Apple-tree Bellefleur Kitayka

The apple tree is one of the most widely cultivated fruit trees in the world. Consider in the article how to plant the Bellefleur Kitayka variety, take care of it and stimulate productivity.

The famous I.V. Michurin brought out the described variety of apple trees. For its production, it was necessary to cross the varieties Bellefleur yellow and Kitayka.

When a mature tree is formed, the crown acquires a rounded shape. There is a strong pubescence on the shoots. The foliage is large, dark green. It is distinguished by elongation, large serration and raised edges.

This variety is self-fertile and vigorous.

This species has both advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages are:

• large fruits;

• pleasant taste;

• transportability.

He also has disadvantages:

• low resistance to diseases such as scab and powdery mildew;

• begins to bear fruit late;

• yield varies depending on the region;

• a large tree requires difficult care.

If we talk about the timing of ripening, then this is a late autumn variety. Harvesting is possible only at the beginning of October. After planting, apples appear only for 5 years, but the fruits are subsequently removed annually.

This variety grows successfully in the North Caucasus.

The level of yield depends on the region in which the tree is planted, since climatic conditions have a powerful effect on this factor.

When ripe, apples of this variety have a light yellow color. There is a pink-red blush on the peel, which is clearly visible against a pink background.

The apples are round-oval, slightly ribbed. Fruit weight is about 170-180 grams. They grow both large and medium in size.

The pulp is tender, slightly grainy, white in color. The taste of this variety can be described as sour-sweet spicy, with a special aroma.

After picking, apples can remain in the warehouse for 30 to 40 days.

Apple trees can tolerate a wide variety of soil types, but they prefer well-drained, highly acidic soils. Experts recommend planting in fertilizer-rich soil. Be sure to add additional feeding if you notice that the leaves of the tree are pale in color, or that it grows less than 2 centimeters per year.

Apple trees of this species do not require any special care when planting, and they bloom well without a lot of water, once they are firmly rooted.However, if the seedlings are planted in an arid area, or there is a drought for a long period, experts recommend watering every 2 weeks.

Trees of this variety grow best in the sun, so there should be at least 6-8 hours of sunshine on the site.

Apple trees have good years and bad years. Sometimes few flowers are formed, even when the spring is warm. This situation could be caused by improper pruning in the previous summer. The tree can also have difficulty bearing fruit due to prolonged stress, such as when there is a lack of water or nutrients. Good grooming solves this problem.

Poor weather conditions can also affect the apple harvest. When a tree loses color due to wind or sudden cold.

Trees need pollen from another apple or related tree in order for them to bear fruit. One of the main reasons for the decline in yields is poor pollination.

In addition, the plant should have fruiting buds, not just leafy ones. They have been forming since last summer. The grower can induce the tree and artificially create more fruit buds by tying new branches growing horizontally.

Most experts recommend adding a pollinator to the area where the described species grows. The problem with the harvest is solved by planting several trees of different varieties. Better to plant a plant that blooms at the same time as Bellefleur Kitayka.

When planting, pollinators should be no more than 15 meters apart.

Many apple trees are triploid, meaning they have three sets of chromosomes. They cannot cross-pollinate the same varieties.

Fertilizers are necessary for apple trees. Both synthetic and organic (natural) are used. Helps enrich the soil with compost and old / rotted manure.

In general, apple trees yield good yields when macronutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are present in the soil. Nitrogen helps to stimulate vegetative growth (leaves and branches). Phosphorus promotes root and flower development. Potassium is responsible for the disease resistance of the apple tree.

In nutrient-rich soil, you can refrain from using fertilizers until the apple trees begin to bear fruit (an average of 2-4 years). If the trees do not give new green growth during the growing season, it is worth seriously considering feeding from next spring.

As a rule, fertilizers are applied throughout the growing season, as soon as the soil becomes suitable for processing in early spring, and stopped by July 1. Always refer to the information printed on the label of the commercial product used for any specific fertilization instructions.

After the apple trees begin to bear fruit, their nitrogen consumption increases, therefore, experts recommend once in early spring to apply high-nitrogen fertilizers for fruit-bearing trees.

The frost resistance of this variety is assessed as medium.

Late blight is a bacterial disease that causes branches to turn black, giving them a scorched look, and ultimately kills the tree. You can control apple tree disease by removing damaged branches.

Rust is a fungus that leaves rust stains on the leaves of a tree. When the fungus attacks the plant, small yellow spots appear on the leaves in late spring. As the apple tree becomes more leafy, both leaves and fruits will fall prematurely. Rust cannot be controlled.

This variety also has very low scab resistance. To protect it, a fungicide must be used. Such prevention will help reduce the likelihood of spreading infection from surrounding junipers, cedars, and apple trees.

It is very important to remove dead, damaged or diseased branches. Shoots that rise from the roots or base of the tree are removed. You can treat the apple tree with an insecticide.