Planting and caring for columnar apple trees in Siberia, cultivation and the best varieties

Gardeners in Siberia are very responsible in choosing the crops that are planted on the site. Of course, no one wants their work to go to waste, and in conditions of severe frost and short summer, not all apple trees are able to survive. However, there are varieties of columnar apple trees for Siberia that are convenient to cover for the winter, and they have time to ripen.

Columnar apple trees.

Features of a columnar apple tree

To imagine the features of a columnar apple tree, let’s compare it with an ordinary apple tree.
Having planted a seedling of an ordinary apple tree, you will pick the first apple in the 4th or 5th year at best. A columnar apple tree can please you with fruits already in the year of planting. True, not all columns are so early in fruiting; there are varieties that begin to bear fruit in 2 or 3 years. An ordinary garden apple tree requires a lot of space and a lot of light. The apple tree has a spreading crown consisting of fruiting branches and growths. The root system of an apple tree occupies a fairly large area, 2 times larger than the diameter of the crown. So the apple tree is the queen of the garden. Raspberries grow well next to an apple tree, but you can’t plant vegetables under an apple tree. After all, the apple tree provides strong shading. And other trees have to be planted further away from the apple tree.

The situation is completely different with columnar apple trees. The columnar form does not have a crown in the usual sense. A tree grows, the trunk of which is covered with small short branches. Flower buds appear at the ends of the branches, and then fruits. This unusual type of branching is the main distinguishing feature of a columnar apple tree. By the way, when buying a columnar apple tree seedling, it is almost impossible to be deceived, precisely due to the peculiarities of the shape. It is clear that such a tree in the garden takes up very little space and practically does not provide shade. The shoots of a columnar apple tree grow straight upward, and not to the sides, like ordinary apple trees. It is recommended to remove growths while maintaining the strict shape of the column. But even if you don’t do any pruning, the columnar apple tree will bear fruit on its side shoots, although the shape of the tree will resemble a pyramidal poplar.

One of the visible advantages of a columnar apple tree is the ease of harvesting the fruits. The fruits seem to stick to the tree trunk, so there is no need to perform acrobatic exercises while removing the fruits.

Columnar apple trees also have their weaknesses. Every year, one central shoot should develop from the apical bud, due to which growth occurs. But in frosty winters the apical bud is damaged. This also happens with ordinary apple trees. But this is not scary for them, because there are many side branches. If the apical bud of a columnar apple tree is damaged, the tree produces 2 or 3 shoots, which leads to disruption of the columnar shape. To prevent this, experts advise preparing the columnar apple tree for winter in advance. To do this, the leaf near the apical bud should be completely removed in September. This simple technique is aimed at stopping the growing season and directing the tree’s energy to ripening the wood and preparing for winter.

How to plant a columnar apple tree in spring in Siberia

When planting columnar apple trees in Siberia, it is especially important to set a time frame and also choose a location. The condition of the seedlings themselves is no less important. The basic selection rules, as well as the planting algorithm, are described below.

Selection of seedlings

It is better to buy seedlings from nurseries and other responsible suppliers with a long-standing reputation. When choosing planting material, you should pay attention to several points:

1. Availability of a tag with age, description of the rootstock, variety or relevant documentation from the seller.
2. The appearance of the roots - it is worth taking seedlings in pots and transferring them to the ground using the transshipment method, preserving the earthen lump as much as possible.
3. 2-year-old seedlings are best suited for planting, although it is also possible to purchase annual ones, and such a plant should not have shoots.
4. General healthy appearance - no mechanical damage or signs of disease.

It is recommended to purchase seedlings in pots

Important! If the plant has bare roots, they need to be sprayed with a spray bottle to be delivered in a moist state.

The day before planting, it can be soaked in a clay mash with a solution of a growth stimulator, for example, Epin or Heteroauxin.

Landing dates

It is better to plant columnar apple trees in Siberia in the spring. The standard period is autumn, but for regions with harsh winters this option is not suitable, since young seedlings can be seriously damaged and even die in frosts.

Therefore, it is best to start work in the first half of April, when the snow masses have completely melted and the temperature has become consistently positive. At the same time, short-term night frosts are not terrible, but if the soil has not yet thawed at a depth of 30-40 cm, you should wait another 2-3 weeks.

Selecting a location

Fruit trees thrive best in open, dry areas, well protected from draft winds. Buildings can be located nearby if they do not create shade, but the presence of large trees in the neighborhood is undesirable, since they will take away water and nutrients dissolved in it.

When choosing a place for planting columnar apple trees in Siberia, you should exclude lowlands, since water constantly accumulates here after rains. You also need to make sure that groundwater comes no higher than 1.5-2 m to the surface. Otherwise, the roots will suffer from excess moisture and may die.

Landing technology

Since columnar apple trees have a compact crown, they can be planted next to each other with a small interval of 1-2 m. The sequence of actions is as follows:

1. Dig holes with a depth and diameter of 70-80 cm.
2. Place the support in the center (you can take a peg).
3. Place a layer of small stones on the bottom.
4. Then plant the seedling and sprinkle it with fertile soil.
5. Compact so that the root collar goes to a depth of 5-7 cm.
6. Water and after a few days mulch with hay, straw or other materials.

Scheme of planting and pruning a columnar apple tree seedling

Main pests and diseases of columnar apple trees

Like other types of apple trees, columnar trees are not able to independently resist pests, which is why gardeners have to spray the crown with special preparations even when insect damage is not severe. At the same time, one cannot help but note the fact that columnar varieties have a higher level of resistance to pests and diseases, so it is easier to deal with them than when growing conventional varieties of these fruit trees.

In epiphytotic years, a massive invasion of bud pests, aphids and flower beetles can cause significant damage to the crop. Protection against this scourge involves the use of the same measures as in ordinary apple orchards: spring treatment with special preparations, collecting and burning leaves and branches remaining after winter, etc.

Columnar apple trees and insecticidal plants (for example, lemon balm, dill, marigold or calendula) provide good protection, especially since planting them will not only help solve this problem, but will also help decorate the garden.

Columnar

Columnar apple trees appeared in Russia in 1972. Today, about a hundred of their species are known. Gardeners value columnar varieties for their small size, visual attractiveness, fast and intense fruiting, easy care and picking of apples.

The president

Semi-dwarf columnar variety. Bred in 1974. Height - 2-2.5 m. One tree grows from 8 to 16 kg of apples. Ripening - late August to mid-September.

The apples are light yellow, with a purple-red blush. Shape: round or turnip-shaped. Weight – 140-250 g. The taste is pleasant, dessert, sweet and sour. Apples can be stored for up to one and a half months. Tasty fresh, they can be processed, including dried. The variety can withstand frost and is resistant to diseases and pests.

Currency

Winter columnar variety. Compact tree up to 2 m high. Productivity – up to 150 t/ha and up to 10 kg per tree. Apple picking – early October. The fruits rarely fall off and you don’t have to rush into harvesting. The harvest is obtained from the age of 4 - in the amount of 5 kg.

The apples are large, round, yellow with red sides. Weight – 150-250 g. Resistance to scab and other diseases of apple trees. The fruits look beautiful - without rot or wormholes. The taste is sweet, slightly acidic. Apples are stored until February. Suitable for drying and preservation. Well transported.

Nectar

Late summer early fruiting apple tree. Columnar, self-fertile, semi-dwarf apple trees. They do not require pollinators. It grows extremely quickly - the first fruits appear in the second year of planting. Even in the first year of planting there may be apples. By the 5th year, the tree's yield is 5-15 kg. Apples ripen in late summer and early autumn. Tree height – up to 2.5 m.

Round yellow apples weigh 100-250 g. Very sweet, with snow-white pulp, honey aroma and taste. The fruits are universal – tasty fresh and suitable for any processing. Disadvantages: perishable fruits and short fruiting period.

Iksha

Dwarf columnar variety. Apples are ready by September. Up to 6 kg of apples are collected from a tree. The harvest appears already in the first year after planting.

Apples are green, glossy, with a yellowish tint. Weight – 150-220 g. Shape – flat-spherical. The variety is resistant to scab and fungi. The fruits retain their presentation and taste for about 2 months. If stored properly, the fruit can be stored until April. Juicy and aromatic apples are an excellent raw material for cider. Due to the sweetness of the fruit, you can save on sugar when canning.

Ostankino

The variety was bred in the Moscow region in the 70s, especially for the middle zone. This columnar, winter-hardy variety can also grow in Siberian conditions. 5-16 kg of apples are collected from a tree. The height of the tree is about 2 m. The first fruits are 4-5 pieces, appearing in the second year. Harvesting is in September.

Apples weigh 100-200 g. The shape is flattened, wide-ribbed. The skin is light yellow, acquiring a purple blush as it ripens. The pulp is white and juicy. Sweet and sour taste. The variety is resistant to diseases, especially scab. Stored until December.

Vasyugan

Late summer columnar variety. Due to its high winter hardiness, it is in demand not only in the middle zone, but in Siberia. Height – up to 3 m. Harvesting – up to 6-7 kg per plant. From 1 hectare - up to 100 tons. Fruits for about 15 years.

The apples are medium-sized, elongated-conical. Yellow-green fruits weigh 100-140 g. The fruits are hard, with a dense peel. There is a pink-red integumentary color. The white-cream pulp has an excellent taste, although it has a pronounced sourness. Stored for 1 month.

Triumph

Semi-dwarf apple tree. Height – up to 2 m. The variety belongs to the autumn variety. Harvest - for 1-2 years. Fruiting period is 18 years. Large annual increase in yield. Up to 10 kg is collected from an adult tree. If you increase the intensity of care, you can double the yield. There is no harvest cycle - with good care, the variety bears fruit every year.

The apples are dark red, the flesh is white, crispy. Very good taste - you can feel the aftertaste of candy and honey notes. The pulp has a pleasant aroma and slight sourness. Weight – 100-150 g, maximum – 200 g. Winter hardiness is average

It is important to insulate the tree for the winter. This is a minus for Siberia

The fruits are stored for a month, no more.

Caring for columnar apple trees

Young, not yet fully rooted seedlings require intensive watering (about twice a week throughout the entire season). In April-May, depending on the climate zone, root feeding can be done. 30 g of ammonium nitrate and nitroammophoska, as well as 1-2 buckets of humus, are added to the tree trunk circles for digging.

Before flowering, it is recommended to use a solution of urea, which saturates the soil with nitrogen, protects against scab and spotting, and helps fight aphids. About 150 g of urea is applied to a young tree, about 200 g to a fruiting tree. In March, you can also spray (500 g of 5% urea per 10 liters of water).

After flowering, you can use nitrophoska and sodium humate - according to the instructions on the package. It is not recommended to apply more than 3 buckets of the composition to one tree.

To help plants prepare for winter, it is necessary to use phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. You can buy them in the store or prepare them yourself. To do this, add 1 tbsp to 10 liters of water. potassium chloride and 2 tbsp. double granular superphosphate.

What are the benefits of columnar apple tree varieties?

The main advantage of columnar apple trees is their compactness. They grow up to 2.5 m in height, and the crown diameter does not exceed 0.5 m. Such trees are an excellent find for areas with a small area, since they can be planted quite close to each other: at a distance of 0.8-1 m.

In addition, columnar apple trees are characterized by high productivity: from 7 to 15 kg of fruit are removed from the tree. Another undeniable advantage is the precociousness of these trees. Fruiting can begin already in the first year after planting. The main thing is not to forget to apply fertilizers to the soil in a timely manner.

The most popular varieties among gardeners are Valyuta, Moscow Necklace, Ostankino, Amber Necklace, President, Malyukha, Iksha. Let's talk about them.

A winter variety of columnar apple trees that bear fruit well. The trees are dwarf, with a compact crown, do not require special care, and are resistant to most diseases. The apples are round, golden in color with a red blush, juicy, sweet and sour taste.

Entry into fruiting

Tree height (m)

Autumn variety of columnar apple trees with high yield. The trees are low and compact. The fruits are round, yellowish in color with a striped blush. They taste sweet and sour, very juicy. Apple trees of the Iksha variety are resistant to many diseases and pests.

Entry into fruiting

Tree height (m)

An autumn variety of columnar apple trees that bear fruit well every year. The trees are low, growing up to 1.8 m in height. The fruits are elongated, yellow-green in color with a slight pinkish blush, sweet and sour, with a pleasant aroma. The variety is highly resistant to diseases and pests.

Entry into fruiting

Tree height (m)

Planting and caring for columnar apple trees in Siberia, cultivation and the best varieties

Due to the harsh climate in Siberia, not all varieties of fruit crops are able to adequately withstand sub-zero temperatures and sudden cold snaps.

But thanks to breeders, frost-resistant plants have been developed that not only have a high degree of resistance to adverse environmental factors, but also produce a bountiful harvest.

The main thing is to choose the right columnar apple trees for Siberia.

Characteristics of apple trees for Siberia

A distinctive feature of columnar apple trees is the absence of lateral branches, which is explained by the presence of a special Co gene. In such trees, branches grow from the central conductor at an acute angle, almost along it. Due to their appearance they resemble pyramidal poplars.

The trunk of columnar apple trees is quite thick; small branches are formed on it, at the tops of which flower buds are located. Often, instead of lateral branches, fruitlets, spears or ringlets are formed. Thick shoots have shortened internodes.

In dwarf varieties, the tendency to branch is less; if compared with medium-sized plants, it is 1.5-3 times, and with tall plants - 4 times.

Columnar apple trees attract the attention of gardeners with their early fruiting; the first fruits can be collected already in the 2-3rd year of the tree’s life. After the fifth year, the harvest becomes more abundant, and from the seventh - consistently high, but this is subject to proper agricultural technology and care

The duration of the ability to actively bear fruit in such apple trees is 15-20 years, after which most of the ringlets die. Extending the life of a tree is only possible if strong or medium-growing varieties are grown on seed rootstocks through the grafting procedure.

How to choose a variety?

To choose the right variety for the difficult Siberian conditions, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

• Frost resistance indicator. Plants with a high level of endurance and winter hardiness that are not afraid of sub-zero temperatures of -50 degrees are suitable for cultivating apple trees in Siberia. In addition, they must be distinguished by their ability to bear fruit even with a lack of sunlight and moisture.
• Productivity indicator. The best option is high-yielding varieties that bear fruit 2-3 years after grafting.
• Apple ripening time. For planting in the northern regions, it is recommended to choose varieties with early and medium ripening, the fruits of which can already be harvested at the beginning of the summer or autumn season. It is not advisable to purchase winter varieties, otherwise at the end of August, due to night frosts, the crop may deteriorate and not be stored for a long time.

Varieties with a high level of frost resistance, excellent immunity and the ability to produce a bountiful harvest with minimal care are suitable for cultivation in Siberia.

For information! Early ripening varieties are not intended for long-term storage. The fruits are harvested in July and last until August; the shelf life of such fruits is low.

Landing dates

In order for the young plant to take root better, it should be planted in the spring, when the soil is sufficiently warm. The main thing is to be in time before the intense sap flow begins.

Preparing for the winter

Even when planting frost-resistant trees, there is no guarantee that they will be able to withstand severe Siberian frosts. Columnar apple trees are recommended to be protected with covering material by wrapping the trunk with chain-link mesh or spruce branches.

Shaping and trimming

In the first year after planting on trees, all ovaries should be removed, except 1-2 pieces for fruit sampling. In 2-3 years, half of the ovaries are cut off, leaving more and more flowers every year. Pruning is performed in order to free the tree from deformed and weak branches. In Siberia, the top of the apple tree is often shortened before the first strong shoot.

Apple tree varieties by region of Siberia

Considering that Siberia has a fairly large territory, where climatic features vary somewhat, it is worth choosing the right variety for a particular area.

Western Siberia

The recommended option for columnar apple trees is semi-dwarf varieties, no more than 2 m high. President and Medok are especially popular.

Varieties for Siberia

As already reported above, Siberia is a very large territory with different climatic conditions.

Varietal material of even the same variety will behave differently in each area.

Western

Semi-dwarf types , whose height does not exceed two meters:

• The president,
• Nectar.

Columnar apple tree President.
They ripen at the end of August or mid-September. They successfully tolerate the conditions of Western Siberia.

They tolerate replanting very well due to the density and compactness of the roots.

They have quite large fruits , about 200 g. Medok’s have them sweetish, while President’s have more sourness.

Eastern

More suitable for this climate:

• Iksha,
• Vasyugan.

They tolerate forty-degree frosts and are successfully grown .

But they all require special attention and the creation of certain conditions.

How to deal with pests and diseases of a columnar apple tree

To destroy pests when growing columnar apple trees, insecticides are used that destroy not only the harmful insects themselves, but also their eggs and larvae. Fungicides are used to prevent fungal diseases. Spraying is carried out in the spring before flowering. In this case, the composition must be shaken periodically, otherwise, as a result of separation, its effectiveness may decrease. First, it is worth carrying out a test spraying of one tree. If burns appear on young leaves, it is necessary to reduce the concentration or replace the drug.

For spraying, you can use both complex and single preparations, for example:

• copper sulfate - prevents rotting and the development of fungal diseases, also promotes wound healing, destroys some insects (100 g of 1% copper sulfate per 10 liters of water);
• colloidal sulfur is an effective remedy against powdery mildew, scab, anthracnose, ascochyta blight and plant mites, effective for 12 days after spraying (80 g of the drug per 10 liters of water).

In May, after flowering has ended, repeat spraying is carried out to destroy caterpillars, moths, aphids, mites, etc. For this purpose, you can use a solution of chlorophos (70 g per 10 liters of water), Lepidocide (70 ml per 6 liters of water) or any drug with a similar effect.

In addition, trapping belts made of corrugated paper, which prevent insects from moving up the trunk, can help in pest control.

Growing columnar apple trees

The undoubted advantage of these apple trees is their high planting density. Therefore, in a very small area you can grow trees of several varieties with different periods of fruit ripening.

Growing columnar apple trees.

Cultivation is complicated by the demands of columnar plants on the soil. You will have to fertilize and feed the apple tree at least once every two weeks. It is advisable to combine the first spring and last autumn fertilizing with treatment against diseases and pests.

Also, it is necessary to provide the tree with regular watering, since the roots are located close to the surface. The plant especially needs watering during flowering and ovary growth.

In the first year of planting a seedling, it is advisable to pick off the flowers that appear, sacrificing the potential harvest. This will make it possible to direct the main forces of the tree to good rooting. But next year the apple tree will thank its owner with a bountiful harvest.

The tree trunk circle must be kept in perfect order: constant weeding and garbage removal are required.

Features of planting, growing and care

The sequence of actions when planting a tree in the soil is as follows:

1. Determine the place in the garden where the apple tree will grow in the future. Select the plot based on the preferences of the variety that was purchased. It is necessary to take into account all the nuances: whether the tree likes sun or shade, wet or dry soil, which plants have the most favorable proximity, etc.
2. After choosing a place for the apple tree, you need to prepare a hole: approximately 60 cm deep and 60 cm wide. Pour humus, ash and fertile soil into the hole, mix and water.
3. Next to the hole you need to drive a wooden peg, which will serve as a support for the small apple tree as it grows.
4. Before planting, you need to inspect the roots - it is advisable to trim them for better growth in a new place (sometimes sellers trim them before selling them). Be sure to straighten them before planting.
5. Immerse the seedling in the hole: there should be about 10 cm from the top to the beginning of the root, and the same amount from the ground before grafting. Cover everything with earth, secure the trunk with a tie or cloth, tying it to a previously driven stick, and water it generously.
6. Check the fixation of the apple tree, sprinkle with watered soil - ready!

Now all that remains is to comply with the care requirements and wait for juicy fruits.

Apple tree planting

Technology and planting scheme

Most of all, the columnar apple tree (varieties for Siberia, like all other varieties of this species, are distinguished by a weak root system) loves moist and loose, fertile soils. The soil must have good air and water permeability. To plant an entire apple orchard, it is better to select areas with high (from 2-3 m) groundwater levels. To get a good harvest, you need to choose a sunny and well-protected area from the wind.

Columnar apple tree Cascade

Due to the narrowness of the crowns, the columnar apple tree does not take up much space on the territory. Meanwhile, it needs to be planted at a distance of 40 cm from other trees.

Important! Between rows you need to maintain a distance of at least 1 meter.

It is better to prepare the planting pit in the fall. Its diameter depends on the size of the seedling itself: all roots should be freely placed at the bottom of the hole. Even in the fall, you need to place several handfuls of humus or compost at the bottom of the hole. These fertilizers can be replaced with potassium-phosphorus fertilizers. For one planting hole, it is enough to use only 2 tablespoons of mineral fertilizer.

You can place a seedling in the soil when there is a stable above-zero temperature outside, both during the day and at night. Immediately before planting, the roots of the seedlings are placed in clean warm water for 10 hours. If the tree for planting was recently dug up and its roots did not have time to dry, this will not be necessary.

Important! In order for a wedge-shaped apple tree seedling to take root faster, it is worth trimming its roots.

The death of an apple tree can be caused by excessive amounts of mineral fertilizers, as well as injuries to the roots or trunk during planting.

general characteristics

Early ripening species are best suited for short summers.

Some of which can produce crops even in the first year. Of course, not a bucket of apples, but quite enough to treat the grandchildren.

All items that can be grown in the Siberian region are united by increased winter hardiness and early ripening.

Most of them are medium-fruited, entering active fruiting in 3-4 years.

Siberia is large and the climate is noticeably different in each region.

Therefore, apple trees grow and bear fruit in different ways. And even if winter hardiness indicators are good, this does not provide a complete guarantee against frost damage. Severe cold over -30° with wind for a week will not be saved by any winter hardiness.

Only wrapping the entire trunk will help avoid damage to the apical bud, and insulating the trunk circle will save the root system.

Advice! Experienced gardeners recommend planting such fruit crops in areas with the heaviest snowfall in winter. This gives a chance to preserve the roots.

additional characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the variety include the fact that trees are not affected by:

• Scabby,
• Monilial burn—moniliosis, which is caused by a microscopic fungus.

The disadvantages of this variety include the fact that apples of this variety do not last long, like all other fruits of summer varieties.

Dimensions of an adult tree, annual growth

The apple tree grows moderately, has a rounded-oblong crown:

• The tree is medium tall;
• The crown grows sparsely, because of this it is well lit by the sun;
• The main shoots are at right angles to the trunk;
• The branches have brownish-gray bark.

Productivity, frequency of fruiting

As the tree grows, the yield increases:

• When the tree is 5 years old, you can collect 7-8 kg of apples;
• If the apple tree is 8 years old, then 28 kg;
• And 10 years - 52 kg.

Fruits on the tree grow every year.

Tasting assessment

The apples taste sweet and sour with a slight tartness.

In them:

• Sugars 8.8-11.9%;
• Acids 0.6-0.78%;
• Tannins 0.27-0.31%;
• Pectin substances 0.3-0.5%;
• Vitamin C— 11.1 mg/100g.

Winter hardiness and immunity to disease

Winter-hardy variety. True, trees are planted on the rootstock of this variety only in the south of the Khabarovsk Territory and in the Primorsky Territory.

On frost-resistant rootstock and in slate form, it is grown in the coldest areas.

Trees have good immunity to scab and moniliosis.

Cultivation area

Apple trees of the “Jubiler” variety are grown in the Moscow region, where the climate is very favorable for this crop. Agricultural technology for growing in this climate zone does not require any additional measures.

The high winter hardiness of the Jubilee variety makes it possible to grow it in the north-west of our country. During the first winter, young seedlings should be covered with spruce branches or covering material. In order to prevent the roots from freezing, the soil must be mulched near the trunks - with sawdust, humus or peat.

The crop tolerates low temperatures and, with proper care, can be grown in northern regions.

In outskirts of Moscow

The region is suitable for growing the crop. There is no need to carry out complex care measures. The plant develops well and allows for large harvests.

Tags: late summer, variety, characteristics, Jubilee, apple tree About the author: admin4ik

Preparing for winter

As Siberians point out, every frost-resistant variety of apple tree can still freeze at too low temperatures. The apical buds remain the most vulnerable.

It is advisable to cover trees with dense material for the winter.

You can protect a tree from such a nuisance if you cover it in advance. The ideal option for this purpose would be:

• sackcloth;
• spunbond

Some other insulation materials that provide the tree with normal air access, but also protect it from sharp gusts of wind, will also be useful in this regard. The apple tree will survive the winter easier if, after each massive snowfall, the trunk and root zone are covered with snow. Since the tree's bark is very delicate, it should be compacted carefully.

On a note. With the arrival of cold weather, some animals, in particular rodents and hares, will certainly want to profit from apple tree bark. You can protect a columnar apple tree from them if you wrap it in a fishing net.

Trimming

As a rule, apple trees in Siberia are pruned by cutting a side branch at an angle of 45°, without leaving a stump. This method has several advantages:

• the possibility of changing the direction of growth;
• acceleration of growth;
• crown thinning.

In rare cases, a ring cut is made, in which case the annual shoot or branch is completely removed. Using this technology, it should be remembered that inflicting 2-3 wounds on a tree close to each other most often leads to the death of the entire branch or the apple tree as a whole.

Pruning in Siberia is carried out in spring, guided by several rules:

• in case of severe freezing of apple trees in winter, the procedure is carried out no earlier than May-June, after the regrowth zone appears;
• the resulting wounds are treated with garden varnish.

The best varieties

When thinking about the question of which variety is best to choose for your garden, it is worth considering the fact that those fruit trees that can withstand at least 25 degrees of frost are suitable for Siberia. Considering this priority indicator, we can point out several of the best varieties of columnar apple trees for the region.

Apple tree Barguzin columnar

This is the pride of Russian breeders. Belongs to semi-dwarf autumn varieties. The Barguzin apple tree provides very good yields - up to 25-35 kg. The tree is frost-resistant and is immune to many plant diseases. The fruit is sweet, with slight sourness.

Apple tree Pedestal columnar

Growing a Pedistal will not be difficult. It virtually does not require pruning and is completely satisfied with the moisture received from rain and melted snow. The tree will only need to be watered during dry periods. Apple fruits are large in size (up to 160-220 grams) and have a sweet and sour taste.

Apple tree Cornet columnar

This is a self-fertile, winter-hardy variety of Russian selection. The fruits are red in color and oblong-round in shape. One apple can weigh 150-200 grams. The peel of the fruit is dense, the pulp is very juicy and aromatic.

Harvest of columnar apple trees

Renet Mazherova

Autumn ripening fruit variety. Ranetka (semi-cultivated) grows to a height of 2 m, the width of its crown can reach 40 cm. The fruits of the apple tree are round in shape, bright yellow on the outside. The apple pulp is juicy and yellow in color. The fruits have a high tasting score for their sweet and sour taste and special aroma.

Apple tree Malyukh

The most unpretentious and aesthetic variety. It doesn't need pruning at all. It is characterized by its short stature (up to 190 cm). The fruits of the apple tree are sweet, oval and red. The tree produces the first apples weighing 100-130 grams the very next year after planting. Often used for landscape design.

When naming the best varieties of apple trees specifically for Siberia, one cannot fail to mention the following: Conference, Sibirka, Sinara, Vasyuta, Iksha, Triumph, Dialog, Medok, Gin, Ostankino. It is appropriate to use all of the named apple trees for the Arkhangelsk region - the varieties are perfect for areas with cold winters and short summers.

Fertilizers

Adding fertilizer to the soil is an important step in the process of caring for apple trees, this is especially true during the first period of seedling growth. During the growing season, trees need to be fed at least 3 times

For this purpose, you can use complex organic fertilizers of any kind, for example:

• bird droppings (dry or diluted in water);
• mullein;
• compost.

It is recommended to use mineral fertilizers containing nitrogen:

• ammonium sulfate;
• potassium sulfate.

Features of care

Watering

In total, 2-3 recharges are carried out per season. The abundance of watering is preferable to the amount of moisture.

But it is also impossible to over-moisten the rhizome, so as not to have the opposite effect.

The root system quickly adapts and begins to independently regulate the water level. Irrigation work is carried out by a moisture-charging system.

The younger the tree, the farther away from the trunk you need to water. For convenience, a shallow trench is created around the seedling into which water (settled) is added.

You should not take dirty water or river liquid - they contain an increased number of pathogenic microorganisms.

In order for the water to heat up before watering, it is better to leave it in the sun in the morning. Feeding and replenishment combine well.

Soil fertilization

Feeding during the growing season is important. While the apple tree is growing, fertilizer is applied 3-4 times per season (organic and mineral fertilizers are used).

Compost, humus or chicken manure are chosen as organic matter. They are diluted with water to reduce the concentration of active substances.

Mineral fertilizers should contain large amounts of potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen. Purchased supplements help during periods of active growth. Between feedings, the apple tree “rests” for a month.

Prevention

Apple tree needs good care

All weeds must be removed from the site. Even small plants can draw out the moisture the rhizome needs.

Before watering or fertilizing, the soil is loosened - this procedure improves the throughput of the soil.

For preventive treatment or spraying of apple trees, fungicides are used that protect against powdery mildew or scab.

Pruning branches

A mandatory procedure to maintain the health of a tree is pruning. It is held only twice a year.

1. In the spring. The name of such pruning is formative. It is carried out at will - to give the crown a certain shape and remove crooked or broken branches. This must be done before the ovaries appear, then the tree will have time to recover and bloom correctly.
2. In autumn. Mandatory sanitary pruning. It is carried out in the autumn, after the harvest. The procedure helps protect the crop, make it less vulnerable to attack by pests, and also prevents diseases in the spring. Cut off broken and dry branches. If there are stains or damage on the shoots, they are removed and the cut areas are disinfected. During pruning, you need to inspect all the branches so that parasite larvae do not hide on them. After the procedure, the tree is covered with pest control nets, and the soil is mulched.

Pruning is necessary every year - with it, regular watering and fertilizing of the soil is resumed or preparation for the winter period begins.

Graft

Trees growing in harsh climates require grafting, which gives the specimens resistance to low temperatures and doubles the yield. In Siberia, it is advisable to plant seedlings in a crown located no higher than 1 m above ground level. Plant each branch separately at a distance of 15 cm from the place where it is attached to the trunk.

The most suitable time for vaccinations is spring (from April to May).

Apple tree varieties by region of Siberia

Considering that Siberia has a fairly large territory, where climatic features vary somewhat, it is worth choosing the right variety for a particular area.

Eastern Siberia

For planting, varieties with winter hardiness above 40 degrees are used. Iksha and Vasyugan have proven themselves well.

Western Siberia

The recommended option for columnar apple trees is semi-dwarf varieties, no more than 2 m high. President and Medok are especially popular.

Protection from diseases and pests

• fitoverm;
• infusion of onion or chamomile;
• a decoction of wormwood, prepared in a ratio of 350 g per 10 liters of water.

The spraying procedure is performed after flowering has ended, and a week later it must be repeated.

To eliminate scab damage to leaves, it is recommended to use the homeopathic composition “Healthy Garden”; the rules for its use are indicated on the manufacturer’s packaging.

Growing apple trees in harsh regions cannot be called an easy process due to the high risk of freezing and death of fruit tree seedlings. However, a competent approach to this matter, competent care and maintenance significantly increase the chances of having your own garden and reaping a good harvest from it.

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Features of a columnar apple tree

This species received its name because of its unusual shape in the form of a column, so it is more correct to call columnar apple trees - columnar. Sometimes there is a second name - pyramidal apple trees, since without formation the crown resembles a pyramidal poplar.

Height

The height of the apple tree depends on the type of rootstock. Currently, breeders work mainly with dwarf and semi-dwarf rootstocks. Medium-growing and tall-growing rootstocks are used less frequently.

Unfortunately, the capricious apple tree does not successfully develop and bear fruit on all dwarf rootstocks. The best results in terms of early fruiting and productivity are shown by apple trees on dwarf rootstocks.

The growth of an adult columnar apple tree reaches 2.5 meters.

Productivity

The concept of high yield of columnar varieties is very relative. Productivity can be called high. But do not forget that due to the modest size of the tree, the planting density increases greatly. This means that from 1 hectare of columnar apple orchard you can harvest the same amount as from 1 hectare of ordinary apple trees. Only due to the fact that there will be tens of times more columns on the site.

Columnar apple trees. On average, up to 12 kg of apples can be collected from one adult column.

What year does it bear fruit?

Columns are distinguished by very early fruiting. Depending on the variety, even in the first year it will be possible to pick several apples; at the age of 4-5 years, the harvest will reach an average of 4 kg; at an older age, an apple tree can produce 10-15 kg.

How many years do columnar apple trees bear fruit?

The lifespan of columnar apple trees is very short. Intensive fruiting, unfortunately, quickly depletes vital resources and by the age of 15 the tree begins to fade. To extend its useful life, it is necessary to regularly feed and properly care for the tree.

Root system

The root system of the rootstock of columnar apple trees is fibrous and is located shallow in the ground. To provide it with vital resources, regular, thorough watering is necessary. The main thing is not to allow water to stagnate in the root hole, otherwise it can cause root rot.

Care

As for caring for columnar apple trees, it is more difficult and more labor-intensive than caring for ordinary ones. They need to pay more attention, water more often, fertilize every year and carry out proper pruning, otherwise there will be no harvest.

Watering, loosening

Columnar apple trees do not have powerful and deep roots, like a tall, strong tree, so they need watering much more often. Adult plants are watered approximately once a week, in hot weather - 2-3 times, young seedlings need to be watered the same amount. From August, watering is gradually stopped so that the trees can form flower buds for next year and prepare for winter. If there is no mulch, loosening is carried out - every time after heavy rain or watering.

Fertilizer application

Trees of this type spend a lot of nutrients to grow a crop, so without feeding columnar apple trees you won’t be able to harvest a lot of apples. You can feed them with organic matter and complex fertilizers: add nitrogen in the spring, nitrogen and phosphorus in the 1st half of June, and potassium from the beginning of August, when intensive fruit growth occurs. After harvesting, add organic matter: humus and ash.

Treatments for pests and diseases

Preventive spraying is carried out before buds open and after leaves fall. The trunk and soil in the tree trunk circle are treated with fungicides and insecticides. If this is not enough, therapeutic spraying is carried out when the first signs of disease or pest damage are detected.

Trimming

Columnar apple trees need to be pruned at the beginning of summer or after leaf fall. Remove 1/3 or ½ of the side branches. New shoots will grow from the remaining buds. The center conductor cannot be shortened. If you prune it, increased growth of side shoots will begin.

The shoots of a young, newly planted seedling are cut off in the spring, leaving 2 buds on each. Next spring, leave the more horizontally located shoot of those that grew from these buds, and cut off the second one, again leaving 2 buds. In the 3rd year, remove the shoot that bears fruit, and with the shoots of the previous year, carry out the same procedure as a year ago.

After 3-4 years, the fruit ring is cut into a ring; in the spring, all frost-damaged and broken shoots are also removed. If the top is damaged or frozen (the growing point on the conductor has died), it also needs to be cut off, leaving 2 buds. Shoots will appear from them; the one that grows more vertically will become a replacement for the conductor.

Tinning

Instead of mulch, you can plant any green manure in the trunk circles of columnar apple trees. They will retain moisture well, prevent the soil from drying out (there will be no need for loosening), and then become a fertilizer.

Yield rationing

If a tree planted this year blooms, all flowers must be removed. From the next season, leave only half the flowers on it, from the 3rd season, leave first 2 inflorescences on any fruit link, and then remove 1 of them, leaving the largest ovary.

Shelter for the winter

Like all other apple trees, columnar apple trees are protected from frost for the winter: mulch is applied to the trunk circles with a layer of at least 5 cm. The trunks are protected from rodents by wrapping them with burlap, roofing felt, metal mesh, pieces of fiberglass, and plastic bottles.

Care requirements

For an apple tree to fully develop, it is not enough to plant it correctly. Regular care will be important, especially in the first years of life.

Watering

A sufficient amount of moisture plays an important role for the full development of the apple tree at all stages: from the spring growing season to the fruiting. Under normal conditions, it will be enough to water the tree 3-4 times per season.

The first watering is carried out at the stage of opening the buds, the second - during the appearance of the ovaries, the third - at the stage of filling the fruits, so that they are juicy and sweet. In some regions, 30 days before the first frost, moisture-charging irrigation is also done. Young trees need 3-4 buckets of water at a time, adults up to 10 buckets.

Mulching and loosening

These two procedures should take place immediately after watering, preferably the next day. Loosening will help remove weeds and provide air to the roots, and mulching will help retain moisture. It is very important to carry out this activity carefully so as not to damage the roots that are located close to the surface.

Mulching the soil.

Fertilizer

Fertilizing will become an important condition for growing weeds. They are carried out in several stages throughout the growing season:

1. In the spring, nitrogen fertilizers, for example, urea, are applied for the first time to start the process of growth and development of the apple tree. This fertilizing can be done several times during the spring.
2. In summer, during the flowering process, superphosphate and potassium fertilizers are applied.
3. In the fall, organic matter and compost are added to the tree trunk circle before digging.

In addition, during the season it is necessary to carry out mineral spraying on the leaves.

Trimming and shaping

Branches need to be pruned regularly: in spring and autumn. Damaged and frozen parts that have suffered from frost and pests must be removed. The procedure is quite simple and will not take much effort and time, because the apple tree has a compact crown.

There is no need for a separate formation at all. There is practically no young growth; only what is cut off during sanitary pruning will be enough. If suddenly the branches on the side branch out a lot, then you can cut them into a ring and treat the wound with garden varnish.

Preparing for winter

Cold temperatures are the biggest problem for dwarf columnar varieties. Most often the tops and the central shoot freeze. Before cold weather sets in, it is important to take steps to prepare for low temperatures.

Preparing the apple tree for winter.

This includes:

• wrapping the trunk with material against all kinds of rodents;
• covering the entire trunk with covering material;
• mulching the tree trunk to protect the apple tree as much as possible.

When snow first falls, it is advisable to cover the tree as high and thoroughly as possible. By observing all these requirements, you can prepare the tree for wintering in harsh conditions.

Columnar apple tree: proper planting and care

Adding an article to a new collection

Compact, prolific and decorative columnar (columnar) apple tree. What could be better for a small garden on the classic six hundred square meters? Read about how to choose a suitable variety and how to care for seedlings in our material.

The columnar apple tree owes its appearance to a successful gene mutation and human curiosity. About half a century ago, a Canadian noticed an unusual branch on an old McIntosh apple tree. This branch had practically no side shoots, but at the same time many ripe fruits were crowded along its entire length. Fortunately, this Canadian was a gardener. He took several cuttings and grafted them onto apple tree rootstocks. The mutation turned out to be stable. Due to this, in just a few decades, columnar apple trees have spread throughout the world.

History and distribution of the compact apple tree

This type of tree was first found by a summer resident from Canada about half a century ago. He was surprised by the non-standard type of apple tree: it was a voluminous straight trunk, which, instead of the usual side branches, was covered with small fruit-bearing shoots. He noticed that the shoots gave a large harvest, and grafted the cuttings of the find onto an ordinary apple tree.

Thus, thanks to a stable mutation, in 1964 the initial variety of columnar apple tree was launched, which was given the name “Vazhak”

The amazing tree quickly attracted the attention of summer residents, which led to the active breeding of different varieties with apples of various sizes and flavors. Breeders have found that the original unique characteristics of the apple tree are capable of passing from generation to generation with seeds

Modern columnar apple trees have the following characteristics:

• the height of an ordinary tree is 2.5 m, girth - 0.5 m;
• absence of oblong additional branches;
• rapid fruit ripening;
• different subtypes of trees: miniature, medium and vigorous.

Such an apple tree can become covered with inflorescences already in the first season after transplantation if the soil is regularly fertilized. Previously, columnar tree varieties were grown only in corporate gardens, but nowadays they appear in many summer cottages.

Sale of seedlings in pots along with fruits

Which variety to choose

It is best to buy seedlings of columnar apple and pear trees in special nurseries, because on the market you can buy ordinary varieties that have been grafted onto dwarf rootstocks and formed a similar crown shape. The most popular early varieties that ripen in the summer are “President”, “Amber Necklace” and “Medoc”. Among the most late-ripening ones are “Moscow Necklace”, “Currency”, “Bolero”. Among the mid-season varieties, Titania, Vasyugan, and Gin are usually grown. There are no big differences in care.

“President” and “Medoc” are semi-dwarf varieties, trees do not grow higher than 2 meters, the fruits ripen in late summer or autumn.

These are frost-resistant varieties, they survive winters with forty-degree frosts without loss, and grow in Western Siberia. The compact root system tolerates transplants well. The fruits of both varieties are large - 200 - 250 g, only "Medka" is very sweet, and "President" is sour. They can also be distinguished by color - apples of the “President” variety are somewhat yellowish, and not richly yellow, like those of the “Medoc” variety.

Juicy, crisp apples of the “Amber Necklace” variety are not at all amber in color, they are rather golden, with a blush and a greenish side. Small fruits (up to 170 g) ripen in autumn, usually until mid-September. “Amber Necklace” is considered a frost-resistant variety, but the top of the tree can freeze in winter; it is better to cover it. If you plant a tree in the spring, it will bloom immediately after rooting; you can let it bear fruit, but experts advise greatly thinning out the ovaries.

The autumn variety “Vasyugan” grows up to 3m, bears fruit immediately after planting, and with good care produces up to 10 kg of aromatic sweet and sour apples. Its elongated red and green fruits usually reach 200 g and ripen by mid-September. "Vasyugan" easily tolerates forty-degree frosts, is resistant to diseases and pests, and can grow in Siberian conditions.

The winter variety “Moscow Necklace” is very popular among gardeners (not only in the Moscow region). Its fruits are usually less than 190 g, round, red, with thick skin and juicy pulp, have a pleasant aroma and a sweet and slightly sour taste, and ripen in mid-October. “Moscow Necklace” easily tolerates frosts, practically does not get sick, but has one feature - it is a self-sterile variety. “Moscow Necklace” will not be able to bear fruit if apple trees of other varieties do not grow nearby.

Dwarf “Currency” is also considered a winter variety; it produces up to 12 kg of apples from one tree, and begins to bear fruit immediately after rooting. The fruits of “Valyuta” are round-flat, red with a golden blush, thin-skinned, with a sweet dessert taste. Caring for “Valyuta” does not require chemicals, because the trees practically do not get sick, it is not the most frost-resistant variety, but it ripens well in the middle zone. Could be a good neighbor for the Moscow Necklace.

It is difficult to choose from varieties when they all produce such delicious, beautiful fruits, but you need to pay attention not so much to the taste of the fruit, but to the ability to grow and bear fruit without special care in the right area

How to choose the right variety?

The basis for the choice is frost resistance , which is determined according to a certain scale in points.

Columnar apple trees.

This assessment is based on Antonovka, which has 4.5 points.

This means that such an estimate can withstand frost down to -25 ° C , and at lower temperatures, annual growths and fruit buds may freeze.

The highest score is 6.0 . But such a species, ready to withstand -50° C, has not yet been bred.

The table fully shows columnar apple trees for Siberia.

Every year the number of new species increases. You need to check them and try to plant them on your plots.

The table shows time-tested varieties.

Popular varieties of columnar apple trees for Central Russia

Over the more than half a century that has passed since the appearance of columnar apple trees, many varieties of this clone have been bred. Popular varieties included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation can boast of the best qualities (winter hardiness, good immunity, productivity).

Moscow necklace

The columnar apple tree will delight gardeners with greenish apples with a red blurred blush, which will ripen by October and last well until the New Year. The medium-sized fruits, weighing 130 g, have a round shape and good taste, rated by tasters at 4.3 points. This is a winter-hardy and early-bearing variety - the harvest can be harvested in the second year.

Columnar apple tree Moscow Necklace produces a harvest in the second year of life

Amber necklace

On a medium-sized autumn apple tree, greenish-yellow fruits with a soft pink blush ripen, weighing up to 130 g, inside of which there is greenish juicy pulp with a good taste. The variety is also fast-growing and more productive than the Moscow Necklace. If from 1 sq. From the first m you can collect no more than 2 kg of apples, then from the Amber Necklace - 2.5 kg.

Green apples of the columnar variety Amber Necklace are covered with a delicate blush

Malyukha

A mid-late variety, apples ripen in autumn. Thin brown shoots with dark green leaves extend from the medium-sized stem. The fruits are round-conical, small, light yellow, weighing up to 70 g. The taste of the juicy creamy pulp is sweet, freshish, rated 4.8 points.

The fruits of the columnar Malyukha apple tree are small, but there are a lot of them

Ostankino

This fast-growing variety bears fruit in late autumn. Large dark green leaves grow on a gray-green trunk. Light yellow, flattened, with a purple blush, the fruits grow up to 110 g. Their taste is sweet and sour, the flesh is white and juicy. The Ostankino variety tolerates the winters of Central Russia well and is relatively resistant to a common disease of apple trees - scab.

The Ostankino columnar apple tree variety tolerates the winters of Central Russia well.

Currency

A fast-growing late-ripening variety with a dense crown bears fruit with large apples weighing up to 240 g. The skin color is light yellow with an orange-red blush. Apples of the Valyuta variety are very aromatic, with white juicy pulp and a sour-sweet taste. The tree does not tolerate drought well, but in the conditions of the Central region with rainy summers, for which the variety is zoned, it grows successfully. Scab resistant. The currency is not fast-bearing - the harvest can only be obtained in the third year.

Apples of the columnar variety Valyuta reach a weight of 240 g

The president

Another medium-sized, fast-growing variety. According to the ripening period - early winter. Compact thick shoots extend from a strong gray-green trunk. This is one of the largest-fruited columnar varieties - from a short tree (up to 2 m) you can get fruits weighing up to 300 g.

One of the largest-fruited columnar varieties - President

They are shaped like a turnip, whitish in color and have a sweet and sour taste. The pulp is also white, slightly aromatic, but very juicy. The President cannot stand extreme heat and dryness. It begins to bear fruit in the third year after planting.

Features of cultivation

Not all gardeners consider it possible to grow columnar apple trees in their summer cottage. They fear that due to the short summer period and severe frosts (down to -45 degrees), the trees may freeze and not produce a harvest. But breeders managed to obtain columnar apple trees for Siberia, the best varieties of which will be discussed a little later.

According to reviews from gardeners, it is possible to grow apple trees of this type only with proper care. For planting, it is recommended to take annual seedlings with a closed root system. When planting, a distance of 40 cm is left between crops. The width between rows should be at least 1 meter. Compost and humus are poured into the planting hole. Further, columnar apple trees grown in Siberia require abundant watering until autumn. If there is enough precipitation, then watering needs to be reduced. In the presence of heat, on the contrary, it increases.

A month after planting, it is recommended to feed the trees. The urea solution has proven itself well. The second and third feeding is carried out with an interval of 2 weeks after the first and between them. Due to the characteristics of apple trees for Siberia, or rather columnar varieties, their crown does not require shaping. But pruning, during which dying, damaged, frozen, or pest-damaged branches are removed, must be performed. To rid trees of pests, it is necessary to treat them with special preparations. The fruits should be collected on time so as not to damage the trunk. It is recommended to sprinkle the lower part of the crops with snow for insulation purposes.

Speaking about excellent varieties of columnar apple trees, the Medoc variety should be mentioned. It is highly valued by gardeners in Central Russia and the Moscow region. Fruit ripening occurs in late August - early September. They are yellow fruits with a sweet taste and a characteristic honey aroma. Can be stored for up to 1 month. The yield is up to 10 kg of fruits from each crop. The average weight of each apple is about 250 grams. The variety is frost-resistant and has good immunity to pests. The fruits can be eaten fresh, dried, canned, or added to various dishes.

The President manages to harvest apples at the end of summer. The fruits of the domestic variety are endowed with a white-yellow color with the obligatory red-violet blush. The average weight of each is about 250 grams. The pulp is juicy and smells pleasant. The main characteristics of the species are a high degree of productivity and good immunity to diseases, as well as the appearance of pests.

If the two previous varieties are summer, then Ostankino apple trees belong to winter. This culture is a semi-dwarf plant with a dense crown. The fruits have a light green base color and a rich red blush. On average, each apple weighs about 200 grams. Sometimes it is possible to collect specimens that reach 300 grams when weighed. They received a naturally sweetish taste, juicy pulp and exquisite aroma.

It is customary to harvest at the end of September. The yield level is kept at 16 kg per crop. If the proper conditions are created, it is possible to preserve your favorite fruits until December.

The variety is endowed with moderate winter hardiness, but has high immunity to major diseases of fruit crops and pest attacks.

Such a crop can grow in a plot up to 3 meters in height. In mid-September, large apples ripen on it, having a red-striped color and a sweet taste with the obligatory sourness. Vasyugan is successfully cultivated in Siberia, the Far East, and the Urals. When stored for about 1 month, the harvest does not lose its presentation and taste. The trees are endowed with frost resistance and are excellent at resisting diseases and pests. The fruits are usually consumed fresh, made into juices, jams, and preserved for the winter.

The culture is a representative of winter varieties. It is practically a dwarf plant. The fruits are usually harvested in October. They are colored golden yellow. You can see a red blush on the surface. Each specimen weighs about 150 grams and is endowed with a sweet and somewhat sour taste.

The degree of preservation of the harvest is quite high - apples last until about February. The variety is endowed with resistance to such a common disease as scab and a number of other infections. The peak of fruiting occurs in the 4th year from the moment of planting on the site.

Siberian apple tree and 11 best frost-resistant varieties for Siberia

The winter hardiness of apple trees is a combination of several characteristics of the tree and its root system. This allows apple trees to comply with the climatic conditions of a particular region. Winter-hardy apple trees must withstand severe frosts at the beginning of winter, withstand persistent and prolonged frosts of the winter period and a sharp drop in temperature after the spring thaw. Winter hardiness is formed in the process of long-term selection work. In some varieties of apple trees, this factor is hereditary. Often the winter hardiness of a variety is the reason for some deterioration in the taste characteristics of the fruit.

Reviews from gardeners

About eight years ago I bought three yearlings. They were 40 centimeters long. They sat in my soil for 4 or 5 years (I don’t remember exactly), they grew up to 2 meters and not a single flower. We cut them down...

Profi550

https://www.mastergrad.com/forums/t3877-kolonovidnaya-yablonya/

Last spring I bought as many as 5 of them at Sennaya, they all bloomed at once and several apples started growing on one, but fell off (((Probably there weren’t enough nutrients, now they’re all in bloom again - we’ll feed them diligently this time.

Kubalibra

https://www.nn.ru/community/dom/dacha/?do=read&thread=2811337&topic_id=66218416

A neighbor-friend has been growing one for 5-7 years (he himself doesn’t remember), there are a lot of apples, but he ties all the branches to supports, otherwise it will break. Height is 3 meters... He didn’t know the variety initially, the tag said “Columnar apple tree”. Taste is not for everyone, but beautiful...

Basilisk

https://www.forumhouse.ru/threads/3598/

I also planted two apple trees last year, there was no growth at all during the year, as I planted, they still stand. We took two-year-old seedlings, and we have already been growing for a year; I very much doubt that they will bear fruit in the next couple of years.

Sveta2609

https://www.forumhouse.ru/threads/3598/

We have been growing such apple trees for 7 years. In the third year they began to produce a harvest, then every year, except the last year after a terrible winter. We really like them. Varieties Barguzin, Ostankino, I don’t remember the third. We bought three more varieties a year ago, we’re waiting...

Vikusha and Dimych

https://www.forumhouse.ru/threads/3598/

I don’t know the details in terms of variety and other features, but my neighbors have had this little one bearing fruit well for the fourth or fifth year. This was their first successful experience, so they are going to buy several more of the same seedlings and part with the old large apple trees. I’ll look at their successes and maybe jail them too. The location is the South-East of the Moscow region.

Vladimir Romanov

https://www.mastergrad.com/forums/t3877-kolonovidnaya-yablonya/

The early fruitfulness and productivity, as well as the decorative effect of columnar apple trees attract the attention of gardeners to them. Despite some disadvantages and difficulties in growing, these short beauties are in demand. If you choose a variety of columnar apple tree that is suitable for your region and follow the recommendations for its cultivation, you will soon be able to enjoy fragrant apples.

Features of ripening and fruiting

Fruiting

Start

Columnar apple trees are distinguished by their early fruiting period. The first fruits can already be obtained in the year the seedling is planted. The tree will produce an average harvest from the second and third years of life. In the fifth year, the tree will already produce a stable harvest.

The first fruits can be obtained in the year of planting.

Peculiarities

A feature of the fruiting of this apple tree is the uniformity of fruit ripening. This is true if flowering has gone well.

Deadlines

Blooms

Since the tree is considered an autumn tree, Gin’s flowering period is average. Usually this period occurs from the beginning of May until the second decade of June.

Fruit ripening

The optimal period for fruit ripening is September. Also, the ripening time will depend on weather conditions. Since there is early or late spring. If during the flowering period there is a strong wind or hail that damages the flowers, the yield of the variety will be reduced.

Harvest storage

The shelf life of Gina apples is quite long. When properly stored, apples can retain their attractive appearance and taste for up to six months.
Climatic conditions affect the storage of fruits, especially during the ripening period of apples.

The long shelf life of Gin fruits can be considered another advantage of the variety.

Planting dates and methods

Apple tree Arbat columnar

The best season to plant columnar apple varieties in Siberia is spring. Pre-winter (that is, autumn) planting threatens to freeze the seedlings.

When it comes to choosing planting methods and methods, the harsh western climate should also be taken into account. Some Siberian gardeners suggest planting the columnar apple tree using the method. In this case, the seedling is placed in the planting hole at an angle. In winter, this allows it to be bent to the ground and more reliably protected from frost.

If the climate in the region is milder, planting can be done in the usual way, placing the tree in a previously prepared hole.

You can also plant a columnar apple tree using the container method.

Photo and description of the variety

The apple tree of the Gin variety is columnar. The height of such a tree is small. The maximum height reaches two meters.
The tree has only one trunk without large and spreading branches and shoots. This allows you to place the apple trees closer to each other.

With this arrangement, you can plant up to a dozen apple trees of different varieties. The planting pattern for columnar apple trees will be approximately 70 by 80 centimeters (70 cm is the distance between apple trees, 80 cm is the distance between rows) .

The Gin variety is considered a fast-bearing tree:

• Fruiting begins already in the first and second years after planting;
• The first three to four years, the yield of the apple tree is small and ranges from four to five kilograms;
• But after the fifth year of fruiting, the yield increases noticeably.

From one tree you can collect from 12 to 15 kilograms of delicious fruits.

The fruit size is medium, spherical in shape. The color of the apples is bright red. The appearance and taste of the fruit resembles the famous Melba apple variety. The pulp is juicy, dense, with a sweet and sour taste.

The Gin apple tree is considered a winter tree. Fruit ripening begins in September. Fruit storage occurs over a long period. If stored properly, they can be stored for up to 6 months. At the same time, they practically do not lose their taste.

The tree is resistant to diseases such as scab. Winter hardiness is good.

Important! With proper shelter, it performs well when grown in central Russia and the Urals.

Columnar apple tree Jean.

Planting dates and methods

Apple tree Arbat columnar

The best season to plant columnar apple varieties in Siberia is spring. Pre-winter (that is, autumn) planting threatens to freeze the seedlings.

When it comes to choosing planting methods and methods, the harsh western climate should also be taken into account. Some Siberian gardeners suggest planting the columnar apple tree using the method. In this case, the seedling is placed in the planting hole at an angle. In winter, this allows it to be bent to the ground and more reliably protected from frost.

If the climate in the region is milder, planting can be done in the usual way, placing the tree in a previously prepared hole.

You can also plant a columnar apple tree using the container method.

The best choice for Siberia

How to choose a variety

As experienced farmers point out, not every columnar apple tree for Siberia can provide a good harvest. When choosing the best option, you should focus on: winter hardiness, taste, fruit storage period.

Apple tree Poetry (columnar)

Having analyzed the various varieties of apple trees for Siberia, it should be noted that those that have at least a score of 4.5 in terms of frost resistance are most suitable. This means that the tree can withstand temperatures down to -25°C. Those that have a score of 5 are able to survive frosts down to -50°C.

As a rule, the Siberian apple tree is distinguished by good keeping quality of apples. The fruits can be stored from August to October, some even until January. Preference should be given to the variety that is characterized by these best qualities.

Important! The active fruiting phase of an apple tree is 12 years.

Every year new varieties of apple trees appear on the market, so experts advise experimenting with them and testing them in your garden.

Before planting, you need to choose a variety of apple trees

Purchasing seedlings

A tree whose seedling is healthy and strong will grow well. When going shopping for your garden, it is better to follow these simple tips:

1. Planting material must have a tag on it. This indicates the age of the plant and its variety. In addition, the seller must have documentation with him (and present it at the buyer’s request), which must indicate the fruiting period of the apple tree, information about how frost-resistant the seedling is, how resistant it is to diseases and parasites, etc.
2. The nursery usually allows you to buy seedlings that have not yet been dug up. It is better to give preference to a tree that has no visible damage. You need to carefully examine both the bark of the seedlings from all sides, and the roots themselves (if we are talking about dug-out ones).
3. The roots should be elastic, without bumps or thickenings.

Important! If you slightly remove the bark from the spine, the tissue of the apple tree inside should be white and alive, that is, without signs of drying.

1. It is better to give preference to “one-year-old” seedlings. These should not have any branches. The trunk of the plant should be approximately 6-7 cm. The optimal number of buds is 5-6 pieces.
2. If possible, it is better to buy seedlings with a closed root system. Experience shows that these are stored longer and have a greater chance of being accepted.
3. Plants with vaccinations need to be inspected especially carefully. A fragile rootstock can significantly harm the plant.

Important! During the entire transportation period and until planting, the roots of the seedlings should be kept moist. For this purpose, the lower part of the tree is wrapped in damp film or cloth.

Varieties

As a result of many years of work by gardeners, unique apple trees were obtained that are not afraid of frosts down to – 42 0 C and return frosts after a long thaw. Winter hardiness is a complex quality, formed from a number of characteristics and a combination of individual properties. Using various promising varieties with good hereditary traits, apple tree varieties were bred that can be grown in Siberian conditions. Frost-resistant varieties are divided into the following four groups:

• low winter hardy;
• medium-winter hardy;
• winter-hardy;
• highly winter-hardy.

Low winter hardy

Each group has its own temperature limit, lowering which can lead to the death of the apple tree. For low-winter-hardy varieties, this limit is – 27 0 C. Representatives of this group are “Spartan” and “Lobo”.

Spartan

Spartan was developed at the beginning of the twentieth century in Canada and quickly became popular among gardeners in Europe. Apple trees are well suited for the central regions of Russia. They are high-yielding, and the apples have excellent taste and good preservation. With appropriate agricultural technology, fruiting can occur as early as the third year after planting. A tree older than 10 years old can produce up to 100 kg of apples. Spartan is a late variety. Its full ripeness occurs at the end of September or beginning of October. As a result of short storage, by December, the fruits acquire a rich taste and aroma. Apples have a strong stalk, so they stay firmly on the branches and do not fall off. When stored in cool conditions, apples last until spring. Read about the Spartan apple variety here.

Spartan apple trees are distinguished by abundant flowering and self-pollination, which allows you to increase the yield of other varieties that are planted nearby. The color of ripe fruits is red-burgundy, and the taste is sweet without a sour aftertaste. "Spartan" has the following advantages:

• precocity;
• self-pollinating;
• sweet dessert taste;
• disease resistance;
• long shelf life.

The disadvantages of the variety include low frost resistance and a decrease in fruit size as the apple tree matures.

Apple trees of this variety should be planted only in spring. An autumn seedling may not survive the winter.

Lobo is of Canadian descent. Its ancestor is the famous Mackintosh variety. At the beginning of the twentieth century, it spread among European gardeners and first came to Belarus and the Baltic states, and then began to be planted by Russian gardeners. The apples are large and, when fully ripe, can reach a weight of 180 grams or more. At first, the apples are yellowish-green in color, and then acquire a burgundy hue. The pulp is white with a granular structure and a sweet and sour taste. Apples are very juicy, so they are often used for juice. This link will tell you about the characteristics of the Lobo apple variety.

Fruiting begins at 3-4 years and is very abundant. From one apple tree you can harvest 350-380 kg, and as the tree matures, its yield increases. Full ripening of the fruit occurs at the end of autumn, shortly before the first frost. Typically harvested in mid to late October. Apples ripen simultaneously, so the harvest is harvested at one time. Fruits should be stored no longer than 3 months at a temperature of +2-7 0 C. The variety has a number of undoubted advantages:

• good presentation;
• high taste qualities;
• good frost resistance;
• abundant fruiting.

A short shelf life and low resistance to some diseases can be considered as a disadvantage.

Medium winter hardy

Medium-winter-hardy varieties tolerate lower temperatures normally. For them, the critical level is considered to be - 35 0 C. The most popular of this group are the following varieties:

Champion

The champion received his title for high yield, large fruits and excellent taste characteristics of the fruit. “Champion” was bred in Europe by crossing two popular and high-quality varieties. This variety is perfect for central Russia, where winters are not too frosty.

Many gardeners, despite good frost resistance characteristics, cover not only the trunk, but also the base branches for the winter. “Champion” is not suitable for colder regions. Fruiting usually begins in the third year after planting. The apple trees are not tall, but spreading.

On young trees, apples hold tightly, but with age the stalk weakens and the fruits begin to fall off. The color of the fruit varies from yellow-green, with pink veins, to deep pink.

The pulp is yellowish in color, has a sweet and sour taste and rich aroma. The fruits reach a weight of 180-200 grams, and the apple tree does not have small fruits. The main disadvantage is a predisposition to bitter pitting, which occurs from a lack of calcium, so apple trees should be sprayed several times a season with a solution of calcium chloride at the rate of 50-100 grams per 10 liters of water.

For regions with low temperatures, fall watering of apple trees should be minimized or completely eliminated.

Padding

This is one of the most popular varieties in Europe and Russia. Very often it is called White filling, although, despite the similarity, there are some differences between them. The variety is included in the State Register of Russian Agricultural Varieties.

Papirovka is perfect for growing in small summer cottages and for establishing collective gardens and farms. Productivity cannot be called very high. From one mature tree you can collect 50-70 kg of apples.

With proper feeding and very good conditions, you can achieve a harvest of 150-180 kg. The color of the fruit varies from greenish-yellow to almost white with a yellow tint. The pulp is tender and very juicy with noticeable sourness. The apples are not too large and rarely exceed a weight of 120 grams.

Fruiting of apple trees begins at 3-4 years. The variety is not particularly demanding on soil, but develops and bears fruit best on loamy soils. Papirovka is considered early ripening and under normal conditions the harvest occurs in July, but in colder climates this process can drag on until August. Apple trees are distinguished by the following positive factors:

• early ripening;
• good frost resistance;
• high taste qualities of fruits.

The disadvantages of the Papirovka variety include a short shelf life and poor transportability. Apples have very delicate skin that is easily damaged. The storage period should not exceed 30 days. In the refrigerator, after 2-3 weeks, the fruits begin to lose their taste and nutritional qualities.

Antonovka

This is one of the most famous and popular varieties. It is named after the gardener and has been mentioned since the mid-19th century. Antonovka has a unique taste and aroma. Apple trees are very unpretentious and can tolerate hot and dry summers and cold winters without consequences. The ripening period occurs in late autumn and, in some conditions, early winter. Fruiting occurs after 5-6 years. A twelve-year-old tree, in favorable conditions, can produce 400-500 kg of fruit. The tree is tall and can grow up to 8-10 meters.

The fruits are large, at least 120-150 grams, but can reach a weight of 300 grams. The color of the fruit is greenish-yellow, and during storage the apples acquire a golden-yellow color. The pulp is dense and very juicy with a lot of sour juice. Apples can be stored for 3-4 months, while the amount of acid decreases noticeably and the taste becomes sweeter. Find out about growing and caring for Antonovka apples in this article.

The fruits retain their marketable appearance for a long time and can be used in cooking to prepare various dishes. The apple tree is resistant to most diseases, but with age, fruiting can occur once every two years.

Melba

Melba is a late summer variety developed in Canada in the late 19th century. Apple trees tolerate winters well, but in severe frosts, burns can form on the bark. The variety is widespread throughout almost the entire territory of Russia and is grown from the Caucasus to the East Siberian region.

Harvest occurs in mid to late August. Apple trees are high-yielding with medium-sized fruits. Typically, the weight of one apple does not exceed 150 grams, but individual fruits can weigh up to 200 grams. Ripe apples are yellow-green in color with pronounced red stripes. The pulp is tender and juicy with a pronounced sweet and sour taste.

The variety has good transport resistance, so it is often used for sale. Apple trees do not like excessive waterlogging, so they should be watered only in dry weather. The Melba variety has the following advantages:

• high taste qualities;
• good yield;
• frost resistance;
• earlier fruiting.

Melba also has a number of disadvantages:

• the need for outside pollination;
• low resistance to diseases;
• shedding of ripe fruits.

“Melba begins to bear fruit early, so it needs feeding. For this, ammonium nitrate and phosphate fertilizers are used.

Winter-hardy

Winter-hardy varieties are suitable for cultivation in the regions of Siberia and the Far East, since they can tolerate cold temperatures down to – 40 0 ​​C without major consequences. Typical representatives of winter-hardy varieties are:

• Rudolf;
• Gift of autumn;
• Silver hoof.

Rudolf

The hybrid variety Rudolf can be classified as both fruit-bearing and ornamental varieties. The fruits are small and ripen by mid-September. The main advantage of the Rudolph apple tree is its beautiful crown during the flowering period, so such apple trees are often planted as an element of landscape design to decorate the garden. Apple trees should be planted at the end of September, but no later than mid-October. Rudolf will tell you this material about the variety of apples.

The fruits are small, oblong, and dark red in color. Apple trees withstand frosty winters well. In very harsh and long winters, flower buds may freeze.

Gift of autumn

Gift of Autumn is a winter-hardy variety with high regenerative ability. This means that if damaged by severe frosts, the tree can independently revive its functions. Apple trees of this variety take root well in the regions of the Urals and Siberia. Medium-sized fruits reach a weight of 120-140 grams, but most often they are smaller. Color ranges from greenish-yellow to yellow. Apple trees are pollinated by foreign varieties. “Anis Sverdlovsky” is well suited for this purpose. From one apple tree you can get up to 150 kg of apples with sweet and sour pulp that does not darken for a long time. Also read about the winter-hardy apple tree variety Uralets.

Silver hoof

This hybrid variety was obtained by domestic breeders from the promising varieties “Snezhinka” and “Rainbow”. Currently, this variety is the main one in many regions of the Urals and Western Siberia. Apple trees are short and reach a height of about 3 meters. The productivity is quite high. In the regions of the Urals, the fruits reach full maturity by mid-August, in the European part of the country a little earlier. The size of the fruit depends on the fertility of the soil. On depleted soils, the weight of the fruit does not exceed 80 grams, and on good soils and with proper feeding, apples can weigh up to 120 grams. The apples have a strong stalk and do not fall off even in strong winds. The variety has the following positive qualities:

• frost resistance;
• good transportability;
• one-dimensionality and commercial appearance;
• precociousness.

The disadvantages are the need for outside pollination, the dependence of fruit size on agricultural technology and low resistance to some diseases.

Highly winter-hardy

These varieties can tolerate temperatures below – 40 0 ​​C. Such frost-resistant varieties generally produce small and not very tasty fruits, although there are exceptions.

Ranetki

Ranetki apple trees are common in the Urals, Altai and Siberia. Apple trees occupy a large area, as they have a crown of up to 5 meters. Apple trees begin to bear fruit 4 years after planting. The fruits are small, up to 15 grams, and have a bright red color. There are several subtypes of ranetki:

Their characteristics are similar to the main variety, but with minor differences.

Ranetki are distinguished by an exceptionally large amount of biologically active substances and pectins, which contribute to the removal of heavy metal compounds from the body.

Ural liquid

This variety is considered one of the most promising for cultivation in unfavorable and cold climates. Apple trees are distinguished by early fruiting, high growth vigor and regenerative abilities. Productivity can reach 200-250 kg per tree. The average fruit weight is 140 grams, but some specimens can weigh up to 280 grams. Such apples are produced by the “Ural Big” subspecies. The height of the trunk can reach 8-10 meters, which complicates the care of apple trees. In terms of winter hardiness, Ural Bulk has no competitors. There have been cases when, after frosts of -57 0 C during one summer, all apple trees were completely restored.

Pros and cons of Apple Gin

Flaws:

• Having one main shoot makes it difficult for the tree to withstand strong winds. Therefore, a strong support is required.
• The root system is located on the surface. Because of this, the plant often suffers from drought and lack of mineral nutrition.
• The variety needs winter shelter. In harsh, snowless winters, the plant often dies.
• Short fruiting period. Gives a good harvest for no more than 15 years.

The columnar variety is gaining popularity thanks to:

• yield from the second year;
• disease resistance;
• compactness, a large number of seedlings are planted in a small area, a distance of one meter is left between plants;
• high winter hardiness;
• ease of care and ease of pruning.