Currently, many varieties of domestic apple trees have been bred to suit every taste and for any growing region. But the Melba variety, which is already more than a hundred years old, has not been lost among them and is still popular. It fills the gap between summer and autumn apple varieties. Melba seedlings are grown in many nurseries and are sold well. Such longevity of the variety speaks of its undoubted advantages.
Melba apple tree: characteristics of the variety
apple tree Melba
The Melba variety is one of the most common and famous varieties. He is known all over the world. The variety was developed in Canada in the 19th century. The apple tree got its name from the singer, who was popular and toured all over the world in those years.
Initially, breeders did not know what kind of variety they were breeding. But after the first harvests were obtained, the apple tree began to be distributed to European countries, as well as to Russia.
Later, in the 20th century, the apple tree was recognized in the state register, only its name was slightly different, without the soft “Melba” sign. Well, as we know, antiquity is always antiquity. Therefore, to this day the apple tree is called with the soft sign “Melba”.
In general, this variety does not like the cold, so it is grown only in warm climates. Apple trees did not take root in the cold and did not become widespread in the northern regions.
The Far East was also not to Melba’s liking. But in other regions throughout Russia and Europe, the Melba apple tree is taking root. And therefore it is widespread.
The Melba apple tree also has varieties. The most common is Red Melba (which means red melba). This variety is frost resistant.
The note!
Apple trees of this variety begin to bear fruit only in the third or fourth year. The harvest will delight you with its taste, transportability, and also the fact that fresh fruits can last for a very long time.
Melba apple tree - description
Height:
The Melba apple tree is not particularly tall; it is considered a medium-sized tree.
Based on observations, you can see that the height of the tree never exceeds 3 m. Although breeders claim that the apple tree can grow up to 4 m in height.
Width:
In general, it is worth saying that a tree only begins to form its crown at the age of 4-5 years. Until this time, the crown has a columnar shape.
The crown of this variety grows round, slightly elongated upward. The tree itself is lush in width, it can reach 7 m. Of course, we mean the crown, not the trunk of the tree.
The trunk is wide and dark brown in color. Rich light green color. It has slightly elongated leaves. The peculiarity of this variety is that the branches are not particularly wide, but nevertheless droop down.
What will tasters tell us about this variety?
Tasters say that the fruits are large, round, slightly elongated downwards. The color of apples is usually yellow-green with red stripes. And their skin is delicious. From the outside it may seem rough and dense, but in fact it is tender and pleasant to the taste.
The weight of the fruits reaches 120 - 135 grams, but they claim that they are much larger when they are slightly overripe.
As you know, tasters have a special scale by which they measure the taste of fruits, their appearance, and generally determine the quality of the variety. The scale is five-point. So, the Melba variety gets 4.5 points on a five-point scale.
But this is an average rating, and each taster has his own personal opinion and his own adequate assessment of the variety.
Self-fertility.
Breeders call this variety a self-pollinator, a self-fertile. But, unfortunately, this variety of apple crop is characterized by low self-pollinating abilities. Therefore, gardeners advise beginners to plant this variety along with other pollinating apple trees.
Cold resistance.
If we talk about cold tolerance, we can say that the Melba apple tree is tolerant. It has average winter hardiness. Selected varieties of this species are more resistant to cold weather. Such as Melba Red and Melba's Daughter.
Which varieties are pollinators?
It is important to choose the right pollinator tree for the Melba apple tree, since otherwise it is impossible to get a good harvest. Otherwise, there is a high probability that the apple tree will simply stand without a harvest and without fruits all summer.
Therefore, it is worth paying attention that good pollinators for the Melba apple tree are:
1) Variety Antonovka. This variety is best known as Antonov apples, about which there are so many stories and books.
2) Suislep apple tree;
3) Borovinka;
4) Stark Erlist;
5) Bellefleur-Chinese.
However, the best pollinator is the Borovinka apple tree variety.
Fruiting and productivity.
The fruiting of the apple tree is interesting. So, after planting in the fourth year, the apple tree gives a good harvest and bears fruit for exactly 4 years. But after 12 years, fruiting alternates.
It happens as follows: one year the apple tree brings a good harvest, and the next year the apple tree rests and simply pleases us with its beautiful leaves and crown.
It is worth noting that the yield of this tree is high. It is several times higher than the yield of ordinary dwarf trees, as well as forest apple trees.
How much does a Melba seedling cost?
Now let's move on to the most interesting question. We learned what a Melba apple tree looks like. How does it differ from other varieties, why is it better? How much does it bear fruit and how does it bear fruit. We learned that it needs to be pollinated by other trees. Now let’s talk about how much a seedling of such a Melba apple tree costs.
In general, prices in different regions for almost all products are different. Somewhere below, somewhere above. So, gardening is not spared from this cyclical nature. Therefore, for a better comparison of prices, let's move on to the following structure. Let's look at several regions and the cost of one seedling in each of them.
In regions, the cost of a seedling will differ.
So, in St. Petersburg and Moscow, as well as in nearby areas, seedlings aged 3 to 5 years will range from 1,000 to 6,000 rubles.
And in the Western region, near the city of Vologda, the price of a 3-year-old seedling is 320 rubles, and a 4-year-old seedling is 420 rubles.
In the Krasnodar Territory, a 3-year-old seedling costs 220 rubles, and a 4-year-old seedling costs 460 rubles.
Finally, in the Ural Federal District, near the city of Yekaterinburg, a seedling at the age of 3 years costs 300 rubles, planting at the age of 4 years costs 400 rubles.
Since the Melba apple tree variety has been known for quite a long time, there have been quite a few reviews about it. Now let's look at a few of them.
Breeding work based on variety
Such a successful apple tree as “Melba”, of course, attracted special attention from breeders. Over many years, scientists from different countries have developed quite a few varieties based on it, which have inherited the positive qualities of the “mother” plant, but are free from some of its disadvantages:
“Red Melba” (“Red Melba”) – obtained by Canadian specialists. The plant bears bright red fruits that are larger than those of the parent form. The tree is characterized by higher frost resistance and is less often affected by the scab pathogen and insect pests.
In the photo there is an apple tree of the Red Melba variety.
“Melba’s Daughter” is a plant of domestic selection (Pavlovsk experimental station in the Leningrad region), in all characteristics it strongly resembles the parent form, but is more winter-hardy and gets sick less often. Apples are very tasty and juicy, but cannot be stored for long. The variety is not self-fertile. Experts recommend planting “mother” and “daughter” next to each other so that they serve as pollinators for each other. In such cases, very high yields can be achieved.
In the photo – apple tree “Melba’s Daughter”
“Zavetnoe” is a Russian variety obtained at the Siberian Research Institute of Horticulture named after. M. A. Lisavenko, officially included in the State Register of the Russian Federation in 1995. Zoned for Tomsk, Omsk, Tyumen regions and Altai Territory. The plant is resistant to low temperatures, diseases and pests. Early winter variety, universal purpose, early fruiting. The keeping quality of the fruit is good.
In the photo – an apple tree of the “Zavetnoe” variety
“Early Aloe” is a variety bred by specialists of the All-Russian Research Institute for Breeding Fruit Crops, registered in the State Register since 1998. It is superior in frost resistance to the mother form and is resistant to desiccation and damping off. Zoned for central Russia (Central Black Earth District), but tolerates the climate of the North-Western region well. The plant is self-sterile and requires pollinators.
In the photo – apples of the “Early Aloe” variety
“Red Early” is the result of the work of employees of VNIIS named after. I.V. Michurina, obtained by crossing “Melba” and “Spring”, registered in the State Register in 1994. The variety is early summer, has increased drought resistance, and is recommended for cultivation in the southern regions (Central Chernozem, Lower Volga). Self-fertility is high. The fruits are small, and the plant itself is quite compact. The harvest ripens gradually, from the end of July to the end of August, but the apples are poorly suited for storage and transportation.
In the photo – an apple tree of the “Red Early” variety
Among the achievements of foreign selection, it is worth noting the Canadian "Caravelle" , which is distinguished by its high frost resistance, and the American "Prima" , which is considered the first variety in the world to have stable immunity to scab.
“Prima” was zoned by specialists from the North Caucasus Federal Scientific Center for Horticulture, Viticulture and Winemaking and included in the State Register in 1996 as approved for cultivation in regions with warm and temperate climates. The fruits have good consumer qualities and high transportability.
In the photo - the fruits of the Prima apple tree
Apple tree Melba - reviews from gardeners
Sergey from Rostov-on-Don.
“Since childhood, I have loved this variety. And all because I often visited my grandmother in the village. And she had beautiful Melba apple trees. The apples are small but juicy. The skin is soft and pleasant to the taste. This is exactly how I remember my grandmother’s apples.”
And here is what Nikolai from the Krasnodar region tells us.
“I discovered this variety relatively recently. But I am already convinced that this is a wonderful culture. When the apple trees bloom, a wonderful aroma emanates throughout the garden. I have four apple trees of this variety.”
Olga from Nizhny Novgorod region.
“I have been growing Melba apple trees for a very long time. And I can say, it’s just a miracle. And it doesn’t matter at all whether it’s blooming or already bearing fruit, it’s just nice to look at it. My Melba is already 25 years old, and I understand that the inevitable farewell to her will soon come. But I will say unequivocally, I will buy this variety again and grow it.”
Reviews from summer residents
Nadezhda, 54 years old, Voronezh region.
I inherited my plot. There were several old fruit trees on it, including Melba. Realizing how good her apples were, she decided to update the variety and bought a seedling from the nursery. Our new apple tree is now in its eighth year. Last summer, a harvest of about 50 kg was harvested from it. There are practically no problems with wood. You have to periodically treat it for scab, but the apples are so tasty that all the effort pays off. Excellent variety! I advise everyone.
Dmitry, 65 years old, Biysk
We have difficult climatic conditions for growing apple trees: late ones may simply not have time to ripen, so I gave preference to the summer variety. I chose Melba and read a ton of detailed reviews. The descriptions of the fruits were especially impressive, and I decided to buy a two-year-old seedling. I knew that in our country it was in danger of freezing, and I prepared in advance for the fact that I would have to form a tree in a creeping form. The matter turned out to be quite complicated and labor-intensive: from the first winter after planting, I had to bend the stem, wrap it in the fall, and cut and fix the branches in a very unusual way every spring. However, I used the advice of experienced people and avoided serious mistakes. There was no freezing. Last year the apple tree bloomed for the first time. There were few buds with ovaries, but the ripened apples had the same taste! So I'm happy and looking forward to increasing yields.
Lina, 35 years old, Moscow region
I have a young garden. Some seedlings are already three or four years old. I'm looking forward to the first harvest in Melba in the new season. When I bought it, the sellers at the nursery warned that this apple tree would need a pollinator, and advised me to plant “Daughter” next to it. I did so. I hope they will cross pollinate each other and both will bear fruit well.
When does the Melba apple tree variety begin to bear fruit?
The variety blooms in early spring, the flowers range in color from white to pink with purple streaks. The fruits ripen with good regularity. Starting from 4 years after planting the seedlings, if they were grown from scratch, or from the 4th year of the apple tree’s life.
It begins to bear fruit especially abundantly from the age of 8 years. Later, after the second decade of life, fruiting begins to alternate, a year - a bountiful harvest, a year - the calmness of the apple tree.
Apples ripen at the end of summer. When hand-picked, the fruits can remain intact for several weeks or even months. When the apples are fully ripe they begin to fall off on their own, the apple tree sheds the extra weight. It is worth noting that the harvest must be monitored, otherwise the apples will be broken.
The apples are quite heavy in weight, 120-200 grams.
It is worth noting that the fruiting period is uneven, and each apple ripens individually. This feature allows you to collect fresh fruits for up to one and a half months.
The fruits themselves are sour, which indicates a large amount of nutrients, acids and minerals.
Harvest and storage
To keep fruits for a long time, they should be picked unripe. If you let them ripen, they will fall off. You can ensure good shelf life of the product by observing the following rules:
- remove fruits by hand, trying to avoid impacts and mechanical damage;
- collection should be carried out in dry weather;
- Send for storage fruits that look presentable, have a whole peel, without damage or signs of rotting;
- wrap each apple in paper, place it in a wooden box and send it to the basement or refrigerator;
- ensure storage temperature from 0 to +2 degrees.
Melba apple tree harvest
On a note! Proper collection and compliance with all storage conditions will preserve the freshness of the fruit for 5-6 months.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
The positive characteristics of the variety include:
— The tree gives an early harvest;
- Grows very quickly;
— The tree blooms beautifully, during flowering it emits a pleasant smell;
“Also a plus can be considered the fact that the fruits of this variety are highly durable. They are adapted for long-term storage and transportation.
— Apples are suitable for making jam, various juices, and porridge puree.
Unfortunately, the variety also has disadvantages:
— Low frost resistance. If the temperature drops sharply, the seedling can easily die.
— The second disadvantage can be considered the low self-fertility of the tree. These are extra costs for pollinators and for the purchase of new trees.
— The third disadvantage is the uncontrolled frequency of harvest after ten years of age.
— Perhaps the most striking disadvantage is low immunity to scab.
Features of cultivation in different regions of Russia
If the tree melts in the middle zone of the country, then no additional or special conditions need to be created. In Siberia, the apple tree requires a shelter during the winter cold. Landing is carried out on the leeward side.
In the Urals, Melba is planted in late autumn. For the winter, the area around the trunk is covered with humus and peat, and dry leaves and snow are poured on top of it. In the Moscow region and Leningrad region, it is necessary to protect the apple tree not only from frost, but also from diseases. The risk of scab infection increases during prolonged rainfall.
Variety varieties
The variety has different varieties - hybrids with a similar name.
Hybrids differ from their parents in better resistance to the environment.
So, one of the apple tree hybrids is Melba Daughter.
This variety is highly resistant to cold and highly resistant to scab. On average, each apple weighs 130 grams, and the total yield of an adult tree is 35 kg.
The fruits differ in color. They are either striped, the stripes are pink. Or they differ in the sides, which are also mostly pink.
Another apple tree hybrid is distinguished by a high yield of up to 80 kilograms - Melba Red.
This variety has greenish-pink spots under the skin. The weight of one apple reaches 180 - 200 grams.
History of creation
The Melba apple tree is a summer variety obtained by Canadian scientists in 1898 at a research station in Ottawa using the open-pollinated Mekintosh seed.
Apple tree Melba
The fruit tree is named after the Australian opera singer Nellie Melba. In 1940, the variety entered the territory of the Soviet Union, received many positive reviews and successfully passed all climate tests. 7 years later, during the editing of the document, the variety was honorably included in the State Register under the name “Melba”, but most gardeners continue to call the apple tree Melba in the old fashioned way.
Variety care
Now let's move on to the most important issues. So, how to care for a seedling and an already mature tree?
Young trees should be planted in spring or late autumn. If the soil is not loamy, it needs to be specially prepared.
Peat, clay, sand, and manure are mixed with the ground. All this is poured into an already prepared hole for the seedling, and the seedling is placed. Then all this is sprinkled with the resulting composition, then watered abundantly.
The hole for the seedling must be special, no more than 0.8 m wide and no more than 1 m long. You also need to pay attention to the seedling itself before planting.
If there are a lot of leaves on it, then you need to expose the crown. But if there are no leaves and the seedling is very young, then you should definitely keep it in water for several days so that the stem is saturated with moisture.
If the stem is thin and it seems that it is about to break, you need to help the young tree: buy a peg nearby and tie it up.
It is important to pay attention to whether underground water flows nearby. If yes, then it is important to use drainage or special soil. Because excess moisture is contraindicated for a young tree.
When planting any seedling, pruning is required. Young, not yet experienced gardeners may wonder why? Well, there is an answer to this question.
First of all, pruning is important for rejuvenating the seedling. And it is most often carried out in early spring, when the sap has not yet had time to enter the seedling. Pruning is also needed to remove root shoots.
Every gardener should be familiar with the concept of sanitary pruning. It consists in the fact that in addition to rejuvenating the seedling, dried and broken branches are removed. The barrel also needs to be shortened, no more than 1/3 of the entire length.
Feeding is very important for apple trees. There are three different types of feeding. Now we will talk about them in more detail.
• In spring, Melba is fed as follows. Before flowering, the soil is mixed, dug up with humus, superphosphate, ash, and potassium are added.
• In summer the procedure looks different. The earth is fed with manure and droppings - these are natural nitrogenous fertilizers. But there are also artificial, industrial ones, such as urea.
• The last feeding of the tree is done in the fall. Around the month of October. Why in October? Because it is at this time that the harvest comes to an end. At this time, the tree is fed with potassium chloride and compost.
It is also worth filling out one very important thing. This variety does not like excess moisture. Therefore, watering a tree should only be done in particularly dry weather, calculating 10 liters per tree.
Apple tree planting
Apple tree seedlings of the Melba variety are easy to purchase; they are sold in almost any nursery, and can be easily ordered from online stores.
Landing dates
This tree can be planted in both spring and autumn. The most important thing is that at the time of planting it is in the dormant stage. In the fall there should be no more leaves on the apple tree, and in the spring its buds have not yet burst. Autumn planting is carried out a month before the onset of real frost. Each region will have its own timing, since winter arrives at different times. A month is needed for the young tree to take root and prepare for winter frosts.
Advice! If you buy an apple tree seedling too late, you shouldn’t risk it: if it doesn’t take root, it will probably freeze. It is better to bury it in a horizontal position; under the snow it has a much better chance of surviving. Just remember to protect the seedlings from rodents.
In the spring, young Melba trees are planted before the sap begins to flow, so that by the time the buds open and the onset of warm weather, the roots have already begun to work, feeding the above-ground part.
Preparation of planting pit and seedlings
Apple tree seedlings of the Melba variety are sold with a closed root system - grown in a container and with open roots. Both cases have their pros and cons. In the first case, there is no way to control the condition of the root system, but if the seedling is initially grown in a container, the survival rate will be 100%, and at any time of the year, except winter. In the second case, the condition of the roots is clearly visible, but improper storage can destroy the apple tree seedling and it will not take root. Before planting, they inspect the roots, cut off all damaged and rotten ones, and be sure to sprinkle the wounds with crushed charcoal.
If the roots are dried out, it helps to revive the seedling by soaking the root system for 24 hours in water with a root formation stimulator.
Spring and autumn planting of apple trees is carried out differently, but in any season they dig a hole measuring 0.80 x 0.80 m, and at least a month before planting, so that the ground settles well. The place for the apple tree needs to be sunny, protected from the winds.
Advice! This is especially important for trees on a dwarf rootstock, since their root system is weak.
The place in the lowlands and where the groundwater level is high is not suitable for planting the Melba apple tree. In such places, it is permissible to plant an apple tree on a dwarf rootstock, but not in a hole, but in a mound. For apple trees, light, permeable loams or sandy loam soils with sufficient humus content and a neutral reaction are needed.
Apple tree planting
In autumn, the planting hole is filled only with humus mixed with the top layer of soil removed from the hole in a 1:1 ratio. It is permissible to add a 0.5-liter jar of wood ash to the soil. Fertilizer can be sprinkled on top of the soil after planting. In the spring, with melt water, they will flow to the roots, and in the fall they are not needed, so as not to provoke untimely growth of shoots.
A mound of earth is poured into the bottom of the hole, where an apple tree seedling is placed, the roots spread out well, 10 liters of water are poured, covered with earth so that the root collar is level with the edge of the hole or slightly higher; it cannot be buried. Leaving bare roots is also unacceptable.
When planting in spring, fertilizers - 150 g of superphosphate and potassium salt each - are embedded in the top layer of soil. At the end of planting, make a side of soil around the tree trunk circle and, after compacting the soil, pour out another 10 liters of water. Be sure to mulch the tree trunk circle.
For a one-year-old apple tree seedling, the central shoot is cut off by 1/3; for a two-year-old apple tree, the side branches are also pinched.
A young tree needs protection from rodents in winter during autumn planting and timely watering once a week during spring planting.
There are varieties of apple trees that will always be in demand. Melba is one of them, it should be in every garden.
Diseases and pests
There are a number of pests that can harm an apple tree. Now about them in more detail.
• We know that scale insects and mites damage tree bark. So, for this apple tree they are no exception. It is worth taking protective measures against these pests.
• Who usually damages foliage? Naturally, caterpillars and beetles. Therefore, it is worth treating the tree.
• Aphid, hated by all gardeners, also loves to infect trees. The juice of the apple tree thereby kills the tree.
• Probably the most annoying pests are codling moths. They, like wild ones, attack the fruits and make them unsuitable for food.
Of course, many will now ask questions: how to protect an apple tree from these pests? The answer, of course, is. The gardening market offers a huge number of preparations, sprayers, and fertilizers. They protect the apple tree from these pests.
It is worth taking care of protecting the apple tree in winter. It is worth covering the seedling with a special cloth, which is sold in gardening stores. This will protect the seedling and tree from rodents.
Whitewashing the trunk can also help against pest invasion. Whitewashing agent can also be purchased at the store.
One of the most common and nasty diseases that affects this variety is scab.
As people know, the best treatment is prevention. Therefore, fertilizing and pruning should be carried out regularly. Clean up fallen leaves and already rotten fallen apples. In fact, this is the most effective method of getting rid of pests.
In addition to preventive actions, it is worth using chemical treatment, which is carried out in three stages:
— Before the tree begins to bloom, the trunk is treated with ammonium nitrate and Bordeaux mixture. It is important to do this before flowering.
— During flowering, the composition of the solution, as well as the treatment sites, remain the same.
- After the first apples appear on the tree, after 2 weeks the same procedure is carried out.
If you find scab on your tree, you should carry out the following procedures:
— Dissolve 10 tablets of bactericide gamaira according to the following recipe. One tablet per 1 liter, that is, in 10 liters you put these 10 tablets. Spray with this solution three times per season. Each time it is necessary to prepare a new solution.
— Dissolving 10 phytolavine tablets in 10 liters of water. Spraying is carried out 4 times per season.
There are a number of equally effective means that can be used to spray an apple tree during scab disease.
Here are some of them: ammonium sulfate, potassium salt, potassium and ammonium nitrate.
How to trim and shape the crown
Pruning can be done in spring and autumn. In the second case, sanitary cleaning of dry, creeping and damaged branches is carried out. The best time for crown formation is spring. In this case, excess parts of the plant should be removed before the active movement of juice and swelling of the buds begins. A young tree needs to trim its branches twice a year.
Sparsely-tiered
If the apple tree is tall, then a sparse-tiered pruning scheme is suitable for it.
It provides the following steps:
- The first tier is formed 12 months after planting. Here you need to pay attention to 2-3 branches directed in different directions and growing at intervals of 20-25 cm. You need to remove 20-30% of their length. A ring is formed from the remaining branches.
- The central conductor is shortened by 30 cm above the upper skeletal branch.
- The second tier needs to be formed according to this scheme in another year.
After a few years, the 3rd tier is made in the same way, and the central conductor is cut under the base of the central branch
Cup-shaped crown
A cup-shaped crown is formed in medium-sized trees. This type of pruning is rarely used.
The process contains the following steps:
- You need to select 3-4 skeletal branches, which should grow at the same level or at intervals of 15-25 cm. They should be trimmed by 20-30%. The remaining shoots are removed completely.
- The central conductor is shortened above the base of the upper branch.
- Branches of the second or third tier can be formed on skeletal ones after a year.
Skeletal shoots should grow equally, not ahead of each other.
In the form of a palmette
Palmette is formed from dwarf apple trees that grow on trellises.
Pruning begins immediately after planting:
- On Melba, you should select growth buds or branches that are present in the plane of the trellis in the amount of 8-12 pieces. They are reduced by 30 cm.
- The remaining shoots are cut into a ring.
- With age, the lower branches are tied to the trellis at an angle of 45-55 degrees.
- Every year the central conductor is shortened to a height of 70 cm.
Excess branches must be removed annually.
Slate formation
The slate pruning method is used in harsh climates, as it ensures the apple tree's resistance to frost. For such a crown formation, a very young seedling is required, which is easy to bend.
The work is carried out according to the following stages:
- When planting, a young tree is positioned straight or at a slight angle (45 degrees).
- In the first month of summer, the trunk bends to a horizontal position and is fixed.
- Over time, a top will grow on the top of the base. After it becomes 30 cm in length, it should be bent in the opposite direction.
- After a few years, 2 shoulders of the stanza are formed, after which they are shortened by 30%.
With age, skeletal branches of the first tier are formed from strong shoots. The tree should be bent and pruned every year throughout the life of the apple tree.
Other types of trimmings
This group includes sanitary pruning of diseased and dry branches. The procedure is performed in the autumn, after the flow of juice has slowed down. Because Melba's crown thickens quickly, it needs to be thinned out in the spring. To do this, remove branches that grow inward, downward or upward.
Growing conditions
Having studied the characteristics of the Melba variety, it is necessary to provide the trees with the necessary conditions for normal growth and generous fruiting. In addition to the climatic features of the region, you need to take into account the location of the site for planting seedlings and its compliance with certain requirements:
- the place for the apple orchard should be located on a hill - this will prevent stagnation of melt and rainwater around the tree and rotting of the root system;
- It is preferable to plant seedlings on the south or southeast side - this way they will receive a sufficient amount of sunlight and heat, and will also withstand wintering better;
- It is recommended to choose an area with loose soil containing sand and clay - it allows air and water, which are necessary for the roots of the apple tree, to pass through well;
- the soil must have a neutral acidity level and be fertile so that actively growing seedlings have enough nutrients;
- the place should be well illuminated by the sun - this is necessary for the apples to fully ripen and saturate the fruit pulp with sugar;
- It is recommended to choose an area protected from cold winds and drafts - they weaken the tree and can cause it to freeze in winter or cause diseases;
- groundwater in the selected location must lie at a depth of at least 1.5 m - otherwise the roots of the tree will be in waterlogged soil and will quickly begin to rot;
- There should be no other trees or tall buildings around the planted seedling within a radius of 5 m - they will shade the apple tree from the sun, interfering with its normal growth.
Stability characteristics
Melba apple trees have average winter hardiness - they can easily tolerate minor frosts. However, during severe frosts, the bark of trees suffers greatly, especially on the main branches. In rainy and cold years, trees are affected by scab.
The variety is characterized by weak self-pollination, because of this, in years with rainy spring, the yield is seriously reduced. Placing apiaries in close proximity to gardens partly helps in this regard.
Table: advantages and disadvantages of the variety.
| pros | Minuses |
| Early fruiting, productivity, taste of apples | Low resistance to scab, mediocre self-pollination, average frost resistance. |
A relative disadvantage is the cyclical nature of fruiting in old (more than 10-12 years old) apple trees, which is unprofitable for some categories of farms.
When growing in private household plots, it is better to plant other varieties of apple trees
