Winter ripening apple trees occupy an important place in household plots. I really want one variety to combine winter hardiness, disease resistance, productivity and high taste. Alesya, an apple tree with all these advantages, is one of the sought-after varieties in our country. This crop is used for cultivation in both private and industrial gardening.
Apple variety Alesya.
History of the variety's creation
The Alesya apple tree was bred by breeders from Belarus in the last quarter of the last century. Experts tried to breed a fruit tree from which apples could be well stored in appropriate conditions almost until the next season.
To develop a new variety, breeders crossed two well-known and popular varieties of apple trees - Banana and Belarusian Raspberry.
Alesya received many positive qualities from these varieties, including:
- good taste of ripe apples;
- high quality fruits;
- resistance to adverse weather conditions;
- resistance to attacks by pathogenic microorganisms and pests.
Photo of apple tree Alesya
This variety was registered in the State Register of Belarus at the very end of the last century. The Alesya apple tree was included in the State Register of Russia in 2002.
This apple tree is recommended to be grown in regions with temperate climatic conditions, in particular in the Central and North-Western regions. Although the Alesya apple tree is highly resistant to frost, it is not recommended to grow it in Siberia and the Urals - due to the late ripening period of apples in these regions, the crop will not have time to fully ripen.
Growing in different regions
Can be grown in almost any region of Russia.
In the Moscow region, in the Middle Zone and non-Black Earth regions, in Belarus
In these regions it is grown without problems. No special attention required.
In Altai, Urals and Siberia
Problems may arise in these areas with harsh winter climates . The variety is late winter and there is a possibility of incomplete ripening. In addition, in particularly severe frosts the plant freezes.
Description of apple tree variety Alesya
Apple tree Alesya is a low-growing variety,
at the same time, the tree grows slowly, and adult apple trees can reach no more than 4 m in height. The bark of adult apple trees is smooth, brown in color, while in young trees the bark color is brown. The crown shape of adult apple trees is spherical and quite compact. The foliage of the branches is average, so the crown is well ventilated and there is no thickening observed.
New shoots are formed on this apple tree rather weakly, they grow very slowly - in the first season the growth is no more than 0.9 m, in mature trees - no more than 1.0 m.
The foliage is narrow, elongated, the edges curve inward. The outer leaf plates are a rich emerald color, the reverse side is lighter, with slight pubescence.
The flowers are medium in size, the calyxes are small, the petals are pink.
Apple tree variety Alesya. The most popular industrial apple variety of Belarusian selection - video
Alesya's ripe apples are round and slightly flattened. The skin is medium in density, glossy, its main color is yellow, covered with a rich blush on top, which covers the entire fruit. The pulp is compacted, fine-grained.
On a note!
The taste of Alesya apples is sweet with a slight sourness. Tasting assessment of ripe apples of the Alesya variety is 4.3 points out of 5 possible.
Ripe apples - medium size and weight, about 140 g
. When grown on short rootstocks, the fruit size is even smaller.
additional characteristics
Dimensions of an adult tree
According to its characteristics, it is considered medium-sized, growing to a maximum of 4 m . By the age of 10, the tree reaches only 3 meters in height. Which is a big plus for more convenient harvesting and crop care.
Annual growth
Since this variety belongs to the spur type of apple trees, its characteristics accordingly contain such a feature as a low ability to form shoots. This naturally affects the slowdown in growth and annual growth. If in the first year after planting it can give an increase of about a meter, then in ten years it is only 1.5 m.
The Alesya apple tree is characterized by low shoot formation.
Frequency of fruiting
Under properly created conditions and care, fruiting occurs annually. It is worth noting that the harvest is stable.
Productivity
Professional gardeners recommend growing “Alesya” on a medium-sized rootstock 54-118 with the formation of a sparsely layered crown and a planting pattern of 5x3 m. If such recommendations are followed, the garden yield reaches 20 t/ha.
The comparative height of the rootstock is 54-118.
Tasting assessment
The apples are very juicy, with white flesh and a sweet and sour taste. During long-term storage, loosening of the pulp is observed. The aroma retains the smell of summer all winter long . The tasting score is 4.3 points.
Winter hardiness
Quite high winter hardiness is noted Refers to immune winter varieties.
Disease resistance
The plant is highly resistant to scab and powdery mildew. If these diseases occur, they are associated either with an epidemic of these diseases nearby or with inadequate care.
Alesya is characterized by high resistance to powdery mildew and scab.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of a hybrid include:
- First of all, the fruit has a very long shelf life;
- High winter hardiness;
- Short stature;
- Environmental sustainability can also be considered positive factors;
- High and stable productivity;
- The ability of apples not to fall off after full ripening is of no small importance.
There are no shortcomings observed.
Area of application of fruits
These late-ripening apples are collected in the fall and stored so that during the winter they can eat delicious fruits fresh, replenishing the supply of vitamins in the body.
Ripe apples contain a large amount of pectin and sugars, so they can be used to make delicious marmalade, thick jam, jam, or prepare filling for pies and pies.
Productivity
In terms of early fruiting, the Belarusian variety is no worse than foreign ones.
The apple tree begins to bear its first fruits 3-4 years after the tree was planted. Taking into account the timing of ripening, the State Register classifies “Alesya” as a late winter species . The fruits begin to ripen around the end of September, beginning of October. During this period, the harvest can already be harvested. However, the fruits will be fully ripe only after the second ten days of December.
Apples of this variety can be safely picked as the last ones in the garden, especially since they stick well to the branches even when fully ripe.
The apple tree bears fruit every year and the abundance of the harvest increases every year. It is still difficult to judge the productivity of the young crop, however, the following data can be seen in the State Register: in the Central Black Earth District the yield was 60 c/ha.
There is also data that for five to seven year old apple trees the yield is approximately 22 kg , and for five year old apple trees it increases to 29-32 kg.
Harvest storage rules
After harvesting, apples need to lie untouched for some time so that they can accumulate more sugar and also acquire their taste. In this regard, the fruits should be used for sale or for food no earlier than December.
For long-term storage, all apples should be placed in wooden boxes, laying the fruits in several layers covered with thick paper. They should be stored in a cool and dry room, where the temperature is +1..+3 °C, there is no sunlight and there is good ventilation.
It is recommended to look through the apples from time to time , as some may spoil and begin to rot. Spoiled fruits should be removed from healthy fruits.
Apples of the “Alesya” variety are the leaders among other winter crops in terms of shelf life. If you put them in the refrigerator, they can last without spoiling until the end of spring. If storage conditions are violated, the fruits will swell, and their aroma and taste will deteriorate.
Advantages of the Alesya apple tree variety
The main positive qualities of this fruit variety include:
- high resistance to major diseases characteristic of other apple trees;
- the harvested crop is stored almost until the next summer season, and many gardeners note that the last apples were eaten the following fall;
- these fruit trees are small in size and compact;
- Fruiting is stable and annual, increasing with the age of the tree;
- The apple tree variety Alesya has high frost resistance;
- low maintenance requirements;
- During the ripening period, apples are not prone to shedding.
No objective disadvantages were found in the Alesya apple tree.
Photo of growing apple tree Alesya
Collection and storage
The fruits of the Alesya apple tree have good shelf life, so they can be preserved until late spring. At the same time, the apples do not wrinkle and remain just as juicy, tasty and healthy.
To do this, the crop is placed in a cool place with good ventilation - a cellar, basement. Before placing in boxes, each fruit is wrapped in paper or laid in layers, covering each with hay or cardboard.
At a temperature of 1-2° and relatively low air humidity (60%), it will be possible to preserve the harvest until spring.
Apple tree Alesya: features of agricultural cultivation technology
The purchase of seedlings of this variety should be made in specialized nurseries or stores.
In this case, you should pay attention to the following facts:
- The trees should be no more than two years old and there should be no branches. No more than three shoots should extend from the main trunk, which should grow at an angle of 45 degrees (or at a right angle);
- there should be no signs of damage or disease on the bark of the trunk and skeletal branches;
- The roots of the seedling should be strong and elastic, about 30 cm long.
Complete cultivation technology (pruning, care, fertilizing, harvesting and other operations) - video
The planting area should be well lit by sunlight, protected from strong gusts of wind and from stagnant moisture in the soil.
Important!
You cannot plant the Alesya apple tree in a lowland, in a wetland, or where groundwater comes closer to the soil surface than 2.5 m.
Growing conditions
The average height and compactness of the crown are the main advantages of the apple tree, since it does not require a lot of space on the site and several trees can be planted in a small area. The main thing is that the area is well lit and protected from wind and drafts. It is not particularly picky about the type of soil; it can grow on loam and sandy loam soils if they are well fertilized.
But it is demanding regarding the level of groundwater. The roots quickly begin to rot, even if the moisture simply stagnates in the garden bed. Therefore, groundwater should be as deep as possible. If there is no such place, then the soil must be well drained and a hill must be formed. Acidity should be low.
We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the features of growing these varieties of apple trees:
Apple tree planting time
Alesya apple trees are planted in spring or autumn. In this case, spring planting is carried out before the trees begin to flow sap.
Important!
In autumn, the time for planting the Alesya apple tree is chosen taking into account the climatic conditions of the growing region - 25-30 days before the onset of frost.
Planting holes are prepared in advance:
when planting in the spring - in the autumn, and when planting in the fall - 30-35 days before planting.
The soil should be sufficiently loose, fertile, neutral or slightly alkaline, without stagnant moisture or salinity.
Photo of planting an apple tree Alesya
Features of ripening and fruiting
It has a ringed type of fruiting, which slows growth. The fruits are placed very densely on the branches.
Beginning of fruiting
The onset of fruiting depends on the type of rootstock. If the hybrid is grafted onto a clonal rootstock , then the first harvest will be 3 or 4 years after planting. With a seed rootstock only for 5 or 6 years.
Deadlines
Blooms
Almost like all hybrids of this fruit crop, flowering depends on the region of growth and ambient temperature. Usually blooms in April – May. Duration is usually 10 days.
Apple tree blossoming Alesya.
Maturation
The harvest is harvested at the end of September - October. But consumer maturity comes closer to December.
Storage
This hybrid has a very high and long shelf life. If stored properly, for example in a cellar, apples can be consumed from the end of December to the beginning of May.
Ales's apples are stored until the beginning of May.
Planting apple tree seedlings
Holes for planting Alesya apple tree seedlings should be dug at a distance of at least 4 m from each other. When planting trees in rows, the row spacing must be at least 3 m. Their depth must be at least 0.5 m, and their diameter must be 0.6 m.
The dug out top layer of garden soil is mixed with humus and mineral fertilizers and each hole is filled 2/3 with such a nutrient substrate.
Photo of apple tree pulp Alesya
A stake is driven into the side of the hole, to which the tree will be tied after planting. And in the center they make a mound of humus, on which an apple tree seedling is placed. Its roots are carefully straightened and the hole is filled with nutrient substrate. Then the soil is compacted, making sure that the root collar is a couple of centimeters above ground level.
Up to 50 liters of water are added to each tree.
Advantages and disadvantages
The undoubted advantages of this variety include:
- immunity to scab, resistance to other diseases of fruit crops;
- a high degree of shelf life of fruits that retain marketable and consumer qualities until the beginning of summer (in some cases until September);
- short growth and compact dimensions of the tree;
- abundant and annual harvests;
- high winter hardiness;
- ease of care;
- lack of pre-harvest shedding of the crop at the ripening stage.
No objective deficiencies were found.
Experts and summer residents call “Alesya” one of the best Belarusian varieties, practically devoid of disadvantages
Apple tree Alesya: reviews of those who planted
Vasily, 60 years old, Krasnodar region: In my garden there are several different varieties of late-ripening apple trees, but the main favorite of them has been the Alesya apple tree for several seasons. This apple tree is compact and short in stature, so it has a place even in a small area. I pick apples at the end of September and store them in the cellar. You can eat fresh fruits until the end of spring.
Anya, 50 years old, Belgorod region: One seedling of this late apple tree was given to me by a neighbor in her summer cottage. She already had such an apple tree on the plot, she purchased a couple more seedlings of Alesya, one of which she gave to me. And in the fall and winter she treated me to fragrant sweet apples from this tree. Now I have been collecting delicious harvests from the Alesya apple tree for several years now. I can say that they are stored well until summer, but in April their flesh becomes looser.
Volodya, 49 years old, Moscow region: I decided to plant a late-ripening apple tree on the plot so that I could have my own apples during the winter. The choice fell on the apple tree Alesya. I read that this tree is small, so I planted as many as 3 seedlings, because I thought that their yield was also small, so that the harvest would be enough for my large family. However, the yield from these apple trees turned out to be so large that we put some of the fruits aside for storage for the winter (enough until spring), from the other part my wife makes jam, jelly and marmalade. And we distribute some of it to friends and relatives.
This Belarusian apple tree has firmly taken root in many Russian regions due to its many advantages and the absence of significant disadvantages.
Good yield, the possibility of long-term storage of fruits, resistance to frost and disease - all these qualities were appreciated by Russian gardeners who planted the Alesya apple tree in their garden plots.
Recently also searched:
Reviews
Leonid, Oryol region. “I’ve been growing an orchard for decades. There are, of course, many varieties of apple trees. In 2003, I saw a photo and description of the Alesya variety and purchased three seedlings at once. Until now, they delight us with their harvest of excellent apples. And what's interesting? I have plenty of species that can be stored for a long time. But when children, grandchildren or a wife go down to the cellar for apples in winter, they always choose “Alesya”. Because in terms of taste, aroma that fills the entire room, size and appearance, it has no equal.”
Vladimir, Moscow region. “A wonderful hybrid. One tree has been growing on the site for 6 years. The first harvest was produced in the 3rd year. It’s a shame there’s not enough space on the site, otherwise they could have planted a few more. Even though we live in the middle zone, the tree has never frozen. The wife uses the fruits for various purposes. We especially like compotes and, of course, fresh apples.”
Ivan, Ulyanovsk region. “When I had no experience in fruit gardening, I planted early and autumn apples. Then I didn’t know what to do with them. He gave it to a neighbor to feed his livestock. With experience, I removed most of them and planted the winter hybrid “Alesya”. Back then I didn’t even know what he was. 10 years have passed and we cannot be overjoyed at the miracle that suddenly fell into our hands. We eat apples all winter. The grandchildren are especially pleased.”
Advantages and disadvantages
The most important feature of the variety is that after the fruits ripen, they practically do not fall from the tree, which increases the marketability of the fruit.
Other advantages of the Alesya apple tree include:
- high productivity;
- high commercial properties of fruits;
- environmental sustainability;
- rapid fruit ripening;
- stability of fruiting;
- long-term storage of apples without loss of their taste and deterioration in appearance.
No objective shortcomings were found in the variety; as for subjective ones, some gardeners noted the low taste of the fruit.
Reviews from gardeners
On gardening forums, summer residents note that among the Belarusian varieties, “Alesya” is the best variety in terms of shelf life, since during 6-8 months of storage the apples almost do not rot, even if the apple lying nearby has rotted.
Gardeners also write that a good quality of an apple tree is the ability to harvest it quite late (compared to other varieties). But at the same time, after picking the fruits for a couple of months, the apples remain sour, and only then acquire a pleasant sweetness. By the end of March, the fruit has a certain looseness and “cottoniness”.
Other summer residents note the large size of the apples and that this is a “variety of noble blood.”
Prevention of diseases and pests
This crop is endowed with strong immunity against scab and powdery mildew. But if the scheme, planting and care rules are violated, it can become infected with other diseases:
- Bacterial burn. In the summer, shoots and leaves begin to become covered with dark spots. Treatment consists of removing all damaged organs, after which the crown is irrigated with antibiotics such as Fitolavin.
- Rust. Reddish or brown growths on foliage and stems. Over time, the affected areas turn yellow and die. To combat this sore, Bordeaux mixture or copper sulfate is used.
- Fruit rot. Causes spoilage of apples - the pulp hardens and the appearance becomes unattractive. First you need to dispose of all infected fruits. Then treat the crown with a fungicide - a solution of copper or iron sulfate.
- Aphids and caterpillars cause great harm and, at an advanced stage, contribute to the loss of decorativeness, stunted growth and reduced productivity. You can destroy parasites with insecticides - Karbofos, Fitoverm, Aktellik or Aktara.
To avoid infection with diseases and harmful insects, it is necessary to buy healthy planting material, follow the planting pattern, regularly loosen the soil, remove weeds and cut out diseased parts. In early spring and late autumn, the tree should be treated with fungicides.
Care
In order for the tree to produce a bountiful harvest, be strong and healthy, it is important to provide it with proper care, which consists of systematic feeding, pruning and abundant watering.
Watering
After planting the seedling, the tree needs to be watered every day for several months. As for an already strong tree, it should be watered at least five times during the season.
For each apple tree you need to take about 4 buckets of water.
The first time to water the plant is in early spring.- The second - before the beginning of the flowering period.
- The third is at the end of flowering.
- Fourth - when the apples begin to pour.
When the fruits are almost ripe, there is no need to water the tree, since excess moisture causes the apples to begin to crack and become watery. It is also worth refraining from watering during the rainy season. - The last watering should be done shortly before lasting frosts occur.
After each irrigation of the tree, the tree trunk circle should be mulched.
Top dressing
If the tree was planted in the fall, then the first fertilizing should be done 1.5-2 months after the onset of the first frost . To do this, it is worth taking complex fertilizers with a minimum of nitrogen, which need to be scattered around the perimeter of the tree trunk.
When the snow begins to melt, all the nutrients that promote better growth will flow to the root system. If the region does not have snowy winters, then the first feeding should occur in early spring, otherwise the tree may “wake up” ahead of time.
In subsequent times, you need to fertilize according to the following scheme:
- in early spring - nitrogen-containing complexes;
- before the flowering phase - potassium and phosphorus;
- 2 weeks after flowering - nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus;
- after dropping the leaves - potassium-phosphorus complexes with a minimum nitrogen content.
Trimming
Usually, the crown of the Alesya apple tree does not need to be particularly shaped; however, sanitary and regulatory pruning is necessary.
As a rule, branches are pruned when necessary:
- extend the growing season;
- make the tree less susceptible to sub-zero temperatures;
- speed up fruiting.
Trimming should be done in the spring, before the plant begins to awaken, or in the fall, when the growing season ends.
A young tree needs to be pruned for the first time a year after planting . A third of the grown branches should be removed. If a plant has diseased or broken shoots, it is recommended to cut them off first.
As you trim the branches, if necessary, you can normalize the number of ovaries - this promotes the development and ripening of larger apples. In the first year of the plant’s life, all buds should be removed, and in the second year, half of the existing peduncles should be removed.
Agricultural technology
In warm regions, it is more advisable to plant the Alesya apple tree in the fall, in cool regions - in the spring. In order for the fruits to gain more sugar and acquire a characteristic bright color, sunny areas should be selected for planting. The culture grows well in highly structured, nutritious soils with neutral acidity. For our heroine, loam, ordinary chernozem, gray soil, and chestnut soils are quite suitable. An adult tree is watered infrequently, but in such a way that the soil is moistened to a depth of at least 50 cm. Taking into account precipitation during the growing season, the apple tree is moistened at least 3 times, pouring 50 - 60 liters of water under the tree. By the way, it is best to divide such a large volume of water into two applications - morning and evening, this will allow the water to completely moisten the area in the tree trunk circle and to the required depth. During hot periods, the frequency of watering needs to be increased. The variety responds well to alternating mineral fertilizers with organic ones. Preventive treatment must be carried out in the spring, before the buds open. A crown that is not too thick allows sunlight to pass through evenly, however, pruning must be done annually. In the spring, as a rule, branches that are broken, frozen, or growing deep into the crown are removed. Sanitary pruning is carried out as necessary.
Apple tree Alesya is one of the successful varieties of Belarusian selection. The plant is low, neat, fits into small spaces and allows harvesting without much difficulty. And caring for such a plant is a joy; the crown is not too thick and it will not require frequent thinning pruning. Non-shattering of fruits is exactly what is needed for summer residents who visit their gardens only on weekends. The culture has high frost resistance, sufficient for cultivation in central Russia. Excellent scab resistance allows you to reduce the number of treatments and obtain an environmentally friendly product. The combination of excellent qualities makes Alesya a promising variety for planting industrial orchards and for involvement in breeding for the creation of new apple varieties. Another advantage of our heroine is its, one might say, record keeping quality - a rare crop can boast that its fruits will last almost until the end of spring without losing their presentation and taste. The harvest is used in a universal way, but its main purpose is to be consumed in its natural form. Despite the fact that the variety is young, domestic gardeners have already fallen in love with it. And inclusion in the State Register is a kind of sign of the quality of our heroine. During the period of growing this apple tree, no critical defects were identified.
And they achieved their goal by obtaining the hybrid “Alesya,” the fruits of which can be stored until the very end of spring.
Taking into himself all the positive traits of the parent couple, he confidently took his place in both industrial and personal gardening.
In this article you can see a photo, description of the variety and gardeners’ opinions about it.
