Champion apple tree: description and characteristics of the variety, types, cultivation and care with photos

Beautiful presentation of apples attracts gardeners. The Champion apple tree can boast of such a feature. In addition to the bright color, they like it because of the incredible taste. To grow Champion apple trees and harvest a rich harvest, take into account the nuances of planting and care.

History of selection and variety description

It was bred by Czech breeders in 1970. The champion received genetic features from the orange Renet and Golden Delicious. In the vegetable and fruit market, the Champion was highly rated, which helped him become desirable throughout Europe.

Home of growth

Champion grows on soils of Ukraine, Belarus, Russia and other European countries. Grown in the steppe and forest-steppe zones. Poland is considered the main supplier of apples.

External parameters

Despite their compactness, the trees give a rich harvest. At the same time, fruiting is stable.

Fruits

Champion's apples outwardly look appetizing, which is what attracts gardeners. One copy weighs in the region of 140-210 g. Each apple collected from a tree has a regular rounded shape. Beneath the thin red skin with white dots is tender apple pulp.

Tree

Champion is considered a short variety. It has an oval crown and compact size. Thin gray bark covers a trunk of medium width. The tree reaches a height of 5 m, while the width of the crown is 3-4 m.

Pros and cons

The advantages are:

drought tolerance;
rich harvest;
good taste;
bright color;
strong immunity to powdery mildew and scab.

From disadvantages:

poor cold tolerance;
needs pollination.

The immune system of the variety is unable to protect the apple tree from bitter pitting and bacterial burn.

Specifications

Describing the characteristics of an apple tree will help a person to know whether such a variety is suitable for growing or not.

Suitable region and climate

To enjoy the harvest of apples, it is recommended to grow trees in regions with climatic features close to those of their own.The Carpathian region is best suited - the steppe or forest-steppe zone. If Champ grows in a warm climate, shelter may be needed for the winter.

Frost resistance

In this regard, the indicator is at an average level. If the frosts are severe, not only the trunk, but also the base branches require shelter. In some cases it will be necessary to completely cover the tree.

Susceptibility to diseases and pests

Champion occasionally suffers from diseases characteristic of fruit trees. A strong immune system often protects against parasitic fungi and bacteria. Most often, the gardener is faced with bitter fruit pitting.

Features of fruiting

Before an apple tree produces rich and tasty fruits, it goes through several stages of apple formation.

Pollination

Champion is an apple variety that is prone to partial self-pollination. To increase the percentage of ovary formation, Prima, Idared, Lobo and others apple trees are planted next to the tree.

Pollinators should be planted close to Champion.

Beginning of fruiting

After planting, the apple tree is not ready to harvest. The period of formation of green apples falls on the 2nd or 3rd year of the Champion's life. Sometimes the fruits appear 4-5 years after planting the seedling.

Yields

In this regard, the Champion adheres to stability and generosity. A five-year-old tree brings at least 20 kg of apples. The fruits are large and identical.

Tasting features of the fruit

Apples taste sweet and sour. They are considered dessert. The flesh is firm but not very creamy.

The nuances of growing in different regions

Features the gardener should be aware of:

South Ural. This is the most favorable zone for all Champion subspecies. For growth, there is no need to apply additional protection measures. Included in the top 10 popular varieties of apple trees.
Moscow region. Due to the not so favorable climate, trees have to be wrapped up for the winter.
Ukraine. Popular in the country. The variety bears fruit, as it grows on the same latitude as Poland.
Belarus. One of the favorite varieties among amateur gardeners and professionals. Polish varieties are grown in specially designated areas.

In whatever region the Champion is grown, it is recommended to choose a place for him on the south side of the land. It must be protected from the wind.

Planting and care

A person who has purchased a seedling and wants to plant it in the garden is sure that it is necessary to act according to the classical scheme. The main thing is that the young tree is he althy. But this is a mistake often made by inexperienced gardeners.

Preparation of young seedlings

There are no special secrets in this case. A person is required to carefully inspect the tree for damage, fungi and mold. The best seedling is one that has reached 2 years of age. Regardless of what time of year the seedling was bought, the roots are treated with a clay mixture. This will keep them from drying out. If the seedling is purchased in autumn, all leaves are cut before planting.

Drop-off period

Depends on the age of the seedling:

2-year-olds planted in soil in spring;
more mature in autumn.

Champion is not afraid of transplanting both in spring and autumn. The event is planned by each gardener independently, taking into account individual preferences.

Scheme and basic rules

Planted in the spring in a hole, the size of which should completely fit the root system of the seedling. In the place where the Champion will grow, there should be no wetlands and stagnant water. The seedling is placed in a hole, spreading the roots along the bottom. Before filling the hole with earth, the roots are watered.

Water frequency

Moisture is applied in the evening. If the plot with apple trees is large, install drip irrigation. Sprinkler irrigation is also being considered.

Seasonal fertilizer

The first dressing is carried out in the spring using chicken manure. The procedure is repeated at the time of bud formation and preparation for winter cold (in August). At the second stage, superphosphate is used, at the third - mineral complexes.

Crown pruning

Held before the start of sap flow - in March. Side sprouts that are directed to the middle of the crown are subject to removal. Pruning old, bent and diseased branches.

Mulching

The procedure is needed to maintain moisture in the soil. For this, organic mulching of a piece of land around the trunk is used. Layer depth - 6-10 cm.

Varieties

Champion has good characteristics, but breeders did not stop there and brought out subspecies. As a result, gardeners are growing them.

Reno

The level of frost resistance is medium. It is characterized by a wide crown, but the tree is not as tall as the Champion. Sweet-tasting, intensely colored fruit bred in Poland.

Jint

Tastes just like Champion. It has good frost resistance. Maximum fruit weight - 900 g.

Dwarf

It has the same specifications as the Champion. It has a small stature, which is why it got its name. Small dimensions make it easy to care for the tree.

Semi-dwarf

Adult tree reaches a height of 4-5 m. The taste of the pulp is sweet, but in moderation. Virtually unaffected by scab, less resistant to powdery mildew.

Columnar

The tree gives a harvest in the 3rd year after planting. Up to 15 kg of apples are harvested from one copy. It has a lot of advantages and only one drawback - a short period of fruiting. Every person can grow a Champion apple tree if they follow the recommendations and advice.