Apple tree Augusta: description of the summer variety, reviews, cultivation, planting and care, productivity, pruning, fertilizing

History of variety development

This apple tree variety was bred in the last quarter of the last century by breeders from the All-Russian Research Institute of Breeding, Horticulture and Horticulture by E. N. Sedov, E. A. Dolmatov, Z. M. Serov, G. A. Sedysheva.

To breed this apple tree, experts crossed the following varieties:
Papirovka tetraploid and Orlika.
And although the variety was bred back in 1982, it took a long time to undergo testing, so it was included in the State Register of Russia only in 2002. The Augusta summer apple tree is recommended for cultivation in all Russian regions, Ukraine and Belarus.

Photo of Augusta apple tree

Apple tree Augusta: main characteristics and description of the variety

The Augusta apple tree is a summer variety; the fruits ripen in August.

The height of an adult tree can reach 4.5 m, and its spreading, wide crown can be up to 3 m in diameter. The crown is not thickened. Skeletal, well-leafed shoots extend from the main trunk at an angle of 90 degrees, the distance between them is quite large. The Augusta apple tree is distinguished by its great growth force - each year the shoots grow by an average of 8-10 cm.

The foliage is wrinkled, large, oval-shaped, quite wide, with large crenate edges, light emerald color. The plates are concave, slightly lowered down. The petioles are medium in size and grow downwards.

Ripe Augusta apples are green and covered with a rich, slightly blurred blush. The shape of ripe fruits is oblong, the edges are beveled. The average weight of Augusta apples is 170-220 g.

Apple tree Augusta - description of the variety - video

The pulp of apples is dense, with pronounced graininess, juicy, sour-sweet taste, soft green in color.

On a note!

Tasters' assessment of the taste qualities of the Augusta apple tree is 4.5 points out of 5 possible, which is a high value.

The harvested crop tolerates transportation well over long distances.

But ripe Augusta apples do not last long - no more than a month, during which they can be consumed fresh. Subsequently, the taste of the fruit deteriorates sharply. Therefore, these apples are dried, preserves and jams are prepared, and the juice is distilled. Also, many gardeners sell part of the harvest.

The Augusta apple tree is highly resistant to frost - its crown and root system are extremely rarely frostbitten without shelter, even at temperatures as low as -35 degrees Celsius.

Therefore, the Augusta variety is increasingly grown in the Moscow region, the middle zone, the Urals and Siberia.

If this variety is grown on rootstocks for winter fruit trees, it can withstand lower temperatures - down to -40-43 degrees Celsius.

Features of planting and care

Augusta takes root better when planted in spring. Even purchased seedlings in the fall are best buried in order to preserve them until spring. But seedlings with a closed root system can be planted at any time; they take root well.

Place

For planting, choose a place where the sun is most of the day. Low-lying areas where cold air stagnates and snow lies for a long time after winter, as well as with a high groundwater level, are not suitable for the Augusta variety.

If nearby plants shade Augustine, this will have a bad effect on the quality of the fruit.

Apple trees grow well on loam, but if it is not possible to choose an area with suitable soil for planting, then its composition can be improved. Lime is added to acidic soil; clay soil can be diluted with sand.

Pit ready for planting.

Deadlines

The August apple tree is planted in the spring, before buds open, or in the fall, at the end of September - beginning of October, but 2-3 weeks before the onset of frost. One or two year old seedlings are selected for planting.

Technology

Before planting, the roots of the seedling must be soaked for 2 hours in a growth stimulator solution. This is done to stimulate their growth. Landing is carried out as follows:

A hole is dug 40 cm deep and 50 cm in diameter.
Fill with a mixture of fertile top layer mixed with 3 buckets of humus, 100 grams of superphosphate and 1 liter of ash.
Drive a stake into the center of the hole.
They plant a seedling, straighten the roots and cover it with soil.
Compact and water generously.
The tree is loosely tied to the stake.

The root collar after planting should be 5-7 cm above the soil level. The tree trunk circle is mulched with sawdust or dry grass.

Distance

When planting, you need to take into account the size of the adult plant so that it has enough light. Between apple trees you need to leave 4 meters, and between rows - 5 meters. If the crop is shaded by buildings or other plants, it will not bear fruit.

Pollinator varieties

To increase productivity, the apple tree needs pollinators that will grow close to it. The best varieties will be those with the same flowering and fruiting period as Augusta. These are Melba, Lungwort and other summer apple trees.

Apple tree productivity Augusta

This tree begins to bear fruit 5 seasons after the seedling is planted in a permanent place. By forming the crown from the first season and constantly pruning, you can get the first harvest after 4 seasons.

For the first time, the fruiting of the tree will not be too abundant - 23-25 kg of ripe apples are collected from each apple tree. Another feature of this variety is that with each season the yield increases several times.

Even after frosty winters or dry summers, the fruiting of the Augusta apple tree does not deteriorate and remains stable and annual.

On a note!

The productivity of the Augusta apple tree variety is high; 110-120 kg of ripe products are collected from each apple tree.

Excellent varieties of apple trees!
Apple tree Gala Apple tree Sinap Orlovsky Apple tree Melba

Characteristics of the variety

The Augusta apple tree is a tall tree (up to 4 m), fast-growing, with a rounded crown of medium density. The shoots are brown, round, pubescent, and compactly located. Large, wide, short-pointed leaves are light green, rounded-ovate, wrinkled. The leaf blade is concave, pubescent, jagged along the edge. Large round flower buds are pubescent.

It begins to bear fruit in the 5th year. The fruits average weight 160 g, conical, oblong. The skin is smooth and shiny. During harvesting, the color of the fruit is green; when fully ripe, it acquires a greenish-yellow tint. Large green subcutaneous dots are clearly visible. The skin on most of the surface of the fruit may be stained with a blurred red blush. The fruit pulp is greenish, medium density, tender, fine-grained, juicy. The apples are very elegant, sweet and sour taste, with a weak aroma, rating - 4.4 points. The fruits contain: sugar - 10.1%, titratable acids - 0.76%, ascorbic acid -13 mg/100 g.

The harvest ripens in mid-August, the shelf life of the fruit is until the end of September. The variety is productive; 24 tons of apples can be harvested from 1 hectare. A tree aged 5–8 years produces up to 23 kg of fruit.

Greenish-yellow apples of the Augusta variety can be colored with a red blush on one side

Diseases and pests

This fruit tree has high resistance to scab and powdery mildew.

However, if the soil on which the apple tree grows is severely depleted and watering is not regular, the crop may be damaged by cytosporosis. The fungus that causes the disease usually affects the bark of the trunk and shoots.

The main pests that can attack this fruit tree are:

aphid;
mite;
apple moth;
codling moth;
slowpoke.

Pests in the garden!
Leaf roller How to deal with cutworms Spider mites
The easiest way to fight these pests is with tobacco infusion, to which soap is added. It is best to use nitrophen (3% solution) against fruit mites.

Advice!

When fighting fruit mites on an apple tree in early spring and autumn, you need to remove all affected shoots and treat the cut areas with garden varnish.

Care

Like all apple trees, the Elena variety, described above, requires regular comprehensive care. From early spring until the coldest weather, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the trees and carry out the following measures:

in the spring, and then throughout the season, inspect the plants for damage and the presence of dried branches;

heal wounds and damage, if any are found;

prune damaged and dry branches in a timely manner, and treat and heal the cut area;

periodically remove weeds and loosen the soil around tree trunks - this procedure improves oxygen access to the roots;

water the trees (in the first year of life, seedlings may need watering, in subsequent years there is no such need);

fruit-bearing apple trees are distinguished by an abundance of flowers that need to be thinned out (partially removed) - this procedure will help to avoid overloading the branches with fruits during the ripening period;

in frosty winter conditions, it is necessary to cover the roots (any organic material can be used as cover: foliage, sawdust, humus, compost);

treat trees with pest and disease control products.

Pest and disease control is a separate and most important set of measures, since a tree can die from an invasion of insects or fungal diseases. The “Elena” variety is quite resistant to diseases, but fungal infections sometimes affect it.

To get rid of these fungal diseases, you need to take a number of measures:

remove from the tree and then burn all damaged foliage;

remove branches and young shoots affected by the disease;

in early spring, while there are no leaves yet, treat the diseased tree with a urea solution;

After flowering, spray the tree with an aqueous solution of soda ash and soap.

If the branches are affected by the disease (cytosporosis, black cancer), then treatment consists of removing the diseased branches, disinfecting and healing the cut site. A completely damaged tree is destroyed. For these diseases, it is necessary to fertilize the soil in the surrounding circles with potassium and phosphorus.

This variety of apple trees is often attacked by harmful insects: aphids, hawthorn, and codling moth. Measures to combat this scourge consist of treating diseased areas or the entire tree with insecticides. If there is a slight proliferation of aphids, the plants are treated with Bordeaux mixture; in case of multiple infestations, karbofos is used. From folk recipes, a decoction of wormwood is used for processing.

To get rid of hawthorn, you must first find and remove all its nests. Then, when the hatching of young caterpillars begins, the trees should be treated with the insecticide “Aktara” or “Aktellik”. Getting rid of the codling moth is a more troublesome process, since you need to find and remove all damaged ovaries. After this, the tree is sprayed with Enterobacterin.

In general, if the trees are not sick and are not attacked by pests, caring for Elena apple trees is simple and even pleasant. If you follow these simple rules and devote a little time to the garden, then this variety will delight you with a bountiful harvest every year.

Advantages and disadvantages

Experts include the main advantages of the Augusta apple tree:

high frost resistance, so this fruit tree can be grown in the Urals and Siberia;
good appearance of ripe apples;
high resistance to scab.

This variety has no significant disadvantages; we just need to note the short shelf life of the harvested crop.

Agricultural technology for growing the Augusta apple tree variety

You should buy seedlings in specialized nurseries or from trusted sellers to be sure that the desired variety will be purchased.

When purchasing, you should pay attention to the condition of the roots and shoots of the young tree - they must be strong, without visible damage or signs of disease. The roots should be about 40 cm in length, their number should be at least 5. At least 3-4 skeletal branches should extend from the main trunk.

The place for planting the Augusta apple tree should be well lit and level. If the apple tree does not have enough light, this will affect the yield, which will decrease sharply, and the color of the fruit will become more faded.

This apple tree does not like too wet soils, so groundwater should not come closer to the soil surface than 3-3.5 m. It should not be planted in lowlands, where it is often too cool and humid.

Detailed information on growing Augusta apple trees - video

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The soil on the site should be loose, allowing moisture and oxygen to pass well to the roots of the tree. The best soils for growing Augusta apple trees are loam or sandstone. If the soil is too clayey, then sand and humus should be added to it - at least 5.5-6 kg of each of these fertilizers should be applied to each square of soil.

This fruit crop is planted in any region only in the spring before sap flow begins.

Advice!

When buying Augusta apple tree seedlings in the fall, you just need to dig them in, and in the spring, transplant the tree to a previously prepared place.

If you plan to plant several seedlings, then you need to maintain certain distances between them in a row - at least 4 m. And the row spacing should be about 4.5-5 m.

Stages of planting an Augusta apple tree:

The planting hole for this tree is dug in advance - its width should be slightly larger than the size of the root system, and its depth should be about 0.35-0.4 m.
A layer of sand is laid on its bottom, from which a mound is formed in the center of the pit.
A stake is driven in next to the mound to which the seedling will be tied.
A tree is placed in the center of the hole on a mound of sand, the roots are carefully straightened, then the hole is filled with a nutrient substrate. The root collar should be 4.5-5 cm above ground level. It cannot be buried in the soil.
The soil needs to be compacted, then water is added under each tree - at least 15-20 liters.

Features of growing Augusta

Landing

Basic conditions

For apple trees, it is good to choose open spaces illuminated by the sun throughout the growing season. Trees grow poorly in the shade and may die or refuse to bear fruit.
Good crown ventilation is another very important factor when choosing a planting site for Augusta. But you will also have to make sure that the trees are not disturbed by drafts, which also often lead to disease and death.
The proximity of groundwater can be a fatal mistake when setting up a garden. The tree easily reaches them if they lie at least 2-2.3 meters deep, and then begins to rot.
The soil for the tree is airy and nutritious, but it grows well in loam, sandy loam, and black soil, if you prepare the holes as needed, and then feed, water and fertilize the trees in time.
The holes are dug 6-9 months before planting. To do this, they dig them 80-90 centimeters deep and the same in diameter. Soil from the top, just removed, layer of soil, mixed with organic matter and minerals, is laid at the bottom. Next, they provide some land or drainage if necessary (wetlands, nearby natural and artificial reservoirs, floodplain meadows), and fill it all with 30-35 liters of water. The pits cannot be covered; they must stand in the open air.
When planting, the root neck of a tree should always be at least 3-5 centimeters above the soil surface.
It is advisable to leave approximately 4-4.5 meters of distance between trees; the same amount should be done between rows, even when it comes to dwarf rootstocks. This will greatly simplify care and harvesting.
Place the seedling vertically, straightening the rhizome, directly on the drainage or a pile of soil, cover it with earth, tamp it tightly with your hands, water it with 15-20 liters of water, and mulch the surface.

Disembarkation dates

For Augusta, any planting time is acceptable if it is purchased with a closed root system. This option can be moved into the garden throughout spring, summer or autumn. With an open rhizome, it is better to give preference to spring planting, so that the apple trees have time to adapt to their new conditions before winter.

Tree care

Protection from frost and pests

The variety is usually not covered using the tent method, although in some special regions such measures are still practiced. But most often, spruce spruce branches, sheaves of hay or straw, mats of dry grass, and trunks are wrapped in burlap or old tights are placed on the root zone as standard.

To protect young seedlings from attacks by hungry rodents in winter, the trunks are smeared with fuel oil, grease, old lard, and melted lard. Regular whitewashing with lime to a height of 1-1.3 meters in autumn and spring helps against insects.

Loosening the soil, watering: proper agricultural technology

The tree trunk area is usually dug up twice a year, in spring and autumn. This is usually done carefully so as not to damage those processes that are located close to the surface. Hoe the soil near the tree more often, at the same time removing all weeds, shoots of other plants and root shoots.

Young trees are watered once every 10-14 days, when there is no rain and the soybean weather is very hot. As the tree grows older, you can reduce watering and add moisture only in the driest times, when the tree can no longer cope on its own. Fertilizers are usually added along with water, so they are absorbed much better.

Pruning: simple crown formation

Augusta needs to be pruned correctly, forming a sparsely tiered form. In this case, the branches are far from each other and at different heights, the top is higher, and the skeletal shoots themselves are lower (shorter), as they go down. The first pruning is done already in the year of planting, while the entire crown is cut off by a third, and all excess is immediately cut off.

They regularly inspect trees and remove broken, dry or diseased branches. They simply draw juices, but do not bring any benefit. From about 18-10 years old, you can begin light rejuvenation, removing 2-3 age-related branches to allow the young ones to develop.

Pollinator varieties

Mantet.
Arcade
Grushovka.
Quinty.
Kate.
Melba.
Stark Erliest.
Lungwort.

Reproduction

Vaccination.
Rooting.
Layerings.
Growing from seeds.

Diseases and pests

Cytosporosis.
Green aphid.
Bacterial burn.
Shield.
Codling moth.
Leaf roller.
Hawthorn.

Further care for the Augusta apple tree

Although this variety is unpretentious, a number of agrotechnical procedures must be carried out correctly, otherwise the tree may reduce productivity and may also be damaged by pathogenic microorganisms.

Irrigation regime

Particular attention should be paid to watering young Augusta apple trees - they need to be moistened regularly and abundantly so that the tree develops better. During the rainy season, tree trunk circles are loosened more often to remove the crust that forms on the soil surface.

Otherwise, oxygen and moisture will not be able to reach the root system. During periods of drought, the amount of watering is increased.

Feeding fruit trees

The Augusta apple tree variety requires mandatory fertilizing, especially if the soil on the site is not very fertile - the yield of a given fruit tree directly depends on the amount of fertilizer applied.

The first fertilizing is applied in early spring, before the buds swell. The next application of fertilizers is carried out in the last ten days of May - the first ten days of June. In the first season, this apple tree is fed with fertilizers containing large amounts of nitrogen - this mineral activates the growth of vegetative mass and roots.

From the second season until the start of fruiting, the Augusta apple tree is fed with fertilizers that contain more potassium and phosphorus.

Procedure for pruning an Augusta apple tree

If you correctly form the crown of the Augusta apple tree, you can achieve an earlier start of fruiting.

Photo of apple tree pruning diagram

The tree is pruned for the first time immediately after planting in a permanent place. During this procedure, it is necessary to trim all shoots so that the height of the central trunk is no more than 1 m, and the height of the side branches is 15-20 cm less than the central trunk. This pruning of the Augusta apple tree activates the growth of side shoots.

In the future, every spring it is necessary to carry out sanitary pruning, during which all dried, damaged shoots are removed.

Ripening and fruiting of Augusta

Beginning of fruiting

The fruitfulness of the variety is relative, that is, in comparison with some varieties it is good, but not so good with others. A tree grown on a vegetative rootstock begins to bear fruit only 5-6 years after planting. However, even then there is a record number of them, at least 12-15 kilograms, and sometimes more (up to 20-25). On dwarfs and semi-dwarfs, the first fruiting occurs already in 2-3 years, but in terms of productivity and resistance to frost, the trees are inferior to their standard “friends”.

Flowering time

Early apple trees usually bloom quite early. Augusta begins to bloom buds already in the first half of May and most often completes the process by the middle of the month, but in bad weather and cold spring it may be delayed. The flowers of the variety are large, beautiful, collected in inflorescences of 6-9 pieces, have delicate, slightly corrugated petals, often snow-white, but sometimes pink, and highly fragrant.

Fruiting and growth

The tree grows quite quickly, gaining 35-40 centimeters per year. This figure is significantly, almost twice as high before fruiting begins, but then decreases. It quickly reaches its maximum height and already in 14-16 years begins to produce full harvests.

The fruits ripen already in August, which is why the apple tree got its name. Most often, this period occurs in the middle or end of the month, so it is logical to classify the variety as late summer. All fruits should be picked immediately and preferably processed. They can be preserved even in the best conditions for no more than 3-4 weeks, after which they become deformed, lose their juiciness, become wadded, loose and sour.

Top dressing

Mineral complexes.
Peat.
Superphosphate.
Compost.
Manure.
Chicken droppings.
Humus.
Ammonium nitrate.
Humus.

What to do if it doesn’t bloom or bear fruit

Inspect for diseases or pests.
Organize regular watering.
Fertilize.
Replant to a more suitable location.

Why do apples fall

Natural weather conditions (wind, rain, hurricane, hail).
Pest damage.
Various diseases.
Overripe.

Leave a review from your own experience about the Augusta apple variety so that everyone can get to know it and get maximum yields with minimal effort.

Apple tree varieties