By virtue of massiveness, the wide sprawling crown did not become the favorite of owners of small garden plots.
Lonely growing tree resembles a powerful low-growing oak, why the Vityaz got its name.
This variety of apples is the brainchild of one of Michurin’s most talented students, Sergey Ivanovich Isaevwho devoted his life to breeding frost-resistant apple trees.
What kind is it?
Knight is considered late winter variety. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the fruit on the vine reaches only technical maturity, it is removed in late September and early October.
Full flavor reveals after apples lie down for several months.
Under the right conditions, with respect to the temperature regime (non-freezing cellar, refrigerator), the harvest of varietal apples Vityaz remains until May.
The winter apple varieties also include: Kandil Orlovsky, Babushkino, Berkutovsky, In memory of Michurin and Zavetny.
Pollination
Experienced gardeners know that it is inappropriate to grow one variety of apples in the garden. The cross-pollination of various varietal trees (not close relatives!), Which are usually flowering abundantly, becomes the key to a good harvest. in late April - early May, but ripening at different times.
The structure of the apple tree of the Vityaz cultivar is special, the anther (part of the stamen with pollen) is located directly above the pistil, which ensures spontaneous ingress of pollen on them, that is, the tree pollinates itself.
Important! Despite self-pollination, the right neighborhood with autumn varieties will make the Vityaz harvest more abundant.
Variety description Vityaz
Consider separately the appearance of the apple and fruit.
Apple Vityaz considered undersized. It seems to grow more not up, but wide. Powerful "dwarf" with thick branches has a somewhat sad appearance.
Such an impression is made by a spreading crown of deep green color, somewhat downward, like that of a willow tree.
From the main trunk strong branches depart almost at a right angle, which ensures their strength.
The leaves on the tree are large, in the shape of an ellipse, the stipules are small.
Attention! It is believed that is not very suitable for small family gardens.
Fetus sizes above average. Weight reaches almost 200 grams. The shape of the apple is rounded conical. The stem of the "Vityaz" is as thick as the trunk of a tree, but the funnel is shallow.
At the time of harvest, the apple has a yellowish-green hue with dark red stripes. Over time, it becomes more yellow. The flesh is light, has an average density.
The apple Knight is usually juicy, not cloyingly sweet, with sourness. Taste of maturity reaches mid-December. It retains its taste, all nutrients until the May holidays.
The following varieties can boast of great taste and high content of vitamins: Belarusian Malinovaya, Orlovsky Pioneer, Moscow Winter, Young Naturalist and Nastya.
Breeding history
"Vityaz" was bred by Isaev in the Moscow period of work, in the botanical garden of the Lomonosov Moscow State University.
He attached great importance to the selection of parental pairs, crossing varieties from different, geographically distant regions.
The scientist also tried to increase the winter hardiness of the Michurin varieties by resorting to re-crossing with crops that tolerate low temperatures well.
Thus, the Knight appeared when Anis Striped, since ancient times growing in the Volga region, was crossed with Pepin saffron, previously derived Michurin.
Natural growth region
Apple tree Vityaz tolerates a moderate climate with a decrease in temperature in winter to -40 degrees, if below - freezes.
Basically, the variety of apples Vityaz is grown in Central Russia, zoned in all non-black-earth regions.
For more northern regions with a short summer is not quite suitable, since there is not enough heat for ripening, a spreading crown can suffer from severe frosts.
For planting in Central Russia, the following apple varieties are excellent: Calvil Snow, Cinnamon New, Early Red, Apple Savior and Dessert Petrov.
A photo
Yield
This indicator is considered huge plus varieties Vityaz. In the third year after planting, gardeners harvest their first crop, usually Branches covered with fruits.
Yield maximum reaches 240 kg per season. Fruits from the branches removed in early October.
Also high yields are different varieties: Welsey, Lobo, Daughter Pepinchik, Antey and Jonagold.
Planting and care
Not only planting, but also caring for an apple tree requires a responsible attitude, for this you need to know some features and rules.
When to plant? Spring and autumn are traditionally suitable for planting seedlings. In a temperate climate, gardeners try to renew the garden at the end of September, the first week of October.
A young tree gets a chance to be saturated with moisture, to take root, which increases the chances of its survival. If you plan to land in the spring, you need to do this until the moment when the buds begin to swell.
Where to plant? The apple tree does not like swampy, flooded places where water stagnates. Groundwater should be at least two meters.
It is preferable to plant a tree on a hill. The place should be well lit, small penumbra is allowed. Lack of sunlight will lead to the fact that the fruits lose their sugar content.
How to plant? Knight belongs to vigorous trees, requiring a significant area of food from 20 to 25 square meters. m. When planting a sapling is not worth much to deepen.
It is important to dig a hole of sufficient size, more than 60 cm deep, to fill the center with mineral fertilizers, humus. The root neck should remain 5 cm above ground level.
In order for the tree to settle down better, it is recommended to cut off all the flowers in the first flowering.
In the second year, leave half of the potential yield. Thanks to such actions Knight will gain strength and get stronger.
In the spring they make mineral and organic fertilizers:
- urea (500g),
- humus (10 kg / m).
Good watering in July and August is important for a bountiful harvest., two buckets are enough (in the morning, in the evening) once a week.
Closer to the autumn watering stops. To protect the young tree from freezing, It is better to mulch the soil.
IMPORTANT! Autumn bait is possible with complex nitrogen-free fertilizer.
Diseases and pests
Variety Knight resistant to scab. But spring spraying before flowering has not been canceled. If you notice spots on young leaves, turning gradually into a brown patina, spend another treatment.
Among the common diseases noted powdery mildew (fungus). It covers the trunk, leaves bloom (as if sprinkled with flour).
Requires spraying, which recommended soapy water, a solution of colloidal sulfur (two percent!).
If the young tree leaves turn yellow, it is possible the soil is over-humidified, drainage is required.
Do you notice twisted leaves on the apple tree, inside of which the caterpillar lives? Know so manifests itself apple moth. Damaged leaves should be collected and burned.
Such pests as fruit saplings, haws, silkworms, and pinworms can also cause less harm. Preventive measures should be taken against them.
The variety of apples Vityaz has established itself as high yielding, frost resistant. Large fruits can not be removed from the branch and immediately eat, they should lie down. And this is rather their plus.
They gain their taste by December. Given the high fecundity, the apples will delight until the end of spring. Fruits tolerate transportation, have a beautiful appearance.
Minus one, apple "giant" requires a large area that not every gardener can afford.
