Description and characteristics of the Dream apple tree, planting, growing and care
The main features of the Dream apple tree are its ability to produce high yields, resistance to low temperature indicators of the environment. Most often, this variety is planted in the middle zone of the Russian Federation, as well as in Belarus.
Breeding the Dream variety
The specified variety was obtained by breeders carrying out their scientific work in the Michurinsky horticultural economy. The varietal view was obtained by crossing Pepin saffron with Papirovka.
External parameters
Such a tree has an interesting appearance. His apples have an attractive liquid appearance.
At the same time, the taste qualities of ripe apples are set to the highest level.
Tree height
The trunk is straight and strong. In exceptional cases, its height reaches 3.5-4 meters.
Apple tree crown width
The crown is characterized by a spreading shape. Most often, the crown is characterized by a rounded conical shape. Regular pruning of branches is required to bring the tree to a well-groomed appearance.
Description of the fruit and its taste
The tree bears fruit with medium to large sized apples. In the average version, the weight of 1 fruit is in the range of 110-250 grams. At the same time, the largest bulk apples grow in a dwarf rootstock. The fruits have a regular round shape, light yellow color with a green tint. If the tree is growing in sunny areas, the fruit may be red in color.
Apples are sweet with a sour taste. The pulp has a loose structure, it is white with pink veins.
Species characteristics
In addition to the external qualities of the tree, there are other advantageous characteristics of the variety. These include resistance to cold weather, diseases and pests, especially the growth and development of the plant.
Resistance to subzero temperatures
This plant has a high resistance to low temperatures, typical for the northern regions of the country. Also, plantings are not afraid of temperature changes.
Susceptibility to diseases and pests
Apple Dream is characterized by increased immune abilities. It shows resistance to pests, fungi, scab, powdery mildew. This variety only in some regions of the country is affected by the moth, ticks.
Self-fertility and pollination
A dream is not a self-fertile strain. To get a regular harvest, the tree must be planted close to other pollinated plants. They must be placed no further than 40-50 meters from the landing. The varieties Antonovka, Borovinka, Melba are best suited as pollinators.
Flowering and first fruiting dates
The tree blooms in the last days of April - mid-May. The first harvest from an apple tree can be obtained in the 4th year after planting. If the weather conditions are favorable, the tree begins to bear fruit in the 2nd year.
Yield
Basically, 100 kilograms of fruits are collected from one plant. With the formation of favorable conditions, this figure can grow up to 150 kilograms.
Harvesting and storage duration
The harvested crop does not differ in storage duration due to the fact that the pulp of the fruit is loose.
In which regions is it recommended to grow?
It is best to grow such an apple tree in the warm regions of the country. Plants adapt best to winter with little rainfall. If the apple tree is grown on a dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstock, the north-west of the Russian Federation is considered the optimal region.
The Dream variety can also be grown in the Moscow region. The plant also tolerates the Ural climate well. Due to its frost resistance, Dream can be grown in Siberia.
Planting and tree care technology
To get a healthy plant and a rich harvest, you need to prepare in advance for planting an apple tree. Preparatory and planting work must be carried out in the autumn or spring.
Preparation of young seedlings
When choosing a seedling, it is necessary to give preference to those specimens that are 1-2 years old. This is due to the fact that they have a high survival rate.
If a seedling needs long-term transportation, its roots must be wrapped with wet material. In the presence of dried roots, the base of the seedling must be soaked in water for 1-2 days.
Requirements for earth composition
Site preparation is carried out in the autumn. For this, it is imperative to make a deep digging. During digging, you can use phosphorus flour, superphosphate, sulfate or potassium chloride. Mineral complexes can be replaced with wood ash, humus, matured compost. If the soil is putrid, sawdust or sand should be added to it.
All roots and debris are removed from the site. If the soil is highly acidic, liming is required. A plant needs soil with a neutral pH to grow.
Dates and scheme of disembarkation
The planting hole is made in the fall or early spring. The pit must be at least 1 meter in diameter and 70 centimeters deep. Next, the soil is prepared for backfill. It is a mixture of removed soil, 4 buckets of humus, 400 grams of nitroammophoska, 8 kilograms of ash. A third of the resulting mixture is poured into the bottom of the pit, then a seedling is planted. The rest of the land is used for backfilling the roots. During planting, the root collar must not be buried. The soil must be compacted carefully so as not to damage the root system.
The optimal period for planting is early spring. After planting, the seedling is tied to a support 1.5-2 meters high. After planting, the plant must be watered abundantly.
Irrigation regularity
Watering frequency depends on environmental conditions. In drought conditions, irrigation should be organized weekly. It is required to stop watering in the second half of summer, preparing the plant for cold weather.
Weeding and loosening the soil
After landing, it is necessary to take care of the near-stem section. Weeding and loosening must be carried out regularly. Such care will protect the plant from pests, will help organize oxygen access to the root system.
Foliar and root feeding
Fertilizers should be applied from the second year of plant growth. In the spring, the tree needs nitrogenous fertilizing, and in the autumn, potash and phosphorus fertilizers.
Pruning
Formative pruning lasts 5 years. After this age, only sanitary pruning is required twice a season.
Prevention and protection against diseases and pests
When forming a crown, it is necessary to monitor the condition of leaves and branches. If there are signs of the presence of pests or damage to pathologies, the trees must be immediately treated with the necessary preparations.
For the prevention of diseases during the opening of the kidneys, it is recommended to treat the tree with fungicides. It is also recommended to whitewash the trunk and skeletal branches.
Mulching and winter preparation
In order for the tree to more easily adapt to a cold snap, it is recommended to mulch the trunk circle. This should be done in the autumn. In the spring, when the temperature rises, the mulch is removed.
