Fuji apples were imported from Japan. In the beginning, they were grown only in the southern regions of the country, but today the variety is successfully bred in the middle lane. And it’s not difficult at all!
The origin of the Fuji apples and the detailed characteristics of the variety
Fruits with an exotic name were obtained by crossing two varieties of "Red Delicious" and "Rolls Janet." Japanese breeders have ensured that the hybrid has inherited the best qualities from its parents. Apples are sweet and large. There are legends about the beauty of wood.
The apple tree is distinguished by its growth power, if it is not limited, then the height of an adult tree reaches 6 m. The crown forms quickly, so it must be trimmed. This will help to grow a tree with a spherical crown shape.
The trunk of the tree is powerful, the bark is light brown with a gray tint. Young shoots are smooth, shiny. The leaves of the apple tree are pointed at the ends, slightly pubescent, of a characteristic green color.
The variety is considered winter, the fruits ripen only in mid-autumn, so harvesting is carried out not earlier than October. Flowering of the tree begins in late May, when there is no threat of return frosts. The fruits are tied well, which is practically independent of weather conditions. The apple tree bears fruit in a year.
For a stable crop in the garden, it is necessary to have pollinator varieties:
• Golden;
• "Everest";
• Red Deliches;
• "Ligol".
Although this variety is a good pollinator for apple trees with a late fruiting period.
Today, the apple tree is characterized by good winter hardiness and resistance to drought, but is often affected by fungal diseases and pests. Selection work with the variety to improve these indicators is still ongoing. The apple tree has several varieties, but they are similar to each other. These are Fuji Kiku and Fujik. The first hybrid was bred in Italy, and the second in the Krasnodar Territory.
Description of the fruit and storage rules
Fuji apples and their hybrid varieties are famous for their honey flavor and aroma. The fruits are quite large, more than 200 grams each. They have an attractive appearance, a rounded, aligned shape. The color of the fruit is yellow, in the process of ripening, a red blush appears on them, which occupies a large half of the fruit. The pulp is quite juicy, cream-colored, fragrant.
The taste of the fruit can change during storage. Initially, apples acquire a sweet and sour taste, but after a month of storage they become honey, the acidity disappears.
The Fuji variety is attractive from a commercial point of view. Fruits tolerate transportation well, retain their presentation for a long time. Under appropriate conditions, do not deteriorate until 4 months, sometimes they remain until the next season. Extend the shelf life of apples helps a dry and cold place.
Apples are suitable for fresh consumption, as a diet food. They withstand heat treatment, do not lose their properties, are suitable for baking, cooking pies, jams and other dishes.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Fuji block variety
Among the merits of the variety stands out its yield and weight of the fruit. Good product and taste characteristics. As well as the ability to quickly adapt to a new climate and growing region.
There were some flaws:
• apple tree requires crown formation and crop rationing;
• has low resistance to diseases and pests;
• periodic fruiting;
• the first crop does not meet the declared characteristics.
But, despite the shortcomings, the variety has gained popularity and is grown on an industrial scale.
Fuji Apple Planting Tips & Care
In the southern regions of the country there is no problem with growing seedlings, there is always enough sun. But for other gardeners it is useful to know where it is better to plant a tree.
An apple tree of this variety prefers to grow in well-lit areas, where the fruits are poured and acquire a characteristic color. Planting seedlings in shaded areas of the garden is not recommended, tree productivity suffers from this. Harvest is not so juicy and tasty. For landing, take the south side of the site, well protected from the wind.
The soil on the site should be fertile, on poor soil the tree is poorly developed, the root system is fragile. Enrich the composition of the soil will help humus, peat or manure. They are brought in the autumn for digging. In addition, it is worth considering the depth of the groundwater. The root system of the apple tree does not tolerate close proximity to water.
Prepared seedlings are planted in late autumn or early spring, until sap flow begins. The pit is made according to the size of the root system, the bottom is well drained.
How to properly prepare saplings of Fuji apples for planting
For planting, young biennial seedlings are used. They are prepared in advance, they examine the root system and assess the external condition. Young trees are susceptible to diseases, so you should not ignore the preparation stage.
The root system should be well developed, without visible growths, dry patches and damage. All suspicious roots are cut. Before planting, the seedlings are soaked in water with the addition of root preparations for at least 24 hours. On the day of planting, a 1% solution of copper sulfate is prepared, the roots are lowered there and incubated for 3-4 minutes, after which the seedling is washed under running water and planted.
If planting was carried out in autumn, then young trees should be protected from the upcoming frosts. To do this, the trunk is spudded with earth to a height of 30 cm, surrounded by spruce branches or dry leaves. In regions with severe winters, it is advisable to cover the crown of the tree.
In the spring, shelter is removed, the near-stem circle is loosened and mineral fertilizers are applied.
How to properly care for the variety "Fuji", so that the apple harvest pleased
A good harvest of apples can be harvested if the tree grows young shoots. How to help seedlings to develop properly?
It is worth paying attention to top dressing.
From the third year of growing fertilizers, apply according to the scheme:
• in spring - nitrogen mixtures;
• after harvesting - phosphorus-potassium compounds and manure.
Autumn fertilizers accelerate development processes, contribute to the ripening of shoots, increase the winter hardiness of seedlings.
Good results are given by rationing the crop. It can be carried out manually if the tree is young or mechanically. It is worth removing all the extra ovaries so as not to overload the apple tree. Between the ovaries should remain at least 10 cm. Mechanical rationing of the fruits is carried out as follows: the branches shake violently, all weak ovaries fall. This technique improves the quality of the fruit, contributes to a high yield.
Do not forget about the formation of the crown. The procedure is carried out according to generally accepted recommendations, there are no special differences from other varieties.
Pest and Disease Control
The variety is extremely unstable to disease, so preventive treatments will only benefit him.
Before the swelling of the kidneys, the tree is treated with nitrophene, which allows you to destroy the eggs of overwintered pests. In addition, such treatment is prevented from the appearance of scab.
As soon as the buds are full, spray with 3% Bordeaux liquid. This drug saves from a number of fungal diseases.
After flowering, young trees are sprayed with a urea solution. This treatment acts as a top dressing, helps increase immunity, promotes active growth of foliage and shoots.
