Fuji apple tree: photo, description, cultivation

The article presents the Fuji apple tree: photo, description. characteristics, features of planting, cultivation.

Fuji apple tree: basic information

Fuji apple tree

Today it is very difficult to imagine any personal plot without a beautiful apple tree. Gardeners have a huge choice, they can find absolutely any varieties that suit their interests, desires, needs and expectations. In addition, you can choose a variety of trees that have different ripening periods, taste characteristics, external features, yield and transportation.

Every gardener dreams of effortlessly growing an excellent, strong tree that will bear fruit regularly and abundantly. He also wants to take minimal steps and efforts to protect the plant from pests, bacteria, or any other nuisance. One way or another, today there really is an incredible variety of apple varieties that have different characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will dwell in more detail on the description of a variety called Fuji, indicate its main and additional characteristics, and also identify the subtleties of planting and caring for this variety. This article will be informative not only for novice gardeners, but also for those who already have experience in planting and caring for apple trees, but they are still in search of completely new varieties. We will also talk about the varieties of this variety, since there are several of them today, and it will be interesting to consider what their similarities are, and what are the differences.

Fuji apple tree: photo, description of the variety

Fuji apple tree

Fuji belongs to unusual and rather exotic apple varieties, so this variety cannot leave anyone indifferent to its taste and characteristics. Gardeners who are engaged in private planting of crops always strive to get seedlings of this variety, since they really have a huge number of advantages that cannot just be taken and ignored. The Fuji apple tree also has some features, and it is worth paying attention to them, because if you take into account all these features and aspects, you can achieve a plentiful and regular harvest, and the apples will turn out to be very tasty, with their own zest.

The apple tree was obtained by crossing two varieties - Rolls Janet and Red Delicious. It's not hard to guess, given such an exotic name for the variety that it was obtained thanks to the work of Japanese breeders. The variety has huge decorative advantages due to its attractive appearance, and the fruits are incredibly sweet and juicy. The variety perfectly tolerates various climatic and temperature conditions, it normally refers to too strong frosts or short frosts, from this the level and quality of fruiting practically does not change in any way, and certainly does not suffer.

Apples have become very popular not only in Japan, but all over the world. It should be noted that, for example, in China, almost 80% of all apple production falls on varieties that are clones of the Fuji variety. They were obtained by crossing Fuji with other third-party varieties, since gardeners really really wanted to get exactly those apples in which the features and characteristics of this variety will be present at least remotely.The Fuji apple tree belongs to the winter type of apple trees, the fruits can be stored for a long time if the gardener observes all the conditions and rules of storage. If everything goes as it should, then after harvesting the fruits can be stored for several months, until the onset of May.

Due to the fact that the fruits have a very dense and fleshy skin, and the pulp also has a firmness and firmness, even when processed by temperature - heating or cooling, freezing, the fruits do not lose their taste characteristics at all. In addition, the structure of the pulp itself is perfectly preserved, which is also, undoubtedly, a huge advantage of this variety over any other varieties. Also, the fruits retain their structure perfectly when baked, so that the product acquires a special taste. For this reason, many chefs and pastry chefs prefer this particular variety when preparing dishes where one of the ingredients is an apple.

Reviews about this variety can be found mostly positive, gardeners call the apple a "miracle", listing all the incredible positive traits and properties, as well as the useful functions that this fruit performs for the human body. Indeed, in addition to sugar, apples contain a huge amount of vitamins, trace elements, antioxidants, ascorbic acid and iron. All of them are important components that support human health and overall well-being, which is certainly a huge benefit. The apples also give off an incredibly sweet aroma, which also attracts gardeners.

Fuji apple tree: description of the characteristic features

Fuji apple tree: description

The Fuji apple tree has some characteristics that we cannot just ignore. These features include the following:

- in order for the apple tree to develop normally, and at the same time, the fruits ripen normally, reach not only technical, but also to consumer ripening, on average they need about 3200 hours of lighting per year, that is, during this time on the apple tree and on the fruit should be exposed to sunlight. Therefore, the gardener should think very hard about in which region and in what place to plant this variety.

- in the first two years of fruiting, the level is not at all indicative for this apple variety. As a rule, the very first fruits have a very ordinary, even mediocre taste, and the external characteristics are not at all as bright and indicative as they become later. In the third year, the fruits gain maximum strength, absorb many useful and nutritious substances, and as a result acquire the same famous exquisite taste and unique aroma, for which they are appreciated among gardeners and gardeners from different parts of the world.

- it is worth paying attention to the color of the fruit. If the fruits are dark, burgundy in color, then this suggests that they have a very sweet pulp. If the apples are light, then the taste will have a pronounced sourness.

Fuji's tree is very tall, it belongs to the vigorous type. An adult Fuji apple tree can reach a height of almost nine meters, and this is an incredibly large figure. At the same time, nine meters is the maximum when there is no trimming of the tree and its shaping. If the gardener carefully monitors the condition of the tree and its external characteristics, then he will definitely form it, and therefore the height of the tree rarely goes beyond six meters. In addition, it is worth noting that the tree itself as a whole lends itself well to shaping, so this caring procedure is one of the most significant, and in no case can you just ignore it.

Also, the height of a tree usually depends on which rootstock it is based on.If it is a dwarf, well, or at least a semi-dwarf stock, then the height will vary from two to four meters, no more. The trees will turn out to be very compact and neat and, accordingly, a little less fruit will form on them. Although, in principle, it is worth noting that the fruits will retain their taste and external characteristics, they will be the same fragrant, sweet and large. It should also be borne in mind that at a younger age the tree demonstrates very active growth, but when it begins to bear the very first fruits, and the yield becomes more and more abundant every year, then growth can slow down noticeably. This is a completely logical pattern that you should definitely pay attention to, especially for novice gardeners who may not be aware of such subtleties.

The crown of a Fuji tree is distinguished by its majesty and density, it is very spreading, but in a young tree the crown can be round. Over time, under the weight of the fruit, the crown may become less compact, it begins to spread out, the branches grow in different directions, and the tree needs major pruning and shaping. In general, when forming, the gardener can independently decide for himself what shape of the crown he will form, and already starting from this crown it can remain as extensive and spreading, or it can become more round, compact. If we talk about the annual growth, then both the height and the width of the tree account for about 60 centimeters. If the tree grows in the most favorable conditions for itself, then the annual growth may be even higher. But when the tree enters the fruiting stage, the annual growth may decrease, and eventually come to zero.

Due to the incredibly attractive taste and aroma of the Fuji variety, this variety has become very popular far beyond Japan. Today it grows almost everywhere, except that different regions have their own techniques in order to preserve the tree, to make it even more fruitful. In the southern regions, the fruits can be fed with a lot of sugar, so they are very large and sweet. But in the north, the fruits become with a pronounced sourness, but this does not mean at all that they become completely sour and tasteless. The taste from the acid does not spoil at all, and some, on the contrary, say that if apples have sourness, then they can be eaten in much larger quantities than those fruits that have exceptional sweetness. In any case, it all depends on the taste preferences and preferences of the gardener, and on the purpose for which he grows this apple variety.

The Fuji apple tree is perfectly zoned on the territory of Ukraine and Belarus, as well as on the territory that is located near the Bryansk region. But still, it is worth choosing not the variety itself, but its clones, if we are talking about cultivation in Russia, since clones have more opportunities to normally adapt to conditions and show a really decent result in yield and subsequent storage.

By the way, it's time to talk about the yield of this variety. In general, Fuji himself is a high-yielding variety, but at the same time fruiting in trees is more periodic than regular. Thus, if the year was high yielding, then the next year, most likely, the tree will bear very little fruit, or it may not bear fruit at all. Of course, he needs a little respite in order to restore the strength and vital activity of his organs, and after that it will again begin to delight the gardener with its fruits.

If the gardener carries out mechanical thinning, then this will lead to the fact that an excessive crop load will be removed from the apple tree. The Fuji apple tree will feel much better and more comfortable and, as a result, fruiting from periodic to regular, annual, and then you can forget about this problem.But nevertheless, thinning should be taken with particular seriousness, since not all clones need it, and not all clones of the Fuji variety will treat this so positively. Of course, it is worth mentioning a few words about the tasting evaluations of this variety. Apples not only have a great appearance that is suitable for sale, but also have excellent taste characteristics. Fruits can be bright, pink, and can also be dark red, almost burgundy. The color largely determines how sweet the apple is, so it's worth paying attention to this point.

The flesh of apples is white, with a creamy sheen, while it is very juicy, it can be absolutely sweet, and it can also have a pronounced sourness. However, it is very dense and crispy when bitten. Experienced gardeners give a tasting score of 4.9 points on a five-point scale. Not all varieties are honored with such an indicator, and therefore, the Fuji variety stood out in a good way. The apple tree of this variety also belongs to those types of varieties that can perfectly tolerate severe frosts. At the same time, the fruits can hang on the branches before the onset of severe frosts, they do not crumble, their tasting characteristics do not suffer from this in any way. The variety also withstands recurrent frosts, which usually appear in spring, when it seems that the weather has already stabilized, but sometimes it can deteriorate again between April and May. Also, in general, it is worth noting that if an apple tree grows in conditions where there is a high risk of extreme and prolonged frosts, then just such conditions can be very dangerous for the tree. Therefore, it is better or not to plant it at all in such areas, but to plant, but to protect the tree - wrap its trunk with fiber for thermal protection or take some other measures. One way or another, it is absolutely impossible to do without care measures on the part of the gardener, and this must be borne in mind.

It is also worth pointing out that frost resistance is a factor and an indicator that can be inherited by a tree. This means that Fuji clones will also be quite resistant to these conditions, so this is a huge varietal advantage to consider when a grower chooses a particular variety or hesitates.

The tree has a lifespan of up to fifty years. If we talk specifically about the period in which the tree gives a harvest, then it varies from thirty to forty years. At the same time, it is important not only the place in which the tree is planted, but also whether the gardener complied with all agrotechnical requirements and conditions. These include regular watering of the plant, periodic pruning (both formative and sanitary), treatment against bacteria, pests and fungi. As for the durability, it can also directly depend on the type of rootstock. For example, if a tree was grafted onto a dwarf or semi-dwarf stock, then it will have a shorter life and become less durable. Fruiting of such trees lasts for all fifteen years, which should also be remembered, and this fact should be taken into account when choosing rootstocks and seedlings. In general, as we have already noted, the agricultural technology of this variety is as simple as possible - it must be watered regularly and abundantly, the tree should be cut, shaping it, and also treated against pests and bacteria, so that it is easier for the tree to maintain its level of immunity.

About diseases, pests of the variety, the fight against them, prevention

At the same time, the Fuji apple tree can be exposed to some diseases. First of all, these are diseases such as powdery mildew and bacterial burn. But there are several proven ways to help the gardener successfully fight these diseases:

- for example, if a tree is overpowered by powdery mildew, and a whitish silvery bloom has appeared on the leaves and shoots, then the apple trees after flowering should be treated with a drug called Hom. After the grower has harvested the entire crop, he must also process the plant. But for this it is already best to use either iron sulfate or copper sulfate. The liquid is prepared in accordance with the instructions for use, so before that you should read it very carefully, otherwise such processing can end very badly for the general condition of the plant.

- in order to fight bacterial burn, it is also worth considering some subtleties. The most important thing is to identify the disease at the stage of its inception. If the gardener notices the very first signs of a bacterial burn, then he must immediately remove the infected branches by grabbing their very base, and then the affected collected branches are burned, since the spores of the disease can be stored on them and move through the soil to still healthy plants. The place where the branch is cut must be treated with a solution based on copper sulfate, and this must be repeated, but periodic processing. You can also process iron vitriol, but it is important to observe the concentration, otherwise the treatment may not give the desired effect that the gardener himself and, of course, the apple tree need so much.

In order to carry out foliar processing of trees, it is recommended to use antibiotics, since they are excellent at fighting infections, and also give a preventive effect to those plants that are not yet infected, but there is a high risk that infections and bacteria will spread to them. At the same time, as for the scab, this variety has an average degree of resistance to this disease. So, again, you should be very careful about the treatments and, of course, you must constantly inspect the plant, identify any deformations and deviations. It is in this case that you can notice the disease in time and take timely measures to combat it, thereby preserving the life of the tree.

If the apples are still affected by scab, then they will not be able to be stored for a long time. That is why experienced gardeners, as well as breeders, recommend preventing the disease in advance, than then, almost unsuccessfully, to fight it.

For prevention, it is recommended to organize and carry out several stages of processing:
- in the spring, it will be effective to spray trees with nitrafen or copper sulfate, the gardener can choose one of two means that will be more affordable for him
- at the end of April, trees are also subjected to foliar processing, for this they use copper oxychloride or cuproxate, Bordeaux liquid also becomes no less effective, since it gives the plant the necessary protection against bacteria and enhances its immunity
- during the period when the buds are formed, as well as immediately after the flowering is completed, it is best to use the Bordeaux liquid just to carry out foliar processing, while capturing the tree trunk, since it also needs careful protection from pests and bacteria
- about twenty days after the flowering of the tree has finished, it is necessary to use some suspensions to treat the tree. Suspensions of kaptan or zineba are suitable - what a gardener will find in a specialty store, and what will suit him best.

Like any crop, the Fuji apple tree can be affected by some pests, including the apple flower beetle and aphids, leafworm and moth. To get rid of them, common insecticides should be used, and in general they are quite effective in just such a fight.One way or another, the treatment should not be one-time, but necessarily periodic, since the tree should be constantly maintained, its immunity and resistance to stress should be strengthened in such conditions. This is the only way to achieve a decent result in the fight against pests, fungi and bacteria.

Features of planting an apple tree

In order for the Fuji apple tree to turn out to be very strong and strong, and the apples to turn out healthy, bearing fruit every year, it is imperative to plant the trees correctly, as well as to properly care for them so that the tree feels very comfortable. Usually, trees are planted in the autumn, when the foliage has already been dropped, and the tree is ready for any manipulations, or in the spring, even before the buds have blossomed and sap flow has begun in the organs of the trees.

If planting is carried out in the fall, then when digging, the root system of the tree must necessarily be strong, and have time to recover. When autumn comes, the root part will take on an important role - it will feed the aboveground part of the tree, and the planting dates may, in principle, shift. Ideally, for autumn planting, it is better to choose October, since this month will not be too cold yet, and the tree will have time to adapt before the first frost and get a lot of energy and strength. If the gardener has decided to plant a tree in the spring, then this should be done as early as possible, so that before severe droughts and heat, the root system becomes stronger, and the plant develops steadily. Also, at this time, it is better to plant a tree also because then there will be no dangerous growth retardation, which can affect too much the general condition of the tree and its further fruiting.

The hole should be prepared about 20 days before planting the tree outdoors. The minimum pit size can be 60x60 centimeters. In this case, you also need to build on the size of the seedlings, since the root system should be located as freely and comfortably as possible, and only in this case there are more chances that the tree will get stronger faster and will grow more stably under the given conditions. Many components should be placed in the pits, which will have an excellent effect on the general condition of the seedling. This is humus and wood ash, some complex fertilizers, as well as fertile soil, because it makes up the largest percentage of the total volume of the mixture that is placed inside the pit. If initially there is heavy soil in the hole, then sand and sheet compost can be added there. This will make the soil lighter, looser, more breathable, making it more suitable for growing this variety of apple trees. Also, if the soil is very heavy, then put drainage on the very bottom so that excess moisture is removed from the soil. Crushed stone or broken brick, as well as expanded clay can be used as drainage. But in general, the gardener can independently decide which drainage composition suits him best.

Before the seedlings are placed in the pit, they should be soaked in settled water. Soaking can last from four to twelve hours, it all depends solely on the size of the seedling, and on the general condition of the root system, so here the gardener visually evaluates all the qualities of the seedling and decides whether there is a need for soaking at all. Also, moisturized seedlings will adapt easier and faster to new conditions, which is also a huge advantage. When the seedling is planted, it should be fixed to a peg, which will become a real support for it for the first time. It is worth considering the distance between landings. If everything is measured correctly, then there is a high chance that the trees will feel even more comfortable, it will be even easier to care for them and, accordingly, their condition will always be at a high level.Plants should not shade each other, crowns should not cling to each other, and in general, their root systems should also not touch each other, especially when the trees have reached their maximum growth and development.

The distance between plantings depends directly on the stock. For example, if it was an ordinary vigorous or medium-sized stock, then the distance between the seedlings should be at least four meters. If these are low-growing rootstocks, then the distance is reduced to 3.5 meters. If these are very small, dwarf trees, then the distance between plantings can be reduced to as much as two meters, and the trees will feel great in this case.

Correct care of the variety

In order for a tree to fully produce an excellent, abundant and tasty harvest, it needs a gardener to create all the most favorable conditions for it. When landing, the weather should be clear and sunny, warm, but not sultry. Also, pollinating insects must be involved, which play a very important role in the fruiting of the variety. Among insects, bees and bumblebees are distinguished, as well as other insects that move around the territory and can pollinate trees. Also, there should be no drafts or strong winds, as windy weather can complicate the process of pollination, making it almost impossible.

In addition, it is worth paying attention to the main characters - these are pollinator varieties that just provide Fuji with further fruiting. Since the Fuji variety belongs to the self-fertile category, it is worth paying attention to the following apple varieties. Which become excellent pollinators for him: Idared, Red Delicious and Ligol, as well as Golden Delicious and Granny Smith. It is also worth highlighting such varieties as Everest and Gala, they also have almost identical flowering times, and therefore can become ideal pollinators for the Fuji variety. In general, cross-pollination can also occur with this variety, which also has its merit.

The apple tree takes root well and shows growth in slightly acidic or completely neutral soils. Also, the soil should be well ventilated, loose, fertile and moist. In order for the soil to become more fertile, it is necessary to feed it with organic fertilizers, and also add compost, then dig up the soil a little to get a homogeneous soil mixture. The circles around the trunk should be mulched so that moisture evaporates from the soil more slowly. Also, mulch will help the tree to get rid of too intrusive pests, and it will slightly warm up the near-trunk circle, which will also have an excellent effect on the general state of planting.

The apple tree is a crop that makes its own irrigation requirements. If the apple tree does not receive enough moisture, then this can lead to some negative consequences. The most obvious thing is that the quality of apples will deteriorate, they will become very small and tasteless, acid will prevail in their taste sensations, and it will be very strong, and fresh apples will be almost impossible to eat. In addition, due to a lack of watering, apples may still not be so useful, although initially this variety differs precisely in that it contains a huge amount of nutrients, vitamins and trace elements. As for agricultural technology, it includes all those measures that will allow the tree to feel as comfortable as possible in the created conditions. First, Fuji needs formative and sanitary pruning to maintain the tree's overall condition as well as its aesthetic appearance. Secondly, watering and timely feeding is the key to the successful growth of the apple tree and its development. Thirdly, it is necessary to carry out treatments against pests and bacteria in time, in particular for preventive purposes. Only in this case can a comprehensive protective area for the tree be created, and it will feel as safe as possible.Also, the tree should be carefully prepared for the winter period, since in some regions there is a high probability that Fuji will not survive too severe frosts, and the next year the harvest may not be expected at all.

The apple tree should be formed from the very first year of planting. In the second year after the seedling has been placed in open ground, the planting is also thinned out, in particular, you should pay attention to the lateral shoots. As for the general rules for forming the crown, they include the following conditions. It is necessary to select one central conductor and already starting from it, remove the remaining branches that may be competing with the conductor. The skeleton of the seedling is carefully formed, because then it will become a real basis for the crown, when the tree blooms and forms, the skeleton will remain the same basis for the entire tree crown and the composition as a whole. The crown should not grow too much, as this can lead to thickening, to the development of various diseases that will negatively affect the general condition, the fruiting of the tree, as well as how convenient it will be to care for it in the future. In general, the gardener can watch some special videos, which clearly show how to properly carry out formative pruning, and what needs to be done in order for the tree to feel as comfortable as possible.

At the age of five, the tree is already fully formed in accordance with the manipulations of the gardener himself, and in the future it makes no sense to carry out formative pruning - it will only be possible to slightly adjust the shape so that the tree does not grow too much again and the crown does not thicken. When the annual growth begins to gradually decrease, then the apple tree should be rejuvenated. To do this, the gardener removes from the crown all dry or wilted branches that have been damaged. Also, when examining, you can identify branches that have begun to get sick, they should also be immediately removed from the site and burned in order to save the rest of the plantings. Also, thanks to rejuvenating pruning, a tree, even at a fairly old age, can give several more fruiting. True, they will no longer be as plentiful as before, and the fruits themselves may not be so sweet, but still they will decorate the tree, reminding of its true purpose.

Pruning can be done in the spring, February or April. But it is worth carrying it out exactly before the buds begin to swell, and abundant sap flow begins in the organs of the tree. To do this, remove all dry branches, withered and lifeless shoots, leave only healthy ones that are still ready to develop and bear fruit.

Ripening, fruiting

As for the features of ripening and subsequent fruiting, then it is worth paying attention to several aspects. So, already in the fourth year after the tree was sent to the open ground, you can try the very first own apples. The yield level is getting higher every year. As a result, when the tree is about ten years old, it reaches its maximum in terms of fruiting and yield levels. The most important thing that depends on the gardener is to maintain a high level of fruiting in the future, and then the tree will feel great and the gardener will enjoy his own tasty harvest. If the stock was carried out on low-growing or dwarf stocks, then the first fruits can be tried already in the second year after the seedling was sent to the open ground.

The timing of flowering, fruiting - all these processes largely depend on that. In what conditions does the tree grow, and in what region does it grow.

Basically, the Fuji apple tree blooms in late April or mid-May, it all depends on whether it was early spring, or it came late.In order for the tree to bloom profusely, the temperature limit should vary from 15 to 22 degrees with a plus sign. The flowering period can last from six to twelve days, while it is also important to pay attention to the weather conditions, since if precipitation is observed, then flowering can be late and be very short. On clear days, the flowering is not only abundant, but also very long.

When it comes to ripening, this apple variety is of the late ripening type. Harvesting takes place around the end of September. If the tree grows in the central part of our country, then harvesting begins in mid-October, not earlier, since it is at this time that the technical maturity of the fruit begins. If the fruits after harvesting can be stored for one month, then they accumulate even more sugar, as a result of which the fruits acquire a rich dessert taste, become even more suitable and versatile. At this time, not technical, but already consumer ripeness of apples comes. Under normal conditions, fruits can be stored for three months without losing their taste or external qualities. If you place apples in the underground, cellar, basement, then they can stay there until the onset of summer, while remaining the same fresh and tasty. In this case, for storage, it is necessary to select only the strongest apples, on which there is no damage. Otherwise, the process of decay will begin, a fungus may develop that will infect other fruits, which will lead to the gardener losing his harvest.

Fuji can be grown on a dwarf rootstock. In this case, the tree will have several visible advantages that you need to pay attention to. The tree will be compact, its height will not exceed 2.5 meters. Then it will be easier for the gardener to take care of the tree, and it will also be easier to collect the harvested and ripened crop. Compactness is also a plus in the fact that in a relatively small area it will be possible to plant not one large tree, but several small, dwarf ones at once. Moreover, if the planting is dense, then there is a high probability that the productivity of trees per square meter will become even more. In addition, on a dwarf rootstock, trees begin to bear fruit already in the second year. Column-shaped apple trees on an identical rootstock have almost the same advantages and properties, only they can also perform decorative functions.

Of course, you should pay attention to the clones of this variety. Breeders do not stand still, they strive to develop new varieties, introduce new products that will have features and fewer disadvantages. At the same time, there are several varieties that are identical to the Fuji variety, are their clones. But the most important thing is that they remain the same tasty, sweet and juicy, and the fruits do not differ at all from the parent variety. For example, among the clones, we will single out such varieties as Aztec, Kiku, Yataka, Red. their fruits are very large, fleshy and massive, weighing up to three hundred grams. At the same time, their color is the same bright, crimson, attractive, the fruits themselves are already decorative, which cannot but attract the views of gardeners. At the same time, they have excellent winter hardiness, tolerate short frosts, their agricultural requirements are identical to those of the Fuji variety. Clones can also be very resistant to diseases, including scab and powdery mildew, but it is necessary to take preventive measures, because only in this case the tree will feel as comfortable as possible and retain all its positive and beneficial properties.

Fuji apple tree