The heroine of today's article is the Zvezdochka apple tree. It is no secret that in central Russia not all varieties of apple trees take root equally well. Many crops require special climatic conditions, which, for example, the Moscow region does not have. Therefore, not all fruit trees take root here normally. Temperature changes in winter, as well as hot summers, adversely affect the development and fruiting of apple trees.
Therefore, breeders worked hard to develop a new variety of apple tree. The Zvezdochka apple tree variety is suitable for almost all regions of our country. Today we will tell you about the Zvezdochka apple tree variety and its characteristics. Advantages and disadvantages. And also about the specifics of crop care. Let us focus on the rules for growing this apple tree in different regions of Russia. And also on subspecies of the variety. We hope the information presented will be useful to you.
Apple tree Zvezdochka: description of the variety
Apple tree Zvezdochka: photo of variety
Zvezdochka apple trees are quite tall. The skeletal branches are thick. And the young shoots are thin. The bark is usually dark brown. The branches are quite long, slightly lowered at the bottom. The leaves are held on short cuttings. Oval in shape with small notches along the edges. The fruits of the Zvezdochka apple tree are light green and tasty. Sometimes red stains appear on the surface. The apples are round in shape, sometimes ribbed. That is why the variety received such a name. These plants have a lot of advantages, which we will talk about a little later.
These apple trees are loved by gardeners in many regions. Because the Zvezdochka apple tree is not demanding or whimsical. But the harvest is always consistently high. This variety was bred in the last century, in the Oryol region. Initially, it was planned to grow the Zvezdochka apple tree only in the northwestern regions of our country. However, the new variety conquered with its qualities. Therefore, apple trees are planted in many climatic zones. This culture takes root even in the most unfavorable conditions.
Growing in regions
Moscow region
The Zvezdochka apple tree can take root well in the Moscow region , as it can withstand sub-zero temperatures of 20 degrees and is not susceptible to fungal diseases. But still, we should not forget that in this region the temperature often drops to minus 30 degrees in winter.
Advice! In this case, it is worth preparing the tree for winter in the fall. To do this, wrap the apple tree with covering material and mulch the tree trunk circle with humus.
North-West Russia
Many years of practice have shown that for the North-Western regions it is better to use the Zvezdochka variety on a dwarf rootstock .
This fruit crop is more frost-resistant and has a small growth, which reduces fruit shedding from the wind. The root system of the tree is more superficial, thanks to which the variety can be planted close to groundwater.
Central Russia
The Zvezdochka apple tree has all the indicators for breeding the variety in central Russia. At the end of the last century, the fruit crop was popular among gardeners in this region. There are no special features when growing an apple tree; if agricultural techniques are followed and proper care is taken, the plant develops without any difficulties.
Apple tree Zvezdochka: advantages and disadvantages
Apple tree Zvezdochka: photo of variety
If we talk about the advantages of the Zvezdochka apple tree variety, we should note, first of all, the annuality of fruiting. The harvest has an excellent presentation and excellent taste. The fruits can be stored for a long time. And also transport over long distances. Because food doesn't spoil. This variety also has high immunity. Therefore, plants do not suffer from many diseases. And pests do not settle on the tree.
However, this variety also has its drawbacks. Therefore, it should be said about them. The Zvezdochka apple tree is not very frost-resistant. Therefore, the plant will need to be covered for the winter. It should also be said that the harvest decreases every year. Therefore, you can’t count on an abundance of fruits for too long. However, the intensity of fruiting primarily depends on the formation of the crown. And also from proper care. Therefore, you should not be lax about the rules of agricultural technology.
Optimal growing conditions
A tree with average frost resistance develops well and produces the expected yield in areas of the middle climatic zone. Farther north, the Zvezdochka apple tree is not grown; the branches freeze in winter. In the southern regions, the tree requires regular, abundant watering for natural development. The Zvezdochka variety is placed in a spacious place, especially making sure that the seedling is not shaded by old fruit trees. You cannot plant an apple tree near tall decorative deciduous trees, which will inhibit the fruit crop. It is better to plant the fruitful fruit variety Zvezdochka next to other winter apple trees: Belorusskoe Raspberry, Bogatyr, Ladoga, Antonovka of various varieties. Experienced gardeners increase the frost resistance of Zvezdochka by planting winter-hardy varieties inside the crown - Cinnamon Striped, Sharopai, Anise.
Select a site for an apple tree:
- with weak acidity, pH 5.7-6.0;
- where loams, sandy loams or soddy-podzolic soil predominate;
- with deep groundwater;
- not in the place of uprooted apple or pear trees.
Features of the Zvezdochka apple tree
Apple tree Zvezdochka: photo of variety
Apple trees of the Zvezdochka variety grow up to 8 meters in height. Therefore, this crop is classified as tall. The crown has a slightly rounded shape. However, over time, the branches grow, becoming spreading. So the crown is also quite massive in breadth. Every year, 10 centimeters of growth are formed on young branches. Therefore, the shoots grow more than intensively. So you will need to form the crown and trim the branches annually.
The apples are formed small. The weight of one fruit is 100-150 g. The crop bears fruit regularly. As a rule, you can collect up to 170 kilograms of apples per year from one tree. However, sometimes gardeners note that more fruit can be harvested. More than 200 kilograms. They have a sweet and sour taste. The pulp is dense and juicy, sometimes with a pinkish tint. Few seeds are formed in the fruits. Therefore, apples are highly rated for their tasting qualities.
additional characteristics
History of creation
The history of the variety begins in 1927, when in the Oryol region the famous breeder S. F. Chernenko at the All-Russian Research Institute of Breeding and Genetics began to breed a new variety of apple tree.
The breeder decided to combine the fruit crops Anise and Pepelina Lithuanian to obtain the best variety for the North-Western region. As a result, the Zvezdochka apple tree appeared, which with its qualities conquered not only this region, but also other regions of Russia.
Advantages and disadvantages
Thanks to its advantages, the Zvezdochka variety has become in great demand among experienced gardeners.
The positive qualities of the apple tree include:
- Regular fruiting;
- Taste and commercial qualities of apples;
- Long period of storage of fruits;
- Immunity to scab.
The apple tree also has disadvantages that should be taken seriously. These include:
- Weak frost resistance;
- Annual decrease in yield.
The level of productivity depends on the regular formation of the crown.
Fruiting apple tree of the Zvezdochka variety.
Tree height
The apple tree is quite vigorous - at 25 years of age the tree reaches 7-8 m in height.
Crown width
Even at a young age, the fruit crop has a regularly rounded shape . As the tree grows, the branches become more spreading and reach a diameter of 7 m.
Annual growth
The annual growth is 10 cm , which characterizes the plant as a fairly vigorous crop.
Productivity
The fruits of the apple tree are medium, weighing 80 - 150 g. The yield is quite high and regular . One tree produces from 90 kg to 170 kg of fruit per year.
You should know! Cases have been recorded when a harvest of more than 240 kg was harvested from one tree.
Tasting assessment
Apples are characterized by:
- Attractive view
- Dessert sweet and sour taste.
- The pulp is white with a greenish or pinkish tint, quite juicy, with a few seeds.
We did not find exact figures for the assessment.
Winter hardiness
The fruit crop has fairly average frost resistance . Without proper care at sub-zero temperatures of 25 degrees, the apple tree freezes over in winter.
Disease resistance
The variety is resistant to fungal disease - scab.
But it may be subject to the following damage:
- Fruit rot;
- Powdery mildew.
Pests and rodents attack extremely rarely.
By following the entire sequence when planting and performing proper care, even a beginner in gardening can grow an apple tree.
Apple tree Zvezdochka: agrotechnical features of cultivation
Apple tree Zvezdochka: photo of variety
As you remember, trees are not very frost-resistant. Therefore, even at minus 25 degrees, the root system begins to freeze. So it will be necessary to cover the tree trunk circle. For this purpose, spruce branches, breathable agricultural material, and burlap are used. But do not forget to remove the blanket in time in the spring so that rot does not form under the blanket. And also pests did not multiply.
The Zvezdochka apple tree variety is considered resistant to many diseases and pests. For example, to scab. However, sometimes apple trees suffer from powdery mildew. And also fruit rot. If we talk about garden pests, it should be noted that they infect the crown of a tree very rarely. If you follow all the rules of agricultural technology and properly care for the plant, the apple tree will be able to amaze you with a very high yield.
Some gardeners grow this variety on dwarf rootstocks. That’s why the apple tree doesn’t grow that much in height. Which saves a lot of space in the country house. This variety is considered resistant to adverse climatic conditions and freezing. And also diseases. The yield is always good and the fruits are tasty. They keep well until spring. Apples can be processed and consumed fresh.
Despite the fact that the seedlings are not cheap, you will definitely like these apple trees. Therefore, collecting 200 kg from one tree is quite easy. Even if you consider yourself a beginner in the gardening craft. Apples have a rich, bright color, a waxy coating, and a ribbed structure. In addition, they are also very aromatic and tasty. Quite a lot of ovaries are also always formed.
Planting: seedling preparation
Growing an apple tree is easy even for a novice gardener. When purchasing a Zvezdochka seedling, you should contact a specialized nursery with producers with a good reputation and a high rating. Purchasing planting material from unverified sellers often results in disappointment and loss of time.
The root system of the seedling must be inspected, rotted and broken roots must be removed, and before planting, dipped in the so-called mash - a saturated water-clay solution. Clay enveloping the roots will prevent air from reaching the roots and will not cause rotting.
Apple tree Zvezdochka: planting rules
In order for the Zvezdochka apple tree seedling to take root well, you need to choose the right place for planting. It is best to plant the apple tree in a well-lit place, protected from the wind, with fertile soil. If we talk about acidity, apple trees prefer neutral or slightly alkaline soil. Seedlings begin to be planted in early spring. It is best to do this at the end of April, when the soil warms up well. And all the snow will melt. Do not forget that mature trees have a spreading crown. Therefore, keep your distance. Plant plants at a distance of 5 m from each other.
The planting hole should be relatively small, up to 50 centimeters deep. As a rule, peat, wood ash, and superphosphate are added to the soil. Moreover, fertilizers should be mixed with the soil so that the roots of the seedling do not come into direct contact with the fertilizers. Immediately you need to install a wooden peg in the hole. About one and a half meters. This is necessary in order to tie the seedling to it after planting. What helps the plant adapt to a new place.
The root system will need to be well straightened. And only after that fill the hole with earth. The planting hole is usually watered abundantly so that the soil is saturated with moisture. After you plant your apple tree, you should compact the soil. Tie the tree to a support. And also mulch the top layer of soil. To do this, the surface of the earth is covered with sawdust, dry grass or straw. The support will protect the seedling from strong winds or snowfall in winter.
Features of planting and care
The survival rate of the seedling depends on the choice of planting site . The tree prefers a well-lit place and fertile soil with weak acidity.
Landing dates
In the spring, after the soil has been well warmed by the sun, they begin to plant seedlings . The optimal period is considered to be the end of April - the beginning of May.
Advice! Since an adult tree has a fairly wide crown, the fruit crop is planted 5-6 m from other plants.
Technology
Once the planting site has been determined, a hole 50 x 50 cm is dug.
If the soil is infertile, add the following to the hole:
- 5 kg. peat
- 50 gr. wood ash
- 40 gr. superphosphate
Then carefully dig up the fertilizer and soil.
Next, a 1.5 m peg is dug and a seedling is installed on the south side of it.
Then the roots are straightened , the apple tree is covered with soil and watered abundantly.
When planting is completed , the tree is tied to a peg, which will later serve as a support in strong winds and snowfalls.
Agricultural technology
If the soil is poor in useful microelements , the tree requires fertilizers to stimulate growth well.
The first feeding is carried out in late autumn with the participation of a phosphorus-potassium complex.
the spring, leaf humus and manure are added to the tree trunk circle.
The apple tree is characterized as an unpretentious plant - it does not need any additional care. Subsequently, standard watering and mulching of the soil around the trunk is carried out.
Pruning and crown formation
Formation of the crown of an apple tree.
Proper pruning of the tree will help prevent the most important drawback of the apple tree - reduced yield.
The first pruning is carried out after planting the seedling, removing 1/3 of the branches. Then, every spring, any damaged branches are pruned, leaving stronger, straighter shoots.
Pollinator varieties
For good fruit set, the Zvezdochka apple tree requires cross-pollination with other varieties.
The best fruit crops for this role are the winter apple trees Bogatyr and Zhigulevskoe.
The fruit crop differs from summer varieties of apple trees in its characteristics in the ripening of fruits and their storage.
Rules for caring for the variety
In order for the Zvezdochka apple tree to grow and develop intensively, you need to feed the soil with useful substances and microelements. The plants should be fed for the first time in the fall, adding phosphorus-potassium fertilizers to the soil. In spring, humus, rotted manure or compost are often added to the soil. In summer, nitrogen-containing fertilizers should not be applied to the soil. Because they contribute to the growth of green mass, which is detrimental to fruiting. In general, it should be noted that apple trees of this variety are quite unpretentious. Therefore, they do not require any additional care.
Limit yourself to following the watering regime. And also by mulching the soil around the tree trunk. However, you should not forget to trim the crown of the tree. Because due to excessive thickening, the yield may decrease. The fruits become smaller and do not ripen. When pruning plants, branches should be shortened by no more than one-third of their length. Moreover, the seedling will need to be pruned for the first time immediately after planting. Every spring it is recommended to carry out sanitary pruning of the Zvezdochka apple tree, removing all diseased branches. As well as dry and damaged shoots.
It is advisable to treat the cut areas with garden varnish to prevent infections from penetrating into the wounds. It would be a good idea to plant other types of this fruit crop next to an apple tree of this variety so that they are cross-pollinated. The winter apple tree Bogatyr looks good in this role. The Zvezdochka apple tree bears fruit not too early. Therefore, this should be taken into account when selecting pollinator varieties.
The Zvezdochka apple tree usually begins to bear fruit for the first time in the fifth year after planting. However, the harvest will not be as abundant. Most likely, you will only pick a few apples. However, every year the number of fruits will increase. Therefore, there is no need to worry about productivity. This apple tree also blooms quite late. This should be taken into account when planting. The first flowers usually bloom in mid-May. And the fruits ripen in the fall. This is why apples often fall off. So carefully monitor the process of fruit ripening.
The fruits of the Zvezdochka apple tree should be stored in cool rooms. It is best when the air temperature is about 0 degrees. The presentation of the fruit is not lost during storage. Therefore, even after 7 months you can delight yourself and your loved ones with ripe and fragrant apples. And even very attractive. They will remain just as tempting and delicious.
Ripening and fruiting
A number of features of ripening and fruiting must be taken into account before harvesting.
Beginning of fruiting
The variety is average in terms of early fruiting. The first fruits can be collected only after 4-5 years. And there won't be many of them.
Flowering time
Flowering period is average. The first snow-white petals open towards the end of May.
Fruit ripening
Apples ripen in mid-September. Harvesting must be done in a timely manner so that the apples do not fall off.
Harvested apples.
Harvest and storage
The description of Zvezdochka apples is indicated as winter, even late winter. The fruits at the time of removal from the apple tree have not yet gained the fullness of their taste. It takes about 30 days for them to open.
The variety has a long shelf life due to its thick skin with a waxy coating. Even within 7 months they do not lose their taste and remarkable appearance.
Subspecies of apple tree variety Zvezdochka
This variety has its own subspecies. The Zvezdochka apple tree is very popular among gardeners. Therefore, we decided to improve many qualities. This crop is often planted using a dwarf rootstock. Thus, the tree usually grows no more than 3 meters in height. Also, the shoots become less spreading. And the crown is not so massive, which summer residents really like. But the fruits of the dwarf subspecies are not at all different from the original. Apples remain just as tasty, aromatic and beautiful.
Due to the fact that gardeners use dwarf rootstocks, new plant subspecies have many advantages. For example, compact crown size. Trees do not take up much space on the site. In addition, the crop becomes more frost-resistant. And the seedling bears fruit already in the second year after planting. And the fruits ripen much earlier, at 2 weeks exactly. However, the lifespan of the plant is reduced. Therefore, the crop will actively bear fruit for no more than 15 years.
Columnar varieties of apple trees
But there are no columnar subspecies of this variety. Therefore, we will tell you about other masterpieces of selection. It is no secret that gardeners are very fond of columnar varieties. Because the fruits of such apple trees are formed directly on the trunk. The branches of such plants are straight. And the apples are located right along the trunk.
The crown is practically absent in these varieties. Therefore, it will be possible to plant many similar trees on a personal plot. The yield will be quite high. From columnar apple trees, more than 10 kilograms are collected from one tree. The fruits are usually small. The weight of one fruit is no more than 200 g. These crops also bear fruit earlier than traditional varieties.
However, plants have a shorter lifespan. Therefore, it is recommended to renew columnar apple trees on time. But the Zvezdochka apple tree does not have such a subspecies. Therefore, let's move on to considering winter varieties.
Apple tree Zvezdochka: winter subspecies
Apple tree Zvezdochka: photo of variety
These Zvezdochka apple trees are considered more frost-resistant. As a rule, they tolerate low temperatures well. Down to minus 37 degrees. The tree bears fruit starting from the age of four. Productivity is also high and stable. From one tree you can collect more than 200 kg of ripe product. However, the fruits will be slightly smaller. The weight of one apple, as a rule, ranges from 50 to 100 g. The fruit ripens in the fall, in early October. Winter varieties Zvezdochka are resistant to many diseases and pests. Therefore, this indicator is considered a cultural advantage. The fruits of such apple trees are always very beautiful. They have a pleasant commercial appearance. And the taste is not inferior to traditional summer crops.
Protection from diseases and pests
The Zvezdochka variety has strong immunity and is rarely affected by scab . However, if this happens, the tree should be treated with a special preparation in the spring 2 times - before flowering and after. Experienced gardeners recommend using the drug Horus. One ampoule is diluted in 10 liters of water and the resulting solution is divided into 2 times.
If rot affects the fruit, the tree is treated with Fundazol, diluting 45 g of the substance in 10 liters of water. The drug Topaz helps against powdery mildew on flowers or leaves (1 ampoule per 10 liters of water).
This method will help in the fight against codling moth: spray the tree with a solution of chlorophos and karbofos (3 times in the summer). The first time spraying is carried out approximately 2 weeks after flowering. The drugs are used in the following proportions: 0.2% solution of chlorophos (20 g per 10 l of water) and 0.3% solution of karbofos (30 g per 10 l of water).
To get rid of apple weed, a method such as fumigation of the garden is used. This event should be carried out on a summer evening in calm weather during the fledging period of honeydews (before they have time to lay eggs). Place piles of pre-moistened straw between the rows of trees (one pile per 10 sq. m). Sprinkle each pile with about 1.5-2 g of tobacco dust. It is necessary to fumigate the garden for 2 hours, preventing the piles from igniting, adjusting them in time for slow smoldering.
In winter, to fight hares or mice, you can use nylon tights, which you just need to wrap around a tree trunk or install special rodent nets . It is not recommended to use film in this case - the bark cracks and moves away from the wood.
Photo gallery: drugs to fight diseases
Fundazol is a universal fungicide with protective and eradicating systemic action.
Topaz is an effective fungicide that protects plants from powdery mildew and rust.
Horus is a fungicide for the protection of pome and stone fruit crops from a complex of diseases
Apple tree Zvezdochka: analogue varieties
Apples Zvezdochka: photo of variety
If you haven’t found a Zvezdochka apple tree seedling, you can select and grow its analogue. The most common variety, similar in its characteristics to the Zvezdochka apple tree, is Antonovka. This tree also has a spreading crown, lowered to the ground. The crop usually begins to bear fruit in the seventh year after planting. And the fruits ripen in early autumn. Typically in September.
The shape of apples is round, slightly oval. Characteristic yellow color. Sweet and sour to taste. The productivity of Antonovka is more than high. As a rule, from one tree you can collect half a ton of tasty and aromatic fruits; moreover, this crop is also not very capricious. Therefore, Antonovka is grown not only in Russia, but also abroad. These apples are highly valued in the world market.
Apple Tree Star and Anise Striped
Another analogue of the star is Striped Anise. This amazing plant also has a dense crown, cone-shaped. The tree grows very intensively. Therefore, pruning and shaping will be necessary. Some gardeners believe that these apple trees are truly long-lived. Because they can bear fruit for as long as 100 years. It should be said that this is precisely why such fruit trees are especially valued.
The fruits ripen in the fall, usually in October. Apples taste sweet and sour. The pulp is juicy and very aromatic. And also dense. Up to 350 kg of delicious apples are harvested from one tree. Therefore, the yield of this variety is also very high. But this culture is completely unpretentious in care. What is considered an important advantage.
Apple tree Zvezdochka and Cinnamon variety
Another late-ripening apple tree variety is Brown New. The crown of the trees is also spreading. The fruits are small, sweet and sour in taste, aromatic. The harvest usually begins in October. Moreover, from one tree you can get 150 kg of ripe fruit. Therefore, this crop is also classified as a high-yielding variety. These trees are frost resistant. They have high immunity. Therefore, as a rule, they practically do not suffer from diseases. And pests do not attack their fragile crown. These apple trees are usually grown in central Russia. Because they love temperate climates.
Harvest and storage
The average shelf life of apples is 6-7 months. Only whole, undamaged fruits are suitable for storage. At the same time, it is not recommended to wipe wet specimens, because as a result, the wax coating, which acts as a protective layer, will be removed along with the liquid.
Cardboard boxes, wooden boxes, and thick bags are used as containers for storing fruit. It is better to place them in a shaded room with a temperature of 0 degrees. At the same time, unripe fruits reach technical ripeness already collected.
Apple tree Zvezdochka: reviews from gardeners about the variety
Ivan Vitalievich, Samara region: “Our Zvezdochka apple tree is almost twenty years old, it is a large spreading tree. We harvest the Zvezdochka apple tree every year, although some periodicity is noticeable - after a productive year there is always a much less productive year, but the tree does not rest completely. Zvezdochka apples are tasty and very beautiful; we do not use them for preservation. We store it in the basement, periodically coming to the dacha for a new portion of vitamins.
Stepan Maksimovich, Moscow region: “Friends gave us a Zvezdochka apple tree seedling and after 3 years we were able to try the first apples, which everyone really liked. Now there is a mature tree growing in the garden, which produces an excellent harvest every year, there are enough apples for the whole winter, and they produce amazingly tasty juice. The good news is that in all the years the Zvezdochka apple tree has never gotten sick!”
Margarita Kirillovna, Leningrad region: “Since our Zvezdochka apple tree began to bear fruit, we have almost stopped buying apples - the harvest collected in the fall lasts until spring! The tree is not sick, the only problem is that you need to seize the moment and have time to collect the Zvezdochka apples before they begin to crumble.”
Preparing the planting hole
The area is carefully dug up, weeds and fragments of their roots are removed, a hole measuring 0.4 * 0.4 m is dug. The hole is filled one third with a mixture of humus, ash, garden soil and superphosphate (30-40 g), filling it with a slide. The seedling is placed at the top of the embankment, the roots are straightened and covered with earth. The root neck of the tree should rise 5-6 cm above ground level. The soil is compacted and watered generously.
It is necessary to ensure access of moisture to the roots, for which an earthen roller is made around the circumference of the tree trunk to retain water. During the entire rooting period, about a month and a half, the plant should not experience a lack of water. For the winter, the tree is covered with special covering materials or spruce branches.
