Description and characteristics of the Idared apple variety, the subtleties of cultivation

To properly grow Idared apples, it's essential to follow proper agricultural practices. The fruit is often used for storage. To ensure the crop thrives, it's important to select the right seedling and a location that will provide the tree with all the necessary nutrients.

The history of the Idared apple tree

This apple variety was bred in America in 1953. Over time, it became popular for cultivation throughout Russia and Ukraine. Initially, the apples were exported to other countries. This variety is often chosen for orchard cultivation due to its ease of care and excellent taste.

Advantages and disadvantages: is it worth planting?

When choosing this apple variety, you need to evaluate the following advantages:

• productivity;
• can tolerate drought;
• suitable for long-distance transportation;
• the variety is grown in all regions;
• the variety ripens early;
• The fruits contain a large amount of nutrients.

Flaws:

• often prone to illness;
• To get a good harvest, you need to apply fertilizers frequently.

Despite its shortcomings, the variety is grown in gardens.

Description of fruit crops

When choosing a planting site, it is necessary to study the description of the tree.

Tree dimensions

The tree is medium-sized, reaching a height of up to 4 meters. However, in some regions, the tree grows to 2-3 meters. The crown is round, and the branches are elongated.

Annual growth

The branches are underdeveloped. The plant grows rapidly in the first year after planting. In subsequent years, growth slows. The branches enlarge annually, so pruning is necessary to shape the crown.

Branching of the root system

The tree's roots often protrude from the ground. They are weakly developed and do not exceed 5-6 meters in diameter.

Life expectancy

Depending on the region where the apple variety is grown, the plant's lifespan can be up to 50-60 years. Older trees produce less fruit, and the apples become smaller. Dwarf trees can bear fruit for up to 15 years.

Flowering and pollinators

This variety is self-pollinating. However, to increase yield, it's necessary to plant the following varieties in the same bed:

• Rosavka;
• Delicious;
• Ruby Dukes.

Pollination with these varieties improves taste and reduces the likelihood of disease.

Ripening period and harvesting of fruits

The harvest begins in mid-September. After harvesting, it's recommended to store the apples in a cool place for three months. After storage, the fruit becomes juicy and its flavor improves.

Taste properties and yield of the variety

This variety is considered high-yielding. Large harvests are possible regardless of weather conditions. The fruits are sweet and sour, with a raspberry flavor. They can be eaten fresh or used as a flavoring in other dishes.

Characteristics of Idared

When growing apples, it is necessary to take into account some characteristics of the variety.

Frost and drought resistance

This variety is resistant to low temperatures and does not require winter shelter. It can produce fruit even during drought.

Immunity to diseases and pests

The plant tolerates diseases and is rarely attacked by pests. However, the variety is susceptible to scab and powdery mildew. It is often susceptible to these diseases during rainy days.

How to plant an apple tree in a plot

To obtain a regular harvest, it is important to plant the crop correctly and follow all the rules for care and cultivation.

Deadlines

Seedlings can be planted outdoors in early spring, when the buds are dormant. They can also be planted outdoors in the fall, at the end of September.

Important: Planting apple tree seedlings in the fall will allow them to strengthen their roots and promote growth. This period reduces the risk of disease.

Site selection and preparation

A properly selected planting site accelerates seedling growth. The planting site must be cleared of debris and weeds. A hole must be prepared beforehand. The diameter of the planting hole should be at least 100 cm. However, it can be smaller if the roots are not well developed.

In order for the plant to develop, it is necessary to take into account the following features when choosing a site:

• the landing site must be illuminated;
• there should not be any groundwater nearby in the places where the cuttings are planted;
• There should not be other closely located trees near the trees that will shade the crop.

Before planting the cutting, the area must be fertilized. To prepare a nutrient mixture for the planting hole, add one part compost, two parts soil, and 200 grams of superphosphate. Fill the planting hole with the resulting mixture.

Schemes for the placement of young trees

A minimum distance of 5 meters must be maintained between seedlings. This distance is sufficient to ensure the plant does not interfere with the free development of the roots. When planting seedlings, a minimum distance of 3 meters must be maintained between rows.

Landing technology

The procedure for planting seedlings involves the following algorithm of actions:

• place the seedling in a liquid with a growth activator for 2 hours;
• make a mound of nutrient mixture in the planting hole;
• install a wooden support in the hole;
• place the seedling, straightening the roots;
• sprinkle with soil and compact.

After planting, the apple tree seedling needs to be watered. with plenty of warm water. The tree also needs to be secured to the support.

Tree care

To obtain a harvest, it is important to properly care for the crop.

Irrigation

The crop is watered every three days using warm, settled water. In the fall, watering is done every five days.

Top dressing

Fertilizing is also crucial for plant development. In the fall, compost is used. In the spring and summer, a complex fertilizer containing all the necessary minerals is applied to the Idared apple tree.

Pruning an apple tree

To shape the tree's crown, pruning is necessary. This procedure is performed in the spring. All damaged areas are removed, as well as excess branches that have formed during the year.

Seasonal processing

During the season, it's necessary to spray with specialized pest and disease control products. This treatment will not only preserve the harvest but also the crop. In the spring, copper-containing products should be used to treat the plant. In the summer, chemicals and special pest control traps are used. In the fall, as a preventative measure, the plant is treated and all damaged bark is removed.

Caring for the tree trunk circle

The plant's growing area must be thoroughly cleared of weeds, which carry diseases. The soil should be loosened weekly, as the plant prefers oxygen in the soil. In the spring, the trunk is treated with lime to eliminate microbes.

Shelter for the winter period

To ensure the tree remains healthy for the coming season, it's essential to properly cover it for the winter. Young plants should be covered with burlap. The basal trunk is wrapped with thick paper or special tape. The roots are covered with spruce branches. For mature plants, the root ball is covered.

Varieties

Depending on the scion, the Idared apple tree has the following varieties.

Dwarf

Small trees reaching a height of 2 meters. They are known for their high yield and ripening of fruit. A drawback of these trees is the need for regular watering, as their roots are located close to the surface.

Columnar

The tree's distinctive features are its crownless, tall form. The trunk has short branches that facilitate fruit formation. These trees can be grown in small plots.

Technical

Small trees that can reach a height of 3 meters. The crown is weakly developed. Notable for its high yield.

Gardeners' reviews

Galina, 45, Oryol: "I've been growing apple trees for seven years now. I chose this variety for its flavor. The apples can be transported long distances."

Evgeniy, 56, Kharkiv, Ukraine: "The apple tree is rarely susceptible to disease and produces fruit despite the dry summer. However, it needs regular, generous watering."

Conclusion

The Idared apple variety is known for its high yield. The fruits are juicy and retain their flavor. With proper care, the plant produces fruit every season.