Apple Tree Black Diamond

More recently, gardeners around the world have learned about a new and unique variety of apples, Black Diamond, synonyms - Black Diamond and Black Diamond. The variety is unusual even in that, born in New Zealand, grown in Tibet, it was forbidden to export seedlings to other countries. Just like in ancient times, when the Celestial Empire hid the secrets of the production of many amazing things from foreigners. An amazing unpretentious tree has a high yield, winter hardiness and strength of health, excellent transportability and the ability to store fruits for up to three months.

Immediately it is necessary to make a reservation - a unique apple tree is already grown not only in China, but also in other countries. In our country, it also appeared in some people, however, the short period of its cultivation leaves many questions still open. New Zealand is considered the place of breeding of amazing apples, from where it was transported to Tibet. It is grown in the conditions of the Tibetan highlands. This happened, by the standards of breeders, quite recently - 2009–2010. The dark purple fruits sparkling in the sun caused quite a stir among consumers, especially since the taste of apples is also extraordinary. The Chinese name of the variety Hua Niu, Hua Niu has not received worldwide distribution, and the apples are marketed under the “jewelry” name Black Diamond. If you believe the stories and rumors, a certain Briton managed to take out a small stalk, who later managed to grow one copy. Thus, it is possible to find an apple stalk, although it is difficult. However, before looking for it, one must take into account the features of the Black Diamond, which will be described below.

Black Diamond is a medium-sized tree, reaching a height of 3 to 4 meters, however, Chinese gardeners also limit these sizes to formative pruning. The apple tree is characterized by an oval crown that deviates from the trunk with age and becomes almost weeping. Brown shoots have a greenish or steel sheen, densely covered with leathery oval boat-shaped leaves of medium size with a short-pointed tip. The matte surface of the leaf plate has a coarse vein, strongly serrated, crenate or wavy edges. The tree has a strong, deep root system. Experts explain the dark saturated color of the fruits by the intensity of ultraviolet radiation in the mountains and a large difference in daily temperatures. Flowering dates are the same as most varieties. The large flowers are pink and have a very strong aroma. Experts note the rapid growth of the tree, especially before the beginning of fruiting - 35-55 cm per year.

If we talk about the features, then in this respect the variety is unique. Full ripening and achieving an unusual color is possible only with a lot of sunlight. Only one garden in the world has such parameters - in the Nyingchi district, located at an altitude of 3500 meters above sea level, and with special climatic conditions, but this is not all.

• The apple tree is adapted to alpine conditions, where no other fruit trees grow.

• The variety has not only an amazing frost resistance, but also an amazing resistance to sharp and strong temperature changes.

• In addition, the plant's natural protection against insect pests is no less striking, which saves planting from chemical treatments.

• Fruits are richer in nutrients than other varieties.

• Another unique feature is that dark, almost black color reaches only about 30% of the harvest, so almost black fruits are sold in gift boxes of 6-8 pieces, and the price of one is in the range of $ 8-20, and you can buy make only on pre-order.

Many of the above advantages are also disadvantages. Special agronomic requirements sharply limit the breeding area. The achievement of an almost black color is possible precisely in the combination of the special climatic conditions of Tibet, and therefore, it is hardly possible to obtain fruits of this color on the plains.

The beginning of fruiting occurs at 4-5 years and later, depending on climatic and weather conditions. Fruits reach removable maturity approximately by the second half of August. The fruits can be harvested upon reaching the technical ripeness, already by this time they become crispy and gain excellent taste.

Black Diamond is adapted to the high mountain conditions of Tibet, but can be grown in other areas with a similar climate. These are the North Caucasus, the middle zone of Russia and other regions.

The variety is classified as high-yielding - 150-180 kg from one tree, however, there is still no exact data from gardeners of European territories.

Round-conical large fruits of black-purple shades have an average weight of 120 g, a harmonious sweet and sour taste and numerous subcutaneous points of lighter tones. The snow-white pulp has a fine-grained structure, a pronounced aroma and a two- or three-month shelf life. The fruits are covered with a dense glossy skin. Tasting score 4.9 on a five-point system and 5 points for appearance.

The sunniest places are chosen for planting - it is desirable that the territory be illuminated all day. The plant is not too demanding on the soil, however, ideally, the soil should be loose and breathable. Too nutritious soil can lead to oppression of vitality, therefore, oily black soil, rich in humus, must be diluted with river sand or loam. Since the root system goes to a decent depth, you need to know exactly the level of occurrence of groundwater so that the roots do not rot.

Landing pits need preliminary preparation. They are prepared for the season, at least a month before planting. The holes are standard for fruit trees - 80x80 cm, the diameter can be increased up to 1 meter. A soil mixture with the addition of superphosphate is poured onto the bottom - 1 glass. After that comes the drainage layer (in this sequence). Then these layers are poured with 40-60 liters of water and left in this form until planting.

When planting a seedling, you need to make sure that the root collar remains above the ground at a level of 5-10 cm.The plant is placed in a hole, sprinkled with earth, after which it is carefully tamped and an earthen ring is poured in the form of a shaft around the hole, filling it with 20-30 liters of water ... After planting, the trunk circle is covered with mulch. Subsequent care consists of loosening, weeding, feeding, sanitary and formative pruning. Watering is required only during long dry periods. The distance between the holes is maintained at one and a half meters.

The tree belongs to self-fertile varieties and does not need additional measures. The strong scent of the flowers attracts insects in sufficient quantities.

After the first couple of years, the apple tree will need additional nutrition: mineral complex fertilizers, superphosphate, urea and organic matter.