Description and characteristics of Pink Pearl apples, planting and care rules
Typically, apple flesh is creamy. But breeders around the world are striving to breed a crop with an unusual fruit color. Thus, an American specialist produced a variety with fruits, the flesh of which is pink-red. The apple was named Pink Pearl. Further information on the characteristics of the variety, technical characteristics, planting, crop care.
History of breeding Pink pearls
Apple variety originated in California. American specialist Albert Ethier carried out breeding work in 1944. The scientist crossed 2 apple trees: Nedzvetsky and Surprise. The result is a variety called Pink Pearl.
Features of the variety
The Pink Pearl apple tree is self-fertile. Pollinating trees need to be planted next to it. The culture is unusual in that the flesh of the fruit has a pink-red color. Apples do not oxidize when cut, retain their color when cooked.
External parameters
The trees grow up to 4-5 meters in height. The culture grows especially rapidly in the first 4 years. Inflorescences are pink. The peel of the fruit is light green. The sides are covered with a slight blush. The average weight of apples is 150-200 grams.
Specifications
The first fruits are harvested in the 3rd year after planting. They have high transportability, but not good keeping quality. The use of fruits is universal.
Chemical composition and beneficial properties of fruits
The fruits of Pink Pearls contain anthocyanins useful for humans. They are antioxidants and contribute to the healing of many diseases. In addition, apples contain a large amount of vitamins and minerals. The pectins contained in the fruits improve the condition of the gastrointestinal tract.
Apple tree yield
Fruiting of the variety is periodic. 70-90 kilograms of fruit are harvested from the tree. Apples begin to ripen at the end of August. Pollinating trees are planted next to Pink Pearls to form fruit. For this, varieties are selected that bloom at the same time as Pink Pearls.
Requirements for soil and climate
Trees grow and bear fruit well in temperate regions.In these areas, trees safely, without shelter, endure winter frosts. The apple tree is unpretentious to the composition of the soil. But the best yield indicators will be when planted in fertile soil.
Disease and pest resistance
The culture has good immunity. But under unfavorable conditions, it can be affected by powdery mildew and scab. To prevent the appearance of diseases and pests, the apple tree is sprayed with fungicides and insecticides. The procedure should not be carried out during flowering in order to avoid the death of pollinating insects.
Planting a tree
You need to purchase seedlings grown in the same region where the planting will take place. Zoned trees are easier to adapt to a new location. The territory for planting apple trees is selected well-lit by the sun.
Timing
In colder regions, the Pink Pearl apple tree is planted in spring. During the season, the culture adapts well to a new place, it will survive the winter safely. In warm areas, trees can be planted in the fall. For the winter, the plants are mulched; in cold areas, the trunks are wrapped with agrofibre.
Harvesting of seedlings
1-2-year-old plants are chosen for planting. The height of the apple trees should not exceed 1.5 meters. The root system is placed in a container of water for 1-2 hours. For disinfection, you can add potassium permanganate. The trunk is cut off by a third before landing.
Important! The seedlings are purchased from nurseries or from trusted sellers on the market.
Choosing the best landing place
Trees are planted on the sunny side of the site. In shade and partial shade, apples cannot pick up enough sugars. The territory is selected protected from cold winds. Groundwater must be deep.
Soil and hole preparation
The territory is cleared of garbage, dug up. A hole is dug 80 × 80 centimeters in size. A layer of drainage material is laid out on the bottom. The pit is filled with fertile soil. A seedling is placed in the middle, the roots are straightened, and covered with soil. The root circle is abundantly moistened with water.
Apple tree care
Care consists in watering, feeding, loosening the soil, mulching. To prevent the appearance of diseases and pests, they are treated with special preparations. In order for the apple tree to bear fruit abundantly, they form a crown.
Regularity of watering
Seedlings are watered weekly for 2 months. Use at least a bucket of water. In the future, they are guided by weather conditions. In order for the apple tree to winter safely, in the middle of autumn, the near-trunk circle is abundantly watered.
Foliar and root fertilization
In the spring, the trees are fed with nitrogen. During flowering, a complex mineral fertilizer is applied. Before the formation of fruits, the crown of trees is sprayed with nutrients. In the fall, a mixture of potassium and phosphorus is introduced.
Pruning and shaping
During the season, they carry out sanitary pruning, removing dry, diseased, broken branches. In the spring, before sap flow, shoots growing inside the crown are cut off. Pruning is carried out annually. Use a sharp, disinfected instrument.
Preventive treatment
Several times a season the Pink Pearl apple tree is treated with special preparations. Fungicides are used for fungal diseases. To prevent trees from being hit by harmful insects, insecticides are used. Plants are sprayed in calm weather.
Preparing for winter
Apple tree Pink pearls have good winter hardiness. It is enough to make water-charging irrigation in the middle of autumn, then mulch the root circle. The trunk and lower branches are whitewashed with lime solution. To enhance the disinfecting properties, copper or iron sulfate can be added to it.
When to wait for the first harvest from young trees
The apple tree begins to bear fruit in the 3rd year after planting. Fruit weight - 150-200 grams. The fruits are distinguished by an unusual, pink-red flesh color.The better the illumination of the tree, the brighter the color of the apples.
Terms of ripening and collection of fruits
Apple tree Pink pearls are early autumn varieties. In warm regions, the fruits begin to ripen at the end of August. Mass harvest is carried out in September. The apples are picked in dry, warm weather. If the fruit is to be stored, the stalk is kept on it.
How to store and where to use
Store apples in a cool, dry place. They can be placed in a wooden box with the stalks up. Each layer is sprinkled with sawdust. The fruits are consumed mainly fresh. Fruit can also be dried, frozen, preserved.
