Description and characteristics of the Orlinka apple tree, planting, growing and care
When planning to grow a luxurious garden, gardeners are advised to pay attention to the Orlinka apple tree, which can boast of many advantages. Before you go to a proven nursery for a seedling, it is better to study all the characteristics of the tree.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Orlinka has many attractive features that will certainly attract the attention of gardeners. Among the advantages are noted:
- leadership among frost-resistant varieties;
- undemanding;
- marketable and taste qualities of fruits;
- early maturity;
- yield.
Of the shortcomings, only one is noted - an extended period of fruiting.
Orlink's apple tree breeding history
The variety was bred in Orel by the All-Russian Research Institute in 1978. First salute and Stark Erliost were used for crossing. For several decades, the variety has spread throughout Russia.
External data
It is recommended to study the description of the tree in advance. This will allow you to easily determine Orlinka's place in the garden, to prevent planting errors.
Tree height and crown width
The height of the Orlinka apple tree is up to 6 m. The crown is spherical, often reaching 5-7 m in diameter.
Root system
The horse system has many branches and grows rapidly. The length of some processes is up to 7 m.
Fruit yield and taste
Fruits weighing up to 200 g. The taste is pleasant, sweet, has a slight acidity. A young apple tree yields up to 30 kg of fruit, an adult Orlinka - up to 100 kg of apples.
Characteristic
Acquaintance with the main characteristics of Orlinka will allow you to compare the tree with other fruit crops and evaluate a number of advantages.
Frost resistance
Not recommended for growing in Siberian regions - Orlinka feels most comfortable in the middle lane. The tree is afraid of frost, so it is better not to risk it.
Pollination
Be sure to plant pollinators next to Orlinka. Recommended varieties - Moskovskaya Grushovka, Papirovka. Less commonly used for joint planting Malibu.
Ripening and harvesting period
The plant begins to bear fruit in the fifth year after planting. Apples ripen in early August. Ripening does not occur simultaneously - it is recommended to harvest at intervals of 4-7 days.
Transportability and storage
The storage time is considered a disadvantage - only 20-25 days. It is better not to store the fruit, use it immediately for fresh consumption or preservation.
It is undesirable to transport Orlink's apples - they spoil quickly.
Disease immunity
The immune system of Orlinka is quite stable, but it is better not to risk the plant and carry out preventive irrigation. The apple tree rarely gets sick, it happens only in rainy seasons. Timely irrigation with chemicals, removal and immediate burning of fallen leaves, and careful examination of the apple tree will help protect the tree.
Apple tree planting rules
There are several landing requirements that are recommended to be studied and put into practice. Be sure to adhere to the basic rules, this will allow the tree to quickly take root and start growing.
Optimal timing
It is better to go to the garden in autumn, at the end of September. If it was not possible to carry out planting before frost, it is better to postpone the process to spring by sending the seedlings to a cool cellar. You should not be late after the snow has melted, you need to be in time before the juice starts moving.
Choosing the best place
Orlinka is afraid of drafts, gusts of wind can damage the tree, so it is better to place the apple tree in a cozy corner. It is not necessary to place the plant in the garden, it will not be worse near the yard buildings. Be sure to make sure that the apple tree gets enough sunlight.
It is better not to plant large fruit crops near Orlinka, which will create partial shade. Lack of sun will affect the fruiting and the size of the apples.
Preparation of seedlings and planting technology
Before sending the seedling to the prepared hole, soak it in a clay mash. For a bucket of water, up to five handfuls of clay. For planting, prepare a light soil mixture. Mix compost, river sand, humus. Be sure to add garden soil.
Place the plant in a prepared hole up to 70 cm in diameter, sprinkle with soil. Water liberally, put a mulch layer. If you could not find a cozy place in the garden for a seedling, you should put a support, tie up a tree.
Seasonal care
Orlinka is undemanding, which allows you to reduce seasonal care to a minimum. The apple tree will need regular watering, loosening, feeding.
Do not forget about pruning, crown formation, pest control, infectious diseases.
Fertilizing and loosening the soil
For feeding, complex formulations or organic matter are used. A mullein solution is prepared as organic fertilizers (a liter of infusion per bucket of water). Before adding nutrient compositions, it is imperative to loosen the soil, remove weeds.
If there is no time for fertilization, it is recommended to use rotted manure or high-quality compost. Put a layer of mulch in the fall, which will save the roots from freezing. With melt water in spring, all nutrients will penetrate deep into the soil, replacing the use of purchased fertilizers.
Regularity of watering
Watering as needed. If the spring is dry, start irrigation during the flowering period. An adult Orlinka will need up to two buckets of water.
Apple pruning and shaping
The first pruning is done at the age of one year. The trunk of the apple tree is shortened - the cut should be at a height of 60 cm from the ground surface.
Pruning should be done annually. Remove shoots that are too long, forming a compact crown.
Preventive treatment
Every spring, carry out preventive irrigation of Orlinka. Copper-based chemicals for infectious diseases are commonly used. Use folk remedies or chemicals against pests.The main rule is not to carry out processing during the period of fruit ripening.The last application of chemicals or folk remedies should be carried out one month before picking apples.
Cold protection
The tendency to freeze is the main reason to start warming Orlinka before the winter cold. Wrap the trunk in burlap, lay a layer of mulch. After the snow falls, hilling is carried out, the snowdrift will reliably protect the apple tree from adverse conditions.
Hybrid subspecies
The Orlinka hybrid has several subspecies, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is better to study them in advance.
On a semi-dwarf rootstock
An adult tree reaches a height of 4 m. You will be able to taste the first fruits in just 4 years.
On a dwarf rootstock
Even with good care, an adult Orlinka barely reaches three meters in height. Fruiting begins early - just 3 years after planting. The tree retains all maternal qualities.
Growing an Orlinka apple tree will bring a lot of positive emotions to both a beginner and an experienced gardener. Regardless of the efforts made, which can be minimized, the tree will certainly delight you with juicy fragrant fruits.
