Description of the Starkrimson apple variety, species characteristics and distribution in the regions
The Starkrimson apple tree is the result of a selective crossing of Delicious and Starkin varieties. This variety was developed in America in the early 20th century. Apples have a pleasant sweet taste with a slight sourness, they are very aromatic. In the middle of the last century, the variety was extremely popular, but over the past years, the popularity has significantly decreased due to the appearance of other species.
Description of the variety
This type of apple belongs to spur. The Starkrimson trees themselves are rather short. The crown has a compact pyramidal shape. It has a slight branching, but the branches of the tree are very strong. Shoots are rather thick, dark brown in color, internodes are short.
The trunk is gray-brown with a pronounced gray bloom. The leaves are dense, slightly elongated. Apples have a bright carmine color and a conical shape. Their weight is usually from 100 to 200 g. Translated Starkrimson means "dark red star", which, in fact, is a description of the color of the fruit.
They have a pleasant sweet taste with a slight sourness, very aromatic and strong. They have a dense structure, so they are easy to transport.
Fruit peel is intense cherry color with small pink blotches. The pulp of unripe apples is green and has a yellowish tint when fully ripe.Fruits ripen quite late: at the end of September and at the beginning of October.
Pros and cons of Starkrimson apple tree
The trees of this variety have a number of obvious advantages. Among them, it is important to note the following:
- Due to its compact shape, this apple variety can be planted in a small area.
- The trees have high yields.
- The fruits are stored for quite a long time and over time their taste only improves.
- The fruit tastes good and looks attractive.
- Apples are suitable for consumption not only fresh, but also for processing.
However, with many advantages, this species also has a number of disadvantages that you should be aware of:
- Apple trees of this variety do not tolerate severe drought, as well as frost.
- They have a relative resistance to disease. Such trees are especially susceptible to scab.
- With prolonged storage, the fruit may be damaged by bitter pitting.
- With an excessive abundance of the ovary, small fruits can develop, so it must be thinned out.
Main characteristics
With proper care and watering, apple trees provide a high yield of high-quality fruits.
Dimensions
Apple trees of this variety are classified as medium-sized, sometimes even undersized. Usually at the age of 5 years the tree has a height of no more than 2.5 m.
Yield
The trees of this species have rather high fertility.On an industrial scale, about 300 centners of fruits are harvested from one centner, on average from one apple tree - 150 kg.Apples acquire a special juiciness after being removed from the tree and stored for a short time.
The frequency of fruiting
Starkrimson belongs to the early maturing varieties. They bear fruit annually. A significant plus of this variety is that from the moment of planting the seedling to the beginning of fruiting, the period is relatively short. Apple trees need good watering 2-3 times a week, at least 10 liters per tree.
Winter hardiness
Unfortunately, Starkrimson apple trees are not very resistant to disease and extreme temperature fluctuations. That is why this species began to give way to new varieties that are more resistant to diseases. Trees do not tolerate frost and severe drought. To prevent hypothermia, the root neck is covered with spruce paws at the end of autumn.
Disease resistance
This species is moderately resistant to scab. To avoid infection, the apple trees are pre-sprayed with Bordeaux liquid. They are quite resistant to such a common disease as powdery mildew.
Apple trees are highly susceptible to destruction by the moth.
Also, the trunk can be damaged by rodents, so the trees need additional protection. Preliminary sanitization is required, which is carried out in the area of the crown and trunk.
Distribution in regions
Starkrimson does not tolerate frost well, therefore, most often apple trees of this type are planted in areas with a mild climate.
In recent years, these fruit trees have become widespread in the southern regions of Russia, Ukraine and the Caucasus. It is here that the most favorable climate for their growth and fruiting.
What are the varieties?
As mentioned, this species belongs to spur. Starkrimson apples are very similar in appearance and taste to Red Delicious and Royal Red Delicious.
