Apple tree "Candy": growing features and care

The "Konfetnoye" apple tree is suitable for growing in virtually any region. It produces medium-sized, sweet apples. It is considered versatile and easy to care for, requiring little attention from the gardener.

Characteristics and description of the variety

The apple tree grows to a height of 4-5 meters. It is considered medium-sized. The crown is spherical. A large number of branches are formed annually, so the apple tree is pruned twice a year. Due to its small size, fruiting begins in the fourth summer after planting. Even at the beginning of its life, the apple tree produces a considerable amount of fruit: up to 30 kilograms of apples from a single tree. All apples have an attractive round shape and a marketable appearance. The skin is moderately thin but firm. The skin is yellow-green with a reddish tint. The taste was rated 4 out of 5. The flavor is predominantly sweet, but with a hint of tartness. The flesh is a yellow-white honey color and contains a lot of juice. The apples store well – up to 2 months. The harvested fruits are used for various purposes: they are suitable for both fresh consumption and for preserves. The Konfetnoye variety produces excellent apple jam and preserves, preserves, jelly, and compote.

The tree easily tolerates light frosts even when young. The "Konfetnoye" variety is grown throughout the country, regardless of region. The fruiting period can vary slightly. For example, in Siberia, the apple tree bears fruit in late August, while in southern regions, the apples ripen by mid-summer.

The variety's immune system is moderately resistant. The tree is weakly resistant to scab and other fungal infections. It's essential to treat the trunk and crown of the apple tree with antibacterial agents every six months, in the spring before flowering and in the fall.

The "Candy" variety has many advantages:

1. Early ripening of apples.
2. Good sweet taste.
3. Low tree crown.
4. Unpretentiousness to soil and growing area.
5. Winter hardiness.

The following are noted as disadvantages:

1. Low resistance to scab infection.
2. Fruit degeneration over time.

Growing and care

Growing the "Konfetnoye" variety begins with acquiring high-quality planting material. The seedlings should be about a meter tall and between one and two years old. The root system has many healthy, white branches.

Select a sunny spot for the apple tree, some distance (2-3 meters) from other trees. Dig a hole in the ground for the sapling, add a bucket of compost and peat moss, and a cup of stove ash. Mix all the ingredients and form a mound. Place the sapling at the top of the mound, and spread the roots across the mound. Cover the tree with soil, but do not press down on it. Make a shallow furrow around the trunk for watering. You can water the apple tree at the base.

Since the "candy" fruit tree isn't very tall, pruning isn't necessary after planting. The following spring, before buds form, prune most of the shoots, removing any dead or frost-damaged branches. Treat the cut area with garden pitch or potassium permanganate.

During flowering, the apple tree looks very beautiful. White and pink buds open into attractive flowers, and the tree exudes a subtle floral scent. To promote abundant fruiting and stimulate new growth, most of the blossoms are plucked during the first bloom.

Fertilizing is carried out 2-3 years after the start of cultivation. In the spring, nitrogen supplements such as nitrate and urea are added, and in the summer, potassium salt is added. Good results are achieved by watering the apple tree with chicken manure and cow manure. A balanced supplement designed specifically for fruit trees can be purchased at garden supply stores. It must be diluted strictly according to the instructions.

Preventative treatment of apple trees is carried out in the spring. A 3% Bordeaux mixture solution is sprayed over the entire tree. The apple tree trunk is painted with white enamel paint to protect against rodents and insects. A permanganate solution or an infusion of onions and garlic is sometimes used instead of Bordeaux mixture. The mixture is sprayed once, and the treatment is repeated after a couple of weeks.

Apple picking and preparing for winter

The fruit ripens evenly across the tree. Harvesting occurs 3-4 times per season, ensuring all the apples are picked before frost. The apples hold well to the branches and do not fall off. The fruit is picked stem-and-stem. Harvested apples are stored in a cool place at temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius. For best storage, wrap the fruit in paper and place it in a wooden crate or box. Store the apples in a single layer.

Apple trees can withstand temperatures down to -20-25°C. At lower temperatures, the tree should be covered with agrofibre or windproof fabric. The soil around the tree trunk should be generously mulched with humus or peat. Mulch will maintain the soil's moisture balance and protect the roots from frost.

Reviews

The "Konfetnoye" apple tree is popular among gardeners as a reliable and time-tested variety. According to gardeners, fruiting is not prolonged, but occurs quickly and abundantly. It is noted that the apple tree is indeed frost-resistant, able to withstand temperatures down to -30°C. Even after a harsh winter, the branches and shoots of the apple tree quickly recover and continue to grow. An average mature tree yields 80-100 kilograms of apples, which is encouraging. This yield is sufficient for both canning and fresh consumption. Most gardeners sell their fruit.

"Konfetnoye" is recognized as one of the most delicious apple varieties. The honey-sweet pulp and sweetness give the apple a unique flavor that anyone will love. Its versatility and high yield make it an attractive choice for planting in any region.