Description and characteristics of the variety of apples Jonathan, rules for growing and caring for a hybrid
Jonathan apples are still grown in many regions of Russia. This species gained the greatest popularity in the 80s. Now gardeners prefer to grow other varieties of this hybrid on their site because of the improved characteristics.
The history of breeding varieties Jonathan
For the first time, the Jonathan variety was bred by a breeder from the United States. The new variety was based on the seedling Ezon Spitzenburg, which is currently impossible to find. The new variety was grown in temperate climates with mild winters and warm autumn. Gradually, breeders have created several clones of the Jonathan hybrid.
External description
The description of the apple tree includes the height of the tree, the size of its crown, the characteristics of the root system and the taste of the fruit.
Before choosing an apple tree seedling for your garden, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with these characteristics.
Barrel height
The height of an adult tree can reach 2 m. Most often, the tree grows medium in size. This is considered an advantage as it is easier to harvest from a shorter plant.
Crown diameter
The crown resembles a circle in shape. The thickening is average. At first glance, it may seem that the plant is not thickened. As they grow, the skeletal branches bend to the ground.
Root system
The root system is powerful and spreading. Due to its powerful rhizome, the apple tree does not need to be watered often in summer.
Fruit appearance and taste
The fruits are round in shape. The rind is rich red, the flesh is green-yellow. The skin is thin. Fully ripe apples have a firm pulp. The mass of apples is 100-150 g.
Specifications
In addition to describing the tree, it is important to study the technical characteristics of the variety. For example, resistance to frost, in what climatic conditions to grow, pollination and a number of other characteristics.
Optimal climatic conditions
It is recommended to plant a seedling of the Jonathan variety in the southern or central region. In northern latitudes, where frosts are severe, the tree will not be able to survive and will die due to the cold.
Frost resistant
Due to the weak bark, frost resistance is low. The apple tree is capable of surviving frosts down to -20 degrees.
In which areas is landing possible
You can plant the Jonathan variety in any region where winters are mild or warm. Otherwise, there are no restrictions on the growing region. For some summer residents, even in the north, the apple tree survives winters.
Susceptibility to diseases and pests
The Jonathan hybrid has low immunity to powdery mildew. Average resistance to scab and bacterial cancer. With proper care, the appearance of these diseases can be avoided.
Pollination and self-fertility
The Jonathan apple hybrid is self-fertile. To increase yields, pollinating apple trees are planted next to the tree:
- Spartan;
- Mac;
- Umanskoe winter.
Neighborhood with other apple trees will significantly increase the number of inflorescences and ovaries.
Ripening period of apples
Fruiting of the tree begins in the 5th year after planting the seedling. Fruits are harvested from mid-September to early October.
Harvesting and using the crop
It is recommended to pick apples before they fall to the ground. Jams, preserves, compotes are made from apples, and used for baking.
Features of planting and growing
As you know, planting is an important stage in the formation of the future harvest. It is necessary to take into account all the pros and cons of autumn and spring planting of seedlings, planting technology and many other nuances.
Disembarkation
Before planting an apple tree seedling, prepare the tree and the soil. It is advisable to prepare the soil for planting in 2-3 weeks.
The soil is dug up, covered with manure, wood ash and mineral fertilizers. A stake is driven into the center of the pit.
The best time to plant a young tree
Saplings are planted twice a year - in spring and autumn. Most summer residents prefer autumn planting. During the winter, the seedling will have time to take root, and in the spring it will begin to grow with renewed vigor. Can be planted in spring if there is no other way out.
Preparation of young seedlings
Before planting, the rootstock of the seedling is soaked for 10 hours in a growth activator. Immediately before planting, the root system is dipped in a liquid clay solution and planting begins.
Planting scheme and depth
The distance between the trees is at least 4 m. It is important to plant the seedlings so that the crown does not interfere with other trees. It is recommended to plant an apple tree Jonathan at a depth of at least 1 m.Put the seedling in the center of the pit, cover it with soil and water it abundantly with warm water. Tie a tree to a stake.
Irrigation mode
Water the tree during bud break. The second watering is during the formation of ovaries. The third time the apple tree is watered during fruiting. Fourth time - before preparing the apple tree for winter.
Fertilizer
Top dressing periods coincide with watering. At the beginning of the season, nitrogen and organic matter are introduced into the soil. In the second half, when the formation of ovaries begins, the soil is fertilized with phosphorus, potassium, manure, wood ash. Nitrogen should not be added to the soil before cold weather.
Pruning
Sanitary pruning is carried out annually in the fall. Remove dry and diseased branches. In the spring, part of the young branches is cut, leaving several skeletal branches and young shoots.
Preventive treatment
Bordeaux liquid or copper sulfate is used as a preventive spraying.
Preparing for winter
A month before the onset of cold weather, they stop watering the apple tree. In late autumn, the soil near the trunk is mulched.
Popular hybrids of the variety
Breeders have bred several clone varieties of the Jonathan apple tree.
Decosta
Frost resistant. A productive variety. Fruits of a rich red hue.
Jonared
Medium-sized fruits. The crown is oval, thickened. It is highly resistant to scab and powdery mildew.
King
Another name for the Dekosta apple variety.
Jonagold
Another name for the variety Decosta.
Highlander
Jonagored is considered the finest apple in England. The fruits are oval in shape, the rind is bright red with a waxy coating. The variety has a high yield.
