Apple Ligol: description and characteristics of the variety, cultivation and care with photos

For the site every summer resident is throwing to get the best. So it is when choosing a variety of fruit trees. Ligol apple trees have some advantages due to which gardeners choose them. The species is resistant to diseases, frost and drought, in addition, it produces delicious apples.

A brief history of variety breeding

The species has been known since 1972. An apple tree was created in the city of Skierniewice in Poland. This variety appeared thanks to parent species:

Golden Delicious;
Linda.

Ligol acquired many positive properties from them.

Advantages and disadvantages of the species

The apple tree has the characteristics that have made it popular all these years.

Pros:

frost resistance;
high yield;
unpretentiousness;
high commercial qualities of fruits;
long shelf life;
ability to endure transportation over long distances;
high immunity.

Cons:

when storage rules are violated, apples become bitter;
requires constant crown formation and shoot removal;
poor fire blight resistance;
harvest frequency may be disrupted.

The presence of negative and positive qualities is in every plant. Some summer residents do not take into account the disadvantages, as they are insignificant.

External Description

This information will help the summer resident to choose the right place for growing. Studying the external characteristics of the plant will help to avoid mistakes when growing.

Tree height

Ligol grows intensively for the first 10 years, then its growth slows down. A tree grows up to 4.5 m.

Crown diameter

If the crown is not formed, then its diameter reaches 3 m. But gardeners prefer to prune, this leads to an increase in yield.

Annual growth

The peculiarity of the Ligol apple tree is that its shoots grow strongly. It must be pruned, otherwise the tree slows down in growth and development. Annual increase from 0.35 to 1 m.

Root system

Tree roots are sensitive to excess moisture. When oversaturated with liquid, they begin to rot, the tree dies. Special attention should be paid to the choice of a place for planting, soil should lie at a depth of 3-4 m. The root system is powerful, formed by the main roots and many side ones.

Appearance and taste of apples

The fruits of the apple tree are aligned, thanks to this feature they are grown for sale. The apples are large, the maximum weight is 400 g, the average weight is 250 g. The shade of the fruit is yellow-green, but most of it is occupied by a red blush. The palatability is excellent, the evaluation of the tasters is 4.6 points on a 5-point scale. The taste is mostly sweet, but there is also acidity, apples are juicy with dense pulp.

Favourable regions for growing

The variety acclimatized for Poland feels good in Ukraine. Since the climate is closer to Polish. But besides this, Ligol is successfully grown in Belarus and the southern regions of Russia.

Characteristic variety

In addition to external data, the summer resident needs to know about other qualities of the tree. Based on these data, he makes the final decision on planting varieties

Winter hardiness

According to manufacturers, the species is able to endure a drop in temperature to -17 ⁰С. But if you graft it onto a vigorous rootstock, it can tolerate -30 ⁰С.

In regions with cold winters, it is recommended to hill the apple tree before the onset of cold weather. The trees are wrapped up for the winter, paying attention to the insulation of the root system.

Immunity to scab and other diseases

Ligol resistance to scab and powdery mildew is high. But a bacterial burn requires constant treatment. Infected areas are cut out and burned.

If a tree is severely diseased, it is uprooted to avoid spreading the disease to other plants.

Life span of a tree

Most apple trees are long-lived, they grow for 100 years. But the fruiting of ordinary trees is 20-40 years. And those grafted onto a dwarf stock give a crop of 20-25 years.

The tree was bred only 40 years ago, but growers suggest that its lifespan is not much different from other apple trees.

The nuances of ripening and fruiting

Knowing the intricacies of apple ripening, the summer resident is able to influence the yield. Observing all the methods of agricultural technology, they get a rich harvest of delicious fruits.

Pollinator varieties

Ligol is self-fertile, so to increase the number of apples, you need to grow other apple trees nearby. They should bloom at the same time as this variety.

Best pollinators:

Mac;
Lobo;
Champion;
Spartan;
Fuji and other varieties.

Planting several species at the same time allows for a bountiful harvest.

Beginning of fruiting

Already in the 3rd year, the apple tree bears its first fruits. But for the first few years, the yield from one tree is only 3-4 kg. Gradually, the volume of fruits increases.

Ripening

Fruits are harvested in mid-September - early October. Fruits are ready to eat in a few months. At this time, they will reach their final maturity.

Collecting and storing apples

Store apples in special, well-ventilated areas. When collecting, they are placed in wooden boxes and lined with paper. Ligol apples keep well in the refrigerator.

Using fruits

Often apples are used for fresh consumption. But housewives find use in winter preparations and cooking.

How to plant and grow a fruit tree

Proper landing technique will help avoid problems in the future. Following the recommendations of experienced summer residents will make it possible to grow a he althy, strong tree.

Landing

The landing process consists of several stages, their implementation will lead to a positive result.

Preparation of seedlings

Preparing planting material in advance. If the seedling will be stored all winter, its roots are dipped in a mixture of mullein and clay, lowered into the basement or dug in the area. The plant should be strong, with no visible damage.

Timing

Plant in the spring, this is the best time to plant a fruit tree. The summer resident chooses the day on his own, taking into account the climate of the region of residence. Seedlings are planted before the start of sap flow.

Required soil composition

Fertile soil is the most favorable option for the growth of a young fruit tree. It is advisable to select the following soil composition:

loam;
sandy;
chernozem.

If necessary, humus, manure and mineral fertilizers are introduced into the ground before digging.

Optimal location

The landing area should be covered by the sun, be protected from drafts and wind. Of particular importance is the occurrence of groundwater and waterlogging of the soil. Ligol apple tree does not tolerate excess moisture.

Scheme and dimensions of the hole

The depth of the landing pit is 0.8 m, the width is up to 1 m. If necessary, form a drainage layer. Then they fall asleep with a mixture of earth with humus, river sand, peat and wood ash. A small mound is formed, a seedling is placed on it. Sprinkle with fertile soil so that the root neck remains on the surface of the earth.

How to water and fertilize

At first, the seedling needs a lot of water, it is watered 1-2 times a week. You can't pour. As they grow older, the number of waterings is reduced. Water adult plants in spring, during flowering, fruiting and after harvest.

Fertilizers are not applied for the first year. After watering with infusion of mullein and complex mineral fertilizers.

Crown pruning

The formation of an apple tree is mandatory, since Ligol is prone to thickening. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out formative pruning in spring and autumn. Sanitary pruning is carried out throughout the growing season. Dry, deformed and diseased branches are removed from the apple tree.

Disease and pest prevention

In spring and autumn preventive treatments of fruit trees are carried out. They are sprayed with chemicals, observing safety precautions. Proper planting and timely holding of agricultural practices are considered preventive measures. In case of diseases during flowering and fruiting, they are treated with folk remedies.

Preparing the apple tree for winter

With relative winter hardiness, Ligol must be prepared for winter. The trunk is wrapped with heaters, the trunk circle is spudded and covered with mulch. The Ligol apple tree is perfect for those gardeners who grow apples for storage.