early August. Ripening does not occur simultaneously - it is recommended to harvest at intervals of 4-7 days.

Transportability and storage

Storage time is considered a disadvantage - only 20-25 days. It is better not to store the fruit, immediately use it for fresh consumption or preservation.

It is undesirable to transport Orlinka apples - they spoil quickly.

Immunity to diseases

Orlinka's immune system is quite resistant, but it is better not to risk the plant and carry out preventive irrigation. The apple tree rarely gets sick, it happens only in the rainy seasons. Timely irrigation with chemicals, removal and immediate burning of fallen leaves, and a careful examination of the apple tree will help protect the tree.

Rules for planting an apple tree

There are a few fit requirements that you should learn and practice. Be sure to follow the basic rules, this will allow the tree to quickly take root and start growing.

Optimal timing

It is better to go to the garden in autumn, at the end of September. If it was not possible to plant before frost, it is better to postpone the process to spring by sending the seedlings to a cool cellar. You should not be late after the snow melts, you need to be in time before the juice begins to move.

Choosing the best seat

Orlinka is afraid of drafts, gusts of wind can damage a tree, so it is better to place an apple tree in a cozy corner. It is not necessary to place the plant in the garden, it will not be worse near the courtyard buildings. Be sure to make sure that the apple tree receives enough sunlight.

It is better not to plant large fruit crops near Orlinka, which will create partial shade. Lack of sun will affect the fruiting and size of apples.

Preparation of seedlings and planting technology

Before sending the seedling to the prepared hole, soak it in a clay mash. On a bucket of water up to five handfuls of clay. For planting, prepare a light soil mixture. Mix compost, river sand, humus. Be sure to add garden soil.

In the prepared hole with a diameter of up to 70 cm, place the plant, sprinkle with soil. Water abundantly, put a mulch layer. If it was not possible to find a cozy place in the garden for the seedling, you should put a support, tie up a tree.

Seasonal Care

Orlinka is undemanding, which allows seasonal care to be reduced to a minimum. The apple tree will need regular watering, loosening, top dressing.

Do not forget about pruning, crown formation, pest control, infectious diseases.

Fertilizer and soil loosening

Complex formulations or organics are used for top dressing. As an organic fertilizer, a mullein solution is prepared (a liter of infusion per bucket of water). Before applying nutrient compositions, it is imperative to loosen the soil, remove weeds.

If there is no time to fertilize, it is recommended to use rotted manure or good quality compost. Put a layer of mulch in the fall, which will save the roots from freezing. With melt water in the spring, all the nutrients will penetrate deep into the soil, replacing the use of purchased fertilizers.

Water Regularity

Watering as needed. If the spring is dry, start irrigating the soil during the flowering period. An adult Orlinka will need up to two buckets of water.

Pruning and shaping the apple tree

The first pruning is done at the age of one year. The trunk of an apple tree is shortened - the cut should be at a height of 60 cm from the ground surface.

Pruning should be done annually. Remove too long shoots, forming a compact crown.

Preventive treatment

Every spring, carry out preventive irrigation of Orlinka. Chemicals from infectious diseases based on copper are usually used. Against pests, use folk remedies or chemicals. The main rule is not to carry out processing during the ripening of fruits. The last application of chemicals or folk remedies should be carried out a month before picking apples.

Protection from the cold

The propensity to freeze is the main reason to insulate Orlinka before the winter cold. Wrap the trunk with burlap, lay a layer of mulch. After snow falls, carry out hilling, a snowdrift will reliably protect the apple tree from adverse conditions.

Hybrid subspecies

Hybrid Orlinka has several subspecies, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is better to study them in advance.

On a semi-dwarf rootstock

An adult tree reaches a height of 4 m. The first fruits will be tasted in just 4 years.

On a dwarf rootstock

Even with good care, an adult Orlinka barely reaches three meters in height. Fruiting begins early - just 3 years after planting. The tree retains all maternal qualities.

Growing an Orlinka apple tree will bring a lot of positive emotions to both a beginner and an experienced gardener. Regardless of the efforts made, which can be minimized, the tree will certainly please with juicy fragrant fruits.