Content
The dwarf apple-tree Chudnoe has unique characteristics. The variety attracts the attention of gardeners for its unpretentious care and quality of the crop. Growing a fruit tree is not difficult. To get the desired result, it is only important to observe the intricacies of the agrotechnics of dwarf species.
The dwarf variety is very convenient to harvest.
Breeding history
The apple variety was bred by Russian scientists from the Chelyabinsk Research Institute of Fruit and Vegetable and Potato Growing. The Ural breeder M.A.Mazunin worked on the creation of a bonsai. He crossed two worthy varieties - the German Eliza Ratke and the Russian Ural winter (northern). Mikhail Alexandrovich bred a number of apple trees, which received the popular name Mazuninskie dwarfs. Wonderful has an amazing taste of German apples and high frost resistance of domestic Ural apples. The variety is suitable for cultivation in any climatic zone of the Russian Federation. It is a natural dwarf, but can also be grafted onto a vigorous stock.
Description
Dwarf apple trees have their own characteristics that distinguish them from conventional varieties. One of them is a simplified cultivation technique. The variety of a low-growing tree was oriented towards the weather conditions of the Ural region, the chemical composition of soils, and the level of occurrence of groundwater. Aside from this, Chudny's low dimensions make it easy to care for the apple tree. Photo of an apple tree of the Chudnoye variety:
The yield of the variety is easy to maintain by following the rules of cultivation
Fruit and tree appearance
Natural dwarfs are always undersized. Variety parameters:
- The height of the Chudnoye apple tree does not exceed 1.5 m. If the variety is grafted onto a vigorous stock, then an adult tree reaches a height of 2.0-2.5 m. The Wonderful apple tree is naturally a low-growing tree. His crown is voluminous, about 3 m wide, the branches are spread out to the sides. When the time comes for the harvest to ripen, they fall down to the ground under the weight of the fruit. If pruning is not practiced when caring for the tree, then the crown becomes very dense. At the same time, it almost creeps along the ground. Annual growth is about 10 cm.
- The trunk diameter is small. On a tree on a natural scion it is 8-12 cm, on a dwarf - no more than 10 cm.
- The root system of a bonsai is fibrous, strong, located in a fertile layer, with a good growth rate. It occupies a fairly large area. This makes it possible for the Chudnoye variety to withstand well gusts of wind and not react to a shallow depth of groundwater.Important! The dwarf variety lacks a main root.
- The leaves of the apple-tree variety Chudnoe are oval, medium-sized (up to 7 cm), rich green color. The surface of the plates is glossy, there are small light stripes on it.
- The fruits of the dwarf variety are large, the weight of one apple is 120-140 g. Under good growing conditions and when it reaches maturity, it can be 200 g. The shape of the fruits is flat-round, on some there is a slight ribbing, the funnel is weakly expressed. The variety inherited the appearance of apples from the German Eliza Rathke. The main color is yellowish green.The cover color may be completely absent or appear as an uneven dark red blush. Usually it is located on the side of sunlight and signals the ripeness of the fruit of the Chudnoye apple tree. The skin is thin, small dots are visible under it. The pulp is juicy, but firm, crunches when eaten.
Life span
Depending on the climatic conditions of the region, the lifespan of the Chudnoye variety differs. The maximum period during which a tree is viable in:
- Central zone - from 40 to 45 years old;
- Siberia and the Urals - no more than 35 years;
- areas of temperate climates up to 40 years.
A dwarf tree lives up to the specified maximum marks only with quality care and timely rejuvenation.
Taste
The fruits of the Chudnoye variety have a tight dense pulp and a granular structure. Ripe apples have a sweet, sweet, slightly sour taste. Tasting score 4.6 points. The main value is due to the balanced composition of the fruit. Apple fruits contain up to 11% sugars, 14% dry matter, 1.2% pectin compounds. Apples are high in vitamin C - up to 20 mg. When consumed fresh, the entire spectrum of useful elements enters the human body. Some housewives prepare compotes, preserves, jam, other desserts and even aromatic wine from fruits.
In the photo, the apple variety Chudnoe:
The appearance of the fruit emphasizes their amazing taste
Growing regions
The variety is zoned for the Ural region. On the territory of the regions, it is required to cover young trees before the onset of winter with spruce branches, having previously mulched the soil.
Also, for growing a dwarf apple-tree Chudnoe, the weather of the Moscow region is very favorable. It is enough for gardeners to water the tree in a timely manner during a drought period. Special agrotechnical measures are not needed, the formation of the crown and top dressing are also not needed.
When planting a variety in Siberia, it is necessary to insulate not only the trunk circle, but also the tree trunk. Although the apple tree withstands a drop in temperature well, you will still have to do such activities.
In the North-West of Russia, the variety demonstrates excellent productivity, responds well to feeding. It is imperative to carry out preventive treatments for fungal infections. Best in early spring and twice.
Yield
The main indicators of the yield of a bonsai are constancy (annual), independence from climatic conditions. Up to 85 kg of delicious fruits are produced from one tree. The maximum value of the yield is shown at 5-7 years. The indicator falls with strong crown thickening and moisture deficit. Increases when pollinators are planted in the garden. The variety has excellent keeping quality, which is not typical for late summer varieties. Shelf life reaches 1 month with full preservation of taste and marketability.
A surprisingly large number of apples are tied on one tree.
Frost resistant
Despite its small size, the Chudnoye apple tree tolerates even severe frosts. The plant is not afraid to drop the temperature down to -40 ° C. A very valuable quality of a dwarf variety is the ability to withstand spring frosts, strong winds and temperature changes in a sharply continental or continental climate. However, breeders recommend sheltering trees in areas with prolonged frosts and snowless winters. When there is no snow, it is important to additionally cover the lower part of the trunk.
Disease and pest resistance
In the description, the apple tree's resistance to fungal infections is noted. The variety is well resistant to scab, bacteriosis, powdery mildew, fruit rot. More damage to the tree is caused by parasites - scale insects, bark beetles, aphids.To prevent the spread of pests, it is necessary to treat the apple tree with copper-containing preparations or urea. It is imperative to collect and remove fallen leaves or debris, dig up the trunk circle in the fall. It is also important to regularly inspect the bark and leaves.
Flowering period and ripening period
The apple-tree of the Wonderful variety bears fruit from the 3rd year of life. Flowering begins in the 2nd year.
In this case, all forces will be directed to the growth and development of the seedling.
The flowering period is extended, beginning in late April or early May. The exact time depends on the weather conditions. The flowering of the Wonderful variety has its own characteristics. At the beginning, the flowers cover the upper branches. This allows the tree to calmly survive return frosts. The fruit ripens late in the summer, the apples are ready for harvest in August.
The planting site should be carefully chosen in order to use the decorative variety at the time of flowering.
Pollinators
The Chudnoye variety does not require pollinators to form a crop. But, in this case, only part of the flowers is pollinated. To get the maximum number of ovaries, you need the help of other types of apple trees. The best pollinators for the Chudnoye apple tree are the varieties of the Ural dwarfs Bratchud, Prizemlennoye, Anis Sverdlovsky.
Transportation and keeping quality
When falling, the apples of the Chudnoye variety are almost not injured, they are not subject to decay. Therefore, the crop is well tolerated for long-distance transportation. At the same time, the quality and presentation of the fruit remains the same. The author of the selection has laid down another unique property for a late summer apple variety - good keeping quality. They are stored even in the room for a month. Under favorable conditions in the refrigerator or cellar, they retain their qualities until October.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Chudnoe apple-tree variety
Based on the description and feedback from gardeners, you can group the pros and cons of a tree. Among the obvious advantages, it should be noted:
- early maturity;
- frost and frost resistance;
- wind resistance;
- the ability to grow with a close location of groundwater;
- profitability;
- comfort of care due to low height;
- great taste;
- long shelf life.
Apple lovers do not notice any significant shortcomings in the variety. The downside is the inability to keep the crop longer. This is due to the desire to extend the period of consumption of very tasty fruits.
With proper care, the variety forms an enviable harvest every year.
Planting an apple tree Chudnoe
Its further growth and development depends on the quality of planting of a seedling. There are certain rules that must be followed. This will allow you to grow on the site an amazing apple tree on a dwarf rootstock of the Chudnoye variety. You need to pay attention to:
- Term... Optimal - early autumn (no later than mid-October) and spring (until mid-April). In the spring, you need to choose a time when the earth thawed, and the buds did not start growing. In the fall, it is important to finish one month before the ground freezes.
- A place... The Chudnoye variety has a unique feature. The tree feels great with a close occurrence of groundwater. Therefore, areas that are completely unsuitable for other fruit trees are suitable for him. The soil is preferable light and nutritious. Sandy loam or loam will do. Pre-lime the acidic soil.
Inspect the seedlings before planting. Focus on the condition of the roots. They must be fresh. They must be planted as soon as possible, after purchase, immediately wrap with a damp cloth.
Landing Algorithm:
- Prepare planting pits on the site with a depth of 0.5 m and a diameter of 0.7 m.The distance between the pits is at least 3 m.
- Pour 1 bucket of water into each.
- Stir the turf soil with humus, fill part of the pit with the mixture.
- Place the seedling so that the grafting site is 2 cm above ground level.
- Cover the roots with earth, trample down a little, water abundantly.
- Form a roller of soil for subsequent watering.
Seedlings should be placed at a sufficient distance so that they develop well.
Growing and care
It is very easy to grow the Chudnoye variety. The apple tree does not require special knowledge and skills. The basic rule is competent watering, in other words, regular watering. In the summer, you need to water the tree weekly. Consumption for each tree - 10 liters.
Loosening after every watering or rain. Care is required so as not to damage the roots.
Top dressing twice during the season - in spring and autumn. You need to start at 2 or 3 years old. The variety responds well to organic matter (chicken droppings or manure). Dilute the infusion before watering in a ratio of 1:20 (droppings) and 1:10 (manure). In the fall, it is good to feed the tree with a complex mineral fertilizer with a high content of potassium and phosphorus.
In the first year, it is imperative to form the lower tier by cutting. Remove the top at a height of 50 cm. In subsequent years, it will be necessary to remove branches growing at an acute angle to the trunk, and damaged ones. Even a novice gardener can handle the formation of an apple tree Wonderful.
Before the onset of winter, be sure to water the apple tree well. In cold regions, mulch the trunk circle, cover the tree with snow, insulate the lower part of the trunk.
The Chudnoye variety will withstand any weather tests only with sufficient watering. The superficial location of the root system requires the gardener's attention to this point of care.
Collection and storage
The fruits are ready to be harvested from mid-August. It is recommended not to delay the procedure so that the fruits do not overripe. Another reason is that the tree should not waste extra energy on ripe apples. The maximum shelf life of the Chudnoye variety is 4 months. In order for the apples to withstand this time without damage, it is necessary:
- highlight a dark room;
- maintain the temperature not higher than +12 ° С;
- humidity indicator is not more than 70%.
The ideal place is a closed balcony or basement.
Conclusion
The dwarf apple tree Chudnoe is a worthy choice for planting in a garden. The size of the variety makes it easier to care for the tree, and allows you to save space. You can grow apples with amazing taste in any climatic zone, adhering to agrotechnical recommendations for caring for the variety.
Testimonials
Gardeners' reviews are the best description of the advantages of the Wonderful apple tree.
