One of the longest by the period of storage are apples of the Martovskoye variety. They got their name because of the shelf life of the fruit. Subject to all the rules, these fruits can lie until March, without losing their appearance.
A bit of history
March apple tree received at the Research Institute. Michurina. To create a variety, the genetic materials of the American Macintosh and the well-known Antonovka were used. In 1971, the March apple tree entered state tests, and since 1993, the variety has spread throughout the country.
During the selection process, about twenty trees were pollinated. Of these, about ten gave good results. They began to be used for repeated pollination. After him, breeders have already managed to get the seeds of a new apple variety. And after passing stratification, they were sown. Seedlings developed stably. So that the apple tree could tolerate difficult winter conditions, they were tempered.
Description
The named variety is characterized by vigorous growth. So, the March apple tree can reach seven meters in height. The tree has an oval crown, with rare or medium thickened foliage. The skeletal branches of the plant are powerful, located at right angles. Branches of the second and third order are located at an acute angle up. Despite the height, the tree grows compactly, which greatly simplifies the pruning of branches.
The bark has a light brown tint, smooth to the touch. In appearance, it somewhat resembles a mountain ash bark.
The leaves of the March apple tree have a dark green color, oval shape. The tip of the sheet is shortened, twisted. The sheet itself is even, with small wrinkles. Its edges are raised, sometimes with double teeth.
A type
March apple tree bears fruit in October. After ripening, the fruits do not fall, but remain on the tree. Harvested crops can be stored. When creating optimal conditions, apples can lie until the end of March (they lie about five months). By the way, if the apples do not ripen or are unripe, then they will not be stored.
Pollination Features
Variety Martovskoe refers to self-infertile types. To get the fruit, he needs a pollinator. And the best for this are the varieties Northern Sinap and Bogatyr.
Fetus
According to the description, the Martovskoye apple tree bears fruit evenly distributed throughout the tree. The average weight of a ripe apple is 150 g. Fruits are green when ripe. They are rounded, the skin is thin, smooth. Subcutaneous points are visible on it.
The seeds are medium-sized varieties located in closed seed chambers. Apple pulp is dense, very juicy, white. It tastes sweet and sour.
Growing regions
March apples are adapted for cultivation in the central part of Russia. However, the variety easily adapts to more severe growing conditions and feels great in other regions of the country.
For cultivation, moist soils and average temperatures are preferred, although the March apple tree is excellent for growing in drought and hot climates. True, in this case, the tree must be regularly watered, and the soil loosened under it.
When growing a tree in a colder climate than in Central Russia, the plant feels comfortable. March variety has a fairly good frost resistance. The tree rarely freezes - only at very low long temperatures.
Harvesting
Productivity is slightly above average. A tree usually begins to bear fruit in the fourth year after planting. Typically, apples are harvested once a year, but with the development of the plant, the frequency varies. Also, growing conditions may affect the frequency.
The March variety is capable of producing stable yields. From one tree you can collect up to thirty kilograms of delicious, juicy apples. Ripe fruits, as already mentioned, do not fall. They firmly hold on to the branches. They are harvested from a tree in October. It is best to do this in several steps. This will allow ripening apples on the tree, which will significantly increase their shelf life.
According to the description, the March apple tree, a photo of which you can see in our article, gives beautiful fruits that can lie up to five months or more.
Reviews
Gardeners who have already tested this variety speak well of it. As the photos and reviews demonstrate, the Martovskoye apple tree yields very tasty and beautiful fruits, which rarely lay for the stated time. Typically, apples end before the month of March.
Despite its advantages, the variety has a drawback - it is the need to plant a pollinator on the plot. Otherwise, all gardeners were satisfied with the March apple trees.