"Idared" - quite a known variety of winter apples, which is common in many areas. In this article we will provide a description of these apples with photos, as well as consider their advantages and disadvantages.
Breeding history
"Idared" - a variety of apples, which was bred by American breeders in 1935 as a result of hybridization of no less famous varieties "Jonathan" and "Wagner". This variety is unpretentious, so it is widely popular, grown for export. By the end of the 60s, it became widespread in Ukraine and Russia.
Did you know? Apple orchards occupy almost 5 million hectares on the planet.
Tree description
Apple tree of this variety characterized by large size. It belongs to vigorous. The tree reaches a height of 6 meters, is volumetric, has a large trunk, massive, well-developed branches that depart from the trunk at an acute angle. Crown in the form of a ball, branches covered with dense foliage. Bark and thick branches of gray-brown color, young branches, as a rule, of a gray shade. The leaves are dark green, elongated, glossy, spiky.
Such features are characteristic of a tree of 5-8 years old, and the increased growth is observed only in young apple trees.
Begins to bloom in 3-5 years of life in the last days of April - in early May. The flowers are large, saucer-shaped, white, with an expressive pink edge, connected in corymbose inflorescences.
Check out the most popular varieties of apples: "Lingonberry", "Gala", "Florina", "Gift to gardeners", "Anis", "Golden Delicious", "Solntsedar", "Jonagold", "Arkadik", "Wonderful", " Jung and Starkrimson.
Fruit Description
The fruits of the apple are large, weighing about 145-175 g. There is a cone-shaped shape, a green-yellow color with a rich crimson blush that covers the apple almost completely. The skin is delicate, but rather dense, covered with a weak wax coating. Pulp of ripe fruit is light cream, juicy, sweet-sour taste, moderately odorous, fine-grained.
The chemical composition of apples
| Dry matter | 13,5 % |
| Sugar | 10,5 % |
| Vitamin C | 11.5 mg / 100 g |
| P-active substances | 120 mg / 100 g |
| Titrated acids | 0,6 % |
Calorie apples "Idared" is 47-50 kcal.
Energy value of fruits
| Squirrels | 0.4 g - 2 kcal |
| Fat | 0.4 g - 4 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9.8 g - 39 kcal |
Energy ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates: 3% / 8% / 83%.
Lighting Requirements
Light is the main factor that ensures the process of photosynthesis. Since the crown of the tree is highly developed, it needs timely pruning to provide side and top illumination. It is important to ensure that sufficient light reaches both the surface and the inside of the crown on the south and west sides. 
Soil requirements
The soil where the "Idared" apples grow should be nutritious, with good permeability and aeration. The best are areas with chernozem and light loam. Acidity (pH) - 6-7. Groundwater should be no closer than 2 meters from the surface.
Important! Apple tree does not tolerate areas with constant flooding, so it should be planted in elevated places.
Pollination
Pollen of this variety is characterized by a high degree of resilience - 42-87%. In the case of natural self-pollination, from 1.7 to 2.4% of fruits are formed, in the process of artificial pollination - from 2.7 to 7%, by the main pollinators - from 12 to 24%. Favorable pollinators are considered such varieties: Wagner, Ruby Duc, Red Delicious, Gloucester, Florin. 
Apple trees of the Idared variety possess self-infertility, therefore gardeners advise planting nearby pollinating trees.
Fruiting
Type of fruiting - mixed. Fruits are equally placed throughout the length of the branches, no exposure is noticed. At the time of harvesting, 2-3 apples are kept on the collar. During periods of increased harvest, fruits often constitute a small garland.
The first harvest should be expected 5-6 years after planting a tree.
Gestation period
Completion of the ripening interval - the last days of September. Earlier this period, the fruit is not recommended to collect, as this may adversely affect the taste and quality of apples. 
Did you know? From the 16th to the 19th century, Europeans decorated New Year's trees with apples, choosing bright fruits.
Yield
Apple trees of this variety have great fruitfulness and invariably bear fruit. In some regions, yield indicators are equal to 300-400 centners / ha. At the age of 6-7 years up to 30 kg of apples are given, at the age of 10-13 years up to 90 kg.
Transportability and storage
Idared apples are highly transportable, therefore they are often used for industrial purposes. The level of feasibility of fruit - 88-92%. 
Under the right conditions, apples can last up to six months without losing their properties. If the place of storage is a cellar, the fruits can lie for six months, if this is a refrigerator - until the next summer season.
Disease and Pest Resistance
An excellent property of this variety is resistance to many diseases and pests, especially to brown spot. It should also be noted that these apples are moderately resistant to scab, so it is necessary to carry out preventive processing during the growing season.
Winter hardiness
Growing a variety of apples "Idared" is recommended in regions where the temperature does not fall below -20 ° C, since the susceptibility to freezing in trees is high even with an increased level of stem wrapping. In warm areas degree of winter hardiness is average. 
Important! Apple trees are not easy to withstand cold winds, so a place with persistent drafts will not work for it.
Fruit use
It is recommended to eat fruits fresh, which retains all the valuable properties. They are characterized by great juiciness, so they are often used in the manufacture of juices and compotes. Apples make excellent dried fruits, jams, and jam. They are also added to salads and pastries, which gives the dish an original taste.
Advantages and disadvantages
This variety has many positive qualities, but some negative ones can be traced alongside them. 
pros
- Great yield.
- It tolerates dryness.
- Excellent transportability.
- High degree of ecological adaptation.
- Early fruiting.
- Fruits are stored for a long time.
- Consist of a huge amount of vitamins.
- Used for breeding new varieties.
Minuses
- Low resistance to scab and powdery mildew.
- Need constant feeding.
If you want your apple tree to bear fruit every year, read how to deal with powdery mildew on an apple tree.
Knowing the main characteristics of the apple tree "Idared" and adhering to the main recommendations for the care, gardeners will not be hard to get excellent harvest of fruits.
