Columnar apple trees are an excellent choice for those gardeners who have many desires, but little space on the site. They are compact and convenient; you can plant several different varieties nearby. You just need to choose those that will feel comfortable in certain climatic conditions. Many varieties of columnar apple trees will be suitable for the Leningrad region.
Columnar apple tree.
Climate of the region
The Leningrad region is located in a temperate climate zone, with a smooth transition from oceanic to continental. This means that the entire summer is moderately warm and the winter is quite mild. But the peculiarities of the landscape and climate are that the weather is fickle and changes often.
The northern parts of the region are exposed to cold and dry arctic air masses, which are often accompanied by clear weather. At the same time, the cooling occurs sharply. There are often frosts in the summer, and severe frosts in the winter. All this, against the backdrop of sudden climate changes, requires the right approach to choosing the variety of apple trees.
Variety selection criteria
Taking into account all of the above climate features of the Leningrad region, you need to choose resistant varieties of columnar apple trees:
- Apple trees must be cold-resistant.
- It is necessary for trees to easily adapt to sudden climate changes.
- High immunity of a tree is the key to good growth in areas with an inhospitable climate. It is better that the variety is resistant to fungal diseases and rot.
- Summer in this area is quite short, so you will need to choose varieties that are distinguished by their early ripening.
It should be borne in mind that if you have to cover apple trees for the winter, then low-growing columns will benefit.
Varieties with autumn ripening
Fruiting of these species occurs throughout the autumn period. Like winter apples, autumn varieties store quite well and have excellent taste.
Typical autumn varieties:
- Vasyugan;
- Gin;
- Triumph;
- Chervonets;
- Garland;
- Green noise;
- Favorite.
Triumph
The Triumph apple tree is a popular variety among the semi-dwarf columnar varieties. The height of the plant does not exceed 190-200 cm. A large number of juicy fruits are formed on the shoots. Apples are spherical in shape. On the outside they are covered with a dense, but not hard skin. The color of the outer integument of the fruit is yellow with bright red stripes. Under the skin lies a very juicy pulp, which is characterized by the presence of typical graininess. The taste of the fruit is sweet, with an aroma characteristic of this crop.
Vasyugan
The description of the columnar variety of the Vasyugan apple tree is typical for representatives of this fruit crop. The trees are classified as medium-sized. A distinctive feature of the variety is its early ripening. The first apples ripen a year after the seedlings are planted in open ground. The shape of the apples is slightly elongated. The skin is deep red. The taste is sweet and sour, typical of columnar apples. Vasyugan tolerates frost very well.
Garland
This variety is characterized by immunity to the effects of the plant disease scab. A high-yielding variety with juicy apples of a beautiful yellow-green color. The Garland apple tree has practically no side branches. If there is overload on the plant, the size of the fruit may decrease over time.
Description of apple varieties for the North-West
The optimal choice for the Northwestern region, characterized by cold conditions, would be winter-hardy varieties of columnar apple trees.
Antey
A hybrid variety of apples with high resistance to cold. The apple tree reaches 3 meters in height and begins to bear fruit already in the third year after planting. The fruits are beautiful, green with a burgundy blush, large in size, juicy and tasty. The collection takes place at the end of September – beginning of October. The harvest can reach a weight of 50 kg from one tree and is stored until early spring.
Apple tree Antey.
Arbat
A late variety with beautiful and tasty fruits. The apples are saffron-red, as if tanned in the sun. Their taste is sweet, but with a slight note of freshness, and a pleasant apple aroma. Seedlings produce their first fruits already in the second year after planting. The compact tree will withstand all the whims and vagaries of the weather.
Apple tree Arbat.
Arkhangelsky or Zhukovka
A frost-resistant columnar apple tree that also produces large fruits. Seedlings are resistant to many diseases from a very early age. The fruits are large, sweet and sour, and contain a high percentage of sugar. Collection begins in the third year of life. Up to 60 kg of fruit can be removed from one tree, which is an excellent result for columnar fruits.
Apple tree Zhukovka.
Garland
The variety received an interesting name for its appearance. Apples are stuck on the tree on all sides in a chaotic manner; they are greenish-yellow with pink streaks, bright like holiday decorations. A distinctive feature is the trees' high immunity. The seedlings produce a harvest already in the third year; up to 15 kg of apples are collected from the tree.
Apple tree Garland.
Friendly
This variety was created specifically for cultivation in the Leningrad region. Therefore, the tree is especially resistant to cold and sudden changes in weather. The fruits are yellow-green, large, and have a nice orange blush.
Apple tree Druzhnoye.
Ostankino
A dwarf apple tree variety with many leaves. Autumn apples can last until early spring. The tree is very short, so it is very easy to care for. Amazing early pregnancy will also be a plus. The fruits can be harvested the next year after planting, and even in the same year if planted in spring.
Ostankino apple tree.
The president
A beautiful semi-dwarf variety can become a delightful decoration of the site. The summer apple tree is completely covered with medium-sized yellow fruits. They are great for making sweets and desserts and are practically not stored.
Apple tree President.
Nectar
Summer apples have a sweet taste with a hint of honey. The tree is highly resistant to common apple diseases. The small tree is unpretentious in care, but at the same time high-yielding.
Apple tree Medoc.
Welsey
The fruits of the Welsey variety have a pleasant sweet and sour taste and a pleasant strawberry smell. The tree is resistant to cold and disease, so it easily adapts to almost any climatic conditions. The unpretentious Welsey apple tree is one of the most popular and widespread.
Welsey apple tree.
Features of cultivation in the Leningrad region
The rules for caring for columnar apple trees in the Leningrad region directly depend on the climatic conditions of the region:
- Apple trees do not need to be watered frequently. It is necessary to water only if the weather is persistently hot.
- If the soil on which apple trees grow has a high groundwater level, then it is necessary to drain the soil.
- To protect fruit trees from severe frosts, it is recommended to mulch them.
- The soil must be regularly loosened and periodically cleared of weeds.
Pear for the Leningrad region: the best varieties
The soil in the Leningrad region needs periodic feeding with nutrients. It is necessary to fertilize the soil with organic matter and minerals at least three times in one season.
To avoid the death of a tree due to any disease, it is recommended to periodically inspect the leaves and the condition of the trunk. If spots appear on the leaves, or the leaf blades begin to turn yellow, then you need to treat them with a medicinal solution or insecticides.
It is important to know! With the onset of autumn, in order to strengthen the protective properties of the apple tree, ash is added to the soil. To protect the root system from freezing, it is necessary to cover the tree trunk circle with a layer of peat, dry grass or sawdust. To protect the apple tree from rodents, it is advisable to cover it with roofing felt. This material will not only protect against pests, but will also help protect the apple tree from severe frosts.
The main condition for growing apple trees in the northwestern region of the Russian Federation is the correct choice of variety and apple tree seedling. With proper care of fruit trees, proper watering, timely fertilization of the soil and cultivation of the crown, despite unfavorable climatic conditions, it is quite possible to grow healthy apple trees with good yields.
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Choosing seedlings
Choosing the right variety is half the task. The second half is to choose the right planting material. Here's what to pay attention to:
- the seedling must be free of damage and traces of previous diseases or the presence of pests;
- annual trees take root better; they should be without branches and no higher than 60 cm;
- the normal number of buds is 5-6 pieces;
- it is better to choose seedlings with a closed root system that were grown in special containers;
- there should be no rot or dry parts on the roots;
- the grafting site, if any, must be clean and free of rot.
If you carefully examine the seedling before purchasing, you can visually determine its state of health.
general characteristics
Still, gardeners have to take local conditions into account. So as not to be upset later by failures and money spent. And start over again in 5-10 years
So pay attention:
For winter hardiness; The ability to resist diseases. Especially fungal diseases
Especially scabby; Early frosts force you to pay attention to varieties that have time to ripen by then.
You will also take into account:
- Tree type: Height;
- Width;
- Dense or sparse crown;
- What does it look like - a pyramid, a ball or an oval;
- Plant Antonovka, and it will take up half the plot.
I noticed it myself! When you plant according to recommendations, it seems like you leave a lot of space between the seedlings. And when you grow up, you remember the kind words of your advisors.
- Apple Type: Size;
- Coloring;
- Even shades and patina.
Fruit taste:
- Sweetness;
Aroma; Is there dessert or not?
How long to wait for the first harvest: Maybe you don’t have the patience to wait 7-8 years.
Will the tree be able to pollinate itself? Or is it necessary to have other varieties of apple trees nearby? And which ones; How much containers to prepare for the harvest? Cans and bottles, including:
- Isn’t it necessary to have a place on the market to sell them?
We will look at the specific best varieties of apple trees below.
It is interesting to read reviews from gardeners. And not dry academic assessments of specialists. After all, according to some experts, it is necessary to get rid of some ancient varieties. Antonovka, Korobovka, Grushovka Moskovskaya, White filling need to be changed. And they are in good demand. I also have Borovinka
New items attract attention. I would like to grow both Silver Hoof and Belarusian Raspberry
Yes and others. But mine is enough for me.
I have been renovating my garden for several years. But from the old ones I still leave White filling and Glory to the winners. Iyulskoe Chernenko, Antey, Krasa Sverdlovska complemented the assortment very well. The Baltic and Finnish varieties are interesting. I'll take a closer look. Nurseries offer. But we need expert advice. Who has had them for more than a year?
I have also been working on columnar apple trees on my site for several years. There are a lot of advertisements. The cost is decent. But so far they cannot replace our reliable ones - White filling, Zvezdochka, Streifling, Bogatyr. They look beautiful. And the taste is not very satisfying. Maybe I'm rushing to conclusions? But the columnar ones bear fruit earlier. A dozen apples are just for variety.
Two varieties from the Ural collection delighted me. Its winter hardiness and productivity. Beauty of Sverdlovsk and Silver Hoof. I advise others to plant it at home. You will not regret.
Correct fit
In the harsh conditions of the Leningrad region, it is better to plant young seedlings in the ground in the spring so that they have time to get stronger before the onset of cold weather. Here's what to consider when planting speakers:
- the distance between trees can be minimal - 80 cm;
- the landing hole should be 50-60 cm in size;
- You need to pour a bucket of warm water into the bottom and pour out 2-3 cups of ash and a little fertilizer;
- install the seedling straight, straighten the roots;
- sprinkle so that the graft is above the ground level;
- Fill completely and pour in plenty of warm water.
This way the young tree will have time to get stronger by winter and will have enough space and nutrients to develop. Some varieties produce the first few fruits the very next year.
Scheme of proper cultivation and planting of a columnar apple tree.
How to grow columnar apple trees
Columnar apple trees are distinguished by a wide variety of varieties, each of which has its own characteristics of cultivation and care. However, there are general principles that must be observed when cultivating this variety of fruit trees.
For planting you need to choose healthy and strong seedlings
