Description and characteristics of the Champagne apple variety, growing regions and yield
The apple tree is perhaps one of those trees that can be found in almost every garden. The reason for this is unpretentiousness and ease of cultivation. There are many varieties of these fruits, and one of them is Champagne apples. Champagne fruits are ideal for self-cultivation.
Description of the variety
This is one of the most successful varieties for growing in your own garden. The fruits grow large - an average of 100 grams. Some can be as high as 150 grams. Ripe fruits are predominantly round in shape. When ripe, the apples of this variety are light yellow with red blotches or "blush".
The description of this type of fruit says that such apples are juicy and have a dense texture. A characteristic waxy coating is possible on the skin. The fruits have a sweet-sour taste, while the sour taste becomes less during the ripening process.
Variety subspecies:
- Ranet champagne;
- Splashes of champagne;
- Lifland champagne;
- Crimean champagne.
Pros and cons of Apple Champagne
The positive features of this type of apple include:
- Frost resistance. There is no need to worry that the tree will freeze in winter - it stays well in low temperatures.
- Resistant to diseases typical of most apple trees.
- Even after damage, this variety recovers quickly.
But not without cons. Unfortunately, Champagne apples do not last long. The shelf life of fruits, subject to temperature conditions, is 1 month. Another drawback is a rather large percentage of tree damage from the rays of the spring sun.
Main characteristics of the variety
To determine if the Champagne apple tree is suitable for growing in the garden, you should familiarize yourself with the main characteristics and features of this tree.
Dimensions
The trees themselves reach great heights - up to 5 meters. If you do not form the crown from the very beginning and allow the apple tree to grow on its own, then in the end you may encounter difficulties in courting.
The apples themselves in ripe form weigh an average of 100 grams, but there are also large specimens, reaching up to 150 grams.
Yield
The yield of this type of apple is high: among all varieties of apple trees in this group, the Champagne variety occupies one of the leading positions. This is a priority indicator for many gardeners, especially if the crop is grown for sale.
If the spring is warm and sunny, then the harvest will be better and more than in the case of an abundance of rain and wind. Productivity is also increased by pollination of the tree by insects or other apple trees.
The frequency of fruiting
With proper care (timely watering, fertilization and feeding, formation of the crown of the tree and protection from pests), the apple tree will bear fruit annually. The first apples appear, as a rule, not earlier than 3-5 years of tree growth.
The apple tree begins to bloom towards the end of spring and continues until about tenths of June. The fruits ripen in early August until early September.
Winter hardiness
One of the advantages of this apple variety is their winter hardiness and ability to withstand low temperatures. Of course, the younger the tree, the more susceptible to bad weather conditions, but in general, these apple trees survive the winter well.
Even if minor damage has occurred, the tree recovers easily and quickly and continues to yield.
However, it is still recommended to prepare for the cold season. In autumn, it is better to feed the tree and process it with special means, and whitewash the trunk. If it is a young apple tree, you can cover the trunks to avoid rodent damage.
Disease resistance
Champagne apples are disease-resistant, rarely attacked by pests. But even if this happened, then the advantage of the species can be called the ability to quickly recover. There is little chance that the tree will have to be treated for a long time and the grower will miss the harvest season.
Fruit assessment
Apples are assessed on a five-point system based on a number of indicators and characteristics of the fruit. Apples of the Champagne variety received a tasting score of 4.6 points. They are suitable for baking, making preserves, jams, marmalades, compote and dried fruits. They are also recommended to be consumed fresh.
The best regions to grow
Apples of this type, due to their characteristics, take root in most regions of Russia, but the best place for growing is the central strip. Often trees of this species are planted in Siberia, despite possible extreme temperature conditions - apples of the Champagne variety are winter-hardy and can quickly recover in case of damage.
Reviews of gardeners about the apple tree
Valentin, Belgorod: “Apple tree Champagne has been growing here for a long time. It yields annually, easily survives even cold winters, and is unpretentious. The fruits are tasty, but not stored for long. What we do not have time to eat or sell, goes to conservation. "
Oksana, Nizhny Novgorod: “More than one tree of this variety grows on the family plot. The taste is amazing, the apples are beautiful. Differs in extraordinary disease resistance. We are glad".
Artem, Perm: “I bought a tree after seeing a photo on the Internet. The first harvest was already in the 4th year. The tree survives winters and temperature fluctuations with ease. Recommend".
We grow in Central Russia, resistant to frost, apples are very tasty, both for fresh consumption and for making jams. They do not have time for storage, we eat it quickly!