Features Of Columnar Apple Trees And The Best Varieties

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

The history of cultivation of columnar apple trees is less than 50 years. During this meager period, more than 100 varieties have been bred, which have become popular in private farms. Let's talk about their types, timing of fruiting, placement methods for decorating the garden. Consider popular varieties

Features of the columnar apple tree

Thanks to a beneficial mutation, the apple tree lacks lateral branching and the crop is formed along the trunk. Fruiting is annual and early. The seedling quickly "matures" and is capable of producing a crop in the first or second year.

The advantages of these apple trees include high decorativeness, space saving. Equally important is the convenience of harvesting, the ability to accommodate many different varieties, and a quick entry into the fruiting phase.

The root system is the weak point. In proportion to the plant, it is underdeveloped and superficial. Accordingly, it does not hold the trunk well from gusts of wind, and does not adequately supply moisture and food. Because of this, the apple tree needs additional attention: feeding, and in dry weather, watering.

Fruiting constantly shifts to the crown, since in some species, with intense fruiting, active shoots fade away and die off. Having reached the highest point, the columnar apple tree ceases to yield. The useful activity of early-growing varieties is on average 6-8 years. Late-fruited crops begin to form a crop from the age of 6 and the yield period is extended to 10 years.

Popular types

Columnar apple trees are divided into groups according to their growth: dwarfs, super- and semi-dwarfs. There are medium and vigorous species. In private farms, dwarf ones that form ovaries along the entire trunk (003, Arbat, Valyukha) and medium-sized ones (2.5 m), requiring formative pruning, are acceptable and popular.

The difference between medium-sized ones is the grafting of ordinary apple trees onto super-dwarf clones. An adult tree grows compact, columnar. Popular varieties: President, Lingonberry, Amber Necklace, Medoc, Bolero, Vasyugan, Ligol, etc.

Regional classification

Columnar apple trees, like many plants, are divided according to their ability to grow in critical conditions and grow only in warm climates.

For southern regions the best are Garland, Bolero, Sparkle, Yesenia, Senator, Green Noise, Snow White, White Eagle, Trident, Titania, Taskan, Ideal. These apple trees do not tolerate frost, but they do not react to cold snaps in the southern climate.

All of them are thick-leaved, with a crown girth of up to 0.7 m, reaching 2-2, 5. They begin to bear fruit from the 3rd year, with an apple weight of 150-300 gr. They are a spectacular decoration of the site. With row planting, they create a gorgeous phytowall. They are used to decorate paths, zoning, and are planted in recreation areas.

For medium to cold regions (interval Ural-Moscow region) optimal, with excellent winter-hardy characteristics are Iksha, President, Elita, Ostankino, Chervonets, Senator, Iskorka. And also Jin, Currency, Triumph, Dialogue, Arbat, Renet Mazherova. Exceptional frost resistance is observed in Moskovsky Ozherelya, Vasyugan, President, Iksha (-40).

For Moscow region: Arbat, Mazherova Renet, Moscow Necklace, Malyukha, Medok. All of them belong to the group of average characteristics of winter hardiness and high yields. They have different ripening periods, differ in the size and color of the fruit.

Columnar apple trees, as a plot decor

To make an apple composition with different periods of flowering and ripening, planting is done in one or two rows. It is important to match with fruits of different shades. For example, in one group Vasyugan with striped red apples, Ostankino (rich red large), President (lemon yellow) will look good. The group can include the Amber Necklace. The apples on this tree are very decorative: yellowish-green with a pale pink barrel.

When creating a green wall from columnar apple trees, it is recommended to use a frost-resistant Iksha. During the ripening period, it looks amazing. Orange flattened apples with blush and reddish stripes. By the way, the aroma of the fruit has a saffron hue.

In separate groups, you can combine Currency, Malyukha, Dialogue. During the ripening period, you will have several designer blotches of different colors with fruits of yellow-green, bright yellow and golden colors.

Advice

Purchase planting material with a tag indicating the age and variety. A high-quality seedling is always given an "escort" with information about the time of fruiting, the region of zoning, winter hardiness, etc.

The best purchase in the nursery, a seedling that grew in a container or dug out with you. Pay attention to the condition of the vaccination - no damage. The best stock is violet-red, yellowish or light green. Choose a one-year-old up to 70 cm high, there should be 5-6 buds on the trunk and there should be no lateral processes.