Streifling apple tree: description of the variety, reviews about it

Apple trees are often found in garden plots. This fruit-bearing tree is one of the most common. This is not surprising, as the wide selection of varieties makes it easy to find the perfect one for specific conditions. The Streifling apple tree is one of the most popular varieties today, and we'll discuss it today.

Description and characteristics

The Streifling apple tree is a large, tall tree with a spreading crown. The tree has smooth, brown bark, with younger shoots being lighter. The leaf blades are somewhat wrinkled, with small serrations along the edges.

During flowering, white, cup-shaped flowers appear, with concave, rounded petals. Fruiting is mixed: most ovaries form on 3-4-year-old shoots, while others form on twigs (at least 2 years old).

Fruiting begins quite late—usually in the 7th or 8th year, but occasional fruits sometimes appear on trees that are already 5 or 6 years old. Fruiting is light in the first year, but increases in subsequent years.

This variety is considered late-ripening. The fruits are large, averaging about 170 grams, uniform in shape, and ribbed at the base. The skin is smooth, with a slight waxy coating. The color ranges from yellow-green to brownish-red, and may contain light-colored spots.

Moreover, this variety is highly productive. A mature tree (25-30 years old) with proper cultivation practices can yield up to 300 kg, while in its 10th year, the yield typically reaches 10-12 kg. Yields can be increased by timely fertilization, regular pruning, and controlled watering.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

This variety is popular among vegetable growers for a reason: it has an extensive list of advantages, for which it is highly valued:

• excellent yield;
• high immunity to diseases;
• is not afraid of low temperatures, even in very cold winters the trees rarely freeze, and if this happens, they resume fruiting in the shortest possible time;
• quite easy to care for;
• pleasant taste;
• long storage time of fruits.

However, there are also certain disadvantages:

• moisture-loving variety;
• begins to bear fruit after 5-7 years.

But, as you can see, the disadvantages are offset by a large number of advantages.

Planting and care

Seedlings can be planted in either spring or fall. However, remember that if you plan to plant in the fall, it should be done about a month before the first frost.

To ensure vigorous growth and development, choose light loamy soils. If your soil contains clay, add river sand. If your soil is sandy, peat moss is essential.

The planting hole should be deep enough—about 70 cm—and at least half a meter in diameter. Ideally, dig the hole at least a week before planting. Place fertilizer at the bottom, then add a layer of soil to prevent the plants from coming into contact with the fertilizer.

About a month before the onset of frost, it is necessary to stop watering so that the apple tree can prepare for winter.

Regarding fertilizing, it is worth noting that it is carried out at least 3 times per season:

• First, before flowering. Half a glass of urea per 10 liters of water is suitable.
• Then, at the beginning of summer. Manure in a ratio of 1 to 10 or bird droppings in a ratio of 1 to 15 will do.
• After the ripening period, it's best to opt for potassium-phosphorus mixtures.
• At the end of the season (in autumn), superphosphate is added - 20-50 g, depending on the size of the apple tree.

When discussing care, it's important to note that this variety is characterized by a spreading crown, so periodic formative pruning is essential. Spring pruning increases the number of lateral shoots, which positively impacts the number of fruit ovaries. In the fall, old branches that no longer bear fruit are removed, allowing the tree to rejuvenate.

Harvesting

The fruit is harvested in early autumn, but if you want to get truly superb flavor, it's best to take your time and wait a couple more weeks, storing the apples in a cool place. A key advantage of the Streifling apple tree is its resistance to fruit drop, allowing the apples to hang on the branches for quite a long time, though this can negatively impact their shelf life and transportability.

It is best to store in a cool place in well-ventilated boxes.

Without losing their flavor, apples can be stored for about 100 days, after which they gradually begin to fade. This variety is considered a table apple, but in addition to being eaten fresh, they make delicious jams, juices, preserves, and more.

Pest and disease control

Diseases and pests not only negatively impact yield but can also cause the death of the plant as a whole. Therefore, preventative measures are essential.

Trees are treated for insects in the spring, first before bud break (usually April), then again after flowering (in May). The optimal method is to use specialized complex preparations that protect not only against pests but also against fungal diseases (scab, rot, powdery mildew).

It's difficult to list all the pests, as they depend directly on the plant's growing location. Some insects eat the leaves, while others eat the fruit itself. The most dangerous pests are the apple sawfly and codling moth, which penetrate the apple, consume the flesh, and render it unfit for consumption. Insecticides are used to control these pests.

If the apple tree isn't severely damaged, you can try traditional insect control methods (infusions of dill, wormwood, etc.). Many people plant pest-repellent crops (garlic, chamomile, etc.) near the apple tree.

In the fall, it is necessary to remove all fallen leaves and dig up the soil - this will help destroy pest larvae that overwinter in the soil, and also disinfect the soil from fungal spores.

Feedback from those who planted

Reviews from gardeners and vegetable growers are overwhelmingly positive, noting the variety's high yield, ease of maintenance, and flavor. They also offer some specific advice:

• Don't forget to fertilize your trees in a timely manner, because if you don't do this 3-4 times per season, the apples will be small and not as tasty.
• The optimal choice is light, loamy soil. The tree will feel uncomfortable in heavier soil.
• Remove dead and broken branches every season, as this will help improve the growth of your apple tree.

The Streifling apple tree is a versatile choice for a summer cottage or garden. While it may take a while for the tree to begin bearing fruit, the yield will be excellent, and the variety's low maintenance makes up for the wait somewhat.