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In historical documents dating back to 1862, there are repeated references to this variety of apple trees. Moskovskaya Grushovka - a variety of apples - was described in detail much later. This was done by the famous gardener A. Bolotov.
The name of this old variety comes from the shape of the tree crown, which resembles a pear. The Moscow specification is given to distinguish it from German Grushovka.
In addition to the official name, there are many simple names among the people. So, this apple variety is often called Spasovka or Skorospelka, because Grushovka apples ripen quickly and you can eat them by Yablochny Spas, that is, by the beginning of August.
Variety characteristics
Frost resistance
According to this indicator, the variety Grushovka Moskovskaya has established itself very well. Mature trees, provided that they are properly fed for the winter and the crown is trimmed, can withstand frost down to -50 ° C. Good frost resistance is also due to the fact that the apple tree is wild.
Apple-tree Grushovka Moscow
Yield
The early apple variety Grushovka Moskovskaya can be classified as high-yielding, but it bears fruit not every year, but after a year. Up to 180 kg of apples can be harvested from one adult plant. And so on until the age of 50. The tree begins to bear fruit at the 4th year of its growth. But already from a one-year-old, you can collect up to 10 kg of fruit.
Pear apple tree: description
The apple tree Grushovka Moskovskaya grows up to 7 m. The tree itself is very beautiful and spreading. The crown of an adult culture resembles a ball shape. The diameter is about 8 m. The crown is made up of long leafy branches. For this reason, the apple tree cannot be attributed to dwarf and even semi-dwarf trees.
The bark of the tree is rich brown. On the trunk and young branches, it may be slightly reddish.
The leaves of the tree are elliptical. Small denticles along the edges. The color of the leaves is yellowish-green, which depends on the degree of illumination of the plant.
Grushovka's apples are not large. Weight ranges from 70 g.
Grushovka's apples are not large. Weight ranges from 70 g. The surface of the fruit is ribbed to the touch. When touched, it feels like they are covered with wax.
Apples are usually yellow or green with red stripes. The pulp is white, juicy. The taste is slightly sour. This is due to the fact that apples contain a lot of ascorbic acid.
In the description of the Grushovka Moskovskaya apple tree, it is indicated that this variety is characterized by weak resistance to diseases of fungal etiology. These include scab, moniliosis and black cancer. To avoid the spread of the disease on the tree, it is recommended to carry out preventive treatment of trees using mixtures with fungicides.
It is important to remember that regular processing of trees promotes the ripening of quality fruits. In this case, you need to adhere to the golden rule: "There is medicine in a drop, and poison in a spoon."
Growing
So that the taste of the fruit does not suffer, you need to plant Grushovka Moskovskaya in sandy loam soils. It is important that the soil is at a normal level of acidity, only in this case the fruits will be sweeter.
To get a good result when planting an apple tree, you need to plant seedlings in the ground either in spring or autumn. Experienced gardeners recommend planting Grushovka Moskovskaya in the fall. This is due to the fact that the seedling "leaves for winter", and in the spring it activates growth processes and the tree is easier to adapt to new conditions.
Planting an apple tree in autumn
The hole in which the seedling will be planted must be large enough so that the root system of the tree is well developed. If there is a strong root, the tree will be healthy. Based on this, it is better to dig a hole with a depth of 70-80 cm.Its diameter should be at least 1 m.
After the hole is dug, you need to prepare the soil in it for the future tree. For this, 2.5 - 3 10-liter buckets of humus are poured into it. You can use a cow, or you can use a horse. This should be done 2 - 3 days before planting a young tree.
So that the apple tree has an even trunk, and the young seedling does not break with a strong wind in the first year of life, you need to stick a stake when planting. It is better to place it to the north of the trunk. After planting the tree, the apple tree trunk must be tied to the stake with a soft rope.
Before sending the seedling into the hole, it is important to make a tubercle in its center, on which to spread the roots. They should, as it were, hang down from the center of the fossa to its edges. Place the root neck of the apple tree no deeper than 5 cm. The planted tree must be watered. This will require 2-3 buckets of water.
Landing scheme
Further care
Watering the young tree of Grushovka Moskovskaya is necessary from mid-May to early August at intervals of 3 times a week. In August, the tree should not be watered. The last time abundant watering occurs at the end of September. In no case should you skip it, since you need to prepare the tree before the onset of winter frosts.
An adult tree is watered in the same way, but if the summer is dry, then watering should be increased.
In addition to catching the apple tree in the fall, you need to carry out some more manipulations to prepare for the winter. To do this, you need to pour sawdust or leaves into the space near the trunk to a height of 5-7 cm, and also whitewash the root area of the trunk. Places on the trunk and branches that have been damaged should be covered with garden varnish, and dried branches removed. If everything is done this way, the winter frost is not terrible for the tree.
In addition to preparing for winter, annual tree feeding is needed. This is done 4 times per season: the first is at the end of April, the second is when the apple tree blooms so that the pollinating insects process all the flowers, the third is when the ovary is formed and the fourth is at the end of August, when the fruits are already harvested.
Both organic and mineral fertilizers are allowed. It is best to use organic matter at the beginning of the season, as it promotes greater fruit set. At the end of the season, mineral fertilizers are recommended, which prepare the plant for wintering.
It is important to prune trees annually to maintain proper crown density and healthy appearance.
Branch pruning scheme
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Grushovka has its own advantages and disadvantages. The first and main advantage is its frost resistance. The tree can be planted in regions where, in severe winters, frosts reach -50 ° C. Due to this positive characteristic, new frost-resistant apple species are being developed on the basis of the Grushovka Moskovskaya variety.
Another advantage of Grushovka is its early maturity and a fairly long fruiting period (about 30-40 days), as well as a long storage period for fruits (3 - 3.5 months).
Each gardener decides for himself whether or not to choose this variety for planting. In any case, you need to weigh all the pros and cons and only then go to the market for a seedling. One thing is clear that Grushovka will appeal to the taste and ease of care of the inhabitants of the northern regions, where the frost resistance of the culture is the main selection criterion.
