The best varieties of apple trees Spartan

Every gardener strives to plant an apple tree with delicious fruits on his site. Such a tree tolerates the changeable climate of central Russia well and does not require undue attention.

Apple tree Spartan bred by Canadian breeders in 1926, by crossing varieties such as Macintosh and Pepin Newtown Yellow.

The purpose of the breeding was the urgent need to grow apple trees on an industrial scale. Therefore, I needed variety with good presentation, transportability and long shelf life.

Description of apple variety

Prefers a temperate climate, with warm winters and not humid air. Low frost resistanceif the tree is not prepared for the cold weather, it may die.

Begins to bear fruit from the third year of life. On average, a young apple tree (up to 10 years old) can bring from 15 to 35 kilograms of harvest, but more mature trees bring up to 80 kilograms.

The ripening period falls in mid-October.... Refers to self-pollinated varieties.

Characteristics of fruits and trees

Apple tree Spartan is distinguished by its rapid growth, but at the same time the tree reaches medium heights... Leaves are small or medium, dark green, smooth, edges slightly curled upwards.

Branches in relation to the trunk are located at an angle of 70 degrees. The crown is very lush, has a predisposition to the appearance of an excessive amount of unnecessary stems. Shoots of an unusual, dark cherry color, slightly pubescent.

Due to the peculiarities of the structure of the tree, the Spartan apple tree must not be forgotten and the pruning procedures must not be skipped.

The Spartan apple tree is distinguished by its rapid growth, but at the same time the tree reaches medium heights.

In most cases, the fruits are round with a slight flattening, but conical apples can also be found. Due to their Canadian origin, these fruits boast an unusual color.

They are initially yellow, but maroon and purple spots begin to appear as they mature.that gradually cover almost the entire surface. There is also a waxy coating on it.

Such apples are not very large, only 130-190 grams. They taste sweet, juicy and aromatic., with a dense consistency.

Advantages and disadvantages

If the tree is properly looked after, then it can bring a large amount of harvest, such a tree bears fruit annually.

Excellent taste and the content of a large amount of useful microelements in such apples. For example, there is much more ascorbic acid in this variety than in others.

Good transportability. They are extremely rarely exposed to various diseases.

If you create a favorable temperature for the apples, then the harvest can be stored from 4 to 7 months.

If the tree is grown in the northern regions or in the middle lane, will have to take care of his winter shelter... Apple tree Spartan does not tolerate frost and sub-zero temperatures.

Small fruit size that can gradually decrease due to poor thinning of the branches.

Growing conditions

In the 1980s, the Spartan apple tree was zoned throughout the territory of Ukraine, but to a greater extent it took root in the north of the country. From this we can conclude what is the tree prefers a temperate climate.

Does not tolerate both frost and drought, and heat with high humidity.

Apple tree Spartan does not tolerate both frost and drought, and heat with high humidity.

When choosing a landing site you need to pay attention to the following criteria:

1. The place must be bright and sunny, otherwise the amount of the obtained crop may decrease significantly.
2. The site must have fertile soil.
3. Overmoistening of the root system should not be allowed, therefore, places with an elevated level of groundwater should be avoided.

If the entire site is located on an area with a high groundwater level, do not despair, you can plant trees on mounds and dug a ditch to drain excess moisture.

Landing rules

The best period is considered late April or early September.

For planting the Spartan apple tree, you need to prepare and approach as responsibly as possible. Seven days before the direct work, you need to prepare the pits, which should be infused.

The tree loves loamy soils and in order to create comfortable conditions for him, add to the clay soil:

• sand;
• peat;
• rotted compost.

Sequence of work:

1. Pits should be dug at a distance of 4 meters from each other, while their depth should be 50-60 centimeters, and their diameter should be 1 meter.

1. About 30 centimeters of the bottom must be carefully loosened.

1. To protect the plant from the appearance of excessive moisture and accumulation of water, drainage is laid out at the bottom of the pit. It can consist of any means at hand. For example, stones or cut branches of plants.

1. After all the work related to protecting the tree from moisture has been completed, the pit is half filled with a fertile layer of soil, then fertilizers are applied, consisting of: superphosphate, potassium sulfate, wooden ash, rotted manure.

1. At the end of this procedure, you need to fill up the previously dug soil into the pit. Due to the addition of fertilizers and drainage, a mound is formed, into which it is imperative to dig in a peg, it will be the basis for a seedling that has not yet matured.

1. When planting, the seedling must be carefully placed on a mound and sprinkled with a fertile layer of earth so that the root collar is 5 centimeters above the soil level.

The best period for planting the Spartan apple tree will be the end of April or the beginning of September.

Tree care

After planting

As soon as the young seedling is placed in the ground, it must be thoroughly watered with water until the soil begins to repel moisture. After that, the soil around the tree trunk must be mulched with a 5 cm layer.

To improve the formation of the crown, the branches of the seedling are cut by a third.

In the first year of the tree's life, it is recommended to prune all flowers., so that it would quickly take root in a new place.

Watering

One tree requires 20-30 liters of water, water it in the evening, as the soil dries up. In hot weather, it is recommended to practice drip hydration.

When a large amount of precipitation falls, the apple tree does not need to be watered. It is enough to make punctures around the tree trunk. Their depth should not exceed 40 centimeters. Forks or crowbars can be selected as tools.

Top dressing

You need to feed the Spartan apple tree four times per season. at the certain time.

During the period of tying flower buds, for such purposes it is best to use natural fertilizers such as urea or dung.

As soon as flowering begins, the tree must be strengthened with the following solution:

• 100 liters of water;
• 400 grams of potassium sulfide;
• 500 grams of superphosphate;
• 250 grams of urea.

One young tree will need 15 liters of fertilizer, and an adult 50.

You need to feed the Spartan apple tree four times per season at a certain time

When the tree begins to bear fruit it must be fed with 30 liters of the following solution:

• 100 liters of water;
• 500 grams of nitrophoska;
• 10 grams of sodium humate.

After harvest in wet weather the following fertilizers should be scattered around the tree:

• potassium sulfate - 300 grams;
• superphosphate - 300 grams.

If it is dry and hot outside, this top dressing must be diluted in water.

Pruning

When growing the Spartan apple variety, special care should be taken to remove pruning. It is best to carry out this procedure in the spring, when the tree has not yet entered the flowering phase.

In the first year of life, the apical bud and all shoots are removed, which are located under it. So that the lateral branches are not fragile, and do not break off during fruiting, you cannot leave two symmetrically located lateral shoots.

When forming the crown of a tree, emphasis is placed on the lateral growth of branches.... This is necessary in order to increase its diameter, and, accordingly, the stability of the entire apple tree.

It is necessary to remove shoots that are not located correctly. For example: braided, growing towards the trunk, not away from it; rub against each other.

It is imperative to remove dry and suspicious branches.... This procedure is the main prevention against many diseases.

When growing the Spartan apple variety, special care should be taken to remove pruning

Preparing for winter

Considering that the apple tree Spartan does not like the cold, in the winter season she needs additional protection... It is best to water the tree abundantly with the appearance of the first frost and bury it with peat 30 centimeters.

Diseases and pests

A distinctive feature of the Spartan variety is high resistance to damage by diseases such as scab and powdery mildew... But with insufficient or improper care, the risk of disease still exists.

Scab - the initial sign will be the appearance of black dots on the fruits, such apples are already unusable.

To combat the disease, it is necessary to remove the affected fruits in a timely manner so that the scab does not begin to spread. An effective remedy in this case will be Horus and Skor.

Powdery mildew - is extremely rare. It is expressed in the appearance of a white bloom on the leaves, which gradually becomes brown and coarse.

Control measures will also be the removal of diseased branches and the use of the Strobi drug.

A distinctive feature of the Spartan variety is its high resistance to damage by diseases such as scab and powdery mildew.

Fruit rot - the essence of the disease is expressed in its name, such apples become inedible. This fact significantly reduces the yield. As a preventive measure, Speed ​​is used.

Cytosporosis - poses a danger to the tree itself, if the disease is not noticed and cured in time, the apple tree will dry out and die. In the initial stages, dark spots appear on the bark, which must be treated with Hom or Funadozol.

Apple moth - feeds on seeds and, accordingly, gnaws fruits. To get rid of the pest, the tree is sprayed with Fastan.

Apple blossom beetle - caterpillars that can cause significant damage to crop yields in general. You can get rid of them with the help of Cymbush.

To avoid re-infection, diseased branches and fruits must be burned; they must not be used as mulch or for other purposes.

Reviews of the apple Spartan

Elizabeth: “Very tasty apples, although the size is small. In addition, they lie for a very long time and belong to the winter varieties, so you can pamper yourself with fresh fruits all year round. All the friends who grow this variety praise it very much. "

Ekaterina: “Apples are sweet and crunchy, but their skin is thick and tough, but here as you like, this factor does not bother me. But it is difficult to take care of the tree, you must not skip the procedure for emptying the branches, otherwise there may not be a harvest. "

Peter: “The Spartan variety is well kept, but there must be a cold room, otherwise the apples will lose their juiciness and sweetness. By the way, of all my apple trees, this one is the most hardy, even tolerates hot and dry summers. "

The Spartan apple tree is perfect for central Russia... It rarely suffers from various diseases and produces a tasty and plentiful harvest.

The main thing is not to forget to take care of the tree and prepare it in time for the cold weather.

Specialists classify apples of the Spartan variety as winter varieties. It was bred in Canada and is still very popular at home. Spartan is one of the top most exported Canadian apple varieties.

One of the most significant advantages of this variety is its extremely high shelf life, that is, a very good long-term storage capacity.

Let's take a closer look at the description of the Spartan apple variety and their fruits.

…

With due care, apples can lie until April without losing their market value. The fruits should be stored in wooden boxes, in a well-ventilated, cold and dark room (like a cellar).

When the Spartan apple variety is brought into the heat, after a while they become sweeter, and then begin to wither, therefore, it is worth getting them out of the storage place strictly as they are eaten.

Spartan is ranked among the so-called pollinating varieties; it is used in planting schemes of plantings of several varieties. It can be safely planted next to such varieties as Melba, Kitayka, Northern Sinap, Bogatyr.

Description of the Spartan variety

In the photo you can see an apple tree and apples of the Spartan variety and read a detailed description of the characteristics of the tree below.

The tree of this variety has a high growth rate and a dense, rounded crown prone to neglect.

Shoots have a geniculate structure, dark cherry color and characteristic strong pubescence.

The leaves of this variety are usually small, sometimes medium, with a heart-shaped base and always a twisted tip. The color of the leaves is most often dark green, and the cross section is almost round. This variety is characterized by abundant flowering.

Fruits of the Spartan variety of medium volume, usually yellow, but with a large burgundy blush, which occupies almost the entire surface (you can also see Spartan apples well in the photo). Sometimes there are fruits covered with a bluish bloom, which gives them a dark blue or even purple hue.

Spartan apples round, sometimes with conical elements. Some ribbing is characteristic of the fruit. The seeds of these apples are like a bulb. The flesh of the fruit is white, crispy, with barely noticeable red streaks, very juicy and aromatic. Sweet taste, sometimes with sourness and hints of melon or strawberry... The average weight of the fruit with proper watering is about 150 grams.

Photo

Breeding history

Apple variety Spartan was obtained by Canadian breeders in 1926, in the city of Summerland at the experimental station. It is believed that the varieties Mekintosh and Pepin Newtown Yellow were used for crossing., however, recent genetic studies have shown that the latter was not involved in the selection of Spartan.

Nevertheless, it is known for certain that Mekintosh is the progenitor of Spartan - they have a lot of similar morphological features.

Distribution region

Although the Spartan variety and considered winter, its frost resistance leaves much to be desired.

That is why in our country Spartan is grown mainly in the Central and Central Black Earth regions.

In the central regions of the Russian Central zone, it is already too cold for this variety. The region of natural growth of this apple tree is Canada and partly the USA... Also, the variety has become widespread in Switzerland and Poland. The American classification of apple trees for their resistance to winter determined the Spartan zone 3-6. Based on this fact, you can easily determine whether the Spartan apple tree will take root in any particular region.

Yield

Spartan are classified as high-yielding varieties... From one tree, depending on climatic conditions, care and age of the tree, you can collect from 15 to 100 kilograms of apples.

Spartan bears fruit once a year - the fruits are ready for harvest at the end of September, but by the beginning of December they are saturated with their characteristic taste and reach final maturity. Unfortunately, this variety is characterized by a decrease in the size of apples with the age of the tree, so the orchards need to be updated periodically.

Upon reaching maturity, the fruits do not fall to the ground, but remain on the apple tree. Nevertheless, Spartan belongs to the early-growing and high-yielding varieties, so this variety is profitable to use in commercial activities.

Planting and leaving

If you decide to grow Spartan apples, you need to be very responsible in the choice of seedlings - give preference to plants with the most developed root system.

In addition, you need to immediately trim (up to 40-60 centimeters).

The crown of the apple tree grows quite widely, this should be taken into account when choosing a planting site - plants nearby should also have enough sun. Usually biennial plants are planted, and they begin to bear fruit at 3-4 years.

Most Spartan loves open, non-shaded terrain... It is worth planting apple trees in the spring, but you can also in the fall.

The soil for planting is critical - like any other apple tree, Spartan is very sensitive to lack of air, so the soil should at least be loamy. The clayey earth will be destructive for the tree. However, a seedling can be grown even in very clayey soil, if you first add river sand mixed with peat to it.

If the sandy composition of the soil prevails at the planting site, then clay, peat, humus and compost should be added to it.

When you have decided on the landing site, you need to prepare a pit. Her the depth should be at least 70 centimeters, and the width should not be more than a meter... At the bottom of the pit, a layer of fertile soil should be put, which must first be mixed with fertilizers (it is best to use mineral or organic ones), and then cover everything with a layer of soil without fertilizers.

A stake should be driven in at the edge of the pit so that the young apple tree has a support. You need to carefully handle the seedlings, try not to shake the earth off them.

After planting, the soil around the tree must be trampled down as tightly as possible and a kind of roller should be made around the pit.

After that, you need to start watering - water must be poured until it ceases to be absorbed, after which the soil around the planting site should be mulched with peat.

At the very end, you should take a tight rope or twine and carefully tie the apple tree to the stake.

Caring for the Spartan variety does not have any characteristic differences from caring for the rest of the winter varieties of apple trees. For trees to grow healthy and bear fruit regularly and generously, they should be watered, pruned and fed. As for watering, in hot and dry times, it should be done at least once a week.

The most useful method of irrigation for trees will be imitation of rain, especially since this is an additional prevention against diseases and pests.

However, if you decide to use "rain watering", you should remember that if it is carried out on a hot day, the plants can get significant burns, therefore the procedure should be rescheduled for the evening or early morning... From time to time you need to loosen the soil, trying not to damage the roots of the trees. In autumn and spring, apple trees of the Spartan variety must be fed.

Top dressing is usually carried out in three stages - when flowers appear on the trees, after flowering is complete and once in spring, preferably in April... It is best to use organic fertilizers such as humus, slurry, bird droppings. It is certainly necessary to clear the tree of old branches - otherwise the harvest will suffer. Do not be afraid to cut off the excess - the only thing to be afraid of is the excessive thickening of the foliage.

Diseases and pests

For the Spartan apple tree, the same diseases are characteristic as for the other varieties, however, through the efforts of Canadian breeders, Spartan managed to be made more resistant to scab and powdery mildew... Here we will briefly look at the main diseases that affect apple trees, as well as methods of dealing with them.

1. Scab... This is the most common fungal disease among all apple varieties. It manifests itself as black dots on fruits. If these points are small and rare, then the apples do not lose their taste and useful qualities.
2. Powdery mildew... Spartan is rarely affected by this disease. It manifests itself as a white coating on various elements of the wood. At first, it is easily rubbed off, then it coarsens and becomes brown. The leaves dry, the fruits are covered with dots. After treatment with a special preparation (for example, "Topaz"), this disease goes away.
3. Fruit rot... The name speaks for itself - apples rot. Help "Skor", "Horus" and "Fundazol", diluted in accordance with the instructions.
4. Cytosporosis... Like all others, it is a fungal disease. When this disease appears, the bark begins to become stained and dry out. It is most effective to use drugs "Hom" or "Fundazol".
5. Before spraying the plant, you should carefully read the instructions for the preparation in order to avoid negative side effects.

Summing up, we can safely say that the Spartan variety has excellent taste, is easy to cultivate and has great commercial potential. With the right care, a high-quality and generous harvest of excellent apples can be reaped annually.

The apple tree is the most common fruit crop on an industrial scale.

Thanks to selection, many different varieties have been bred for different climatic conditions.

But every gardener wants to plant apple trees, not only domestic selection, but also foreign.

Among the latter imported varieties from abroad, is the Spartan apple tree. Having considered all its characteristics and features, we will find out whether this variety will be able to gain its popularity in Russia as well as in its homeland.

Description of the variety

Apple tree Spartan - one of the highest yielding varieties, with winter ripening of apples.

Fruit crop was bred by Canadian breeders in 1926 when crossing the well-known varieties of Yellow Newtown and Macintosh.

Due to its enormous advantages, the apple tree has gained popularity not only in its homeland, but also in Europe.

The variety was zoned to Russia in 1986, but it turned out that not in all regions the tree can develop and bear fruit qualitatively.

The main disadvantages of the apple tree for our climate are poor frost resistance and poor drought tolerance.

The fruits of the Spartan apple tree.

In order not to be mistaken in choosing this variety on your site, you should familiarize yourself with the apple tree in more detail.

additional characteristics

Appearance

Apple tree Spartan medium-sized tree with a rounded, flattened crown... The center conductor of the tree grows at a slight slope. On the burgundy branches, small fruits flaunt, weighing no more than 150 grams. dark lilac color.

Leaf color and shape

The foliage of the plant is rounded, with a relief surface, a shiny dark green color.

Tree height

The apple tree has a medium vigor. The height of the tree is 5 - 6 m.

Crown width

A large number of branches, located at an angle of 70 degrees to the trunk, make the crown unusually lush.

Apple shoots lilac, with a slight drop to the bottom.

Disadvantages and advantages

Due to its advantages, the variety is very popular among gardeners.

The best indicators are:

• Annual fruiting;
• Taste qualities of fruits;
• Good transportability;
• Resistance to diseases of a different nature.

TO disadvantages of the apple tree include the following indicators:

• weak winter hardiness;
• constant pruning.

Tasting assessment

The fruits have a very juicy, dense, aromatic pulp. The taste of apples is sweet, with a slight predominance of sourness.

You should know!The fruits not only have very good taste, but also contain a huge amount of vitamins, micro and macro elements, pectins and ascorbic acid.

Frost resistance

The variety tolerates spring frosts and winter frosts rather poorly.

If you do not take care of the care before the winter period, the tree may die.

Be sure to do shelter activities for the winter of apple trees.

Self-fertility

The apple tree is considered a self-fertile crop. Often itself acts as a pollinator, for other apple trees.

Reviews

Tatyana. Tula region ... "Hello. I live in central Russia, the climate here is average compared to other regions.

I heard negative reviews about the Spartan variety. In turn, I want this apple tree characterize from the best side... The seedling took root with us quickly, there were no diseases during growth, the care consisted of feeding and pruning.

The apple tree bears fruit annually with a large number of fruits. Apples are very sweet, juicy with an interesting color. The fruits are stored for quite a long time, right up to spring.

I am very pleased with this variety, it came out on top among other apple trees and I am glad that I carefully studied the photo and description of the variety before buying "

Svetlana. Novosibirsk region... “The Apple tree Spartan grows on a dwarf rootstock. I am satisfied with the fruits and their storage, I can't say anything good about the variety. I heard that this variety bears fruit abundantly, but my harvest is small. I prune the tree every spring, but the branches still freeze over. "

Sergey Ushakov. Rostov-on-Don. “I have been doing gardening for about 20 years, the garden feeds my family. I breed those varieties of apples that bring a bountiful harvest every year. The Spartan variety fully met expectations when I studied the description, photo !!!

For ten years now he has been living on my site and makes me happy from year to year. The harvest increases every year, although I am already shooting under 80 kg of apples.

Due to their taste and transportability, apples are the most popular among buyers. There are some difficulties in leaving, but they are justified. "

Features of planting and care

Spring care for the root zone of the Spartan variety.

Before boarding, you need to find the right drop-off site. The apple tree prefers an area with fertile soil, which does not allow elevated groundwater.

Advice!Adequate lighting of the tree will not allow a decrease in yield.

Landing

Timing

The seedling is planted in spring or autumn. Spring planting is carried out in late April, autumn in late September - early October.

Technology

A planting pit is dug 50 cm deep and 100 cm wide.

Drainage from stones is laid at the bottom, covered with fertile soil and fertilizers.

The fertilizers include:

• Rotten manure
• Ash,
• Potassium,
• Superphosphate.

Further, straightening the rhizomes, establish a seedling and cover it with fertile soil. The root collar of the seedling should be 5 cm from the ground. After planting, the apple tree is watered and the soil is mulched.

Important! If the soil is clayey, add compost, peat and sand before planting.

Distance between trees

If several Spartan varieties are planted together, the distance between the trees should be 3 m.

From other fruit crops, the gap should be at least 4.5 m.

Growing features

For the tree to take root and develop well, there are several important points to consider:

1. In the summer, the plant regular wetting by rain method is necessary. In the heat, it is recommended to water at least 2 times a week.
2. To saturate the rhizomes with oxygen, loosening is carried out near the trunk circle. To avoid damage to the roots, work should be done carefully enough.

Pollinator varieties

The apple tree is a self-fertile culture. 70% of fruit ovaries originate from self-pollination. For 100% fruiting with the best additional pollination varieties are:

• Golden Delicious,
• Idared,
• Jonathan.

Pruning and shaping the crown

The first pruning is carried out immediately after planting a seedling, cutting the branches by 1/3. In the future, so that the crown does not thicken, pruning is carried out every spring, eliminating weak and crooked shoots.

Attention!Do not remove lateral, regular-shaped branches, otherwise the crown will not be stable.

Canadian agricultural technology

In Canada, the Spartan apple tree is more commonly found in a columnar form. For the development of this subspecies, agrotechnical work must not be abused.

The tree does not need the formation and pruning of the crown.

Watering is extremely rare. Nitrogen fertilizers are not desirable for apple trees.

BUTApple tree machinery includes:

• Top dressing,
• Identification of pests,
• Loosening the soil.

Features of ripening and fruiting

The beginning of fruiting

Apple tree "Spartan".

Spartan variety is pretty early culture.

With the seed method of reproduction fruiting occurs at 4 - 5 years.

With a vegetative rootstock the first harvest can be obtained for 2 years.

Bloom

The flowering period falls on month of may.

The tree has abundant, white flowers with a pronounced aroma.

Harvest time

The apple tree is not characterized by shedding of fruits.

Apples are pretty tight on the stem. The harvest period is in the month of September, or later in early October.

Ripening terms

After harvesting the fruits, you should not rush to eat them. The longer the fruits lie, the more they ripen and acquire a pleasant aroma and rich taste.

Features of fruiting

Fruiting depends on correct agrotechnical work.

If the crown is formed incorrectly, the apples become much smaller.

With insufficient feeding and frosting of the tree in winter and spring, periodicity in fruiting cannot be avoided.

Why doesn't it bear fruit?

If in the spring the tree blooms profusely, but the fruits are not tied, you should pay attention to the following factors:

• The tree has not reached the fruiting age.
• The presence of pests that eat up the color, preventing them from forming into fruits.
• The tree was damaged in the winter.
• The apple tree has reached the age when fruiting ends.

Storage periods

The Spartan variety is also valued for the fact that its fruits are subject to long storage... With the right temperature and humidity, apples not only improve their qualities, but they also last for 7 months.

Advice!In the refrigerator, apples retain their presentation longer than in the cellar.

Subspecies and variants

Rootstocks

Dwarf

For the cultivation of an apple tree on a dwarf rootstock, Budagovsky's red-leaved paradise will serve.

The tree is about 2 m high, which makes it easier to care for the plant.

Fruiting occurs in the 3rd year, after vaccination.

With proper feeding, the fruit is much larger than that of the standard variety.

And the root system can tolerate minus 15 degrees, which makes this variety more winter-hardy.

Important!The disadvantages of the dwarf rootstock are the freezing of the stem in the winter and burns of the crown in the summer.

Semi-dwarf

In all regions of Ukraine and in some regions of Russia semi-dwarf rootstock is widespread Spartan varieties.

This kind of apple tree was bred by the Russian breeder Budakovsky. VI The variety has a high drought resistance and frost resistance.

The average height of the tree is 3.5 m. Fruiting occurs in the 4th year, after planting.

The variety has a high and stable yield. The root system is well developed, due to which it tolerates extreme soil conditions.

Columnar

Low-winter apple variety Spartan.

The apple tree on a columnar rootstock has a straight trunk, which does not bend with a bountiful harvest.

Characteristic feature of this type is that the branches grow horizontally upwards and do not require pruning. Apples are evenly distributed around the stem, starting at 35 cm from the soil.

Important!A fruit culture on a columnar rootstock is considered more winter-hardy and resistant to diseases of a different nature.

Varieties

Late

Late apple tree Spartan, unlike the others, has a high yield, up to 165 kg of apples from one tree.

The fruits weigh about 130 grams. with good transportability up to 2 months.

The tasting score of apples is 5 points. Fruits are ideally used fresh, in preservation, making jams and liqueurs.

The variety is more frost-resistant and has a fairly
good immunity to powdery mildew and scab.

Winter

In the breeding of the winter variety, the Newtown apple tree was not used.

The tree has a rounded crown with small leaves.

Fruiting the variety lasts from late September to the third decade of October. Fruiting is regular. Fruits are small, no more than 100 gr.

With proper care and preparation for the winter period, can tolerate a temperature drop of up to 35 degrees.

Features of cultivation in different regions

In outskirts of Moscow

In the Moscow region, there are short-term severe frosts in winter and rather high temperatures in summer. Not every apple variety will be able to take root in this region.

The best for these climatic conditions is the Spartan apple tree on a semi-dwarf rootstock.

Due to its rapid growth, the apple tree will be able to replace the branches damaged in the winter period with new shoots.

When planting a seedling, it is necessary to add compost, peat, and humus to the soil, which will serve for good survival and development.

Advice!This region requires regular watering of the apple tree, which will contribute to regular fruiting.

In Siberia

Siberia has very harsh climatic conditions, the temperature in winter can reach minus 50 degrees.

It is quite difficult to breed the Spartan apple tree here, even with a dwarf and semi-dwarf rootstock.

For the best result, for apple rootstocks, semi-wild varieties with frost-resistant rhizomes are used.

Upon receipt of a positive vaccination, the crown is formed so that in winter it is under the snow and does not freeze.

Important! Subject to all the requirements for caring for an apple tree, regular fruiting in this region is extremely rare.

In Belarus

Despite the fact that Belarus has a favorable climate for the development of the Spartan apple tree, cool weather and high rainfall contribute to the appearance and development of scab.

This disease leads to a decrease in yield and to periodicity in fruiting. To avoid this, one should examine every year and detect the disease at an early stage.

In the Urals

In the Urals, climatic weather conditions are similar to those in Siberia. It is quite difficult to grow the Spartan variety here. The columnar apple tree takes root and develops quite well in the southern Urals. With proper care and insulation, the apple tree in this region has a good yield.

In the middle lane

Due to its low winter hardiness, the Spartan apple variety, rarely bred in central Russia... If you nevertheless decide to purchase a seedling, the late Spartan will be the best choice.

It is more frost-resistant and, with proper care, may not freeze in winter.

Important! In central Russia, regular watering and loosening of the soil is required.

In the Northwest of Russia

Spartan variety.

In the North-West of Russia, the winter variety Spartan takes root better.

In order to avoid freezing of the upper branches of the apple tree, the crown in this region is formed in a shale form.

In Ukraine

The Spartan variety was zoned to Ukraine in the 80s.

Due to the fact that the climatic conditions are suitable for the development of the apple tree, the variety quickly gained its popularity and spread to the northern, northeastern and eastern regions of Ukraine.

Useful video

Watch a video review of the Spartan harvest:

See the gardeners' review of the Spartan apple tree:

Watch a video review of apple varieties:

Watch the video advice on how to choose the right apple varieties for the garden:

Conclusion

Thanks to its qualities, Spartan the most demanded variety among gardeners.

If we take into account all the characteristics, nuances and advice of specialists, it is possible to breed an apple tree in many regions of Russia.

And if desired and properly cared for, the harsh climatic conditions will not prevent the apple tree from delighting you with its fruits.

The Spartan apple variety, created in Canada in the first half of the last century, is still deservedly popular in its homeland. It has become widespread also in European countries. It is also grown on the territory of Russia, but not everywhere due to its relatively low winter hardiness. Nevertheless, Spartan deserves close attention of gardeners due to its unique taste and excellent keeping quality.

Description of the winter variety Spartan

The early-growing winter variety Spartan was bred in 1926 at the Summerland Experimental Station in Canada. The Mekintosh variety is considered its parent, and until recently Pepin Newtown Yellow was also attributed. However, later his participation in the process of obtaining Spartan was excluded after numerous studies. The relationship with Mekintosh is beyond doubt.

In Canada, the Spartan variety quickly gained great popularity, after which it moved to conquer other countries and continents. But after a while it turned out that its frost resistance leaves much to be desired and far from all regions one can count on the high-quality development of the tree. In Russia, Spartan is more or less often found in the Central and Central Black Earth regions, at that time, it was zoned in almost all regions of Ukraine, but best of all took root in the north, north-east and east of the country. Speaking of European countries, we note Switzerland and Poland, where Spartan also won a place in the sun.

With excellent taste of the fruit, the Spartan apple tree is also very productive: up to 100 kg of apples can be harvested from one tree

Apple tree

Apple trees of the Spartan variety are distinguished by a high intensity of growth and development, therefore, regular care is necessary for the tree in order to prevent thickening of the branches. The tree is of medium height, the crown is round.

The annual shoot has a strong pubescence of a dark brown, almost cherry color. There are no lateral ramifications.

Leaves, round in cross section, reach medium size, but most often they are small. The base is cordate, the tip of the leaf is always curled. The color of the leaves is dark green. Flowering is always abundant.

The leaves on the Spartan apple tree are small, and during ripening the apples cover them, and not vice versa

Characteristics of Spartan apples

Spartan apples are easily recognizable externally and have an original taste. One apple on average can reach 150 g - with proper watering. There are specimens weighing 200 g. Initially, the main color of apples is light yellow with a burgundy blush covering a significant part of the apple.The main feature is a bluish bloom, which gives the fruit a dark blue, even purple hue. It appears on an unripe apple and remains until maturity.

The fruit has a juicy pulp with a slight pink tint.

Round fruits sometimes acquire conical features and slight ribbing. The flesh is white, juicy and crunchy with subtle red veins. The taste is usually sweet, sometimes with a slight sourness. Many argue that the taste of Spartan apples can be distinguished by notes of melon and strawberry.

If the apples are already brightly colored from the tree, their aroma will manifest itself more strongly.

The average calorie content of an apple is 47 kcal. The fruit contains about 10% sugars, as well as pectin and P-active substances, titratable acids and ascorbic acid. The energy ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates is 3%: 8%: 83%. The low calorie content allows apples to be used to maintain good physical shape. Their positive effect on the organs of the cardiovascular and digestive systems is especially noted. Fiber helps cleanse the intestines, and pectin maintains skin tone well. Ascorbic acid strengthens human immunity and helps create reliable protection against viruses and infections. But people suffering from diseases such as gastritis and ulcers should be wary of eating Spartan apples.

A dark bluish bloom that gives the apple a color from burgundy to purple is the hallmark of the variety

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Let's move on to the positive and negative characteristics of the Spartan variety.The main advantage of Spartan is the excellent keeping quality of the fruits - if stored in proper conditions, they can persist until April. In addition, these apples perfectly tolerate transportation.

The high yield of the variety is also an attractive quality: from one tree, depending on its age and growing conditions, it is possible to harvest from 15 to 100 kg of apples.

Spartan is considered a fast-growing variety - the first harvest from the tree is removed already in the third - fourth year after planting and only occasionally - in the fifth.

The Spartan apple tree is fast-growing, and its fruits can be preserved for a long time in excellent condition.

And of course, the above-mentioned original taste of the fruit, which allows you to get juices and jams of excellent quality, as well as the undeniable benefits for the human body, should be attributed to the merits of Spartan.

Thanks to the efforts of breeders, this variety is resistant to diseases such as scab and powdery mildew, which increases the chances of growing a decent harvest.

Spartan is not devoid of flaws. These include the weak winter hardiness of the variety. It is difficult to grow it in the central regions of Russia, and gardeners have to resort to some tricks in order to provide good conditions for the full growth and development of the apple tree.

With excellent taste, apples, unfortunately, become smaller over time. And if you do not regularly prune the wood, the shredding will come earlier.

Landing

For the Spartan apple tree seedling, you need to look for the same place as for other apple trees - open, sunny and ventilated. The best planting material is two-year-old seedlings. They are chosen based on the state of the root system. The better it is, the more chances for a good survival rate of the tree.

The best planting material is two-year-old seedlings, but you can also purchase a five-year-old already fruiting tree

The composition of the soil also has a significant impact on the development of the apple tree. The tree does not tolerate a lack of air, and therefore clay soil is not the best option for growing a seedling. However, this does not mean at all that in this case you will have to abandon the landing. There is an easy way to improve the quality of the soil by making good drainage. Here is its description.

We dig the soil 50 cm deep (optimal for planting an apple tree) and fertilize the planting hole in advance. We take for 1 sq. m of soil, coarse river sand, sawdust, humus, rotted manure, peat or compost. Sand, compost or peat are mixed with soil in a 1: 1 ratio.This mixture will loosen the soil and provide much-needed air to the roots.

If you plan to plant several apple trees at once, then a year before planting, a green manure plant like phacelia, lupine, mustard or any other is sown in the selected area. The basic rule is not to let them bloom. Grown plants are mowed and left on the surface until further digging. The same method is used on sandy soil.

Sandy soil is also not the best option for planting an apple tree, so we will prepare that too. For a year we dig up to the same depth of 50 cm and 1 sq. m. of soil we take 50 kg of clay, 10-15 kg of manure, compost, peat or humus, 500-700 g of lime, 70 g of superphosphate and 40 g of potassium.

Uncultivated peat soil contains a lot of moisture, and good drainage is essential here.

Uncultivated peat soils carry such a problem as excessive waterlogging. To get rid of excess moisture, you need to dig deep trenches along the edges of the site or create high-quality drainage. With a peat layer thicker than 40 cm per 100 sq. m. soil is brought in 4 cubic meters of sand. If the layer is less than 40 cm, sand is not added, and the earth is dug 25 cm and 1 sq. m, 2 kg of manure or compost, 150 g of superphosphate, 200 g of phosphate rock, 50 g of potassium sulfate and from 600 to 1000 g of lime are introduced (depending on the acidity of the soil - the more acidic the soil, the more lime). This operation is also performed a year before planting and the area is sown with green manure, they are grown, mowed and left until digging.

When determining a place for planting, remember that the crown of the Spartan apple tree grows well in width, and do not allow this to interfere with the normal growth of other plants and the apple tree itself.

The apple tree is planted in spring or autumn. In the spring, this is done even before the buds open and dirt appears in the soil. In autumn, the best period is the end of September - mid-October. In the southern regions of Russia, planting is best done in the fall - so the likelihood of successful survival is much higher.

After planting, be sure to tie the seedling to a peg for better stability.

The planting hole should be 50–70 cm deep and about a meter in diameter. For better survival of the apple tree, we lay the top fertile soil layer on the bottom, mixed with a complex mineral fertilizer (100–150 g) or superphosphate (70 g) and chlorine-free potassium fertilizer (50 g). This is especially important on clay soils that do not have a large supply of nutrients. Next, we use soil without fertilizers to fill the pit.

After planting with twine or tight rope, we tie the apple tree to a peg installed on the edge of the planting pit to ensure its stability. We shorten the seedling to 40-60 cm in order to stimulate its further rapid growth.

The roller from the ground creates a platform convenient for irrigation, from which water does not spread after irrigation

Around the apple tree we create a roller of earth, which will be a circle for irrigation. Pour water into this circle until it stops absorbing into the soil, after which we mulch the near-trunk circle with peat.

Care

Like other varieties of apple trees, Spartan needs care. These are regular watering, pruning and feeding. In the summer heat, the tree should be watered in the evenings at least once a week. Sprinkling will be especially effective at this time - the apple tree is saturated with moisture not only from the roots, but also through the leaves and branches, and thus a good prevention of diseases and pests is carried out.

Sprinkling is carried out in the early morning or evening in the absence of direct sunlight.

Top dressing at different times

Top dressing is done three times a season. The first stage is in April, when the snow melts, the second - at the beginning of flowering and the third - after flowering.

The first feeding is exclusively root. In the near-trunk circle, one apple tree requires 500-600 g of urea, 50-60 g of nitroammophoska or ammonium nitrate and 5 buckets of humus.

Nitrofoska is one of the fertilizers necessary for regular root feeding of apple trees

During flowering, humus is used (2-3 kg per 1 sq. M. Of the trunk circle), slurry (0.5 buckets per 10 liters of water) or bird droppings (1.5–2 liters per 10 liters of water). The last two fertilizers can be replaced with urea - 500 g per 10 liters of water. One tree usually takes four buckets of solution.

Dilution of any fertilizer in water is required only in dry weather. During the rains, the flavoring agent is added under digging or simply scattered in the near-trunk circle in the amount in which it was indicated for breeding.

After flowering, the following composition is used: 0.5 kg of nitrophoska, 10 g of dry sodium humate and 10 liters of water. One tree takes three buckets of mortar. You can also use green fertilizer, which is prepared in the following way: the green part of the grass is poured with water and covered with polyethylene with holes previously made in it and let it brew for 20 days, after which it is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10. Flavoring substances are introduced not under the trunk itself, but along the perimeter of the crown for digging - this is where the suction parts of the roots are located.

Pruning

Pruning for the Spartan apple tree is especially important, given the high growth rate of its branches. The tree needs annual detailed and sanitary pruning. Moreover, when forming the crown, they tend to direct the growth of branches to the side, and not in height, in order to make it wider and give greater stability to the apple tree.

Detailed pruning (it is also called differentiated) is designed to shorten skeletal, semi-skeletal and overgrown branches, depending on the length of their terminal increments. If the length of the terminal growth is more than 40 cm, cut off a fifth of the branch, if 30–40 cm, then cut off a third of the branch. The growth of 20-30 cm in length is shortened by half, and at 10-20 cm - up to 2-3 buds.

The crown of the Spartan apple tree is prone to thickening, so regular pruning is indispensable here.

Sanitary pruning of an apple tree involves the removal of dry, damaged and diseased branches. Also, shoots thickening the crown are removed - intertwining, growing to the trunk and those that can rub against each other. Thinning the crown allows you to saturate it with the sun's rays and ensure a stable flow of fresh air, which prevents numerous diseases and the appearance of insect pests.

Since Spartan is a pollinating variety, it can be used in group planting among other varieties. The best neighbors for him will be the apple trees of the Melba, Bogatyr, Kitayka and Northern Sinap varieties.

Residents of the central regions of Russia, who decided to grow an apple tree of the Spartan variety on their site, should take into account that it does not tolerate our cold winters too well, therefore, in the fall, before the onset of cold weather, the tree must be additionally prepared - pre-winter watering, using 3-4 buckets of water to fully saturate moisture, as well as insulate the near-trunk circle with a layer of at least 30 cm.When snow falls, shovel it under the tree and compact it. The younger the apple tree, the more it needs protection.

Mulching with peat helps the apple tree survive the cold winter easier

Diseases and pests

The Spartan apple tree is characterized by the same diseases and pests as many other varieties. Thanks to the efforts of Canadian specialists, this variety has acquired some resistance to scab and powdery mildew. But they should not be discounted either, because they can appear under especially favorable conditions (high humidity, thickened crown).

Scab is a fairly common disease that manifests itself as black dots on apples. If the disease is in the initial stage, there are few such points and the taste of the fruit does not suffer, but if overlooked by the gardener, the picture can change for the worse.Fortunately, there are plenty of methods to combat this ailment, and one of them is the use of fungicide preparations such as Horus (2 g per 10 liters of water - 10 liters per 100 square meters) or Skora (3–3.5 ml per 10 liters of water, 2–5 liters are consumed per tree, depending on its age).

Powdery mildew is a white coating that at first looks like a white fluff and is easily erased, and then coarsens and turns brown. The leaves dry out under the influence of the disease, and the fruits become covered with dots. The use of the drug "Topaz" allows you to get rid of the disease. It is used before and after flowering - 2 ml of the drug is used for 10 liters, 5 liters of solution are used for one apple tree.

Fruit rot, or moniliosis, primarily damages the fruit. They rot and become covered with dots of beige color - these are spores of the fungus-causative agent of the disease. They get rid of the problem with the help of the "Skor" and "Horus" already known to us, as well as "Fundazol" (add 10 g of the product to 10 liters of water, a young apple tree will take 2 liters of solution, for an adult - up to 5 liters).

Cytosporosis is another fungal disease. Spots appear on the bark, and it begins to dry out and fall off. The best remedies in the fight against cytosporosis are the preparations "Hom" (40 grams per 10 liters, the apple tree takes 2–5 liters of solution) and "Fundazol".

Photo gallery: apple diseases

Among pests, green apple aphids and moths are frequent unwanted guests of gardens. The first sucks out all the juices from the plant and depletes it, gradually leading to death, and the second eats apples, significantly spoiling the future harvest. It is necessary to deal with them immediately after detection, and even better - to carry out preventive treatment of the tree with the help of appropriate preparations.

Apple green aphids are dangerous because in warm latitudes (and they, as we remember, are preferable for the Spartan apple tree), they are capable of giving up to 16 generations per season. In small quantities, it does not pose a particular threat, but in case of mass infection, it will drink all the juice from the apple tree and deprive not only the crop, but also the tree. To get rid of wintering aphid eggs, Nitrafen is used (200 g per 10 l), which is used to treat not only the tree, but also the ground under it. Instead, you can use a green oil concentrate (KZM): 600-800 g per 10 liters of water. In summer, tobacco infusion is used: 400 g of tobacco dust is added to 10 liters of water, infused for 1 day, stirring occasionally, then filtered and 40 g of soap is added.

The moth is not so numerous, but even in small quantities it causes harm to the gardener, gnawing through the passages in ripening apples. One larva is capable of damaging three fruits, which, after visiting it, immature and fall off ahead of time. To combat it, 80% chlorophos is used, diluting 20 g in 10 liters of water. To reduce the number of caterpillars, trapping belts are used and fallen apples are collected in time, and butterflies are disposed of with the help of light and electric traps and baits in the form of an odorous liquid.

Harvesting and storage rules

Thanks to their amazing taste, Spartan apples are actively used in their homeland, Canada, as a product for export. In Russia, these apple trees can only be found in private gardens, where people grow them for their own needs. Ripening begins in the fall.

The first ripe apples appear by the end of September, and until the beginning of December they can be harvested from the tree, while they are filled with juices and acquire their unique taste. The fruits stay on the branches for a long time without dropping, which simplifies their collection and allows you to get a better harvest.

The first apples ripen at the end of September and until the beginning of December are filled with juice, acquiring their famous taste

The harvested crop can be preserved for a long time: even at the beginning of next spring, you can enjoy a fresh apple! But for this, the fruits must be stored in wooden boxes in a dark, cold and ventilated place, for example, in a cellar..

You can get apples out of the cold only if you plan to eat them immediately.Brought into a warm room, after a while they become sweeter and begin to fade.

In addition to fresh consumption, Spartan apples can also be used for conservation. And what a great juice they make! They will reveal their useful properties and all the delights of taste in jam, jam or jam.

The Spartan variety is not very common in Russia, but is in demand due to the unique taste of its fruits and the possibility of their long-term storage. Best of all, such an apple tree will feel in the southern regions, where winters are milder. This fact does not exclude the possibility of growing Spartan apples in the central zone of our country, but in this case the gardener will have to take additional measures to protect the tree in the winter. With timely and proper care, the owner can rightfully count on an excellent full harvest.

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