Early ripening apple tree Orlik in your garden

The apple tree is the soul of the garden. There is so much charm and beauty in its lush bloom. And if you put a table and chairs under a tree in summer, you can easily hide from the scorching sun. In autumn, she pleases with liquid juicy fruits. How many wonderful varieties have already been created, and how many more unique discoveries lie ahead. One of these was the Orlik apple tree. With its early maturity and delicious fruits, it conquered gardeners six decades ago and became a national favorite.

Variety history

Scientists have been developing the Orlik variety for 10 long years. Only in 1959, in the fruit and berry nursery in the city of Orel, through the efforts of gardeners Trofimova and Sedov, a long-awaited new variety was bred (based on Macintosh and Bessemyanka Michurinskaya). The result met the wildest expectations. The apple tree has acquired a number of very valuable qualities: it is resistant to frost, rarely affected by diseases or pests.

The fruits perfectly tolerate transportation and retain their taste for up to six months.

Description of the tree

The Orlik apple tree belongs to medium-sized trees. Its height is kept within 4 - 5 m, and even less on dwarf rootstocks (about 2.5 - 3 m). The crown is compact and spherical, does not tend to thicken. The skeletal branches are at right angles to the trunk, and the tips are directed upward. The shoots are brown in color and have a smooth texture. The fruits are tied on ringlets and spears. The leaves are large and rough, with pronounced dense veins, intense pubescence and short petioles. The tips are noticeably pointed and slightly curled.

Apple Orlik: description of fruits

The apples are not very large. The maximum weight of one fruit is 150 g. Their shape is flat, closer to conical. The shares are poorly expressed. The skin is glossy, slightly oily, there is a whitish waxy coating. At the initial stage of ripening, the fruits have a greenish-yellowish color, which gradually turns into pale yellow with a rich blush. The pulp is juicy, the taste is sweet with sour notes. Orlik is distinguished by a rich aroma. The fruits are equally tasty both fresh and processed. The Orlik apple tree, the description and photo of the fruits of which are presented above, is an excellent option for lovers of fruit preservation. Apples of this variety make excellent juices, jams, marshmallows and marmalade.

Landing features

When choosing a location, you should pay attention to the southern or southwestern slopes. They are well warmed up and illuminated by the sun. But the lowlands are not suitable. They accumulate storm and melt water.

For good growth and abundant fruiting, sandstone or loam is necessary. As for clay, it does not allow moisture and air to pass through to the roots.

In the central regions, planting begins in the spring, with a steady heat, and in the south, autumn is considered the best time (from the first days of September to mid-October).

Before planting, you need to dig up the area, clean it from weeds and make holes one meter wide and 70 cm deep. Add humus with potassium and superphosphate to the ground. Rhizomes of seedlings can be soaked for a day in a solution of "Kornevin". The distance between the apple trees must be at least 2 m.

The landing algorithm is very simple:

1. Pour some fertilized soil at the bottom of each hole.
2. Place a seedling on top, gently spread the roots.
3. Take care of the peg support.
4. Sprinkle over the tree, shaking gently so that the earth fits snugly to the roots.
5. Compact the soil slightly, leaving the root collar 5 cm above the ground.
6. Tie up the trunk and water. When the moisture has been absorbed, mulch using humus with hay and straw.

Further care

The soil must be loosened and not overdried. Young apple trees are watered once a week (30 liters per plant). Adult specimens - three times per season. The older the tree, the more water it needs. When the fruits are set, watering stops. Moistening is done through grooves along the perimeter of the crown; in the summer heat, sprinkling is used.

At the beginning of spring, ammonia is added to the soil and nitrogen fertilizers... In the fall - phosphorus and potassium.

Pruning promotes systematic fruiting. Dry, diseased and twisted branches should be removed. To make the apples larger and sweeter, about a quarter of the ovary is removed when the fruit is cherry-sized.

This variety will be a wonderful decoration for small gardens. In gratitude for the correct planting and care, the Orlik apple tree will give delicious fruits that will be perfectly stored and will become the basis for delicious homemade preparations.