Description of the Katya apple variety and the history of breeding, advantages and disadvantages, yield
Undoubtedly, the apple tree is a long-loved fruit tree that can be found in every garden. Moreover, this is the first seedling from which the planting of gardens and summer cottages begins. For what purposes only ripe and aromatic apples are not used: homemade cakes, compotes, syrups, drying, jam and freshly squeezed juices. The Katya apple variety is suitable for all culinary delights and for fresh consumption.
Breeding history
The summer apple variety Katya was bred by breeders not so long ago. The first fruits appeared only in the 80s of the last century. Breeders Parmen Worchester and James Grieve crossed the two varieties and bred Katya in Sweden.
Later, this apple tree came to our area and fell in love with many gardeners for its characteristics, which, in the bulk, are positive.
Description of the variety
Thanks to this description, you can understand whether this tree is suitable for growing in a garden with certain climatic conditions, as well as what features the apple tree has.
The Katya fruit tree is considered a late summer variety, since the first fruits begin to appear only in the second half of August. Must grow next to pollinating trees. Pollinators include White filling, Papirovka and James Grieve.
The apple tree bears fruit stably if you use various fertilizer mixtures and carry out other activities. As a rule, the main purpose of this variety is fresh consumption. If you carry out pruning and periodic rejuvenation, it will respond with a positive reaction, and the commercial quality of the fruit will increase significantly. The apple tree Katya is not capable of self-pollination, and requires moderate watering.
Advantages and disadvantages
The harvested fruits can be stored for a long time even at room temperature. They tolerate storage in a refrigerator or cellar. In this case, the fruits lend themselves to transportation. Shelf life in a cool place is one to two months. If the fruit lays down a little, then during this time it will be able to ripen and get a richer taste. Also among the advantages is high resistance to cold temperatures and first frosts. In addition, the Katya apple tree has a high yield - up to 80 kilograms of fruit can be harvested from one mature tree.
The apple tree is extremely resistant to dangerous diseases, especially fungal infections. The variety also boasts a long shelf life - up to 2 months.This apple variety begins to bear fruit already in the third or fourth year of growth.
But, with all the positive aspects, there are some negative aspects. The skins of apples are relatively thick, so you'll have to peel them off.
On a note! After long-term storage, the peel becomes softer.
Characteristics of the Katya apple tree
Many characteristics directly depend on the care and agricultural technology of growing a fruit tree. With proper care and increased care, this variety will be able to please with many of its features: high yield, high immunity, good frost resistance and good commercial quality.
Dimensions of the tree
In growth it reaches medium size. Its height, as a rule, does not exceed four meters. The crown is round or broadly oval. This fruit tree grows narrow in width, not spreading. Fruiting occurs in ringlets, annual growths and fruit twigs. Flowering starts quite early. Also, experienced gardeners note that you can achieve a better harvest using pollinating varieties.
Ripening terms
The apple tree has a medium early maturity. The first fruits will appear only in the second half of August. A lot of fruits are tied on the branches of the tree, therefore, in some cases, plucking is required for better growth. Harvesting sometimes starts later if the summer has been relatively cool.
Fruit assessment
Apples of this variety weigh up to 150 grams, the average fruit is 100-120 grams. The crispy and dense fruit tastes sweet, but sour. The fruits are distinguished by a delicate creamy consistency. As the apples develop, they change from yellow-greenish to bright red color. The shape is elongated-conical. The skin of the fruit is dense, so the fruit is reliably protected from mechanical damage when falling to the ground. The peduncle is long and even. Marketability of fruits is estimated as average.
Fruiting
Fruiting begins in the third year of the apple tree's life. Differs in high yield efficiency. Young seedlings will delight you with a bountiful harvest of almost 20 kilograms. At the age of six years, the amount of harvest increases, and the apple tree is capable of producing up to 40 kilograms of fruit. When a tree crosses the threshold at ten years old, it can reward a caring gardener with a harvest of 80 kilograms.
Winter hardiness
The Katya apple variety is characterized by increased resistance to low temperatures, so the fruit tree tolerates wintering and does not need additional covering. Therefore, it tolerates winter well, and in spring it is distinguished by exuberant flowering.
Diseases
This variety is resistant to serious diseases. However, it is especially resistant to disorders such as apple scab and powdery mildew. Thanks to its immune defense, the fruit tree is able to withstand most harmful insects and fungal diseases. With careful care, the crown, fruits and roots maintain an integral structure. Treatments are recommended for additional protection against root rot.
Distribution regions
The Katya apple variety has become widespread in many regions of Russia, mainly in the central regions. However, this fruit tree adapts to any terrain.
In the event that the climatic conditions are not entirely suitable for growing an apple tree, the tree will need care.
