Description and characteristics of the Florina apple tree, planting and care rules
The apple tree is one of the common plants in the garden. Its fruits are rich in beneficial elements. An apple tree called Florina is a selection product of French specialists. They created a variety, the fruits of which can be consumed almost until summer. Further, the history of breeding is told, a description and characteristics of the Florin apple tree, the nuances of tree fruiting, the peculiarities of planting and care in the garden are given.
Florina breeding history
The hybrid was developed by French specialists in the middle of the 20th century. To do this, they crossed the following apple varieties: Starking, Golden Delicious, Rum Beauty, Jonathan. Florina is grown in many European countries. Additional Information. The variety was entered into the State Register of Russia in 2000.
Apple tree characteristics
As a result of hard work, breeders have bred an apple tree for winter consumption. The hybrid has good immunity, resistant to many diseases of the culture.
External tree parameters
The variety is characterized by medium growth. Due to this, it is convenient for gardeners to harvest crops from trees without the use of special devices. According to the description, the tree looks attractive, it can decorate the garden area.
Barrel height
The tree reaches a height of 2-4 meters. The trunk is wide and strong. The branches are located at an angle of 60-80 °. Their ends are slightly bent upward.
Crown width
The shape of the crown is round. Florina has a high growth rate of branches. Therefore, for good fruiting, the crown must be pruned at least once a year.
Annual growth
Shoot-forming ability of young trees is high. During the season, the growth of branches is 40-60 centimeters. Fruiting occurs on the ringlets and the tops of annual shoots.
Leaf and flower shape
The leaves are green, ovoid. Their lower part is slightly pubescent. Long flowering. The petals are white and pink.
Yield
The first crop is harvested in the 4th year after planting. At first, the tree grows 5-10 kilograms of apples. Yields increase with age.From one apple tree, with good care, the gardener collects up to 70 kilograms of fruit.
Apple tasting score
Florina fruits are large, cylindrical, their weight reaches 110-130 grams. The skin is colored red, the flesh is light yellow. The apples taste sweet and sour, with a fruity aroma. The tasters gave the fruit a score of 4.4 points out of 5 possible.
Disease and pest resistance
Florina has good immunity. The variety is resistant to powdery mildew, moniliosis, fire blight. Trees are rarely infested with aphids.
Frost resistance, drought resistance
Average frost resistance. If a harsh winter is expected, trees need shelter. The apple tree is moderately drought resistant. In hot, dry weather, it must be watered.
In which regions is it preferable to grow
The hybrid created in France soon became widespread throughout Europe. The variety is recommended for cultivation in the North Caucasus region of Russia. It is also cultivated throughout Ukraine, in Moldova.
Nuances of tree fruiting
Florina needs to be planted near pollinating varieties. Without them, the fruiting of an apple tree will be much worse.
Pollinating varieties
It is recommended to plant the following crop varieties near Florina:
- Idared.
- Golden Delicious.
- Liberty.
- Gloucester.
Pollinating varieties promote the setting of a large number of fruits.
Flowering time
Florina blooms in early spring and lasts 10-14 days. During this period, trees should not be sprayed with chemicals, since bees collecting nectar from flowers may die.
Ripening terms
The harvest begins at the end of September. If the fruit is intended for winter storage, it can be kept on the tree for a little longer. Then they will pick up even more sugar and flavor.
Harvesting rules and storage duration
The apples are harvested after the stalk easily begins to move away from the branch. It must definitely remain on fruits intended for long-term storage.
Harvested in warm, dry weather. The apples are removed first on the lower branches, then on the upper ones. If properly maintained, they can last until spring.
Important! The wax coating cannot be removed: it prevents pathogenic microorganisms from entering the apples.
Scope of fruits
Florina apples are consumed primarily fresh. The fruits contain a large amount of nutrients. They can also be baked, used for making pastries, dried for the winter.
Features of planting and care
You need to purchase seedlings in plant nurseries or in a garden center, from reliable sellers. Make sure there are no signs of disease on the trees. The inoculation site should be smooth and clean.
Preparation of seedlings
Young trees are placed in a bucket of water for several hours. For better survival, you can add heteroauxin there according to the instructions on the package. The trunk is trimmed, leaving a length of no more than 90 centimeters. Too long root system is shortened.
Dates and schemes of disembarkation
The apple tree is planted in open ground in spring or autumn. The procedure is performed as follows:
- dig a hole 0.8 meters deep and in diameter;
- lay out a 10-centimeter layer consisting of expanded clay, crushed stone, broken brick;
- fill the pit with a substrate consisting of black soil, humus, peat, river sand;
- an apple tree is planted in the middle, fill the free space with a substrate;
- poured abundantly with water.
If several trees are planted, the distance between them is at least 3 meters.
Watering frequency
In the early years, Florina is often watered.It is preferable to use warm, settled water. With age, the apple tree needs 3-5 waterings per season. At least 7-8 buckets of water are spilled under each tree.
Top dressing of young and adult trees
Considering that the planting of the apple tree was carried out in fertile land, they begin to feed it in the 4th year. In the spring, urea or ammonium nitrate is introduced, which contributes to the development of shoots and the root system.
Note! During the period of ovary formation and fruit growth, potash and phosphorus fertilizers are used. The same substances are introduced into the near-stem circle after fruiting.
Crown formation
Apple tree shoots grow quickly. At the same time, they begin to interfere with each other's development; the fruits cease to have enough sunlight. Therefore, pruning is done in early spring. For good ventilation, uniform illumination of the shoots, the crown is formed in the form of a bowl.
Mulching
To preserve moisture in the ground, to prevent the appearance of a dry crust, the root circle is mulched. To do this, use the bark of trees, mown grass, straw, sawdust. Rotting, the mulching material serves as an additional top dressing.
Seasonal prevention of infections and insects
To prevent the appearance of diseases and pests in early spring, the apple tree is sprayed with special preparations. The procedure can be repeated several times per season.
Important! The last processing is done 20-30 days before the onset of fruit ripeness.
Subspecies and variants of culture
Breeders have created various subspecies of Florina: from a tree 2-4 meters high to a small column.
Red
When grafted onto a vigorous stock, the apple tree reaches a height of 4 meters. The fruits are red in color, with tasty, aromatic pulp.
Columnar
Compact trees are designed to be planted in a small garden area. They are easy to cover for the winter, so they are easy to cultivate in cooler regions.
Winter
Florina fruits are tasty and aromatic. If properly maintained, they persist until spring, even until early summer.
Immune
An apple tree with good immunity grows a large number of fruits. At the same time, it requires less treatments for diseases and pests. The gardener in this case is able to grow organic fruits on his site.
Florina is an apple variety with delicious red fruits. It is not difficult to grow it. It is only necessary to correctly carry out agrotechnical measures. If kept in a cool dry place, they can be stored until early summer.
