Content
The apple variety Kitayka has long been considered one of the most delicious types. But it is quite difficult to grow it, since the tree is whimsical. This variety adapts to different climatic conditions and also has an abundant harvest.
Description of the apple variety Kitayka Long with a photo
The Chinese apple tree is grown in many countries. She is not only a wonderful decoration for the garden, but also capable of producing very tasty fruits. There are many different varieties. Each of them has its own qualities.
Breeding history
The Kitayka Long variety was created by the Americans at the beginning of the 20th century. Several scientists worked on it, but Hansen was most interested in the apple tree. As a basis, they took the Russian variety of Sibirka apples and another type of tree, which is still unknown.
When breeding fruits, a popular hybridization method was used. Of the 15 experimental trees, only 11 of them were pollen. Then the scientists pollinated the apple trees again and as a result of such a reaction they managed to bring out the seeds of a new variety.
Before planting, Hansen stratified the seeds. This process took him about 5 months. After planting, he tended the variety for a long time and tested it in harsh conditions.
Fruit and tree appearance
The apple tree Kitayka delights many people with its appearance, so it is often used as a garden decoration. The trees are relatively small, but some of them reach 4 m in height.
The crown is distinguished by its round and wide shape. Shoots are considered to be medium pubescent and have a dark green tint.
The branches tend upward. During active flowering, they begin to be completely covered with fruits, which are kept on a short stalk.
There are plum-colored leaves on the tree. They are characterized by an oblong shape and slight serration at the edges. The fruits are small in size. Their weight usually does not exceed 20 g. They are cone-shaped, but some of them may resemble a ball.
Yellowness is observed in the area of the depression. They have firm, creamy flesh. Reddish blotches are present. The fruit tastes sweet and sour.
Life span
It is recommended to store the fruits in a dark and cool place. Then it will be possible to extend their lifespan up to 2 months.
Taste
The flesh of the fruit is firm. It has a creamy shade interspersed with red.
Growing region
The apple tree Kitayka grows for a long time in areas with cold lands. Therefore, it is often found in the west and east of Siberia, where a continental climate is observed. This variety is perfect for growing in harsh winter conditions. The root system is deep, so the tree manages to maintain an optimal temperature.
In addition, the variety quickly adapts to dry and hot areas. For better adaptation, the tree needs to be watered regularly. If this condition is neglected, the root system will begin to deplete.
Yield
The Kitayka apple variety grows well for a long time in various conditions. But most often apple trees are used as garden decoration.
Fruits begin to appear only 4-5 years after planting. The peculiarity of apples lies in their location on the branches. During ripening, they are placed close to each other, while holding very tightly.
The harvest begins in late August - early September.
Frost resistant
The apple variety is adapted to cold weather for a long time. It is considered to be quite frost-resistant.
Disease and pest resistance
This variety is resistant to disease. But there are several diseases that can affect the yield and appearance of the tree - cytosporosis, fire blight and black cancer.
The first type of the disease is difficult. To avoid an ailment, during flowering, it is necessary to carry out treatment with Hom, and before that - with copper sulfate.
A bacterial burn is also considered a serious and dangerous disease. You need to fight only by destroying the focus of infection.
Black cancer has a bad effect on wood, which significantly deteriorates the appearance. The damaged bark is removed, and the resulting wounds are healed with medication.
The main pests include:
- Green aphid. To fight, use a tobacco-soap solution.
- Listobloshka. The pest does not like tobacco smoke, so the tree must be fumigated periodically.
- Apple moth. To avoid its appearance, the surface of the tree is sprayed with chlorophos solution.
- Leaf roll. Adversely affects the appearance. You can get rid of the pest with a nitrophene solution.
If you take proper care of the tree, then it will become a wonderful decoration for the garden, while producing delicious fruits.
Flowering period and ripening period
The first apples appear 4-5 years after the tree is planted. Then Kitayka Long begins to bear fruit every year.
Pollinators
Variety Kitayka Long feels great alone. Therefore, it is not recommended to plant an apple tree next to other trees. It is not necessary to pollinate it, since insects are engaged in this process. The variety has good characteristics for attracting bees and butterflies. If a tree is planted among other shrubs, the smell will be interrupted, which means that insects will not be able to pollinate the apple tree.
Transportation and keeping quality
It is necessary to transport the apple tree Kitayka for a long time very carefully, otherwise the tree will not be able to take root under any conditions. The seedling should not be left behind either, it will dry out and will not be able to grow.
Advantages and disadvantages
Examining a photo of a decorative apple tree for a Long time, we can conclude that it is quite beautiful in appearance and will become a real decoration of the garden.
In addition, Kitayka Long has other advantages, such as:
- resistance to many diseases and the adverse effects of pests;
- high productivity;
- frost resistance, which allows you to plant trees in countries with different climates;
- annual fruit offering;
- no shedding of apples.
But there are also a few downsides:
- The maximum shelf life of fruits is 2 months.
- Apples are small.
- Not everyone will like the taste of the fruit.
It is not necessary to use the apple tree Kitayka Long only for cultivation. It will be a wonderful decoration for any garden, which is already a significant advantage.
Landing
Before you start breeding a variety, you need to decide on the place where the Kitayka apple tree will feel comfortable for a long time. Preparation begins at least a week in advance. At this time, you should dig a hole from 80 to 100 cm deep, and then fertilize the soil in it.
If you take an apple tree with a closed root system, then planting is carried out in the spring at the end of March - mid-April or in the fall from mid-September to the end of October. With an open root system, manipulations are carried out from April to May or from September to mid-October.
Growing and care
During the first two years, Kitayka does not need to be fed for a long time. She has enough fertilizers that were laid during planting.Then feeding is carried out every year in the summer.
In order for a tree to grow beautiful and powerful, its root system needs to be protected in winter. For this, newspapers and spruce branches are used. To protect from freezing, you need peat, humus or sawdust. With the arrival of spring, the protective cushion is removed.
It is also necessary to take care of the Chinese apple tree for a long time:
- The tree should be inspected regularly.
- If necessary, the resulting wounds are healed.
- Dry and damaged branches are removed every spring.
- In the spring, the soil is loosened, weeds are removed.
- Water the tree regularly in the summer.
- Periodically it is necessary to carry out pest control.
If you follow all the care recommendations, the Kitayka Long apple tree will become an excellent garden decoration.
Collection and storage
The fruits are harvested in late August or early September. Store them for no longer than two months in a cool and dark place. If you do not follow these rules, apples will quickly turn yellow and lose their taste.
Conclusion
Apple variety Kitayka Long will be a wonderful decoration for any garden. Moreover, the tree gives a good harvest every year. The fruits taste great and juiciness. But for this you need to carefully look after the plant, carry out regular inspection and watering. Otherwise, the root system will become thinner.
Testimonials