Bred in the eighties of the last century, the late - summer apple tree variety called Orlovim, adapted to the regions of the Central region, quickly established itself from the very best sides, winning the recognition and love of Russian gardeners.
This publication is devoted to the advantages and disadvantages of this fruit crop, as well as agricultural practices necessary for its productive cultivation.
Grade description
Orlovim is a medium-sized apple tree (up to 5 m in height), quite fast growing, with a round, medium-sparse crown. It has the classic shape of an apple tree with the main branches rarely located and extending from the trunk at an almost right angle. The bark on the trunk and skeletal branches of deep light brown shades, a little flaky. Another significant advantage, besides the early maturity of this crop, is its excellent productivity - up to 190 centners of fruit are harvested from 1 hectare. Young crops are able to give up to 50 kg per tree per season, adults - 80-100 kg. Orlovim apple variety also has good winter hardiness, withstanding short-term frosts up to -30-32˚. It is also valued for its resistance to scab - the eternal scourge of fruit crops. However, it should be borne in mind that over time, the immunity to this scourge in a tree decreases.
Fruit
Orlovim is an apple tree whose fruit ripens in the climatic conditions of the Moscow Region and the Oryol Region at the end of August. Their storage, like many summer varieties, does not differ in duration - no more than one and a half months in a cool basement or refrigerator.
Fruits of medium size, reaching 130-180 grams, are covered with a smooth glossy skin that changes color during ripening: from greenish to light yellow with pink-red stripes covering the apple with a delicate blush.
The flesh of the apple is sugary-dense, extremely juicy with an excellent soft milk shade, with a sweet (noticeable sourness) classic taste and a bright apple aroma.
Given the listed advantages of this variety, many gardeners believe that Orlovim is an apple tree, ideal for growing in suburban areas. We learn about the features of agricultural technology.
Landing
The most important factor in ensuring healthy growth, successful development and fruit formation of the crop is the correct planting, for which you need to know and follow some rules. Orlovim (apple tree, the description of which is presented in the article) is a photophilous culture, does not like shading, therefore, the landing site is selected open, sunny, ventilated and without a close approach to groundwater. The optimum depth of their occurrence is at least 2-2.5 m. Ideal for the plant gentle open slopes from the south or south-west side of the garden.
Orlovim is an apple tree that prefers light, loose, water- and breathable loams or sandy loam with a slightly acid reaction. Preliminary preparation of the soil is mandatory: it is dug up and, if necessary, lime. The dimensions of the landing pit are standard - 50-60 cm wide, 80-100 cm in depth. 6-8 days before planting, it is filled with a fertile earthen mixture, consisting of the top layer of soil, humus, 50 gr. carbamide. Immediately before planting, inspect the root system of the seedling and remove damaged or dead roots. In the center of the pit, a stake is clogged, which will be on the north side of the plant and serve as a confident support for it. The root neck of a young apple tree does not deepen, it should be 3-5 cm above the ground. After planting, the soil is compacted so that no air pockets remain around the roots, generously watered and loosely tied the plant to the stake.
How to care for Orlovim
The apple tree, the description of which is presented, is unpretentious and does not present any special requirements to the gardener, however, we list the necessary stages of caring measures. Fertilizing is mandatory for all fruit plants, but in the first year after planting, there is no need for them. It arises only the next year: in spring, a complex of mineral fertilizers and high-quality organics are added to the tree trunk circles to stimulate growth, in autumn, the soil under the apple tree is cleaned of opal leaves, loosen and mulch with humus. To repel the attacks of insect pests and additional foliar feeding during the flowering period, the plant is sprayed with a solution of trace elements (for example, manganese, boron).
Watering the culture is necessary, for the season (from April to August) it is abundantly watered several times, focusing on weather conditions. After harvesting, the plant is prepared for wintering: they cover the stem from rodents (or bleach), loosen and mulch the soil.
Pruning
To form a crown of a tree begin in the spring following the year of planting. It is carried out before the sap flow begins, giving the crown the desired shape and removing diseased, broken and incorrectly growing branches. Pruning is necessary for fruit crops. The apple tree Orlovim is no exception. Reviews from experienced gardeners emphasize: chopping apples and the occurrence of diseases are inevitable if you do not subject the plant to formation and sanitation.