Ranetka apple tree: characteristics of the variety and care

Description of the Ranetka apple tree variety

Large farms prefer not to grow this variety on an industrial scale, and these apples are rare in stores. However, every gardener, even those who aren't, knows what a Ranetka is or has at least once tasted this tart, yet so aromatic and healthy apple. The tree bears fruit abundantly, is extremely resistant to low temperatures, and, most importantly, produces a harvest in a short period of time. This is precisely why it is so popular in the northern part of our country.

Apples: color, size and weight

Ranetki (Ranetki) are predominantly small to very small apples, barely weighing 10-15 grams. They are most often round, oval, or slightly flattened on thin, long stalks. This isn't actually a single variety, but a collective name for several hybrids, so the fruit's appearance can vary considerably. However, they are predominantly red, raspberry, or carmine, but can also be yellow with a red blush. The skin is dense, even somewhat hard, and thick. The chemical composition can be characterized by the following indicators per 100 grams:

• P-active compounds (catechins) – 886 milligrams.
• Tannins – 554 milligrams.
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – 28 milligrams.
• Total sugars (fructose) – 12.8%.
• Pectins (fiber) – 7.7%.
• Titratable acids – 2.5%.

The flesh of the fruit is predominantly white, with a slight pink or yellow tint, and may have marbled red stripes. It is generally tart, tart, and sometimes slightly sweet, yet juicy and crisp. According to a tasting panel, the apples only score 4 out of 5 for appearance, and even less so for taste—3.3 out of 5. While these apples are, as they say, "an acquired taste," they make delicious preserves, compotes, and jams.

Ranetka apple tree: characteristics

Crown and root system

Ranetki trees are very vigorous and can easily reach 7-8 meters in height, which significantly complicates care and harvesting. That's why gardeners are willing to limit their growth by pruning. Crown They are typically oval or broadly oval in shape, but can become spreading in maturity. Sometimes they cover an area up to 5-6 meters in diameter. The crown on the branches is usually brown or reddish-brown, smooth, and pubescent.

The leaves of the Ranetki apple tree are quite large, oval, with a wider base and a tapering tip. They are dark green or brightly colored, smooth, leathery, and quite dense. The root system of the apple tree is quite extensive and well-developed, and the vegetative rootstock has a central taproot.

Productivity and pollination

Apples of various Ranetki varieties typically ripen as early as late August, making this variety recommended for growing in northern regions with short summers. However, sometimes the ripening period extends until mid-September.

Yield also directly depends on the specific subvariety. Some trees may produce only 10-15 kilograms of aromatic apples, while others yield 80-100.

The variety is considered partially self-fertile. This means you'll get an apple harvest even if there are no other apple trees nearby with matching flowering times for cross-pollination. However, if there are other trees, the yield increases by 50-75%, which is quite significant. It's also a good idea to plant the apple trees near an apiary, although the powerful aroma of blooming apple trees attracts pollinating insects even from afar.

Winter hardiness and disease resistance

Thanks to its origins in Siberian varieties, Ranetka has high tolerance to low temperatures. The common wild apple, its direct ancestor, can withstand temperatures as low as -47°C without losing its fruit, just like its numerous descendants. Moreover, the length of the winter period usually doesn't affect yield, as is the case with hybrid apple varieties.

The tree has no special immunity to common fungal infections. Like other species, the crape myrtillus is susceptible to powdery mildew and scab. However, timely preventative measures have a significant impact, and the trees rarely become ill. For example, in the summer, it's a good idea to treat the trees with Bordeaux mixture, and seal cracks and damaged bark with garden pitch and copper sulfate.

Subspecies and rootstocks

These apple trees are grown on a wide variety of rootstocks, crossed with the most unexpected varieties, but most often with Chinese varieties. The Ranetka variety, grown on a dwarf rootstock, has the shortest lifespan, but produces the most fruit. On espalier rootstocks, this variety can be grown and bear fruit quite well even in the Far North, while vegetative rootstocks require more moderate climates.

Features of growing Ranet

Landing

Key Features

• The crab apples grow well in both sunny and shaded areas, especially since in most cases (excluding dwarf and creeping rootstocks) the trees themselves will soon outgrow all other species.
• It is not advisable for the tree to be in a draft – this is the only rule that cannot be broken.
• Soil The soil should be fertile and of any acidity, but lower rather than higher. Apple trees thrive in black soil, fertilized loam, and even sand.
• Dig holes up to 70 centimeters deep and the same diameter. These can be prepared 2-3 weeks in advance, or even as early as the fall. Add soil mixed with fertilizer to the bottom, fill with water, and let sit.
• Before planting, the seedlings are dipped into a "swamp" made of soil and water, but first all damaged, rotten or dried roots are cut off with pruning shears.
• Stakes are immediately dug into the holes for tying, which can be removed after 2-4 years.
• Place the seedling on a drainage layer (gravel, vermiculite, broken brick), cover with soil, and water lightly to remove any air bubbles. Continue alternating layers until the soil reaches the surface.
• The root collar of the tree must protrude above the soil surface by at least 5-7 centimeters, otherwise all the properties of the rootstock will be completely leveled out.
• Trees should be spaced according to the chosen subvariety. So, if the intended tree is 3 meters tall, leave the next tree at the same height.
• It wouldn't hurt to mulch the soil on top using chopped straw, grass or humus.

Landing dates

Wild apples are so resilient and easy to care for that it makes no difference whether you plant them outdoors in spring or fall. The key is to plant them in spring before bud break, and in fall after the leaves have completely fallen and the sap has begun to flow, but at least a month before the onset of frost.

Protection from frost and rodents

Despite their high resilience, it's a good idea to protect first-year seedlings from freezing temperatures to ensure their survival. To do this, wrap the trunks with straw bales, spruce branches, foam rubber, or nylon tights.

To protect them from hungry rodents that move closer to human dwellings in winter, you can coat the trunks with lard, grease, or special chemical compounds. Insects can be repelled by whitewashing them with lime in the fall and by treating them with insecticides.

Tree care

Loosening the soil, watering: proper agricultural technology

The crape myrtle prefers the soil around its root zone to be "black fallow," meaning it's dug up. Moreover, the older the apple tree, the wider its root zone. For two- or three-year-old trees, 1.5 meters is sufficient, but a mature tree requires 3-5 meters. Directly near the trunk, the soil should be loosened to a depth of 10-12 centimeters, but beyond a meter, you can dig to a depth of 20-25 centimeters.

Trees don't require special watering, but supplemental moisture shouldn't be avoided, especially during dry periods. With Ranetki, it's a good idea to follow the so-called 10-day rule. This rule states that if there's been no precipitation for ten days, you should begin watering the apple trees, but if rain falls during the following period, you can stop watering and start counting down exactly 10 days again.

Pruning: simple crown shaping

Most Ranetka subspecies, if left unchecked, can grow up to 7-8 meters tall, significantly complicating their care and harvesting. Furthermore, shaping can only be done in early spring, before the sap begins to flow. Therefore, you'll have to work hard, trimming back a third of the trunk and any adjacent skeletal branches you decide to leave.

All branches that extend deep into the crown, are excessively dense, dry, or show signs of disease or damage should be regularly removed. The cut areas should be treated with water-based paint or garden varnish. To rejuvenate 20- to 30-year-old apple trees, remove 2-3 mature shoots, leaving "water sprouts"—well-developed, fatty branches.

Ripening and fruiting of the Ranetka apple tree

The beginning of fruiting

When you'll harvest your first Raneta apple depends directly on the variety you planted. However, most of them begin to delight you with fragrant, beautiful, and delicious apples as early as 2-3 years after planting. Don't expect a bountiful harvest in the second year, but 1-3 kilograms is quite possible.

Flowering time

This factor depends on the growing region, climate, and weather conditions. However, the earliest time for Ranetki to bloom is mid-May. The flowers are usually very abundant, densely arranged on the branches, growing in clusters. They can range in color from snow-white to deep pink-red, and exude a very strong fragrance at this time. Because of this characteristic, the variety is often planted not for apple harvesting, but for ornamental purposes. The flowering period of this variety is approximately 10-12 days.

Fruiting and growth

Ranetki grow quite quickly, so the maximum harvest can be expected by the 7th or 8th year, when their growth spurt ends. Most subspecies can be harvested as early as August, but some may take until September. It's important not to miss this moment, otherwise the apples will simply fall off. They can't be stored, so it's best to process them all immediately.

Please share your thoughts on Ranetki, as every gardener would be delighted to grow such a beautiful tree on their property, bearing healthy and delicious fruit.