Symbol is one of the most winter-hardy and easy-to-care-for apple varieties. It is especially popular in the Ural, Central, and West Siberian regions. This apple tree is medium-sized and has a crown that resembles a wide pyramid, with a moderate density.
Description of the variety
The "Symbol" apple variety was developed by scientists at the Sverdlovsk Horticultural Breeding Station. Breeders M. A. Mazunin and P. A. Zhavoronkov participated in the development process. The seedling 7-148 and the "Korichnoye Polosatoye" variety served as the basis for its creation.
The variety was included in the state register in 2002 and is recommended for cultivation in the Urals and the Volga-Vyatka region.
The symbol is a medium-sized tree, 200-300 cm tall, with a broad, pyramidal crown formed by upright brown branches. Other characteristic features:
- Escapes Medium-thick, straight, rounded in cross-section, brown, slightly pubescent, with small lenticels. Buds on branches are pressed, medium-sized, rounded, with slight fuzz.
- Leaves Small, elliptical, greenish-glaucous, medium-sized, long-pointed, smooth, matte, with coarse nervation. The leaf blade is concave, directed upward, with a finely serrated margin. The petiole is elongated, medium-thick, and the stipules are small, lanceolate.
- Flower buds Large, pubescent. In May, during budding, the crown of the Symbol is adorned with cup-shaped flowers with rounded, pinkish-white petals, and the tree spreads an intense aroma into the surrounding area.
- Apple It is characterized by its average size and refined taste. The fruit weighs between 80 and 120 g. Its shape resembles a flattened circle, with slight indentations on the surface.
Other features:- the skin is thick and dry, and the outer surface is smooth;
- the peduncle is short, of medium thickness and slightly inclined;
- the funnel has an average depth, the shape of a narrow cone and a barely noticeable bulge;
- the cup is half open;
- saucer of medium depth, wide and slightly grooved;
- The main color of the apples is whitish, but there is an iridescent white-gold hue and a slight pink tint on the sunny side;
- subcutaneous spots are few in number, medium in size and barely noticeable;
- the core of the apple is small, and the chambers are open and large;
- the subcalyx tube is short and wide;
- seeds are medium-sized, ovoid, brown in color;
- beneath the skin lies exquisite pulp with a fine-grained, tender, slightly loose and juicy structure;
- The color of the pulp is light yellow.
- Taste Symbola offers a harmonious blend of acidity and summery sweetness, with a pleasant aromatic finish. Tasting scores range from 4.5 to 4.8 points.
Main characteristics
This apple variety is characterized by a regular harvest—every year. The fruit ripens in mid-September, after which it can be stored until spring. It begins bearing fruit in the fourth or fifth year after planting and belongs to the group of winter varieties.
Performance subtleties:
- high yield allows you to harvest up to 60-80 kg of apples from one tree in private gardens;
- Under industrial conditions, the average yield is 161 centners per hectare.
Compared to other varieties, such as Antonovka Obyknovennaya (70-95 c/ha) and Melba (65-100 c/ha) in the Oryol region, it is truly productive.
Other characteristics:
- This variety is frost-resistant and can withstand temperatures down to -35 degrees Celsius. To protect young seedlings, it is recommended to cover the area around the trunk with spruce branches or non-woven material.
- Apples offer a wide range of culinary possibilities. They're ideal for braising meats, adding to chicken or fish dishes, and for stuffing.
The fruits can be used to make delicious compotes, vinegar, and savory preserves for winter, as well as apple jam, pastila, and marmalade. They are often used in baked goods, from charlottes and yeast cakes to muffins, strudels, casseroles, cookies, and apple pancakes. - The fruits contain many organic acids (including malic and citric acids) and fiber, as well as microelements such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and iron, and vitamins such as A, B1, B3, PP, and C.
Apple leaves are rich in vitamin C and can be used to make a delicious tea, which is recommended as part of the treatment of respiratory diseases and as a sedative. - The fruits only develop their full flavor and aroma after a period of storage. Winter apple varieties can remain fresh for several months if stored under certain conditions:
- the temperature should be from 0 to +4°C;
- humidity – from 90 to 95%.
- The symbol is resistant to scab, and if damage occurs, it will only occur under unfavorable weather conditions, for example, in a warm and humid climate.
- Drought resistance is average.
Growing and care
When choosing a planting site for a young seedling, consider factors such as adequate light and protection from strong winds. A slightly elevated location is recommended. The soil should be healthy and nutritious, whether fertile loam or sandy loam.
Rules:
- for planting you need a hole measuring 50 by 50 cm, the depth of which corresponds to the size of the root system of the seedling;
- During the process, special attention is paid to the correct distribution of roots and the level of the root collar - it is better if it is on the same parallel with the bed;
- The operation is completed by filling the hole, compacting the soil slightly, watering and covering the area around the trunk with a layer of mulch;
- It is necessary to provide support for the young tree by attaching it to a pre-installed support.
Growing features:
- To maintain the health of a young apple tree, regular watering is important, but only as needed. As soon as a dry crust begins to form, the area around the tree trunk should be watered generously.
- During the first few years of life, apple trees require nitrogen-containing fertilizers, which are recommended for application in spring and fall. Subsequently, fertilizing is carried out according to the standard apple tree schedule.
- Pruning is a necessary part of care, helping to form the correct crown shape and stimulate fruiting. It is performed in early spring or fall after harvest.
- Before the onset of cold weather, the tree trunk should be covered with lime mortar, and a light insulation layer of rotted manure or peat should be placed around the trunk.
Pros and cons
The symbol has many advantages:
Disadvantages of the variety:
Reviews
The Symbol apple tree is a true discovery for gardeners who value not only the taste but also the appearance of their fruit. This variety boasts good yields and disease resistance, making it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy delicious apples year-round.