A review of the best frost-resistant apple varieties for Siberia

Main varieties

Based on winter hardiness, Siberian apple trees are divided into 3 categories:

• highly winter-hardy ones are able to withstand temperatures below -40 0C.
• moderately frost-resistant varieties can withstand temperatures down to -35 0C.
• Weakly winter-hardy varieties can withstand temperatures down to -25 0C.

Siberian apple trees are also divided into the following varieties:

• Ranetki. The Siberian Ranetki is a variety with small fruits, created by crossing the Sibirka with European varieties. These apple trees are more frost-hardy and productive. Although they have a more tart and sour taste, they are rich in vitamins. Ranetki are the first generation of a cross between Siberian and imported varieties.
• Semi-cultivated (semi-cultivated). This is the second generation of selection, when wild apples were crossed with large-fruited apple trees. These fruits are not only larger than wild apples but also tastier. Third- and higher-generation semi-cultivated apples were crossed with each other and with other large-fruited apple trees. Apples of this type have average winter hardiness. Good yields begin in 3-4 years.
• Large-fruited. For over 100 years, breeders have been trying to develop large-fruited, frost-resistant apple trees for Siberia, and they have succeeded. The size of the fruit of this variety is comparable to that of such Central Russian varieties as Gorny Sinap, Tolunay, and others.

The best Siberian apple varieties are described below.

Altai Crimson

This autumn variety gets its name from the color of its fruit. It ripens in the last months of summer and has a shelf life of two months. It bears fruit in the fourth year, yielding 20–40 kg per tree. The apples weigh 25–30 g and are juicy, with a sweet and sour flavor. Medium-sized trees are resistant to scab and winter-hardy. However, despite its widespread distribution, it is not particularly popular due to the small size of its fruits.

Bayana

Autumn apples reach maturity in early September and can be stored for up to four months. The first harvest appears after 3-4 years. Yields are high but intermittent. They are popular due to their large fruit size for Siberia—they weigh between 80 and 140 g. The texture is firm, juicy, and has a pleasant aroma. The medium-sized trees are highly frost-hardy and resistant to scab.

Gorno-Altaisk

A late-summer variety that ripens in mid-August and stores for up to three weeks. The harvest can be collected from the fourth year, although it will be of average size. Fruits reach a maximum weight of 50 g. The fine-grained flesh is sweet, with a slight tartness. Medium-sized trees are resistant to scab and tolerate winter frosts well.

Ermakovskoye Mining

Summer apples, which ripen in mid-August, can be stored for up to a month. The first harvest appears after 4-5 years, but the yield is low. The fruits are small, reaching a maximum weight of 80 g. The flesh is fine-grained, sweet and sour, with a pleasant aroma. Low-growing trees have average winter and scab resistance.

Cherished

A winter variety that ripens early and produces high yields, maturing in mid-September. The fruits are small, weighing no more than 60 g, and can be stored for up to five months. The apple is juicy, with a sweet and sour flavor with hints of strawberry. Low-growing trees do not tolerate frost well and may freeze during severe winters. Disease resistance is good.

Spartan

This early-fruiting winter variety is native to Canada. It ripens in late September and stores until spring. It begins bearing fruit generously, but unevenly, from the fifth year. Fruits weigh at least 160 g. The aroma is distinct, with notes of wine, melon, and strawberry. The flesh is juicy and crisp, with a sweet, tart flavor. Trees are medium to vigorous. Frost and scab resistance are below average.

Tolunay

This is a late-summer, large-fruited variety. It produces its first harvest after 4–5 years. It ripens in late August and has a shelf life of up to 1.5 months. The maximum fruit weight is 130 g. The fruit is juicy, aromatic, and sweet with a slight tartness. Medium-sized trees have average winter hardiness and good scab resistance.

Sokolovskoye

A natural winter dwarf, Siberia is its best growing location. It produces fruit in the 3rd or 4th year, and after harvesting, the harvest lasts for three months. Apples weigh up to 140 g. The fine-grained, dense, and juicy flesh has an excellent sweet and sour flavor. It is distinguished by good frost resistance and resistance to scab.

Souvenir of Altai

Altai varieties include another autumn variety, which begins bearing fruit every 5–6 years. The harvest is ready in early autumn and can be stored for up to three months. The fruits weigh approximately 130 g. The flesh is fine-grained and juicy, with a sweet and sour flavor.

The Altai Souvenir has medium-sized trees that are well adapted to frost and scab, but are vulnerable to moniliosis.

Zhigulevskoye

A late-autumn variety. Fruit is harvested throughout September and stored for 1–2 months. Considered a high-yielding variety, bearing fruit begins in the fifth year. The fruits are large, weighing 120–200 g. The flesh is coarse-grained, tender, and has a sweet and sour flavor. This is a tall, fast-growing variety with moderate winter hardiness.

Video: "Super Apple Harvest in Siberia"

This video will show you which apple varieties thrive in the harsh conditions of Siberia.