A review of columnar apple varieties for the Moscow region

Features of columnar varieties

Based on tree height, they are classified as dwarf (up to 2 m), semi-dwarf (up to 3 m), and vigorous (over 3 m). In addition to their compact size, columnar apple trees are distinguished by their early fruiting—the first harvest can be obtained as early as the following year. Like regular apple trees, columnar apple trees are divided into summer, autumn, and winter varieties. It's worth noting that most varieties are not sufficiently frost-hardy, so not all types are suitable for planting in the Moscow region. Experienced gardeners recommend planting domestically bred varieties. Although the best columnar apple varieties for the Moscow region are not inexpensive, the investment will pay for itself in just three years, when each tree will produce a harvest of 5 kilograms or more.

Summer

Summer columnar varieties begin to ripen in the Moscow region from the end of July to mid-August. These apples can be stored for only a few weeks, so they are suitable for eating fresh or making juices, compotes, jams and preserves.

Vasyugan

It's considered one of the best columnar varieties for the Moscow region. Despite being a summer variety, it's highly frost-resistant and can withstand temperatures below -40°C.⁰C. This is a medium-sized variety that requires additional efforts to protect the tree from pests.

The active fruiting period is 15 years. Although the yield of this variety is low, the apples have a bright, sweet flavor with slight tart notes. The fruit weighs up to 200 grams and has a thin, bright red skin. The fruits can be stored for up to a month after harvest.

Malyukha

This is a dwarf, columnar apple tree. A distinctive feature of this variety is the distinctive sweet flavor of its apples, which is why they are often called dessert apples. The fruits are very juicy and quite large – up to 250 g. It produces fruit abundantly, but requires special care. This variety is not very frost-hardy, so the tree should be covered with a rag during the winter. It is also very sensitive to winds. It should not be planted in areas with frequent strong winds. The soil must be constantly aerated and moist. The tree's crown also requires special care – it must be regularly shaped to maintain its columnar shape. Allowing the crown to become too large will result in smaller fruits.

Nectar

This dwarf apple tree ripens in late summer, but the fruit only lasts 30 days. It is distinguished by its high yield and unique honey-like, juicy-sweet flavor. The fruits are yellow and weigh up to 250 g. The thick skin protects the juicy, coarse-grained flesh. This variety is resistant to scab and other diseases and tolerates subzero temperatures well.

Autumn

Autumn varieties bear fruit throughout the fall and are stored for several months.

Gin

This variety is a dwarf, early-maturing tree. It is well-adapted to various diseases and tolerates Moscow region winters. Yields are somewhat lower in the first few years, but gradually increase, reaching full vigor after five years of growth. The apples are bright red and weigh up to 200 g. The flesh is juicy and aromatic, with a sweet and sour flavor. The apples ripen by mid-September and can be stored until February if properly.

Titania

This vigorous tree boasts high frost and disease resistance (not susceptible to scab or powdery mildew). It begins bearing fruit in the second or third year. The fruits ripen in the fall, in early September, and can be stored for up to two months. The scarlet apples weigh up to 110 g. The flesh is pure white, very juicy, and quite dense, giving it a characteristic crunch and a sweet, wine-like flavor. They have an excellent marketable appearance.

Winter

Winter varieties ripen towards the end of autumn and store well throughout the winter.

Currency

This dwarf variety has gained popularity among gardeners due to its complete resistance to various diseases. It requires no chemical treatment and easily adapts to a wide range of climates. It is characterized by high yields. The fruits are yellow-red, weigh up to 140 g, and are juicy and sweet. They ripen in early October and can be stored until February. They are suitable for fresh eating or canning.

Moscow Necklace

This dwarf apple tree is known for its high yield. The fruits ripen by the end of September, clinging heavily to the trunk, which can even cause the tree to break under the strain. To prevent this, the tree should be tied up immediately after planting. This variety is disease-resistant and tolerates subzero temperatures well. The highest yield is achieved when planted in loamy or sandy loam soil. The fruits are a bright burgundy color and weigh up to 250 g. The apples are juicy and sweet. Under recommended storage conditions, the harvest can be stored for up to 4 months.

President

It ripens late, from late August to mid-September. It is a semi-dwarf tree with a densely foliated crown and a fairly compact habit. This sweet and sour apple variety has a rich aroma. The flesh is juicy, fine-grained, and white. President is a compact, winter-hardy variety with good disease and pest resistance. It is an ornamental apple tree with a good yield.

Amber necklace

The tree reaches a height of up to 2.5 meters and tolerates subzero temperatures well, not only in the Moscow region but even in Siberia. The fruits ripen by the end of September and last until February. The apples are yellow with a slight blush. The fruit is medium-sized, weighing up to 180 grams, and has a sweet, slightly tart flavor. This variety is self-sterile and requires pollination with another variety with a similar flowering period.

Since this type of apple tree has been cultivated relatively recently, you can find both good and negative reviews about columnar apple trees.

To ensure your tree doesn't disappoint, experts recommend choosing winter-hardy varieties for planting in the Moscow region and strictly following their cultivation recommendations.

Video "Columnar Dwarf Apple Trees"

In this video, you will hear useful tips on choosing and caring for columnar apple trees.