Red Delicious apples: description and characteristics of the variety, cultivation and care

What type of apple tree to grow on the site, the gardener decides for himself. I want to plant only the best. To do this, gardeners study the description of the varieties in order to find the species that meets the needs. Red Delicious - late ripening apples. They have many advantages, thanks to which they are appreciated by summer residents.

How culture came about

This variety of apples arose by chance. One branch on a Delicious tree bears red fruits. Scientists, having studied the characteristics of the fruit, came to the conclusion that apples are of excellent quality and are quite suitable for growing. Red delicious in translation means "red delicious".There is a type of apple Royal Red Delicious. It is similar in characteristics to the Red Delicious variety, but its fruits are slightly larger.

Pros and cons of the variety

The plant has a lot of positive properties. Summer residents choose it for this reason.

Dignity:

Excellent appearance.
High stable yield.
Versatility of application.
Long shelf life.
Fruits survive shipping.
Unpretentious care.
Medium cold hardiness.

Flaws:

The flesh becomes loose during storage.
Poorly adapted to unstable climates.
Prone to disease.
Requires formation.

Description

Studying the data will help you avoid growing mistakes. These criteria are evaluated by summer residents in the first place.

Trunk height

Grows up to 5 m on a seed rootstock, 3.5-4 m on a dwarf rootstock.

Crown size

The shape of the apple tree is oval or pyramidal. The width depends on the formation.

Leaves, flowers

Small leaves have a rounded base, the top is slightly elongated. The flowers are white with a pink tinge.

Fruits and their taste

Estimated appearance 4.8 points, taste 4.6 points on a 5-point scale. The fruits are round-conical in shape. The color is dark red. The taste of apples is sweet and sour.

Before eating, it is recommended to peel the fruit, it is too dense and tough. The pulp is juicy, crispy. Apples in Red Delicious variety of universal purpose.

Specifications

After assessing the external data, summer residents study the properties of plants. These criteria are evaluated and selected more carefully.

Resistant to freezing temperatures and drought

The Red Delicious apple tree does not tolerate temperature drops below -20 ⁰С. Does not like drought, needs regular watering.

Immunity to diseases and pests

There is no immunity to any disease. Mandatory processing of apple trees from diseases and pests is required.

Recommended Growing Areas

Due to the positive characteristics, the Red Delicious apple tree is grown in central Russia. Some summer residents from Siberia and the Urals plant an apple tree. Only for the winter it is prepared more carefully.

Yield and fruiting

Features of fruiting varieties should know every summer resident. If you fulfill the necessary requirements, the apple tree will give the declared harvest.

Pollinator varieties

Red Delicious is self-infertile, the following types of apple trees are planted for successful pollination:

Golden;
Idared;
Fuji;
Gloucester;
Everest.

It is necessary to select such types of apple trees, the flowering period of which coincides with the planted variety.

Beginning of fruiting

The tree gives the first fruits in the 5-6th year after planting the seedling. Dwarf rootstock allows you to harvest a year earlier. If the rules and regulations for planting Red Delicious apple trees are observed, fruiting begins in a timely manner.

Apple ripening dates

It all depends on the growing region, the warmer the climate, the earlier the variety ripens. Apples are ready to eat in late September - early October.

Collection and application of fruit

Apples are harvested at the moment of maturity. Lay carefully, trying not to damage the structure. Due to the thick skin, the fruits tolerate transportation well. And less injured during collection.

When storing Red Delicious apples, sprinkle with sawdust or layers of paper.

Housewives use fruits for cooking:

juice;
jam;
desserts;
jam.

This variety is suitable for drying and freezing.

The nuances of landing

In order for the apple tree to take well and please with harvests, you need to plant it correctly. To do this, they acquire high-quality planting material, choose a place and time.

Timing

Depending on the climatic conditions of the region, the gardener himself calculates the optimal time. Red Delicious apple trees are planted in spring and autumn. In the first case, before the start of sap flow, in the second case - a month before the first frost.

Choosing a suitable location

The site should be well lit, protected from drafts. It is desirable that groundwater passes at least 2-3 m deep. Otherwise, the root system will begin to rot. The composition of the soil needs to be nutritious, with a deficiency, humus and mineral fertilizers are added to the soil.

Preparation of planting material

Seedlings acquire 2-year-olds. Before planting, the tree is placed in a growth stimulator for several hours.

Fitting technology

The pit is prepared in advance. Depth 70 cm, width 80 cm. A drainage layer is formed at the bottom, then soil mixed with peat, sand and humus is poured. They make a small mound, put a seedling on it, straighten the roots.

Then sprinkled with a fertile layer of soil so that the root collar or grafting site remains above the ground. At the end, pour plenty of water.

Aftercare

When planting is completed, all that remains is to properly care for the plants. Timely fertilize, water and process from pests.

Water Regularity

In the spring, the tree is watered abundantly and often. In summer, as the topsoil dries out. A young tree especially needs watering.

Feeding

The Red Delicious apple tree needs to be fed. Especially in spring, during flowering, fruiting and after harvest. They use complex mineral fertilizers and organics, alternating them to avoid addiction.

Pruning and crown shaping

The crown is thinned out, overloading the tree will affect the yield and weight of the fruit. All branches growing deep into the crown are subject to pruning. Remove dry, damaged, deformed shoots.

Preventive treatment

To preserve the tree and the harvest, it is recommended to treat plants from diseases in early spring, autumn and, if necessary, in the middle of summer. Use special chemicals. Be sure to observe safety precautions.

If desired, the summer resident uses folk remedies, their action is short-lived, but safe for humans.

Preparing the tree for winter

In regions with harsh climatic conditions, it is necessary to cover the tree for the winter. The trunk circle is mulched, the trunk is wrapped with special material or burlap.

The Red Delicious apple tree has many fans among gardeners. The reason is that the tree is unpretentious and very productive.