Apple tree Wellsey was bred in the middle of the nineteenth century and is a frost-resistant variety that is characteristic of almost all latitudes of the country. The fruits ripen late - already in winter, so the apples themselves are stored for 4-5 months. Due to the presence of many positive characteristics, this plant has become widespread throughout the country.
General characteristics of the Welsey apple variety
The apple tree of the specified variety is of American origin, but the selection originated from the Siberian cherry apple tree. The fruit tree was developed in the 1860s, but it spread to central and southern Russia much later, only after careful research was carried out.
As for the harvest, here you can count many advantages:
- A quick harvest... The first harvest of fruits can be done in the fourth year after planting.
- Fruits ripen in mid to late October... In more southern regions, ripening ends at the end of September. Therefore, they contain many vitamins and useful components.
- Attractive presentation... Each fruit has positive characteristics for the apple tree.
- Fruits do not require additional ripening... Apples are not laid for aging - they can be eaten immediately.
- High yield percentage... From an average tree, you can collect about 200 kilograms of fruit in one season.
- Long term storage period... Apples can lie until late winter, namely until January inclusive.
- Plantnot exposed to traditional diseases, which are inherent in apple trees in general. This also refers to diseases that affect the fruits themselves.
- Frost resistance is much higherthan other fruit trees.
- Thanks to these pluses, breeders choose Wales as the basis for a new variety... There are already about thirty of them.
Negative features also take place:
- If the crop is not harvested on time, then it simply crumbles... At the same time, fruits are not stored for a long time - they begin to wrinkle or dry.
- Large amount of harvest causes a deterioration in the quality of fruits - reduction in size.
- Weather conditions affect taste... For example, apples can be sour when the weather is rainy during the season.
- The same applies to the color scheme. Fruits can vary from bright red to light yellow.... It also depends on solar activity.
- Wales bears fruit for a quarter of a centurybut no more. After this time, the tree disappears.
- For a high yield auxiliary pollinators needed: Antonovka, Macintosh.
In addition, there are a number of additional factors that can affect the quality of the fruit and the whole plant for the worse.
Trees and fruits
The tree itself is small. The tree grows two meters in height, and the crown is wide. The branches are not too thick, lifted up, because of this, they often break off under the weight of the crop. A five-year-old tree has a pyramidal crown, later it is rounded and further looks like a ball... Trees and shoots grow in moderation, that is, gradually. At the beginning of the vegetative period, rapid growth is not observed.
The deciduous cover is moderate. Each leaf is medium in size. Their edges are curved and lightly serrated. The color scheme is presumably dark green or emerald, smooth and shiny texture. Cuttings under the leaves are thin and long. During flowering, you can see pink or white buds of medium size, medium filling.
Fruit characteristics:
- Weight of one fruit in about 100 grams.
- Fruit well transported, as the skin is elastic and strong.
- Trample through the main color subcutaneous pointsthat are visible to the naked eye.
- Skin color often red or pink, less often yellow.
- Pulp white, yellow, and sometimes pink with scarlet veins.
- Fruit taste sweet and sour.
- Scent expressive, yet fresh with honey notes.
In many respects, the quality characteristics of the fruits depend on weather conditions and the growing region of the Wales apple tree. If the season is rainy or too sunny, the fruit will taste herbaceous.
Landing rules
Depending on the characteristics of the site when landing Wales, 10 rules are taken into accountthat will be useful. If we take into account the accompanying nuances, then the apple tree will give the maximum yield:
- groundwater must be at a depth of at least 2.5 meters. Otherwise, the plant simply will not be able to fully grow, and may even dry out.
- Planting is done earlyin spring or later in the fall.
- It is better to place the tree in that part of the site where there is no exposure to direct sunlight.
- Next to this type of fruit it is important to place additional pollinators, namely other varieties of apple trees.
- The soil needs to be loosened and breathabletherefore clayey is not suitable for planting purposes.
- The soil requires adjustment, namely fertilizers and minerals.
- Pit formed by the size of the seedling rhizome.
- In the center of the cut in bulk a fertile soil layer is laid.
- Thereafter fall asleep the seedling surface layer of soil.
- The earth is rammed tight around a thin trunk, and then filled with water: 1-2 buckets.
- So that the plant does not shy away, the trunk or branches are fixed to the peg.
If you follow all the above rules, the harvest will remain large and of high quality from year to year. The tree itself in this case will not require special care.
Care considerations in different growth periods
Immediately after planting, care should be taken in accordance with the following scheme:
- If the seedling is planted in spring, then without fail shorten the center conductor.
- Apple tree processing at different times of the year from certain pests.
- Barrel insulation and rhizomes in the winter season.
- Periodic watering and fluffing surface soil.
In subsequent years, care consists of basic and additional aspects. There are few points, but they have an important influence on the growth and development of the plant.
The first thing to do in the following years is:
- Formative pruning, with the help of which the crown is formed.
- Care of the near-stem section wood.
- Periodic feeding the apple tree during the year.
- Treatment trunk and foliage from pests.
- Sanitary pruning in order to remove damaged branches.
Pruning and disease
Formative pruning is performed at the beginning of each season.... So the crown takes on a certain shape and size. At the same time, the branches do not break, and the fruits ripen evenly. In the first year of planting, the central trunk is trimmed mainly three buds from above. During each subsequent year, the same pruning occurs.
Wales is troubled by the same diseases and pests that trouble any other apple tree. Particularly common are: powdery mildew, fruit rot, pests - apple moth... The methods of struggle are the same as when processing any other. You can get rid of diseases and pests with the help of drugs that are sold in stores for gardeners.
As for formative pruning, the procedure is carried out every year. In the process, the longest processes are removed.
Shortening of the shoots is done in the spring, before the buds swell.
In autumn, the same procedure is performed less often.... Pruning is done with well-sharpened garden tools so as not to damage the bark and the branch itself.
What do experienced gardeners think
Experienced gardeners choose Wales apple trees for mass planting. Thanks to the positive characteristics: high productivity and unpretentiousness to weather conditions, a large number of amateur gardeners begin planting a garden often with a plant of this variety. They take root quickly and do not require special care. This is what novice and experienced gardeners say.
Summing up
The Wales apple tree has many advantages that have led to its rapid and widespread distribution. The fruit tree variety has a long history of use, therefore, there are thirty such fruit tree varieties.
High yield and quality of fruits make the apple variety a target product for business, since the fruits retain their presentation for 2-4 months, and the taste characteristics are considered to be the most acceptable for the buyer.