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In the gardens of our country, you rarely find unusual fruit trees. One of these is the apple variety Kitayka Kerr. The plant has miniature fruits. It meets the highest frost resistance requirements and tolerates drought well. She has high yields, up to 120 cm can be harvested per season.
Breeding history
The Kitajka Kerr apple tree appeared in 1952. The creator of the variety is William Leslie Kerr (Canada). The breeder successfully crossed two varieties: "Long" and "Harrison apple". According to some reports, the second plant was "Haralson Red".
There is no Kitayka Kerr in the Russian breeding register.
Apple tree "Kitayka Kerr" requires the installation of a peg
Description of the apple variety Kitayka Kerr with a photo
The apple tree of this variety is a very beautiful plant, especially during the flowering period. The buds have a strong aroma that attracts bees for pollination, as a result of which the fruits are distinguished by excellent quality characteristics. The budding period falls in April-May.
This process is reminiscent of cherry blossoms. These are large inflorescences, with five leaves, in which there are up to 4-6 flowers.
Fruit and tree appearance
This is a small plant with a neat crown, slightly spreading, which does not require regular pruning. Only damaged branches need to be removed. Shoots are greenish brown.
There are 3 subspecies of "Kitayki Kerr":
- Tall, which stretch up to 8 m.
- Medium-sized or semi-dwarf - up to 5 meters.
- Dwarf, not growing more than 2.5 meters in height.
The leaves of the "Kitayka Kerr" apple tree can be easily confused with plum leaves. They are elliptical, with pointed tips, and small in size. Their surface is smooth, serrated edges.
The tree bears fruit with red fruits. There are always a lot of apples on the branches.
The shape of the fruit is slightly elongated; in the process of ripening, their color changes from green to burgundy. There is a waxy coating on the skin. The aroma of the pulp resembles the smell of Antonovka apples.
Apples of the "Kitayka Kerr" variety can be stored in the cellar until mid-winter
Life span
Tall apple trees can grow and bear fruit for up to 60 years. Semi-dwarfs have a shorter life span - up to 40 years, and dwarf ones even less - up to 25 years.
Taste
The flesh of the apples is firm and slightly pink in color. "Kitayka Kerr" is considered the leader among all varieties of dwarf fruit trees. Fruits reach 7 cm in diameter and weigh from 20 to 50 g.
The taste of apples is rich, juicy, with a slight sourness and astringency.
For tasting qualities, apples are rated at 4.4 points on a 5-point scale.
The sugar content of the pulp is 12-16%. Apples contain a lot of vitamin C, which allows them to be called medicinal.
Apples are suitable for fresh consumption, making preserves, jams and baking in the oven.
Growing regions
The "Kitayka Kerr" apple tree has a shallow root system, but highly ramified. This allows you to grow the tree even in the harsh conditions of Siberia and the Far East.
The plant is not afraid of drought, so it can be planted in any region of Russia.
The apple tree does not like transplants; in extreme cases, it can outlive it at the age of 3. Therefore, it is best to plant the seedling on the site immediately in a permanent place.
In warm climatic zones, seedlings can be planted from the end of September to the 3rd decade of October, that is, before the first frost begins. In colder regions, it is better to plant a plant in spring, at the end of April, so that it has time to take root and take root.
Apple ripening period Kitayka Kerr
The fruits ripen late and can be harvested in mid or late September. The main advantage is that after ripening, the fruits do not immediately crumble, but remain on the branches.
The first collection is carried out 3-4 years after planting. The yield alternates every year between abundant and moderate.
If you store apples in a cool place, they can last until mid-January.
During the flowering period, the apple tree looks like sakura.
Frost resistant
The apple tree calmly tolerates a drop in temperature to -30 aboutC. For this reason, "Kitayka Kerr" can be found even in the Urals and in the West Siberian region.
Disease and pest resistance
Apple-tree "Kitayka Kerr" is very resistant to diseases and phyto-pests. Good resistance to powdery mildew, scab and mildew. However, the entire plant should be periodically inspected for aphids, fungus, and caterpillars. It is recommended to whitewash the root part in autumn and winter to prevent the reproduction of pest larvae.
For prophylactic purposes against the development of cytosporosis, it is recommended to treat the plant in the spring with the preparation "Hom" or a solution of copper sulfate. For aphids, use tobacco or soap.
Flowering period and ripening period
Blossoming of "Kitayka Kerr" occurs in late April - early May. If the tree is growing in warm climates, harvesting may already begin in mid to late August. In temperate areas, fruits are harvested in September.
Pollinators
"Kitayka Kerr" is often used as a rootstock for other apple varieties. The abundant flowering of the tree increases the yield of nearby plants.
Transportation and keeping quality
Subject to the storage rules, apples will lie quietly until mid-January. At the same time, they will not lose their attractive appearance and their taste will not change.
It is not difficult to transport the fruits, there are no special requirements.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main positive aspects of "Kitayka Kerr" include:
- High degree of frost resistance.
- Drought tolerant.
- Excellent resistance to diseases and pests.
- Unpretentious to the quality of the soil.
- The fruits are juicy and tasty, suitable for preparing preparations and desserts.
The tree has good aesthetic qualities, so it is often used in landscape design. A well-chosen planting site will not only decorate the site, but also get a good harvest of apples every year.
No negative aspects of the apple tree were found.
After watering, the root system of the apple tree is recommended to be mulched.
Landing rules
Apple-tree "Kitayka Kerr" prefers non-acidic and fertile lands. A sunny area is suitable for the tree, but it can survive in a shaded place.
It is best not to plant the plant in the ground where there is high groundwater or heavy soil. The apple tree will survive, but will not have its inherent decorative features.
It is best to prepare a tree planting hole in a month. To do this, after digging, fertilizer is added inside:
- 3 buckets of humus;
- 10 tbsp. l. wood ash;
- 1 cup superphosphate;
- 4 tbsp. l. potassium sulfate.
All components are thoroughly mixed with each other and with the lower fertile layer of the earth. In a month, fertilizers will be able to partially decompose and improve the quality of the soil. After planting, the seedlings are watered abundantly with water.
Before planting, it is recommended to soak the roots of an apple tree in warm water, and just before placing them in the ground, dip them in a clay mash.
Growing and care
The first 2 years after planting, the plant must be tied to a peg. If we are talking about a dwarf species, then it is left for the entire life cycle of the plant. During the same period, in the spring, all flowers are necessarily cut off. In the future, it is also recommended to thin out the buds in order to regulate fruiting and reduce stress.
Young plants are fed 2 times throughout the year: in May and September. Fruiting trees are fertilized 4 times.
Weeds should always be removed near trees, especially if it is a dwarf species.
Apple tree "Kitayka Kerr" is unpretentious in care, however, does not require frequent, but abundant watering. One tree requires 3-4 buckets of water, preferably warm. It is best to cover the root system with mulch after watering.
Collection and storage
Fruits are harvested around mid-September. Apples grow in clusters, 4-8 pieces each. This greatly simplifies the collection process.
After harvest, it can be placed in a cellar or basement. To prevent the process of decay from starting, the fruits are placed in wooden or cardboard boxes. Each layer of apples must be transferred with paper.
If you have the time and desire, then each apple can be wrapped in a newspaper.
"Kitayka Kerr" not only gives an excellent harvest, but also has a decorative function
Conclusion
The apple variety Kitayka Kerr is a spectacular representative of dwarf fruit tree species that can decorate any area. The fruit has an unforgettable taste, with light notes of sourness and astringency. There are no problems with care, the plant is not prone to diseases and is well resistant to pests and severe frosts.
