Characteristics and varieties of the Antonovka dessert apple tree

Description

Antonovka is Russia's premier apple variety. This name covers several varieties, which are grouped together by the following description:

• early winter varieties;
• a vigorous tree that can grow to a considerable height;
• The crown is oval. With age it becomes spherical;
• The branches have brown bark and are raised upwards;
• the branches are typically covered with rings, on which fruiting is concentrated;
• ovoid leaves of bright green color;
• The flowers are large and saucer-shaped. They are white with a faint pink tint.

The tree begins to bear fruit in 3–4 years. Although fruiting can be achieved even on a two-year-old tree, the fruits of this species have the following description:

• medium or large size;
• round or slightly flattened shape. One-dimensionality is also characteristic;
• The skin color depends on the variety. Apples can be golden, greenish-yellow, yellow, blushed, etc.
• the skin is smooth to the touch;
• The flesh is yellow. It is soft and has a sweet, slightly tart flavor. Because of its density, the apples can be stored longer than some other varieties;
• The fruits are characterized by a pronounced aroma.

The Antonovka apple variety bears apples that have the following chemical composition (per 100 g of substance):

• 9.22% - sugars;
• 1% - titratable acids;
• 41 mg – tannins;
• 17 mg – ascorbic acid;
• 14% - pectin substances;
• 327 mg – P-active substances.

This description of the variety will be characteristic, to one degree or another, of all varieties that are united under the name Antonovka.

Main varieties

Today, the name Antonovka includes the following apple tree varieties:

• Antonovka golden apple tree;
• apple tree Antonovka Golden Monk;
• Antonovka white apple tree;
• Antonovka apple tree;
• Antonovka gray apple tree;
• Antonovka apple tree;
• Antonovka dessert apple tree;
• Antonovka-Kitayka apple tree;
• Antonovka-kamenichka apple tree.

The most common apple tree variety is the Antonovka ordinary. Its characteristics attract the largest number of gardeners across the country.

Landing

In most regions of Russia, gardeners plant Antonovka apple trees before the end of October. If this procedure is performed later, the seedlings may not take root. In the spring, young trees are planted in late April. This planting option is considered preferable.

For planting varieties of this cultivar, choose loamy and sandy soils. Groundwater should be at least 3 meters deep.

Planting of Antonovka Obyknovennaya apple tree seedlings and other varieties is carried out as follows:

• a hole with a diameter of 1 m and a depth of 80 cm is dug. It is dug a couple of weeks before planting the seedling;
• turf is placed at the bottom of the hole and watered generously;
• then a peg is inserted;
• then a layer of fertile soil mixed with fertilizers (organic and mineral) is poured onto the bottom of the hole;
• Then, place the seedling in the center of the hole. Its root system is spread out. Do not deepen the root collar;
• After this, the hole is carefully filled with earth.

Once the soil is filled, experts recommend lifting the young tree slightly to elevate the root collar. Now all that's left to do is tie the sapling to a stake and water it thoroughly.

The distance between adjacent seedlings should be more than 1 m.

Pollination

Antonovka is a self-sterile tree that requires pollinators. The following pollinator varieties should be planted nearby:

• Welsey;
• Pepin Saffron;
• Anise;
• Autumn striped.

When grown next to such varieties, Antonovka will produce excellent fruit.

Care

To ensure Antonov varieties bear fruit well, proper care is required after planting and thereafter, which includes the following:

• regular and abundant watering;
• After watering, loosen the soil in the tree trunk circle;
• application of fertilizers;
• removing weeds from the tree trunk circle;
• performing various types of pruning (formative, rejuvenating, preventive, etc.);
• spraying trees with preparations against parasites and pathogenic microflora.

An important aspect of care is mulching the tree trunk circle.

Harvesting and storage

Antonovka apples have received numerous positive reviews for their fruit. They are harvested in late September or October. The key is to harvest before the first frost. The apples can ripen even after being stored. The fruit is ready for picking when its skin turns yellow.

If picked correctly, apples of this variety can be stored for a short period.

Diseases and pests

The variety has good resistance to various diseases and pests. However, if the tree is not cared for properly, there is a risk of developing apple tree parasites, as well as scab or powdery mildew.

Pros and cons

The advantages of the variety include:

• high level of ecological adaptability of the tree;
• apples have high commercial characteristics;
• the fruits can be eaten fresh or used for making preserves;
• easy care;
• winter hardiness;
• good resistance of wood to pathogenic microflora.

Despite such a list of advantages, Antonovka has the following disadvantages:

• Fruits don't have a very long shelf life. This is especially true in the southern regions of the country;
• Fruiting is periodic. The older the apple tree, the greater the risk of a poor harvest. However, at the beginning of its life, the tree is characterized by regular fruiting.

The Antonovka apple tree is an excellent choice for your garden. It's an easy-to-grow tree with good cold tolerance and resistance to various diseases. At the same time, the fruit boasts excellent flavor and is quite large.

Video "Types of Antonovka Apple Tree"

This video will show you the different varieties of the popular Antonovka apple tree.