Description of the variety Apple Carpet, main characteristics and cultivation
The apple-tree of the Carpet variety is a unique variety. It was created on the basis of the German variety Eliza Rathke, which is classified as undersized. It is dwarfism and frost resistance that are the distinctive features of this species. It is often used for decorative purposes as well, but it is much more valuable for its high yield.
Description of the variety
This is an autumn apple variety with a pleasant sweet taste with a slight acidity. The description is as follows:
- The shoots of this variety are medium, strong, and brown in color.
- Leaves are bright green, oblong in shape. The branches of trees of this kind are strongly inclined towards the ground.
- There is practically no trunk (trunk) in apple trees.
Pros and cons of the variety
These dwarf trees are often planted in gardens because they are very compact and fertile.
It should be noted that apple trees of this type have a number of other advantages:
- They are resistant to most diseases, including fungal diseases.
- An obvious plus is that from the planting period to the first fruiting, the period is relatively short: the crop appears 2-3 years after planting the seedling.
- With proper care, apple trees produce extremely high yields.
- The fruits have an excellent appearance and taste.
- The trees tolerate frost well, which makes it possible to plant this crop in areas with very cold climates.
- Apple trees are highly resistant to most insects and pests.
However, the variety also has a number of disadvantages, including the following:
- The quality of the fruit deteriorates significantly in extreme heat.
- Due to its low growth in winter, the tree can be completely covered with snow, and the branches can break off under its weight. To avoid this, you should free them from snow at the beginning of spring.
- Apple trees love sunny places, they do not need to be planted in lowlands, as well as in swampy areas.
It is also necessary to plant them in places where there are no strong gusts of wind.
Main characteristics
Apple trees of this species have a number of distinctive features that you should be aware of.
Dimensions
The tree belongs to dwarf, since it grows only 1.2-1.5 m in height. It has a flat-horizontal crown.Apple trees are small, however, despite this, they give rather large fruits weighing from 150 to 200 g.
Yield
The trees are very fertile. As a rule, they are dotted with yellow-green apples.The yield is quite high, it averages 30-40 kg per apple tree, in some cases the yield is up to 50 kg. In a drought, trees need abundant watering 2-3 times a week.
The frequency of fruiting
In the first few years, the crop gives regularly, then it will become periodic.
Winter hardiness
Due to its low growth, it tolerates snowy winters well, since snow not only covers the tree, but is also an additional source of moisture.
It is the good frost resistance that makes this variety very common in the cold regions of Russia.
Disease resistance
Trees of this species are affected by:
- scab;
- tinder fungus;
- powdery mildew.
When infected with tinder fungus, it is very important to completely destroy the fungus in time. After removal, the place is disinfected with copper sulfate, and then painted over with oil paint.Powdery mildew and scab attack the leaves first and then the fruit. Excessive humidity can provoke such diseases.
Damage can be avoided by taking the necessary measures in time (preliminary spraying, treatment of the affected areas, timely formation of the crown of the tree, replenishment with minerals).
Fruit assessment
Fruit ripens at the end of summer. They are not too juicy, but they have a pleasant aroma and taste. Fruits are yellow-green in color, with a slight pink blush, have characteristic ribbing at the edges. The fruit is smooth. The pulp is creamy, moderately juicy, has a pleasant sweet and sour taste. Fruits can be stored for up to 2 months. If the storage conditions are observed, the fruits can be preserved even longer.
Features of fruiting and ripening
The apple-tree of the Carpet variety belongs to a number of self-fertile ones. Pollination in her occurs due to self-fertile varieties, which means that along with these trees, apple trees of other species should be planted nearby.
Varieties are well suited:
- Snowdrop.
- Grounded.
Young plants should be planted at a short distance from each other, no more than 3-4 meters. Experienced gardeners note that if during the first two years to prevent the appearance of fruits (cut off the ovaries), then in the future the tree will bear fruit abundantly.
Apple tree subspecies
There are several subspecies of this culture.
Dwarf
Due to very low stature dwarf apple tree perfectly tolerates low temperatures and fruit buds do not freeze. They are easy to care for as no ladders are needed. It is very easy to harvest.
Undersized
It has the same benefits as the dwarf subspecies. The difference is that apple trees are slightly higher than dwarf trees.
Creeping
This subspecies of apple trees is often used for decorative purposes in private gardens. The crown is formed on them artificially. If there are vertical shoots, then they do not allow their height to exceed 20-40 cm. Excess shoots are cut off. Such processing has a positive effect on the quantity and quality of the fruit.
Distribution in regions
This species is very widespread in Siberia, as well as in the Urals due to its high frost resistance. The variety easily takes root in other regions, if the rules for planting and caring for it are followed. In areas with a dry climate, it does not take root well.
