Valyuta is a compact and easy-to-grow columnar apple tree. It boasts excellent fruit flavor, high frost resistance, and a long shelf life. This variety requires minimal care, making it an excellent choice for beginning gardeners. It produces generous harvests and doesn't take up much space.
Growing regions and origin
Professor Viktor Kichina began breeding compact columnar apple trees back in 1972. Over the decades, he developed nearly two dozen new varieties with genetic resistance to apple scab (gene Vf). One of these varieties was the Valyuta apple tree.
Interesting facts:
- It was obtained in 1986 at the All-Russian Selection and Technological Institute of Horticulture in Moscow as a result of crossing the American rootstock OR38T17 with the columnar form KB6.
- As early as 1992, Valyuta was isolated from a multitude of experimental hybrids, and two years later it was transferred to various farms for testing.
- The variety was tested for ten years, after which it was recognized as elite and entered into the State Register in 2004.
This variety is recommended for cultivation in central Russia and the North Caucasus. Due to its high frost resistance, it is also successfully cultivated in the northern regions of the country.
Description and characteristics of the variety
Valyuta has inherited the best qualities of its parent varieties, making it particularly attractive to gardeners of all experience levels. The tree is compact, tolerant of growing conditions, and produces consistently high yields year after year.
The fruits have excellent shelf life, retaining their flavor and appearance even when stored in direct sunlight—they can stay fresh for over two weeks on the store shelf. This variety is recommended for both small garden plots and intensive commercial orchards.
What does a tree look like?
The Valyuta apple tree is a fast-growing, semi-dwarf plant of medium height, up to 2.5 m in height.
Distinguishing characteristics:
- crown – dense columnar, compact, about 20-30 cm in diameter;
- shoots – pressed against the trunk and directed strictly upwards, have an average length, moderate pubescence and are colored in a green-brown shade;
- leaves - elongated, dark green, with light pubescence on the inside, they retain their rich color until the leaves fall.
In spring, the tree is adorned with numerous large white-pink flowers, giving the plant a particularly decorative appearance. Shortened internodes and densely spaced rhizomes give the crown a neat and compact shape.
Fruit characteristics
Apples are characterized by their large size. Their main differences are:
- weight - about 250 g;
- form - round-conical;
- color – golden yellow with a bright blush on the side surface;
- pulp – juicy, fine-grained and crispy.
Resistance to frost and diseases
The trees exhibit high frost resistance, especially columnar varieties. They easily tolerate temperatures down to -30 to -35°C, even with strong winds and high humidity, making them suitable for growing in the harsh climate of the central region.
According to gardeners, with proper winter protection and care, Valyuta is successfully grown in the Urals. The apple tree has a genetic immunity to scab and is resistant to most fungal diseases.
Fruit rot, cytosporosis, and powdery mildew are extremely rare. However, to maintain plant health, preventative fungicide treatments and regular insecticide spraying are recommended.
Productivity and pollination
The variety produces its first fruits as early as the third year after planting, indicating its early maturity. At 4-5 years of age, a single tree yields 5-6 kg, and later, this figure can reach 10 kg. In commercial orchards, productivity is approximately 80-100 tons per hectare.
This variety is partially self-fertile. For successful pollination, it is recommended to plant trees 50 cm apart and approximately 1 m between rows. Other columnar varieties with similar flowering times can be planted nearby:
- President;
- Nectar;
- Triumph.
This planting will ensure cross-pollination.
Ripening and fruiting of the Valuta apple tree
In most regions, the fruit ripens in early October. Ripe fruit holds firmly to the branches and does not fall off, and if carefully picked, it is ideal for long-term storage.
Main characteristics:
- Beginning of fruiting. The Valyuta variety is exceptionally early fruiting, even among columnar apple trees. The first flowers bloom and fruit set on the tree as early as the second year after planting. However, to ensure proper crown and root system development, gardeners recommend removing buds during the first two seasons.
In the third year, the apple tree is capable of producing 2-3 kg of sweet fruits – this is when full fruiting begins. - Flowering time. All winter and late autumn apple varieties, including Valyuta, begin to bloom at approximately the same time – in mid- to late May, depending on the region’s climate.
The flowers of these trees are large, gathered in clusters of several, and have a pleasant fragrance. They are saucer-shaped and pure white or slightly pinkish in color. - Fruiting and growth. The Valyuta apple tree gradually increases its yield each year, steadily increasing its fruit production. Vegetative growth of green mass reaches 10-15 cm per season.
Landing
Growing an apple tree is a simple process. The key is to strictly follow the step-by-step instructions.
Selecting a location, preparing a hole
The crop thrives in an open area, protected from the wind and away from buildings, fences, and other fruit trees. It prefers light, fertile soil.
Prepare the planting hole for the Valuta apple tree 2-3 weeks before planting to allow the soil to settle. The hole should be 50 x 50 cm in size, and its depth should depend on the length of the root system.
Be guided by the time of year:
- Autumn. Carry out this procedure in September or October, after the leaves have fallen. This gives the plant time to adapt before the cold weather sets in. When planting in the fall, avoid applying nitrogen fertilizers, as they stimulate shoot growth.
- Spring. In this case, begin preparing the hole in the fall. Fertilize the soil with 10 kg of compost, 50 g of potassium sulfate, and 100 g of superphosphate. By spring, the soil will have compacted and the nutrients will have dissolved. Plant after the snow has melted and the soil has warmed, but before the buds have opened.
Deadlines
Valuta apple tree seedlings with a closed root system (in special bags or pots) can be planted at any time during the growing season. Otherwise, it is recommended to plant trees in the spring, choosing strong two- or three-year-old trees.
It's best to purchase planting material from specialized nurseries with the appropriate documentation. This is because such plants have a better chance of successfully rooting and adapting to their new environment.
Technology and agricultural technology
Seedlings require proper planting holes. The hole should be deep enough (at least 60 cm) and wide enough to accommodate the root system.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Place a drainage layer of coarse sand, fine gravel or broken brick at the bottom of the pit.
- Add up to 80 g of potassium sulfate and up to 100 g of superphosphate.
- Mix the excavated soil with humus or compost. After a month of soil preparation, the hole will be ready for further work.
- When planting, carefully spread the roots along the bottom of the hole.
- Drive a wooden stake next to the seedling for subsequent tying.
- Fill with soil gradually, compacting each layer every 5-10 cm. The root collar should be 5-10 cm above the soil level.
- Pour 20 liters of water into the ditch dug next to the seedling.
- Mulch the tree trunk circle with straw or peat chips.
It is not recommended to use pine sawdust, as it can acidify the soil and harm the fruit.
What is the best material to grow from?
The best option for growing the Valyuta apple tree is to purchase a seedling from a nursery. This guarantees a strong, healthy tree that, with proper care, will produce a good harvest. However, many gardeners prefer to experiment and grow columnar varieties from seed.
It's important to remember that a seedling obtained this way often loses its parental qualities, so it usually needs to be grafted onto a mature tree. Growing apple trees from seeds involves several steps:
- Selection of seeds. For sowing, select ripe, undamaged seeds. Rinse them in warm water.
- Preparation. Place the seeds in a mixture of peat and sand to swell for a week.
- Storage. Place the planting material in the refrigerator for two months for stratification.
- Sowing. Select the strongest specimens. Plant them in a pot with fertile soil.
- Transfer. Move young seedlings three times: first to the first pot, after a year to a larger container, and then to open ground.
Care
To produce a good harvest, the Valyuta apple tree requires regular care. This includes watering, fertilizing, and pruning. Spraying is equally important to prevent diseases and protect against pests.
Loosening the soil, watering: proper agricultural technology
Regularly loosen the soil around the apple tree's trunk. Twice a year, shallowly dig under the trees, being careful not to damage the roots. This work can be done the day after watering.
If the weather is dry, water the apple tree at least once a week, and ideally twice. Watering should be moderate; 10-20 liters of water twice a week (morning and evening) is sufficient. Stop watering at the end of September to allow the trees to prepare for winter.
Pruning: simple crown shaping
Many people mistakenly believe that columnar apple trees don't require pruning, but this is not true. They often produce one or two side shoots that need to be managed to maintain the correct shape.
Basic requirements:
- Start structuring the tree 2-3 years after planting.
- Remove all shoots and thin branches, leaving only two horizontal ones. Next year, these shoots will grow, and it will be clear which one produces more buds. Leave the one that produces more fruit, and remove the other.
- After a year, repeat the process, again leaving the most productive branches.
Don't forget to trim off damaged and dry shoots, and be sure to treat the cut areas with garden pitch or water-based paint.
Top dressing
Fertilize the Valuta apple tree's trunk area throughout the growing season. Follow these recommendations:
- During the active growth phase of the shoots, use organic matter: pour an infusion of manure or chicken droppings into shallow holes at the base of the tree.
- Avoid using mineral fertilizers during the first few months after planting the seedling: the young roots are not yet ready to absorb them. During this period, it's best to apply a foliar treatment with a 2% urea solution, spraying the leaves in the evening on a windless day to prevent sunburn.
- From the beginning of fruiting, the tree requires complete nutrition: nitroammophoska and ammonium nitrate - 30 g each, superphosphate - 140 g, potassium chloride - 50 g. An alternative is a solution of 100 g superphosphate and 70 g potassium sulfate per 10 liters of water.
- Use nitrogen-containing fertilizers only at the beginning of the season; avoid them in the fall to avoid weakening the plant's winter hardiness. Instead, use special formulations labeled "Autumn."
Shelter for the winter, protection from rodents
In late autumn, treat apple tree trunks with water and dissolved chalk and cover with spruce branches. Additionally, hill up the trees and mulch the area around the trunk with compost.
Prevention and protection from diseases and pests
The crop is characterized by strong immunity, but it can suffer if improperly cared for or exposed to unfavorable conditions. The main diseases and pests that affect Valyuta are:
- Fruit rot. It appears as a brown spot on the fruit and spreads quickly, causing crop losses. To prevent this, spray the trees with Bordeaux mixture or a solution of Horus.
- Powdery mildew. The disease is caused by fungal spores. A grayish coating appears on buds, leaves, and shoots, turning brown over time. To combat the fungus, use copper-based fungicides.
- Brown spot. The disease manifests itself as small brown spots on the leaves. Effective treatments include Bordeaux mixture and urea solution.
- Flower beetleAn insect from the weevil family. It feeds on swollen flower buds, disrupting the formation of the ovary.
- Aphid. A dangerous pest that reproduces rapidly and feeds on plant sap. The parasite is especially active at high temperatures and humidity.
- Leaf roller. Caterpillars damage buds, flower buds, and fruit ovaries of apple trees. The pest overwinters on young branches or in the tree's bark.
What to do if it doesn’t bloom or bear fruit?
If your plant has stopped blooming and is not producing apples, there are several important steps you need to take. Follow these recommendations:
- check the tree for pests;
- fertilize using suitable fertilizers;
- if necessary, transplant the apple tree to a more suitable location;
- Ensure the plant is watered regularly.
Why do apples fall?
Fruit can drop for several reasons. Experienced gardeners note the following main factors:
- presence of pests;
- lack of moisture;
- natural phenomena.
Pros and cons
Main advantages of the variety:
Reviews
Valyuta is an excellent choice for those looking to grow an apple tree with minimal effort. It attracts gardeners with its compact size, frost resistance, and ease of care. The fruit is characterized by excellent taste and excellent shelf life. With proper planting and subsequent cultivation practices, it can significantly increase the productivity of the tree.