Apple tree Golden Delicious

When asked which tree is the most common of all that grow in garden and backyard lands, gardeners immediately answer that it is an apple tree. Yes, this is so, because in general, apple trees are very unpretentious trees that give an abundant, very tasty and versatile harvest. Some varieties can be stored for a long time, you can prepare various dishes from them, and you can also just eat them fresh, since apples contain a huge amount of vitamins, trace elements, ascorbic acid and antioxidants, iron, which are so necessary for the body of any person. One of these varieties, Golden Delicious, will be discussed in this article.

Introduction

It is believed that for planting an apple tree and for further caring for it, a gardener does not need special knowledge and experience, but this is not entirely true. Like any crop, apple trees need a gardener to follow agrotechnical rules and just keep an eye on the plant, because only this becomes a guarantee that the plant will be safe and will give excellent yield indicators. If you do not take care of the apple tree, this can lead to the fact that fruiting will be very weak, the plant will be exposed to diseases and attacks from pests due to its weak immunity. As a result, the tree will simply die. So, agrotechnical rules, as well as the rules and norms of care, should be known to everyone who wants to grow an apple tree on the site. In this article, we will consider one of the most common and well-known apple varieties - the Golden Delicious apple tree, and, using its example, we will analyze what care and agrotechnical measures a plant needs in order to be productive, strong, healthy and fertile for a very long time. The article will be useful not only for novice gardeners, but also for those who already have experience in planting varieties, but at the same time they seek to gain more knowledge and experience in relation to the cultivation of apple crops.

Description of the Golden Delicious apple tree and its main characteristics

In general, until now, gardeners do not have definite and specific data regarding how exactly the apple variety called Golden Delicious was obtained. Someone says that the variety appeared as a result of mutation, and someone refers to accidental pollination, which is why the apples of this variety were formed. One way or another, some know for certain that South Virginia is the homeland of the variety, and therefore the apple tree has such a rather foreign and very exotic name. Gardeners immediately note some of the advantageous features and advantages of the apple tree of this variety:

• - apples have excellent taste and characteristics
• - the yield is at a very high level, even if the trees are not the most mature ones (especially, it is from young trees that the maximum harvest can be harvested)
• - apples have very attractive external characteristics, due to which they have an excellent presentation
• - at the same time, apples perfectly tolerate long-distance transportation, without losing either their taste properties or external features, remaining the same attractive, tasty and very healthy
• - taste is preserved even if the tree has been lying for a long time, this is also worth paying special attention to
• - apples give a very high yield level, which, moreover, has many different advantages over other varieties and their yields, respectively
• - apples have an attractive marketable appearance
• - fruits can be transported over long distances, this does not in any way affect their taste and properties, as well as the appearance of plants
• - palatability can be stored for a very long time, even if the apples are kept for a very long time, which is also undoubtedly a huge plus.

But even despite the fact that the variety has such a large number of advantages, it is still worth paying attention to some disadvantages, since they undoubtedly exist, and it is they that can become fundamental in choosing this variety. So, the tree has not very strong immunity, it is exposed to some diseases. Among such diseases, powdery mildew can be the most dangerous - a tree can very easily become infected with it, and in the future it is almost impossible to get rid of it. With age, the yield becomes periodic, and not annual, which can also affect the opinion of the gardener himself regarding whether to choose this particular variety. Thirdly, let us pay attention to the fact that for good and large fruits (or rather, for obtaining them), the gardener must create the most comfortable and good conditions for the tree. Here we are talking not only about a pre-prepared site and territory, but also about the fact that the region where the tree grows must be very warm, without sudden changes in temperature. Otherwise, the harvest will be small, unstable, not plentiful, and not as tasty as it might be. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that Golden Delicious is a variety that can with great difficulty withstand severe frosts. So the tree needs additional care from the gardener, in a shelter, in insulation, because this is the only way it can withstand lower temperatures and, accordingly, give an excellent harvest with very large and tasty fruits. So the variety is not at all as simple as it might seem, and therefore it is best to consider and take into account such moments in advance, when choosing apple trees for planting in your garden plot.

The height of the tree is usually average, but there are several clones of this variety and species, which give dwarf and semi-dwarf trees. Sometimes Golden Delicious trees are also found, which are clearly above average in height. Basically, these are those trees that grow in the most comfortable conditions for themselves, and therefore they have the strength and energy to grow both in height and in width. When the trees are still young, their crown is more like a cone in shape. With age, and also given that the weight of the fruit can affect the crown, the branches gradually begin to bend and fall, and then the crown becomes more spreading, more like a ball in shape than a cone. Again, this should take some time, and the tree should also be pruned periodically to form the top of it. The bark has a gray tint, very dense, and at the same time quite smooth, without certain cracks or flaws, although with age it can also deform a little, change, become more shareshava.

It is worth noting that Golden Delicious is a self-fertile variety, and for this reason it is impossible to get a harvest without pollinating varieties that are planted near the main tree. Apple trees such as Jonathan or Melrose can be pollinating varieties because they have the same flowering periods.

It should be noted that this variety does not take root in every region. For example, in the middle zone of our country, gardeners may be puzzled, since Golden Delicious does not always withstand sudden changes and, even more, drops in temperatures and frosts. Even if the tree still has the ability to save and preserve, nevertheless, due to the lack of a sufficient number of warm days, the tree will still bear fruit with very small and sour fruits.At the same time, it will be very difficult for the variety to demonstrate all its capabilities that it possesses, and which it can show when it grows in favorable conditions for itself. At the same time, the variety is recommended for planting in warm, southern regions. There he can fully reveal his characteristics, show his characteristics of growth and development, and also demonstrate an incredibly high level of fruiting and quality of the apples themselves.

Taste characteristics are very high. Experienced gardeners say that the fruits of this variety are very rarely fresh and sour. The fruits are very sweet, as they contain almost 20% sugar, and are also very juicy, crunchy. The pulp is tender, has a very delicate shade, the apples do not become grainy as they ripen. Also, fruits are very useful for human health, as they contain a large amount of vitamins, minerals and trace elements, ascorbic acid and antioxidants, which are so necessary for human health and body. Fruiting begins about the third year after the tree has been planted in open ground on the site. If the gardener gives the tree all the necessary care measures, pays attention and care, then fruiting can occur even in the second year after budding has occurred. But, in this case, everything will depend solely on the gardener himself and on his ability to care for the tree, to carry out competent and correct agricultural technology with all its nuances.

If the seedlings were purchased in the nursery, and have already been grafted, then we can expect that immediately, in the first year, the very first inflorescences will bloom on the tree. But at the same time, more experienced gardeners say that it is best to remove the first flowers from the tree altogether, since all the strength of the tree should be oriented at this time so that the root system successfully adapts, and the tree itself gives active growth. Like many other varieties, the Golden Delicious apple variety cannot always easily withstand diseases, as well as attacks from pests and bacteria.

In particular, the so-called leaf roll loves to feast on the apple tree. In order to get rid of it, the gardener is advised to process the tree with a nitrophene solution. Also, colonies of aphids and ticks often settle on the tree, and you can also fight with them. To do this, ideally buy karbofos and dilute it depending on the instructions for use and depending on the required concentration of this agent. All drugs must be purchased in professional shops for gardeners, since there is a high probability that the gardener will not buy a real drug, but a fake. In general, if timely and correct processing is carried out, then it is highly likely that such pest control will be as effective as possible, and they will not bother the trees anymore.

If there is excessive rainfall, the weather in the garden is damp, then the trees can become infected with scab or powdery mildew - diseases that often affect apple crops. In this case, in order to prevent infection, it is necessary to work well on the immune qualities of the tree. To do this, it should be treated with copper chloride oxide, and colloidal sulfur is also perfect for this, since both substances contain components that will be ideal in the fight against these harmful bacteria and diseases. In this case, of course, it is worth remembering that it is easier to carry out preventive treatments and prevent disease than to wait until the tree picks up the infection. In this case, there is a high risk that the tree will be too badly affected and infected, and the chances of saving the plant itself, not to mention the harvest, are markedly reduced.Thus, such measures are best observed and carried out on time so that the plant feels comfortable even in those conditions that were originally intended completely not for him and for his convenience.

The variety is very popular - this is evidenced by how many subspecies and completely new variants have been created in which Golden Delicious can grow. There are also a huge number of varieties and clones of this variety, which also have incredible varied qualities that cannot be simply ignored. We are especially interested in such subspecies as Golden Rangers and Golden Vladimirsky.

The variety, as we have already indicated, is self-fertile, so it requires pollinators in order to produce a bountiful and tasty harvest for Golden Delicious, ideally such as Melrose and Idared, as well as Jonathan, are considered excellent pollinators. All varieties have appropriate flowering times, and therefore can be excellent for pollination of the Golden Delicious. In this case, the fruits can be either round or slightly elongated, of medium size. The weight of one fruit on average reaches two hundred grams, an indicator that is quite significant and worthy when compared with other varieties that have similar characteristics - their fruits may not be much, but less. Apples can be of light green color, and can also be golden and yellow. It all depends on which variety they belong to, as well as on the degree of their ripeness. Sometimes the fruits can have a slight pinkish blush, exactly on the side that was sunny. There is also one distinguishing feature of the fruits - as they ripen, they can become covered with small dark dots, but this in no way means that they are sick with something - this is just a distinctive characteristic of this variety. The fruits are very sweet and juicy, crunchy, the pulp has a bright, pronounced aroma that is very easy to feel even from a distance. Moreover, if you pick the fruits a little earlier, and they ripen in specially created conditions, then they will become even sweeter and even tastier, which should be paid attention to. Golden keeps well from the time of harvest until about March. There are also fruits that can last until April, without losing their properties and characteristics at all, so you should pay special attention to this. When lying down, the fruits do not wither, their juiciness is not lost, just as their taste characteristics are not lost - they only become brighter and more significant.

Golden Rangers Is a clone of the Golden Delicious variety. The clone appeared as a result of some mutations, while as a variety it is one of the most promising, as said by experienced gardeners and breeders. Ripening occurs in winter, the tree is slightly higher in height than the original Golden Delicious. At the same time, the dimensions are still the same average, but sometimes the tree can grow very much, especially if you do not follow it and do not carry out timely pruning of the crown. Young trees form a cone-shaped crown, but over time it becomes more rounded, medium thickening. This is due to the fact that under the weight of the fruits, the crown begins to lower a little, but it is quite simple to form it, if you follow all the rules of agricultural technology.

The fruits of the variety are slightly elongated, when compared with the original variety, they can sometimes be round, yellowish-green in color. Small mellows also appear on the skin, but at the same time they have a more presentable and decorative appearance, since the fruits do not have the unattractive rustiness that Golden Delicious variety has. The fruits are very sweet and tasty, have a very bright pronounced apple aroma, so they are absolutely not inferior in quality to the original Golden Delicious variety, and in some aspects even surpass it.One way or another, the tree needs attention from the gardener, as well as care, only then can you get an excellent and very tasty harvest, so you should pay close attention to this and not neglect the technique and preventive treatments, care and agrotechnical requirements, which, as times are nominated for each of the varieties.

It should be emphasized that the fruiting of the variety is very stable, the crop can be harvested around the end of September. In some areas, fruiting may shift, and harvest takes place only in mid-October. This should be taken into account when choosing an area and terrain for planting this variety. At the same time, the fruits are not only attractive and tasty - they also respond perfectly to long-distance transportation, as well as storage for a long time. If apples are stored in the right place and all the rules are followed, then in general they can last right up to April, completely without losing their external features and characteristics. Of course, this is a huge plus, and it cannot be ignored in any way. If you do not make any special conditions for storage, then the fruits can only last until February, but this period is considered quite rather big, because there are groups of varieties where the fruits can lie for ten days at most. It is also important to know that this variety is distinguished by high indicators of frost resistance, trees have high immunity, stress resistance, and the variety is also adapted to tolerate excessively severe drought, so that these aspects can also be attributed to the positive characteristics of the variety, and we must not forget about it. especially when choosing a particular variety of apples.

Vladimir apple tree Delicious - some gardeners consider this variety of apple trees to be one of the varieties of Golden Delicious, and therefore there is an assumption that the tree has the same properties as its relative. One way or another, it is worth making a reservation: the varieties of the Vladimir apple tree were bred around 1984 by domestic gardeners, and her parents are Antonovka, which was pollinated by the American form of the apple tree, and from here we got such a hybrid. Thanks to the American form, the variety has acquired a high immunity to scab, so it acts as a virtue of this variety, and special attention should be paid to this.

As for the external characteristics, the fruits are really very similar to the apples that we get from the Golden Delicious tree - they have a greenish, sometimes yellowish color, and a very slight pinkish blush can also form on them. The taste of apples is also very good - the fruits are quite appetizing and sweet, they are not at all bland, as is sometimes the case with some other varietal fruits. At the same time, the apples are very fragrant, the pulp is juicy. The weight of one fruit can reach 220 grams, which generally corresponds to the original Golden Delicious variety. The only difference is in the origin, so this point should be taken into account, and the Vladimir apple tree should be attributed to domestic breeders (however, it is so). Fruiting is very stable, annual, even though sometimes the tree falls into conditions that are not most suitable for itself. But even this moment is easy to get around - the Vladimir apple tree has a very high immunity, stress resistance and endurance, if we talk about frosts. Therefore, without much difficulty, the tree can take root perfectly, and then bear fruit even in the most unfavorable climatic conditions. It is also important that even in this case, the taste characteristics of the fruits do not deteriorate at all - they do not become sour, but are still just as appetizing, sweet and crunchy. But it is worth noting that today this variety is not at all so often found in nurseries, since it is considered quite rare.

There are other varieties of Golden Delicious.This is due to the fact that it has repeatedly become the basis for the cultivation of very many columnar apple trees. The fruits are very sweet and tasty, rather large and mature. They perfectly tolerate storage conditions, the trees are very stable, since they have absorbed many of the positive properties and qualities that their parent variety possesses. There is also a dwarf apple Golden, a variety of Golden Delicious Smoothies, they all belong to winter varieties with excellent taste and characteristics, and therefore they are also incredibly popular and in demand in modern gardening. The fruits are stored for a long time, have a universal purpose, since they can be consumed fresh, and prepared from them dishes, desserts, and various drinks. Another plus is that these apples can be transported over long distances, they do not wither, do not become soft, do not rot. In this case, before storage and transportation, the apples are very carefully inspected - they should be free of scratches, damage, and should not be beaten. An apple variety called Red Golden Delicious is also considered promising, since it has one feature - the fruits are colored in a bright red hue, completely atypical for the Golden apple group. Moreover, all its other qualities are completely identical, just like the agrotechnical requirements and conditions. By the way, it is about planting and caring for the apple tree that will be discussed in the next part of this article.

Planting and caring for an apple tree

It is recommended to plant seedlings varieties Golden Delicious in the spring, since the leaves have not yet bloomed, but the soil has already warmed up enough for the seedling to be in favorable conditions. At the same time, there are deadlines - the disembarkation must be completed before the buds begin to bloom. Otherwise, the tree simply will not take root, and all the activities of the gardener himself will be simply in vain. An exception may be seedlings that are located in containers - they can be planted a little later, but at the same time, experienced gardeners do not recommend delaying this process too much, otherwise very serious problems may arise.

In order for the future tree to feel as comfortable as possible, it is recommended to pay attention to the choice of a place for planting and to the composition of the soil there. The place should be very well lit, and there should be no drafts or strong winds. As for the composition of the soils, ideally, apple trees of any variety perfectly take root in loamy or sandy loam soils, since they are quite light, and at the same time very fertile. Groundwater must lie at a depth of at least two meters, otherwise, if the root system and water come into contact, very dangerous diseases can develop, and the tree simply cannot withstand this.

The hole that the gardener dugs must be large - its depth must be at least 80 centimeters, and the width must be at least one meter. Such a space is ideal for a seedling that still has a very difficult adaptation process. First, drainage is laid out on the bottom of the pit (broken brick, expanded clay, crushed stone), then a mixture is laid on top, which includes compost, fertilizers and leafy soil. This composition is simply ideal for the apple tree to develop further and give excellent indicators of its vital functions. If the seedlings were originally bought in special containers, then they cannot be removed from the clod of earth - it is placed in the hole immediately along with the seedling. If the root system was open, then the help of another gardener is required here: while one will hold the seedling, the second must carefully straighten the root system.Also, in order to give the plant additional stimulation, it is recommended to place the roots in special growth stimulants for about two hours before planting, even a universal remedy called Kornevin may be suitable.

Also, about two buckets of water are poured into the pit. It should be settled and warm, the fertile soil is thoroughly mixed with moisture, and the seedling itself, or rather its root system, is already placed in this mixture. After that, the pit should be well sprinkled and tamped. Tamping is necessary so that air pockets do not form around the roots, otherwise it can lead to the development of anomalies and diseases of the seedling. After that, the trunk circle is mulched; for this, peat and straw are used. Mulch is great for protecting the plant, warming up the soil, and also for the added moisture to evaporate as slowly as possible.

Since the seedling, and in the future the tree itself, needs a sufficient amount of light and space, when planting several trees at the same time, it is recommended to observe the distance between plantings. It must be at least four meters. In this case, when the trees reach the peak of their growth, the crowns will not shade each other and interfere with each other's development. The root systems of trees will also be safe, so distance is an important mark, and in no case should you forget about it.

In general, if we talk about care measures, then apple trees are not particularly demanding or capricious here. Still, it is worth remembering that the tree responds well to watering, as well as to regular loosening of the soil around the trunk. It is also worth protecting the plant from pests, because, even despite the high protection and immunity, any culture needs to be protected from any pests and attacks, because thanks to this, the life and periods of fruiting crops can be extended. Pruning should be ensured from the very first year after the seedling has been placed in open ground. Usually it can be both formative and sanitary, the rules here are exactly the same as when pruning many other crops, it is worth removing dry, weak, broken or diseased branches, saving the crown from excessive thickening, as this will complicate harvesting, and in a dense the crown can form bacteria and develop pests. For a tree to thrive, it needs rich, fertile soil. For this, regular feeding, both in liquid and crumbly forms, may be suitable. They use slurry, bird droppings, and some mineral fertilizers. But they should be used in accordance with the norms, as well as in accordance with the instructions, otherwise such dressings will not bring any benefit to the tree, but they can cause irreparable harm, which, of course, will be a real tragedy for lovers of apple crops.