Description of the Kovalenkovskoye apple tree variety and growing instructions

When planting your own garden, it's important to choose the right fruit trees. The apple tree is a popular fruit tree. Gardeners want to grow tasty and healthy apples in their gardens, so they're afraid of choosing the wrong variety. Among the many apple tree varieties, the Kovalenkovskoye variety boasts a wealth of advantages that have earned it a place in the garden.

The history of the Kovalenkovskoye apple tree breeding

The Kovalenkovskoye apple variety was first bred at the Belarusian Research Institute, now the Republican Unitary Enterprise "Institute of Fruit Growing," after extensive research and development in the late 1990s. The Kovalenkovskoye apple seedling was obtained through open pollination of the Lafram variety. The variety was named in honor of the renowned breeder G.K. Kovalenok, who carried out productive work and played an active role in the plant's development.

Another employee, M. I. Sukhotsky, contributed no less effort. The variety was included in the State Register of the Republic of Belarus in 1999. In Russia, the Kovalenkovskoye apple tree is cultivated in the central regions and was only added to the register in 2006.

Advantages and disadvantages

The Kovalenkovskoye apple tree variety has proven itself among gardeners and has become extremely popular due to its impressive array of positive qualities. According to reviews from experienced gardening experts, the Kovalenkovskoye apple tree's key distinguishing features are:

• fruiting begins already in the 3-5th year after planting;
• resistance to severe frosts;
• abundant and annual harvests;
• excellent presentation of fruits;
• The apples are held firmly on the branches by a strong stalk.

Disadvantages of the Kovalenkovskoye apple tree:

• extended harvest;
• low resistance to fungal and bacterial diseases;
• drought intolerance;
• short shelf life of fruits.

Selecting a variety should only be done after thoroughly examining its strengths and weaknesses. The Kovalenkovskoye apple tree's excellent taste, abundance, and marketable quality more than offset its shortcomings.

Growing regions

The plant does not survive in arid climates, but is well adapted to low temperatures and frosts. In conditions of moisture deficiency, the Kovalenkovskoye apple tree cannot bear fruit properly or function properly.

This variety is widely cultivated throughout Belarus, Ukraine, and central Russia. The tree also graces southern Siberia and the Far East.

Characteristics and description of the variety

When choosing a variety, consider its individual characteristics. The Kovalenkovskoye apple tree has botanical and dendrological features that distinguish it from other varieties.

Tree size and annual growth

The tree is considered medium-sized, but with timely shaping pruning, it will reach a maximum height of 5 m. The width of the rounded crown depends on the frequency of pruning, but averages 3.5 cm.

The Kovalenkovskoye apple tree grows quickly, especially in favorable climate conditions and with proper care. Annual growth is approximately 1 meter.

The variety is early-bearing; when grown from seedlings, the first apples can be harvested in just 2-3 years.

Root system

The tree's roots are strong and well-developed. This characteristic helps the plant develop well from the first days after planting, forming a dense, bushy crown, strong lateral branches, and a sturdy, thick trunk. The root system is superficial, not extending deep into the soil.

Fruiting

By studying the nuances of the Kovalenkovskoye apple tree's fruiting, you can learn more about how to obtain a high-quality harvest.

Flowering and pollinators

The plant blooms early, forming umbels of fragrant flowers consisting of five snow-white petals. The Kovalenkovskoye apple tree does not require pollinators, as it is self-fertile. However, having additional apple trees blooming at the same time on the plot can significantly increase the future harvest and the quality of the fruit.

Ripening time and harvesting of fruits

The fruits weigh up to 200 grams. The skin is thin, green, and has a bright blush that sometimes covers the entire fruit, depending on the amount of sunlight it receives. The fruit is characterized by a thin layer of waxy coating and faint dark spots.

Ripening occurs in late August and the first ten days of September. Peak fruiting occurs in early autumn. Even after ripening, the fruits do not fall off but remain firmly attached to the branches, so harvesting can be done at any time, but don't delay. Ripeness can be determined by the appearance of a small dent on the apple when pressed.

It is not recommended to pick unripe specimens, as they will not ripen on their own.

Productivity and tasting evaluation of apple trees

The Kovalenkovskoye apple variety has a high yield. A single six-year-old tree can produce over 60 kg of fresh, juicy fruit of excellent commercial quality. The apples are sweet and juicy, with no acidity. The sugar content exceeds 10%. Kovalenkovskoye apples received a high rating of 4.5 points after tasting.

Storing and using apples

Harvested apples should be placed in boxes and stored in cool rooms. The harvest can be stored for up to one month, or up to 60 days if refrigerated. Apples are eaten fresh and are also suitable for making preserves, such as jam, jellies, compotes, and other preserves. They also make an excellent filling for pies and casseroles.

Resistance to sub-zero temperatures

The Kovalenkovskoye apple variety exhibits exceptional winter hardiness and survives even the harshest winters. It has proven itself in Southern Siberia, but in this region, mulching is required.

Susceptibility to diseases

The Kovalenkovskoye apple variety tolerates diseases caused by fungal pathogens well, but there is a risk of damage. The primary preventative measure is timely soil treatment with chemicals.

Planting technology

To obtain a high-quality harvest, it's important to put in the effort early on, following planting guidelines. This will increase your chances of growing a healthy fruit tree.

Selection of seedlings

It's best to start by choosing a good seedling. The planting material should be at least one year old. At this age, it will quickly adapt to its new location while avoiding fungal infections. A quality seedling can be identified by the following characteristics:

1. The soil lump is intact and well intertwined with roots.
2. The root system should have a brown tint and be free of growths and swellings.
3. The stem is flexible, with no damage to the bark.
4. On the trunk, 10 cm from the root collar, there is a small thickening.

Important! Before planting in open soil, place the seedlings in a bucket with growth stimulator and leave for 2 hours.

Site preparation

When choosing a planting site, choose an area that receives plenty of sun and is protected from cold winds. Before planting, carefully dig the area.

Required soil composition

The Kovalenkovskoye apple tree prefers loamy soil with a slightly acidic reaction.

Dimensions and depth of the planting hole

To prepare a planting hole, follow these instructions:

1. Dig a square hole 0.6 m on each side and 75 cm deep. For mass plantings, space the holes at least 3 m apart.
2. Combine the nutrient soil with 100 g of superphosphate and 1 liter of ash and mix. Alternatively, you can add 3 buckets of compost.
3. If the soil is clayey, add sand. Sandy soil requires peat at a rate of 1 bucket per 1 m.².

When planting crops in spring, the hole should be prepared in the fall. If planting in the fall, begin preparation two weeks in advance.

Planting technology and timing

It's best to plan planting in the spring, once the snow has melted and the soil has warmed, or in the fall, 2-3 weeks before the cold weather sets in. Spring is best suited for regions with mild climates where there are no frosts.

Planting stages:

1. Place expanded clay drainage at the bottom of the prepared hole and drive in a stake.
2. Add 2 buckets of complex fertilizer and secure with a layer of nutritious soil.
3. Place the seedling in the center so that the roots are freely positioned, then fill the hole with soil.
4. Water generously and tie the planting material to the support.

The root collar should be above ground level.

How to care for an apple tree

Caring for the Kovalenkovskoye apple tree has its own nuances that must be understood to obtain a rich harvest.

Watering mode

The Kovalenkovskoye apple tree won't survive drought, so timely and regular watering is recommended. Seedlings planted in the spring should be watered twice a week. Subsequently, reduce watering to once a month. Each tree should receive 3 buckets of water.

Fertilization

To increase fruiting, it's worth using fertilizer. Don't fertilize the plant during the first year. Then, apply fertilizer:

1. In the spring, pour 2 tablespoons of urea dissolved in a bucket of water under the root.
2. Before it begins to bloom, spray the plant with a solution of Ideal (5 ml per 5 liters of water).
3. In September, feed with 2 tablespoons of fertilizer based on phosphorus and potassium.

Important! Apply fertilizer according to instructions, without exceeding the recommended dosage.

Trimming

Formative pruning should be performed in late autumn. The crown should be trimmed periodically. Reduce new growth by 1/3, and remove branches growing parallel to the trunk.

Sanitary pruning of the Kovalenkovskoye apple tree should be carried out as needed, for preventive purposes - in the spring, as well as in the fall in order to remove all diseased, dry branches.

Caring for the tree trunk circle

The soil should be systematically loosened to a depth of 10 cm, removing weeds and enriching the roots with oxygen, and mulched to protect the soil from weathering and drying out.

Winter protection

Preparing the Kovalenkovskoye apple tree for winter involves mulching the tree trunk circle with hay and tying the trunks of young trees with agrofibre.

Preventive treatments

Regularly inspect the tree for symptoms of common diseases and take appropriate measures promptly. Preventatively treat the trunk and soil before flowering and harvest with Fitosporin-M solution or other antifungal agents.

Methods of reproduction

There are various ways to propagate the Kovalenkovskoye apple tree. Gardeners often resort to cuttings, layering, and grafting, as seed propagation is a labor-intensive process that requires multiple attempts.

Gardeners' reviews

Irina Vasilyeva, 58, Voronezh: "I've been growing the Kovalenkovskoye apple tree for a long time, and every year I get large apples that delight with their sweetness. The kids love the jam and compote. The fruit looks beautiful on the tree."

Svetlana Orekhova, 49, Belgorod: "I love the Kovalenkovskoye variety for its tasty, large fruits, which stay on the tree for a long time after ripening, brightening up the garden with their vibrant colors. I'm not worried about the apples not lasting long, as I use them for winter preserves."