Starkrimson apple tree: variety description, winter hardiness and disease resistance

The Starkrimson apple tree is the result of selective crossbreeding of the Delicious and Starkin varieties. This variety was bred in America in the early 20th century. Apples have a pleasant sweet taste with a slight sourness, they are very fragrant. In the middle of the last century, the variety was extremely popular, but over the past years, popularity has declined significantly due to the emergence of other species.

Variety description

This variety of apple trees belongs to the spur. The Starkrimson trees themselves are quite low. The crown has a compact pyramidal shape. It has a slight branching, but the branches of the tree are very strong. The shoots are rather thick, dark brown in color, the internodes are short.

The trunk is gray-brown with a pronounced gray coating. The leaves are dense, have a slightly elongated shape. Apples have a bright carmine color and a conical shape. Their weight is usually from 100 to 200 g. Starcrimson means "dark red star", which, in fact, is a description of the color of the fruit.

They have a pleasant sweet taste with a slight sourness, very fragrant and strong. They have a dense structure, so they are easy to transport.

The skin of the fruit is an intense cherry color with small pink patches. The pulp of unripe apples is green, when fully ripe it has a yellowish tint. The fruits ripen quite late: in late September and early October.

Pros and cons of the Starkrimson apple tree

The trees of this variety have a number of obvious advantages. Among them, it is important to note the following:

1. Due to its compact form, this variety of apple tree can be planted in a small area.
2. Trees have high yields.
3. Fruits are stored for quite a long time and over time their taste only improves.
4. Fruits taste good and look good.
5. Apples are suitable for consumption not only fresh, but also for processing.

However, with many advantages, this species also has a number of disadvantages that you should be aware of:

1. Apple trees of this variety do not tolerate severe drought, as well as frost.
2. They have relative disease resistance. Such trees are especially susceptible to scab.
3. Prolonged storage may damage fruits with bitter pitting.
4. With excessive abundance of the ovary, smallish fruits may develop, so it must be thinned out.

Key Features

With proper care and watering, apple trees provide a high yield of quality fruits.

Sizes

Apple trees of this variety are classified as medium-sized, sometimes even undersized. Usually at the age of 5 years, the tree has a height of no more than 2.5 m.

Yields

Trees of this species have a fairly high fecundity. On an industrial scale, about 300 centners of fruits are harvested from one centner, on average, from one apple tree - 150 kg. Apples take on a special juiciness when taken from the tree and stored for a short time.

Frequency of fruiting

Starkrimson is an early maturing variety. They bear fruit every year. A significant plus of this variety is that from the moment the seedling is planted to the start of fruiting, the period is relatively short. Apple trees need good watering 2-3 times a week, at least 10 liters per tree.

Winter hardiness

Unfortunately, Starkrimson apple trees are not very resistant to diseases and sudden temperature fluctuations. That is why this species began to give way to new varieties that are more resistant to diseases. Trees do not tolerate frost, as well as severe drought. To prevent hypothermia, the basal neck is covered with spruce paws at the end of autumn.

Disease resistance

This species is moderately resistant to scab. To avoid infection, pre-spray the apple trees with Bordeaux mixture. They are quite resistant to such a common disease as powdery mildew.

Apple trees are highly susceptible to destruction by the codling moth.

Also, the trunk can be damaged by rodents, so the trees need additional protection. Preliminary sanitization is required, which is carried out in the area of the crown and trunk.

Distribution in regions

Starkrimson does not tolerate frost well, so most often apple trees of this species are planted in areas with a mild climate.

In recent years, these fruit trees have become widespread in the southern regions of Russia, Ukraine and the Caucasus. It is here that the most favorable climate for their growth and fruiting.

What are the varieties?

As it was said, this species belongs to spurs. Starkrimson apples are very similar in appearance and taste to Red Delicious and Royal Red Delicious.

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