Topaz apple tree: description and characteristics of the variety, cultivation and yield with photo

Winter varieties of apple trees are very popular with gardeners, because they make it possible to preserve fruits for a long period and replenish vitamins in the body in the cold season. The apple tree of the Topaz variety is unpretentious in care, productive, and shows increased resistance to common diseases. Apples have an unusually tart, but at the same time very pleasant taste with a barely noticeable spiciness.

Variety description

The Topaz apple tree appeared as a result of crossing Rubin and Wanda, quite well-known and beloved by many gardeners.Yaroslav Tupi worked on its creation, who was an employee of the Institute of Experimental Botany of the Academy of Sciences in the Czech Republic. In 1984, Topaz was first introduced not only to amateurs, but also to professionals. In Europe, this variety has gained wide popularity: juices are squeezed out of its fruits and excellent mashed potatoes are cooked.

The description of this variety indicates that the tree grows of medium size, with a dense and spreading crown. The crown is rounded or is a pyramid, expanding at the top. It needs mandatory molding and sanitary pruning, it is prone to overgrowing. The branches are directed downwards.

The foliage at the bottom has a strong pubescence, painted in a rich emerald color. The shape of Topaz leaves is oblong, with a rounded base. The flowers are saucer-shaped, medium in size, snow-white in color.

Apples are most often formed on kolchatka.In the conditions of the southern climate, fruits are also formed on last year's growth. The mass of one apple reaches 200 grams, its shape is rounded, slightly flattened. At the stage of technical ripeness, the main color of the fruit is greenish-cream, and the integumentary color is with bright red-orange spots, which occupy almost half the area of the entire apple.

The pulp of the Topaz apple tree has a pleasant sweet and sour taste, quite spicy. The aroma is tart and strong. The skin on apples is medium hard, slightly rough to the touch, slightly oily. The fruits have a universal purpose and can be eaten both fresh and used for making jam, compote, urination.

Tasters note that they are characterized by excellent dessert taste, rated at 4.8 points.

Features

The characteristics of the Topaz apple variety give an idea of the main advantages and disadvantages of the variety.It is worth noting that this tree can be grown not only on a medium-sized rootstock, but also on a dwarf one. Topaz is a good pollinator for other apple trees. The plant itself is partially self-fertile, but when planted next to another pollinator variety, the yield is significantly increased.

Pros and cons

Among the benefits of the Topaz apple tree, the following stand out:

excellent taste of ripe fruits;
suitability of the harvested crop for transportation over long distances;
suitable for bookmarking for long-term storage;
the possibility of using apples of this variety in dietary nutrition due to its composition;
increased resistance to scab;
medium powdery mildew resistance.

No special deficiencies have been identified in the Topaz apple tree, although gardeners' reviews indicate that when trees are grown in cold climates, the fruits are sour.

Mature tree size, annual growth

An adult Topaz apple tree grows to medium size. Its height ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 meters. Young seedlings grow very intensively, but an adult tree already gives a moderate increase.

Yield and frequency of fruiting

The young Topaz apple tree bears fruit every year and gives a bountiful harvest. Up to 12 kg of high quality fruits are harvested from one plant. Yield decreases with age. An apple tree can begin to bear fruit in a year. To prevent this from happening, you must strictly follow the recommendations for care and take into account the peculiarities of agricultural technology.

Winter hardiness and disease resistance

Topaz apple tree has excellent winter hardiness. However, when planting in low-lying areas or in areas with high humidity, young trees may freeze slightly. Topaz has excellent scab resistance and moderate resistance to powdery mildew.

Features of ripening and fruiting

Winter apple variety Topaz will please the first harvest only when the tree reaches the age of six. The flowering period of the apple tree falls on the end of May. The description of the variety indicates that this species belongs to the winter ones, therefore the harvest is carried out towards the end of September or the beginning of October. In any case, they do it a week earlier than the famous variety Golden Delicious.

After harvesting apples and laying them in storage, they ripen in November, and the fruits can retain their commercial and taste qualities for six months. If the recommended storage conditions are observed, the crop can be saved and longer than the specified period.

Good growing regions

Winter apple variety Topaz is suitable for cultivation throughout the Republic of Belarus and Ukraine. It is also excellent for cultivation in the climatic conditions of central Russia and the Moscow region.It is possible to grow in colder regions, however, as evidenced by the reviews of experienced gardeners, the taste of fruits there is significantly deteriorating.

Winter Apple Tree Topaz has excellent drought tolerance, making it suitable for growing in hot southern climates. Excess moisture is detrimental to the tree, but its lack does not adversely affect the yield, taste and commercial qualities. They remain at a high level.