Pear variety Lyubimitsa Klappa: rules for planting and caring for the plant

The summer pear variety, created by one of the American breeders back in the 19th century, quickly gained wide popularity throughout the world. The culture was named after its creator - Clapp's Favorite. Description of the variety and photos indicate its excellent nutritional qualities.

Tests of the variety carried out in the Soviet Union in the middle of the last century showed it from its best side. Clapp's Favorite pear began to be cultivated in regions such as the Kaliningrad region, the North Caucasus, the western republics of the USSR, the Baltic and Central Asian republics.

Characteristics of the variety

Photos and descriptions of the Klappa's Favorite pear show that the variety belongs to a medium-sized type of fruit tree and is suitable for growing both in personal plots and in large farms. The maximum height of trees of the Lyubimitsa Klappa variety is 4 m. In the first years after planting, the seedlings grow well, forming a pyramidal crown. Subsequently, growth slows down. The tree can bear fruit, on average, for more than 50 years. Among the advantages of the Favoritka Klappa variety are:

• unpretentiousness in terms of soil, but on fertile lands, pears of the Lyubimitsa Klappa variety begin to bear fruit earlier;
• high yield during the life period - depending on the region, the Favoritka Klappa variety gives from 180 to 300 centners per 1 ha;
• excellent winter hardiness - the pear can withstand frosts down to -30 degrees, which allows it to be cultivated in the Moscow region;
• high drought resistance.

Today, more than 20 new varieties have been developed based on the Lyubimitsa Klappa pear. Since the pear is part of the Rose Family, like the quince, it is best to graft it on the quince. It should be noted that there are some disadvantages of the Lyubimitsa Klappa variety, which do not at all reduce its value:

• susceptibility to certain diseases;
• the height of the tree and the spreading nature of the crown, which make caring for it difficult;
• self-sterility of the Favoritka Klappa variety, for pollination of which other varieties, both summer and winter, are used;
• short shelf life of fruits.

As the branches of the beautiful Klappa pear grow, they begin to droop, forming a more rounded crown. An adult tree is characterized by:

• smooth, brown-colored bark on the trunk with slightly noticeable peeling;
• branches of the Lyubimitsa Klappa variety are brown with a slight purple bloom and many lentils - small tubercles that serve for gas exchange;
• the bright green leaves of the pear with thin light petioles have an oval shape that tapers at the end, forming a pointed tip;
• The leaf surface is glossy, without traces of pubescence.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• good winter hardiness;
• good drought resistance;
• unpretentiousness to soil conditions;
• regular and abundant (40–50 kg per tree) fruiting;
• good taste and transportability of fruits.

Flaws:

• self-sterility;
• low early pregnancy (from 7–8 years);
• significant incidence of scab;
• deterioration in the quality of fruits and an increase in their susceptibility to copperhead in dry years;
• tendency of fruits to shed when ripe;
• short shelf life of fruits;
• incompatibility with quince rootstock.

Description of fruits

When flowering, the Clapp's Favorite pear, as seen in the photo, throws out inflorescences of large snow-white flowers. Thanks to the later flowering dates, they are not afraid of frost. The ovaries are distinguished by an unusual dark red color. They produce large, aromatic fruits, the weight of which in young trees of the Lyubimitsa Klappa variety can reach a quarter of a kilogram each, but as the tree ages, the weight decreases. Among their main characteristics are the following:

• the timing of pear ripening depends on the climatic characteristics of the area - in the southern regions the harvest can be harvested already at the end of July, in the mountains or more northern areas the timing of harvesting the fruits of the Favoritka Klappa variety shifts by a week or two;
• unripe fruits are distinguished by a yellow-green color, which, as they ripen, changes to yellow with a bright red blush on the sides;
• under the thin glossy skin there is juicy, light pulp with a magnificent wine-sweet taste;
• ripe pears of the Lyubimitsa Klappa variety quickly fall off, so it is advisable to pick them slightly unripe;

• the fruits of this variety do not have a long shelf life, they should be immediately eaten or prepared;
• Clapp's Favorite pear gives excellent taste in jams, compotes, and in combination with other fruits and berries - apples, quince, cranberries;
• Dried pear also has excellent taste.

Important! Despite the low shelf life, the fruits of the Favoritka Klappa variety are distinguished by their excellent presentation and high transportability.

How to collect fruits and where to store them?

Clapp's favorite is a pear variety for which timing of harvest is very important. Both unripe and overripe pears lose a lot of flavor. If you wait too long, there is a real risk of being left without a harvest at all - the pears quickly crumble. The hotter it is outside, the faster you need to collect ripe fruits. In cool weather, the harvest period extends to 4–7 days.

Clapp's favorite can be harvested when the greenish undertone of the skin has completely disappeared, replaced by a sunny yellow tint. The seeds of a ripe pear are uniformly brown, the flesh is snow-white, not greenish. The fruit is easily separated from the branch and acquires a characteristic taste and pronounced aroma.

The fruits have very delicate pulp, so they are collected only by hand, leaving the stalk behind. The pears are removed from the tree by grasping them tightly with your entire palm (but not squeezing) and carefully turning them. Harvest only completely dry pears - wait until the dew or raindrops dry. You cannot shake the tree - the fruits that fall from it will not last even a couple of days. They are placed in shallow containers, the bottom of which is covered with cloth or in special bags or baskets made of soft plastic.

Clapp's favorite is removed from the tree very carefully - at first, invisible traces of pressure then quickly darken

Clapp's Favorite can only be preserved fresh for 10–15 days. The pears are first sorted out, selecting those that do not have even minimal damage. Put them away for storage as quickly as possible. The temperature is lowered gradually. The fruits are kept in a special compartment of the refrigerator for vegetables and fruits. It is advisable to wrap each pear in a napkin.

Unripe pears will last a little longer, but they will not ripen and will not become any sweeter than they are.

The only way to preserve the unique taste of summer for a long time is winter preparations. Clapp's Favorite makes very tasty preserves, compotes, jams, and marmalade. The pears are also dried and dried. Fruits to be processed are removed slightly unripe so that during heat treatment they do not crumble into mush.

Winter preparations from Klapp's Favorite are very tasty

Planting a pear

When planting seedlings of the Lyubimitsa Klappa variety, you need to take into account some features:

• in the middle zone, pears can be planted at any time - in autumn or spring;
• for the southern regions, autumn planting is preferable, since in the conditions of a warm, long autumn the seedlings will have time to adapt before the onset of frost;
• in northern regions with cold autumn, it is better to choose spring for planting;
• it is recommended to plant 3-4 pears from other varieties as pollinators for the Lyubimitsa Klappa pear;
• when choosing a site for planting, you need to avoid salty or clayey soil types;

• care must also be taken to ensure that there is no rocky layer in the soil, which could damage the root system of the tree;
• groundwater should not rise above 3 m to the surface;
• in shaded areas, the yield of the Clapp's Favorite pear decreases, so the planting site should be well lit - the sugar content in the fruit depends on the intensity of sunlight;
• Icy gusty winds can cause significant damage to a tree.

Origin and zoning

The variety is native to Massachusetts, USA. It was obtained around 1860 by the breeder T. Clapp, who planted the seeds of the Forest Beauty pear in his garden and after some time discovered a seedling with new valuable qualities. The scientist really liked the pear, so he gave it the name “Clapp’s Favorite.” At the beginning of the twentieth century, the variety gained enormous worldwide popularity and still remains among the leaders in industrial and amateur gardening.

Many experts believe that “Clapp’s Favorite” is a spontaneous hybrid from crossing “Forest Beauty” and the old English variety “Williams” (“Summer Duchess”).

In the photo - “Forest Beauty” (left), which served as the mother form, and “Williams” (right), which presumably acted as a pollinator

In 1947, the variety was included in the State Register of the Russian Federation and recommended for cultivation in the North-Western, Lower Volga and North Caucasus regions.

“Clapp’s Favorite” is widely used in breeding work to develop new varieties of crops. The most widespread of its “descendants” are “Oryol Summer”, “Tatyana”, “Naryadnaya Efimova”, “Severyanka”, “Nalchik Kostyka”. They have passed the necessary variety tests, officially registered in the State Register of Russia, zoned and intended for cultivation in various climatic conditions, including in the Middle Zone and Black Earth Region, in the Volga region and Siberia, in the Urals and the Far East.

Selection of seedlings and preparation of holes

It is better to purchase planting material of the Favoritka Klappa variety in a nursery, carefully examining the selected seedlings:

• trees older than 2 years are characterized by poor survival rate;
• Clapp pear seedlings must have a developed root system without any growths, spots, or damage;
• young shoots should be flexible and durable;
• The diameter of the stem should not be less than 1 cm.

Holes for seedlings Clapp’s Favorites are prepared in advance:

• when planting in autumn, they need to be dug up a month in advance, and when planting in spring, it is better to prepare them in the fall;
• the diameter and depth must be at least 0.8 m, and if the seedlings have a branched root system, then the dimensions can be larger;
• at the bottom of the hole, fertile soil is laid out, which is prepared from garden soil mixed with sand, humus, wood ash and fertilizers;
• if there is too much sand in the soil, you need to strengthen it with clay and garden soil so that the pear planting is strong.

Harvest

Pears begin to bear fruit in the seventh year after planting and produce a stable harvest for 60-80 years. From one tree you can collect up to 300 kilograms per season.

Pears intended for long-term storage should be picked slightly unripe. The harvesting procedure is carried out in the first half of the day.

To ensure that the fruit is not damaged during storage, the stalk must be preserved . Place the pears in a clean container. The harvest should be stored in a ventilated, dry place.

It is worth remembering that the shelf life of this type of pear is short. Pear is a summer variety. Damaged fruits cannot be stored.

Recommendations for planting seedlings

For proper planting of the Lyubimitsa Klappa pear, descriptions, photos and reviews advise:

• place the seedling in the center of the finished hole, on a mound of fertile soil and straighten the roots;
• the root collar should protrude 5 cm above the ground surface; the tree should be turned to the south with the side with fewer branches;
• a garter stake is placed 15-20 cm from the stem;
• evenly cover the tree with pre-prepared fertile soil;
• after that they tie it to a support;
• the soil is compacted;
• at a distance of 0.4 m from the pear trunk, slightly deepen the ground and carry out the first watering of Clapp’s Favorite - 3 buckets of water;
• then the trunk space of the pear should be mulched with humus, straw or manure;

• within several weeks after planting, you need to monitor the likelihood of land subsidence, if necessary, adding soil under the base of the trunk, otherwise the death of the tree is possible.

Often gardeners do not attach much importance to mulching. But mulch performs important functions:

• it retains moisture, protecting the roots from drying out;
• protects them from frost in winter;
• this is an excellent source of nutrients that are distributed evenly to the roots.

Various diseases and parasites

Clapp's Favorite pear has a low level of resistance to scab disease. But this variety can also become infected with other diseases, for example, powdery mildew or fruit rot, fungal diseases. If signs of the disease have already formed on the foliage of a given variety, it is necessary to remove all infected parts and destroy them. However, the best method of destroying diseases of fruit crops is spraying as a preventive measure. At the beginning of the spring season, it is necessary to treat with chemicals once every month. A solution of dry mustard and soap is considered an effective remedy for powdery mildew. Treatment of fruit crops with copper sulfate has a positive effect.

A large number of means are known to remove parasites. Most summer residents also use glue traps and regularly clean the circles around the trunk of weeds.

• Preparations for the winter season

To protect the fruit crop in the winter season from cold winds and sudden temperature changes, following the characteristics of this variety, it is recommended to prepare the tree for negative conditions:

• It is worth clearing the area around the trunk of weeds.
• thoroughly moisten the tree, then dig up a place near the trunk and make a layer of mulch using manure, fallen leaves, and straw.
• the trunk must be cleaned of moss and dried bark.
• whiten the tree trunk at the base of the skeletal branches with copper sulfate and lime.
• It is recommended to cover young trees with burlap.

Further care

As evidenced by reviews from gardeners, the full development and consistently high yields of the Lyubimitsa Klappa pear will depend on competent agricultural technology.

Organization of watering

Watering the Clapp's Favorite pear is done by sprinkling. If there is no possibility for sprinkling, grooves are prepared around the trunk. Watering rate is 2 buckets for each tree; in dry seasons, increase the frequency of watering. After sprinkling, the tree trunk circle is loosened, providing air access to the roots. However, you should not loosen too deeply, so as not to damage the roots of the pear. Then the weeds are removed and mulched with green manure or compost. It is good to plant honey plants such as mustard or buckwheat between the pear trees; you can sow lawn grass. It is recommended to water an adult tree three times per season:

• during the flowering period;
• during fruit development;
• during the ripening period.

Pear pruning

The Klappa's Favorite pear, as recommended by the variety description and reviews, requires timely pruning, otherwise:

• the tree will grow, shading the area and making maintenance difficult;
• productivity will decrease;
• excessive thickening of the crown will create a favorable environment for numerous pests.

Since the tree receives significant stress from pruning, it should be done during periods when the pear is dormant and there is no sap flow. The procedure begins in the second year, simultaneously forming a strong crown, which is especially important when the branches of the Lyubimitsa Klappa variety are fragile. Trimming is carried out according to the following scheme:

• to stimulate new shoots, cut off the top of an annual seedling;
• in the second year, three tiers of shoots are formed, choosing those that are located at an angle of 45 degrees to the trunk;
• the central shoot of the Clapp's Favorite pear needs to be cut at a level of 20 cm from the upper side branch;
• when removing excess branches, you do not need to cut them too deep or leave a stump on the trunk - such cuts are difficult to overgrow;
• Next, shoots growing inside the crown or parallel to the trunk, as well as dry or damaged branches, are pruned;
• All cuts need to be lubricated with garden varnish.

Important! If the fruits on the Clapp pear become smaller, rejuvenating pruning is required.

Feeding

Clapp's Favorite pear is sensitive to fertilizing, but it needs to be done in a timely manner. In the first 4 years, a 5-centimeter layer of mulch in a near-trunk circle with a diameter of up to 1.0-1.2 m is enough for trees. When mulching, the base of the trunk must be left clean so that it does not prop up. In the future, the space for mulching the Clapp pear needs to be gradually expanded, and organic matter needs to be added along with the autumn digging. At the same time, potassium and phosphorus fertilizers are applied in the fall. Nitrogen compounds are useful in early spring before flowering and in summer during the formation of ovaries on the pear.

Pest Control

The description of the pear variety Clapp's Favorite indicates its susceptibility to scab. However, it can also be affected by other diseases, for example, fruit rot or powdery mildew, or fungal pathologies. If signs of disease have already appeared on the leaves of the Clapp pear, you need to remove all diseased parts and burn them. But the best way to combat diseases of fruit trees is preventive spraying. In early spring, you need to treat the pear with Bordeaux mixture and repeat it 2-3 more times during the season. An effective remedy for powdery mildew is a soapy solution of dry mustard. Treating trees with a solution of copper sulfate or colloidal sulfur is useful.

There are many drugs available to control pests. Many gardeners also use glue traps to promptly clear the pear tree trunks of plant debris.

Preparing for winter

To protect the tree in winter from gusty winds and sudden changes in temperature, the description of the pear by Lyubimitsa Klappa advises preparing it for adverse effects:

• the area around the trunk should be cleared of plant debris and weeds;
• water the tree well, then dig up the tree trunk and mulch it with manure, fallen leaves, and straw;
• the trunk must be cleared of dried bark and moss;
• whiten the pear trunk and the bases of the skeletal branches with a solution of copper sulfate with lime and clay;
• young Clapp pear seedlings are well insulated with burlap or other material.

Pests and diseases and protection against them

Table: Pear pests and their control

Pear pests in the photo

Clapp's favorite is especially affected by the copperhead in dry conditions. The sawfly attacks the flowers.

Red mite infestations are difficult to treat

Table: Pear diseases and treatment methods

Pear diseases in the photo

One of the main disadvantages of Clapp's Favorite is its susceptibility to scab.

Milky sheen is a dangerous fungal disease that can lead to the death of a tree. Fruit rot spreads especially quickly in damp conditions.

Reviews

Valentina Khorokhorina, 57 years old, Ivanovo

Two pears of the Favoritka Klappa variety have been growing on our plot for many years. Their fruits are distinguished by their excellent taste and indescribable aroma. Every year we make wonderful jam from Clapp pear with quince and treat it to all our neighbors and friends. The variety is wonderful.

Dudin Valery, 64 years old, Voronezh

I have long been familiar with the Klappa’s Favorite pear and its characteristics, since I grow this variety in my garden. The tree does not require complex care, consistently produces high yields, the fruits are sweet, and the tender pulp simply melts in your mouth. Nearby I planted three trees of the Forest Beauty variety for pollination. I harvest 10 days before full ripening, since then the pears will begin to fall off. If you know the characteristics of the Klappa Favorite variety, then growing it is not difficult.

Stepanova Victoria, 58 years old, Kalmykia

No other variety has such a delicate honey taste, and the rich harvest allows you to make a variety of preparations for the winter. Clapp's Favorite pear is not at all capricious, you just need to water and feed it on time. I am very pleased with the variety and recommend it to everyone.

Krotov Victor, Melnikovo

Several years ago, on the recommendation of friends, I planted the Klappa’s Favorite pear tree on the plot. The description, photos and reviews were confirmed this year, when the young trees produced their first harvest. The fruits are large, ruddy and aromatic, the taste is delicious. The whole family is delighted. I am very pleased with this purchase.

Diseases

The disadvantage of pears is poor tolerance to diseases, so prevention should be thought about in advance.

General sanitary measures will be limited to choosing neighbors (neighborhood with mountain ash is undesirable), cleaning and burning fallen leaves, digging up tree trunk circles, whitewashing trunks and skeletal branches, pruning the crown and watering the soil with a 3% solution of copper sulfate.

Scab

This disease is considered the most common in pears of the Lyubimitsa Klappa variety. Pathogens can overwinter in the upper layers of the soil, cracks in tree bark, and fallen leaves. A humid climate promotes the propagation of the pathogen and the progression of the disease, which begins in the spring with the appearance of small brownish spots on the back of the leaf.

This pathogen is capable of infecting fruits and shoots; cracks, scabs, and putrefactive spots form on the fruits. The pulp becomes very hard; this fruit is not eaten.

This disease is considered the most common in pears of the Lyubimitsa Klappa variety.

This disease can be combated with the help of systemic fungicidal agents, which include Horus, Strobi.

Moniliosis

The causative agent of moniliosis overwinters in a similar way to scab (in cracks in the bark, leaves), but its carriers are bees. Flowers are affected first, then leaves and shoots. It looks like a burn, as parts of the plant wither and turn black.

Reproduction methods

Like other fruit trees, Clapp's Favorite pear can be propagated in several ways. The first of them is cuttings. The easiest to implement, suitable for beginner gardeners. Cuttings are harvested in mid-summer. It is better to take a shoot with a young, green top and a woody base. To accelerate growth, the cuttings are placed in water with the addition of Kornevin for several days.

Then the cuttings are planted in pots or boxes at least 30 cm deep, filled with fertile soil mixture. It may take a month to a month and a half for the seedlings to take root. At the beginning of autumn, young trees are planted in a permanent place in open ground along with soil from boxes.

Another method of propagating this pear variety, more complex and interesting, is budding. It is carried out by grafting to a pear or quince.

During the period when young shoots have stopped growing on the tree and the buds have reached maturity (approximately mid-July), vaccinations can be done. To do this, the bud is cut as evenly as possible, at a height of 25-30 cm from the ground, both on the rootstock and on the scion. The sections are combined, treated with varnish and firmly fixed.

How to increase your harvest: tips and tricks

For the fruitful cultivation of Clapp's Favorite, it is necessary to plant nearby varieties with similar flowering and ripening periods. Without this, the pear bears scanty fruit or will stand without a harvest at all. It is advisable to plant several different varieties.

Another way to increase yield is to attract honey insects. Borage, cumin or dill planted near the pear perfectly attract them.

In the first years, you should not apply fertilizers. If, when preparing the planting hole, the soil was fertilized in sufficient quantities, then an excess of nutrients can provoke an intensive increase in the vegetative mass, and the pear can bloom again.

Horizontally located branches give much greater yields than vertical ones. When growing pears, straight and unbranched shoots are mercilessly pruned.

If you regularly pinch the ends of branches, you can increase the number of shoots and their branching.

How to plant Klapp's Favorite crop

Planting work is not particularly difficult and is carried out in accordance with generally accepted technology.

Deadlines

Planting pears can be done in autumn and spring. In southern regions with mild winters, this is best done in the fall. When planted in autumn, the young seedling has time to adapt to the surrounding conditions before the onset of severe cold weather and tolerates the winter well.

In regions with short summers and long winters, it is better to plant pears in the spring, before the leaves bloom. The temperature should not fall below +5 °C. Premature planting of a weak seedling increases the risk of its death during return frosts.

Depending on the region of residence and weather conditions, the planting period falls on the end of April - mid-May. During the warm period, the seedling will take root, grow, develop roots and be completely ready for the arrival of a harsh winter.

Site selection and soil preparation

Pear prefers sunlit areas, protected on all sides from squally winds. For fruitful fruiting, the pear requires uniform lighting, so you should not plant the seedling in the shade of garden buildings or tall spreading trees. Lowlands are not suitable for it either.

Groundwater should not be ignored either. If the water is located above three meters, within a few years there is a high probability of the tree dying as a result of the roots being washed away.

Clapp's favorite grows well on any type of soil, however, when grown on fertile and loose soil, full and annual fruiting is observed. Loams are the most suitable option for it.

The soil is prepared in advance, preferably six months before planting begins. To do this, dig a planting hole measuring at least 60 x 70, removing all roots. When preparing a planting hole, rotted manure, peat, potassium sulfate and superphosphate are added to the soil.

Schemes and rules for planting a tree

The distance between trees in the garden has a huge impact on their development and fruiting. The close proximity of trees and bushes negatively affects pear yields. The distance between trees in the same row should be at least 4 meters, and the length of row spacing should be at least 5 meters.

Fill the hole to 2/3 of the volume with the prepared soil mixture, then water the soil well. The seedling is placed in a hole so that the root collar is located 4 cm above ground level and covered. The pit is watered again. The seedling is tied to a support and trimmed.

conclusions

1. Klappa and Krasulya are summer pear varieties. Klappa has a high yield and is characterized by increased resistance to frost. Trees of this type live up to 50 years.
2. Klappa fruits are sweet and sour, they have universal uses and can be used not only for raw consumption, but also for preparing preserves.
3. A young tree can be planted in autumn or spring. You need to place it in a hole with fertile soil. Young seedlings must be tied to a peg.
4. Caring for a pear involves regular feeding, pruning, and rejuvenation (if productivity decreases).
5. The variety is suitable for cultivation in the central regions of Russia.

To which regions is the variety more adapted?

The presented variety is zoned for cultivation in the central regions, as well as in the Volga region. If desired, it can be planted in the southern regions. In these zones, such plants take root well, do not require complex care, and also tolerate wintering quite well. Growing trees of this type in these areas is economically profitable. Read about pear varieties for the Moscow region here.

It is possible to plant pears in other regions, but not in open ground, but in greenhouses. This will allow you to achieve the necessary favorable conditions for high yields and good ripening of fruits. However, this option for growing pears is rarely used due to the poor storage quality of the crop.