Idared apple variety: variety features and cultivation

The Idared apple variety was originally bred in the United States in 1955, breeders crossed two varieties - Jonathan and Wagner. However, now it has gone through a long adaptation to European conditions and has become one of the most widespread in the CIS countries.

Apple trees Idared are grown in the middle zone and the southern climatic zone of Russia, they are also widespread in Ukraine. Later, this variety was used to breed new hybrids: these are Kazachka Kubanskaya, Vertikal and many others. Idared has gained popularity due to the good taste of the fruit and large yields.

Content:

• General description of the variety
• Optimal growing conditions
• Planting seedlings of apple trees Idared
• Diseases and pests of the apple tree

General description of the variety

The Idared variety belongs to the winter variety, the fruits ripen in late September - early October. Ripe apples mostly red, but a crimson blush with noticeable stripes appears over the entire surface. Fruit weight is about 140-190 grams, they can be larger. The apples have a flat-rounded shape, the thin skin is provided with a waxy coating, which provides a long storage.

The fruits have a pleasant sour-sweet taste and bright aroma, they are rich in ascorbic acid and other useful substances. One of the advantages of the variety is that, provided suitable conditions are provided, apples can be stored for more than 5 months, so they do not lose their taste throughout the winter.

Apple trees Idared are vigorous, especially intensive tree growth is observed in the first years after planting.

A mature tree can reach a height of 3.2 meters, the crown has a spherical or oval shape. The branches grow very densely, therefore it is required to carry out periodic pruning... In a productive year, garlands of fruits can form on the branches, the tree looks just great.

Optimal growing conditions

Many Idared apple trees are not capable of self-pollination, therefore, to get a good harvest strong pollinators must be planted nearby. For this, varieties are suitable Gloucester, Florina, Rusavka and some others. However, this variety has an advantage - it grows well on poor soils, and in such conditions, the fruits acquire a brighter color.

The cultivation of the Idared variety has several features related to the life cycle of the apple tree.

The apple tree begins to bloom early. It is one of the earliest flowering varieties, so the flowers may suffer from late frosts. However, if there are serious temperature extremes, a rich harvest can be expected from the apple tree.

In order for the fruits to be of high quality and large, it is necessary to ensure that several conditions are met:

1. Preparing the soil for planting seedlings begins a few months before: you need to dig up the soil and remove the roots weeds... The optimal composition of the soil for growing is sand, turf, peat and dung. Fresh manure is not recommended for use as fertilizers, it can have a negative effect on the roots of the plant.
2. In the first three years after planting, nitrogen fertilizers, feeding is carried out in spring and autumn. Young seedlings are sprayed with copper sulfate - this helps to protect future fruits from rot.At the beginning of the summer season, trees are additionally fertilized with a solution of potassium sulfate and urea.
3. During the warm season, each tree is watered 5 times: the amount of water at a time is 3 buckets of water. The first time the tree is watered during the period flowering, however, this should only be done if the spring is dry and there is little rainfall. The apple tree requires a lot of water during the fruit set and during the period of their growth, therefore, during this period, the tree is watered at least 2 times.
4. For good fruiting, you need to pay extra attention. pruning: mainly young 1-4 year old branches bear fruit. They should receive enough light, so there should be windows in the crown, it should not be too thick.

Planting apple seedlings Idared

Apple tree seedlings can be planted in spring and autumn, most often young trees are planted from September to early October. In the spring seedlings can be planted no later than mid-May, then they will have enough time to grow. To plant the Idared apple tree, the place must be prepared in advance, it is advisable to dig a hole two months before planting, so that the soil has time to settle and compact.

Planting tips:

• The depth of the hole should be 80 cm, diameter - 80 cm. It is filled with a prepared soil mixture with a high content of peat and humus; a hole must be made in the ground.
• The seedling in it is located in such a way that its root collar is 3-5 cm above ground level.
• It is impossible to immerse the seedling deeper into the soil, as this can provoke a slowdown or cessation of growth.
• If the root collar is too high, the plant will be less frost-resistant.
• After planting, the earth must be compacted without damaging the roots, after which a peg is dug in near the seedling. A young tree must be tied to it to protect it from strong winds.

Diseases and pests of the apple tree

The main disease of the apple tree Idared is considered powdery mildew, therefore, it is necessary to regularly inspect the tree and remove the affected leaves and shoots. The risk of infection is especially high if it rains a lot in summer. In addition to trimming, special chemical compounds are used for treatment.

A common pest is the apple aphid that infects the leaves.

The most effective method of struggle is spraying leaves with tobacco infusion: it is safe for the plant and the crop and destructive pests... Copperhead is also very dangerous for a tree: its larvae penetrate the buds of the tree and interfere with the normal development of leaves. Insecticides are used to combat honeydew, you need to spray the tree in the spring before the leaves begin to bloom.

Almost all gardeners are familiar with such a pest as the apple moth. As the name implies, it mainly affects fruits and can destroy most of the crop. To combat it, insecticidal solutions are used, the treatment must be carried out in compliance with protective measures.

Apple tree Idared is a thermophilic variety, very sensitive to cold weather. It is not suitable for growing in northern regions and can die even during mild frosts. However, for the southern regions, it is one of the most suitable varieties, and with proper care, it allows you to get rich harvests every year.

More information can be found in the video.