Description and advantages of the 6 best columnar apple tree varieties

Features of columnar apple trees

The beneficial change in the apple tree's structure was achieved through growth hormone deficiency. This hormone is responsible for the formation of the crown and enhanced development of flower buds. The biological characteristics of columnar apple trees include the absence of lateral branches, fruit development on the trunk, early fruiting, and a miniature growth habit.

Despite its dwarf size, the apple tree bears fruit continuously, and the harvest is impressive in volume. However, columnar apple varieties have one drawback: a weak root system. This underdeveloped root system doesn't hold the tree up well, meaning it's prone to breakage in a strong gust of wind. Weak roots also fail to provide the plant with essential minerals and sufficient water. Therefore, fertilizing and ample watering are crucial aspects of apple tree care.

Early fruiting is a positive quality of columnar varieties. Some varieties begin to bloom in the first year of planting, but leaving the fruit is not advisable. It is recommended to remove the ovaries to allow the tree to gain strength and health; otherwise, there is a risk of a complete crop failure in subsequent years. The average lifespan is 50 years. Active fruiting lasts for 6-8 years, after which the tree gradually dies, starting from the bottom. When purchasing seedlings, be sure to ask the consultant for a list of the columnar apple trees. Otherwise, you risk purchasing a defective variety. Below are the best columnar apple varieties for the northern and western regions of Russia.

Nectar

The taste of this variety fully matches its name. The fruits ripen towards the end of August, and this tree is most often found in orchards in the Moscow region. The fruit is medium-sized, weighing up to 250 g, and yellow. It is eaten fresh and is excellent for preserving and compotes. The variety is characterized by a very hard skin, but the flesh is juicy and sweet. The maximum yield is 10 kg per tree per year. Medok differs from other varieties in its resistance to pest attacks.

President

The President variety is an ideal choice for small garden plots. Compact trees produce fairly large fruits (200–250 g). Harvesting can begin in late summer. The fruits are fragrant, white-yellow in color, sometimes with a pink tint. The flesh is juicy and fine-grained. This variety is popular for its winter hardiness.

Ostankino

This apple variety has received positive reviews for its productivity. The tree produces up to 9 kg of aromatic fruits per year—large, with a sweet and tart flavor. Their color can vary from soft green to bright red.

Vasyugan

A winter-hardy, productive variety with good resistance to pest attacks. The fruits are conical, very large, and firm (weighing up to 200 g). The red apples are completely striped, and the flesh is quite juicy with a creamy texture.

Currency

This late-ripening variety earns exceptionally positive reviews from gardeners, thanks to its columnar apple trees. The average apple weight (200 g) is sweet with a slight tartness, bright yellow in color, sometimes with a rosy blush. When stored properly, the fruit stays fresh throughout the fall and winter. A distinctive feature of this variety is its resistance to the serious disease scab.

Moscow Necklace

A self-sterile and very productive variety. The fruit is quite large, dark red, and the flesh is juicy, sweet, and slightly tart. The skin is thick and firm. This variety can be substituted with other varieties with similar characteristics. For example, the columnar apple tree Barguzin has no significant differences, while the Bolero apple tree differs only in color.

Advantages and disadvantages

Pyramidal apple tree varieties have generally proven themselves to be successful. Once gardeners see and familiarize themselves with this tree, they immediately want to buy one. This is no coincidence, as the plant possesses a number of unique properties:

• thanks to its compact crown and sparse root system, the tree takes up a minimum of space on the site;
• high yield;
• Due to the fact that the apple tree has a low trunk, it is easy to care for, and harvesting can be done without additional resources.

Despite a number of significant advantages, columnar trees also have disadvantages that prevent the variety from being grown in large quantities.

The relatively high price discourages mass purchase of this variety. The short fruiting period also discourages gardeners: after 5–8 years, yields drop sharply, necessitating replacement trees.

This article lists the six best varieties, according to the opinions and reviews of experienced gardeners, but each gardener should choose their own plant for their own garden. From a vast selection, you can find a tree suited to a specific soil type or climate. Columnar apple trees such as Cheburashka, Conference, and Trident are particularly popular. Remember that the tree will require maximum attention during its first year.

Video: "The Benefits of Columnar Apple Trees"

In this video, an experienced breeder not only describes the advantages of columnar apple trees but also shares the secrets of their cultivation.