Grushovka Moscow is rightfully considered the most popular result of domestic selection. Such an apple tree is found in different regions of Russia, and it was loved by gardeners and summer residents for its unpretentiousness, undemandingness, fertility and excellent winter hardiness. Juicy, tasty fruits show off on branches already in the last summer days and ripen right on the holiday of Apple Savior.
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Grade description
Apple-tree Grushovka Moscow is a bright representative of the early varieties. Young trees are distinguished by dense pyramidal crowns, which, as they mature, the plants become spherical. The variety can also be recognized by large, green-yellowish leaves and pale pink flowers that sprinkle the entire apple tree in spring during the flowering period.
- Grushovka’s fruits are medium in size, resembling a turnip.
- Their color is yellow-green, on the sides - a slight blush.
- Tasting and aromatic properties of apples are excellent: juicy, loose pulp, loose skin, pleasant aroma.
- You can taste the first fruits in early August.
- The ripening period lasts for several weeks. Apples crumble, so it’s important to harvest on time.
Planting in the garden
For planting Grushovka it is recommended to choose light, well-lit areas, then the fruits of the trees will be juicy and sweet.
Plants do not like stagnation of water, so if possible, they should be planted at an elevation or soil drainage should be provided. Apple tree prefers slightly acidic sandstones or chernozems. The optimal planting time in spring is April / May, in autumn - September / October.
- First of all, you need to dig a hole, fertilize the soil with humus and wait until it crosses.Given that the root system of the plant is well developed, make a large hole. The optimal size is 70 cm deep, 100 cm wide.
- Drive the support stake from the north side, put the apple tree in the hole and gently sprinkle it with earth.
- If the roots are bare, you need to cut off the foliage from the tree, leave only a few leaves on each branch.
Upon completion of the main complex of works, it is necessary to water young Grushovka abundantly. So that weeds do not interfere with the growth of the tree, do not forget to mulch the soil with humus or compost. This layer will provide the plant with the necessary micronutrients, as well as protect the root system from the cold.
Outdoor cultivation and care
Hoping for a good harvest? Make sure that the apple tree feels comfortable. You won’t have to do anything particularly complicated.
- Fertilizer. Organic and mineral fertilizers are introduced in early spring, nitrogen fertilizers are brought closer to summer, when small apples have already formed.
- Development. A young tree can break under the abundance of fruits, so some flowers are cut off. In order for the fruits to be large and sweet, you must also partially tear off the leaves.
- Watering. The tree needs additional moisture in spring and summer. The optimal amount is 2 - 3 buckets per plant. In autumn, you don’t need to water, because the apple tree is preparing for winter.
- Protection against the cold. Despite the fact that the variety is winter-hardy, it is worth taking care of the additional protection of the tree. The trunk circle must be mulched with horse manure, sawdust, and straw.
You can increase the plant's yield with the help of the correct formation of the crown, as a result of which strong, powerful skeletal branches should form. To do this, they need to be trimmed correctly.
How to prune a tree
Pruning is needed to improve fruiting and crop quality. This event is held twice a year - in spring and autumn.
When cutting plants, you need to consider these rules:
- Slices should be done carefully, at an angle at the level of the trunk, so that there are no stumps left;
- old trees are cut off completely for the purpose of rejuvenation, leaving the trunk as tall as a man;
- for winter, it is advisable to paint the trace from the cut with a special paint, for the summer - treat it with garden var.
To protect the tree from rodents and other pests, use a fiberglass mesh that ties the trunk. You can handle it with chemical agents, only their effect is short-term.
Propagation Features
The apple-tree Grushovka early belongs to self-fertile grades. In order for apples to start to form from the flowers, it is necessary to have a different kind of tree in the garden.
The best pollinators are:
- "Antonovka";
- "Papirovka";
- "Anise the Striped."
Trees are planted at a distance of no more than 60 cm from the Grushovka apple tree. If you plant the plants further, there is a risk that the bees will not carry pollen from one tree to another.
Harvesting and storage
Grushovka apples ripen by the beginning of August. Productivity is quite high. No need to wait until the fruits are overripe, they should be plucked immediately after ripening. The fact is that this variety of apples quickly deteriorates and does not tolerate transportation. The pulp becomes friable, tasteless. The maximum shelf life is 3 weeks. Apples themselves (in straw for the winter) are best left alone - it is highly likely that they will rot.
But the fruits can be recycled. They make a very tasty jam. You can also make compotes for the winter, closing whole fruits in jars. There are plenty of recipes for making dishes based on these apples: pies, jams, jellies, pies, buns and much more.
Preparing the apple tree for winter
One of the significant advantages of the Moscow Grushovka variety is its excellent winter hardiness, due to which it can be grown in different regions of the country.
Adult trees do not need special preparation for colds, but young trees need to be taken care of. You won’t have to do anything complicated.It is necessary to mulch the trunk circle with humus, and cover the trunk with a special textile material that can pass air.
High productivity, undemanding to growing conditions, frost resistance, excellent taste and aromatic characteristics - these are the main advantages of the Moscow Grushovka variety. Plant this apple tree on your site, and you will definitely not regret it.