The “Red Early” apple tree is a compact tree with small, beautiful and very tasty fruits. The variety has long and firmly established itself in the gardens of the Central Black Earth region and in areas with arid climates, having received the title of record holder for early ripening.
The fruits of the “Red Early” variety are small in size, but are distinguished by high taste characteristics and beautiful appearance
In the table below you can get acquainted with the main characteristics of the variety:
| Parameter | Characteristic |
| Culture | Apple tree (Malus domestica Borkh.) |
| Variety | "Red Early" |
| Tree height | Medium height: 3-3.5 m, but can reach 5 m (depending on the rootstock) |
| Precociousness | Average: 4-5 years after planting |
| Period of (storage) consumption | Summer; Apples can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than a month. |
| Terms of removable (technical) maturity | Late July – early August |
| Type of fruiting | Mixed: fruits are set on ringlets, spears and on annual growths |
| Productivity of an adult tree | On average 27 kg per season, regular |
| Size and weight of fruits | Mostly below average - 90 g, but can reach 120 g |
| Shape and color | The fruits are one-dimensional, have a regular round or truncated-conical shape with a smooth surface. The main color of the skin is light yellow, the outer color is bright red, with white oblong spots scattered throughout the skin. The skin is of medium density, covered with a thick waxy coating. Subcutaneous dots are small, white, clearly visible |
| Fruit pulp | Creamy, the skin is reddish, tender, has a light aroma |
| Tasting assessment (taste qualities) | 4.4 points (out of 5) |
| Purpose of fruits | Dessert (universal) |
| Sustainability | Good drought resistance, average winter hardiness and resistance to diseases and pests |
| Year of inclusion in the State Register of the Russian Federation | 1994 |
| Recommended growing regions | Central Black Earth, Lower Volga |
| Originator | Federal State Budgetary Institution "Federal Scientific Center named after I.V. Michurin" (Michurinsk, Tambov region) |
Description and photo of the Red Early variety
REFERENCE! The origin of the variety dates back to 1965.
During this period, breeders crossed such varieties as Vesna and Melba. The result was the Red Early variety. But in the initial period it turned out to be not entirely worthy, since it did not have sufficient frost resistance. Although it was in demand in the southern regions, since the drought resistance of this variety was excellent. The Red Early apple tree has a relatively small fruit size. The tree has a small trunk and crown. Despite the fact that the fruits are small in size, this variety is purchased by almost every person who has tried an apple from this tree. It is thanks to the taste of the fruit that it is widespread in most regions of the country.
The Red Early apple tree is one of the summer varieties. The harvest is harvested from the end of July until August.
Red early apple tree branch with fruits.
This early ripening variety was bred at the All-Russian Research Institute named after I.V. Michurin. The variety was created by G.A. Lobanov, Z. Ivanov and V.K. Zaets. It is zoned for the Central Black Earth region.
The main distinguishing feature is self-pollination . The tree begins to bear fruit at 4-5 years of age. At the same time, the crop grows every year, with the exception of particularly difficult situations, for example, a severe drought that lasted several years, etc.
Advantages and disadvantages
One of the advantages is the attractive appearance of apples . They are often used in decorative compositions. Possessing an attractive appearance, the fruits are very tasty. In this case, ripening occurs at the end of July and beginning of August.
The variety is drought-resistant and therefore is an alternative for those places where a hot climate prevails.
Fruit of the Red early apple tree.
The disadvantage is that the size of the fruit decreases over time . As the fruits ripen, they begin to crumble , so it is necessary to have time to collect the ripe harvest. The best option would be to collect the fruits in several stages.
Another disadvantage is the poor keeping quality of the fruit. They can be stored for one month in a cool and dark place. In addition, the variety exhibits poor preservation during transportation.
Breeding work based on variety
Such a successful apple tree as “Melba”, of course, attracted special attention from breeders. Over the years, scientists from different countries have developed quite a few varieties based on it, which have inherited the positive qualities of the “mother” plant, but are free from some of its shortcomings: “Red Melba” (“Red Melba”) – obtained by Canadian specialists
The plant bears bright red fruits that are larger than those of the parent form. The tree has higher frost resistance and is less often affected by scab and insect pests.
“Red Melba” (“Red Melba”) – obtained by Canadian specialists. The plant bears bright red fruits that are larger than those of the parent form. The tree is characterized by higher frost resistance and is less often affected by the scab pathogen and insect pests.
In the photo there is an apple tree of the Red Melba variety.“Melba’s Daughter” is a plant of domestic selection (Pavlovsk experimental station in the Leningrad region), in all characteristics it strongly resembles the parent form, but is more winter-hardy and gets sick less often. Apples are very tasty and juicy, but cannot be stored for long. The variety is not self-fertile. Experts recommend planting “mother” and “daughter” next to each other so that they serve as pollinators for each other. In such cases, very high yields can be achieved.
In the photo – apple tree “Melba’s Daughter”
“Zavetnoe” is a Russian variety obtained at the Siberian Research Institute of Horticulture named after. M. A. Lisavenko, officially included in the State Register of the Russian Federation in 1995. Zoned for Tomsk, Omsk, Tyumen regions and Altai Territory. The plant is resistant to low temperatures, diseases and pests. Early winter variety, universal purpose, early fruiting. The keeping quality of the fruit is good.
In the photo – an apple tree of the “Zavetnoe” variety
“Early Aloe” is a variety bred by specialists of the All-Russian Research Institute for Breeding Fruit Crops, registered in the State Register since 1998. It is superior in frost resistance to the mother form and is resistant to desiccation and damping off. Zoned for central Russia (Central Black Earth District), but tolerates the climate of the North-Western region well. The plant is self-sterile and requires pollinators.
In the photo – apples of the “Early Aloe” variety
“Red Early” is the result of the work of employees of VNIIS named after. I.V. Michurina, obtained by crossing “Melba” and “Spring”, registered in the State Register in 1994. The variety is early summer, has increased drought resistance, and is recommended for cultivation in the southern regions (Central Chernozem, Lower Volga). Self-fertility is high. The fruits are small, and the plant itself is quite compact. The harvest ripens gradually, from the end of July to the end of August, but the apples are poorly suited for storage and transportation.
In the photo – an apple tree of the “Red Early” variety
“Prima” was zoned by specialists from the North Caucasus Federal Scientific Center for Horticulture, Viticulture and Winemaking and included in the State Register in 1996 as approved for cultivation in regions with warm and temperate climates. The fruits have good consumer qualities and high transportability.
In the photo - the fruits of the Prima apple tree
additional characteristics
Tree height
The tree is medium-sized and its height can reach 5 meters. This is a pretty good indicator. Since such a height of the tree will allow for better care and harvesting.
Apple tree Red early.
Crown width
At a young age, the crown of the tree is round in shape, and when it reaches about five years of age, the crown takes the form of a slightly spreading tree. The width of the crown depends on how you shape it.
Attention! If we neglect shaping, the width of the crown can reach three meters.
Productivity
When the tree reaches four to five years of age, the first harvest can be obtained. In this case, the fruits can be collected annually. This is another advantage of the variety. The tree's yield is 27 kilograms. This is a big load on the tree. Such a harvest can be obtained when the tree is 7 or more years old.
Red early is a high-yielding variety.
Tasting assessment
The tasting score ranges from 4.44 to 4.47 on a five-point scale. In appearance 4.5 points. From the data obtained it is clear that the variety is very tasty and beautiful for most people.
Winter hardiness
The variety has average winter hardiness. Freezing of one to one and a half points was observed in the period from 1967 to 1969.
Resistance to diseases and pests
Tree of average resistance to diseases and pests. Therefore, it is affected by diseases such as:
- Powdery mildew;
- Scab;
- Cytosporosis;
- Fruit rot;
- Apple cancer.
Watch the video on how to recognize apple tree diseases and cure them:
Pests that harm trees include:
- Aphid;
- Apple moth;
- Leaf roller;
- Codling moth.
Reviews
Nadezhda, Tomsk. “Having planted the Krasnoe Predshere apple tree on our plot, we got our first harvest this year. Reviews about the apple tree were only positive. Good taste. The taste of apples is quite specific and resembles the aroma of dessert sweets “Fruit and berry taste”. Many thanks to those who created this tasty and juicy variety of apples.”
Vera, Kurgan. “An apple tree of this variety has been growing in my garden for more than 20 years. During the entire period of cultivation, the apple tree always pleases with an abundant and very tasty harvest. The red fruits are juicy and sweet. The apples ripen early, which makes this variety in demand. The tree itself is quite unpretentious. Sometimes it is affected by diseases, but the tree does not cause much harm.
Apples make amazing jam, marmalade, compote, and most importantly, natural and very healthy juice. In my garden, "Red Previously" is one of my favorites. And if you haven’t yet, I recommend it, you won’t regret it.”
Valery, Krasnodar. “The variety of this apple tree came to me completely by accident. By mistake, at the market I lost the Red Early variety instead of the Dream variety. Having planted a tree, I thought that I had a “Dream”, but only six months later I discovered the inscription on the tag “Red Early”. Immediately going online, I decided to read reviews about the variety. They were vague. Some wrote that the variety was not good, but many wrote a positive opinion. So I decided to keep it for myself and taste the first apple.
Surprisingly, this variety turned out to be the earliest. In addition, the taste is quite decent, somewhat reminiscent of Geneva, but instead of sourness there is a pleasant sweetness. I recommend to everyone!"
The variety was given good reviews due to its sweet and sour taste, pleasant aroma and delicate taste of the fruit. One of the main advantages of the variety is its early ripening and stable annual fruiting.
Features of planting and care
Landing
IMPORTANT! The optimal time for planting an apple tree is the period that begins in mid-April.
It's better to do this before the buds open. The point is that during the period when the buds have not blossomed, all the necessary nutrients and elements are in a clogged state.
And if you plant in the spring at this time, the seedling will be practically unharmed and will spend its energy not on rooting, but on blossoming and further development.
It is during the initial period that the formation of plant tissues and organs occurs, which is why it is so important. Which ultimately affects the production of a large and high-quality harvest.
The distance between apple trees when planting varies from 4 to 5 meters , and between rows from 3 to 4 meters.
Watch the video on how to properly plant apple trees in spring:
Growing
To obtain a good and abundant harvest, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of growing an apple tree. It requires bright lighting, pruning, and watering .
It is necessary to water abundantly, but not often. Also feed with mineral fertilizers several times every two to three months.
The apple tree needs to be watered abundantly, but not often.
Trimming
To improve the health of the tree and obtain a bountiful harvest, pruning is carried out during the spring months. There are two ways to prune apple trees.
This is shortening , which is necessary to stimulate the growth of dormant buds and the formation of new shoots.
And thinning, which is carried out to lighten the crown, removes branches directed deep into the tree.
Watch a video tutorial on pruning apple trees:
Crown formation
For the Red Early apple tree, the formation of a tiered - sparse crown is more often used.
When forming a crown of this type, starting from the first year, you need to lay a trunk 50 centimeters high; there will be branches of the first order. At a height of 80 centimeters there are branches of the second order. Branches above this level are pruned in the first year.
For the 2nd year, we leave the two lower branches that look in opposite directions. In the third year, we form the number of shoots on the skeletal branches. And on the fourth we lay the last tier.
Crown formation by year.
Watch the video on how to properly form the crown of a young apple tree:
Pollinator varieties
One of the features of the apple tree variety is its self-pollinating ability. No pollinators required.
Agricultural technology
Planting Red Early seedlings can be done in spring or autumn, the main thing is to meet the deadline. It is advisable to choose a flat, well-lit area, taking into account that the distance to the nearest neighbor is at least 2.5 m. The soils are loose and nutritious, with neutral acidity, for example, loam or chernozem. When choosing a suitable location, you should avoid lowlands and areas where the groundwater level is no higher than 1.5 m to the surface. Watering is carried out as needed, in the southern regions - at least 3 - 4 times during the growing season. It is especially important to moisten the trees before flowering, when the apple tree has finished blooming, and at the time of fruiting. Young trees are fertilized at least 2 times per season. Fruit-bearing plants will need at least 3 applications of nutrients; you can alternate organic matter and mineral fertilizers. After the crown has been formed, in the spring, before sap flow begins, thinning pruning should be carried out, which will help reduce the density of the crown and increase the size of the fruit. Sanitary pruning is carried out as necessary. During the period when the yield begins to fade, a rejuvenating procedure is carried out. In winter, the root zone should be insulated with mulch. The skeletal branches and trunk of a young tree can be wrapped in any breathable material.
The early Red apple tree, despite its age, remains a popular variety. The plant is unpretentious, small (on clonal rootstock), and easy to care for. The main distinguishing qualities of our hero are precocity and self-fertility. It is also worth noting the good and stable yield, excellent drought resistance and the dessert taste of the fruit, which many liked. In favorable winters there is no need to worry about the safety of the tree, but if the weather resembles a swing, then it is worth thinking about insulating the branches and trunk. Insufficient immunity will require repeated treatment, but if this procedure is carried out on time, then scab is unlikely to harm this apple tree. Disadvantages also include the shrinking of fruits as the crop ages, the need for thinning pruning and a short storage period for the crop.
Features of ripening and fruiting
After planting, this variety begins to bear fruit in the fourth and fifth year.
At the same time, it brings a harvest every year.
Flowering occurs, like most apple trees, in late May and early June.
And you can already taste the first apples at the end of July or early August and until late autumn.
Important! Apples can be stored for no more than one month. Provided that they are in a cool room under optimal temperature conditions.
Apple tree Red early
On a dwarf rootstock
This type of apple tree is obtained by grafting a cultivated species onto a dwarf rootstock. A distinctive feature of a dwarf tree is that its height is halved. Dwarf trees are compact. Since the tree is not tall, it is easy to care for and also harvest.
Red Early apple tree on a dwarf rootstock.
Columnar
The columnar apple tree has unique properties . Many short side shoots grow on the trunk of the tree, on which the fruits of this variety grow.
At the same time, it has a compact crown and a shallow root system. Therefore, in one area the number of apple trees can increase several times. At the same time, productivity will increase. Since the apple tree is not tall, this also makes it easier to care for and harvest.
Appearance
A rounded crown with a short tree growth is an excellent garden decoration
Thanks to its external characteristics, the Red Early apple tree will not only delight you with its delicious apples, but will also become a decoration for any garden plot.
| Qualitative characteristics | Description |
| Crown | Thick and round. |
| Branches | They are located next to each other and extend from the main trunk at an angle of 90 degrees. |
| Bark | Brown. |
| Escapes | Medium size, covered with slight fluff. |
| Leaves | Oval in shape, green-yellow in color and small in size. The leaf plate is smooth, and there are small notches along the edges. |
| Inflorescences | Medium in size, white. |
| Fruit | Small bright red apples look very similar to toy ones, which is why children love them so much. Their shape is round, and their weight reaches, at best, 100 grams. They decrease over time. The smooth skin is of medium thickness and slippery to the touch. The funnel of the fruit is narrow and deep, and the saucer is shallow and wide. Brown seeds are medium in size. The seed chambers are half-open. The pulp is light yellow, loose, and has a sweet and sour taste. |
Small bright red fruits reach a maximum weight of 100 grams
Peculiarities of cultivation in different regions of the country
The Red Early apple tree variety in the Moscow region bears fruit constantly and abundantly. The fruits reach 120 grams. The variety shows its positive winter-hardy qualities. At the same time, it is well resistant to dry conditions, but is often affected by diseases such as scab.
In the Volga region, this variety is considered ancient. Productivity is average, but fruiting occurs annually.
In the Leningrad region, as in other regions of the country, the variety shows average but stable yields . All quality parameters of the variety remain unchanged.
Preparing for winter
The “Red Early” variety requires a pre-winter preparatory stage. Preparations for cold weather should begin in the fall:
- it is necessary to collect fallen leaves, destroy weeds, remove diseased and damaged branches;
- The old bark needs to be peeled off the trunk, the wounds must be sealed with garden pitch, and whitewashing must also be carried out.
- you should feed the tree to eliminate the deficiency of potassium and phosphorus; when applying fertilizer, be sure to dig up the tree trunk circle.
To protect the plant from frost, it is necessary to mulch the roots, as well as wrap the trunk and skeletal branches with breathable material.
