Many gardeners are fond of growing different varieties of apple trees. But not everyone can afford to plant an extra tree, because they have a small area. Today I will talk about a compact columnar apple tree, which does not need much space in the garden.
Advantages and disadvantages
Each plant has its pros and cons. The positive properties of columnar apple trees include:
- Compactness. A tree no more than 2.5 m high, with a crown no more than 50 cm. For its cultivation does not require a large area.
- Decorative. Some varieties can even be grown in tubs. They are successfully used in landscape design.
- Productivity. With proper care, one tree produces up to 12 kg of apples per season. Culture comes into fruition in the second year of life.
In addition to the advantages of the apple tree, there are also disadvantages:
- Short fruiting period. Some varieties lose yield after fifteen years, while others decline after seven years.
- High price. Seedlings are very expensive compared to sprawling relatives.
Correct fit
Planting is best done in early spring. However, trees can also be planted in the fall.
For planting on the site, annual seedlings of frost-resistant varieties are suitable. Before planting, add rotted manure or compost (4 kg), superphosphate (50 g), potassium chloride (50 g) and dolomite flour (50 g) to the hole before planting. The roots are straightened and placed in a hole, watered abundantly, covered with soil.
Features of care
Young seedlings need intensive watering (at least twice every seven days). In April-May, top dressing is carried out. To do this, use ammonium nitrate (30 g) and nitroammofoska (30 g), as well as humus (two buckets), the ingredients are mixed and added to the trunk circle for digging.
In March, spraying is carried out, 5% carbamide (500 g) is taken to prepare the solution and the substance is diluted in water (10 l).
At the end of flowering, you can make a composition consisting of nitrophoska and sodium humate. The proportion is made according to the instructions attached to the preparations. More than three buckets of composition for one crop is not recommended.
In order for the plant to be able to prepare for wintering, phosphorus-potassium supplements should be added.
Fight against diseases and parasites
Pest infestations need to be saved with the help of insecticides. Fungicides are used to control fungal diseases. The spraying procedure is performed in the spring before flowering.
For spraying, you can use both complex means and monopreparations, for example:
- colloidal sulfur (80 g / bucket of water);
- copper sulfate 1% (100 g / 10 l of liquid).
In May, as soon as flowering ends, re-spraying from pests is performed. To do this, you can use a solution of chlorophos (70 g of substance / bucket of liquid). You can also apply "Lepidotsid" (70 ml / 6 l of liquid).
pruning apple trees
Some apple trees don't need pruning. Usually in such plants only the main stem is formed. Long lateral branches develop in case of damage to the apical bud. The strongest shoot is left, and the rest of the branches are cut off.
Some varieties require formative pruning. The procedure is performed before the start of sap flow (in early spring). In the first year, basically all side shoots are cut off, leaving a pair of buds on each. The following year, the horizontal shoot is left at the level of apple formation, and the vertical branch is cut off, leaving two buds. A year later, the fruiting shoot is cut under the ring.
Whatever columnar apple tree you choose to grow, it will decorate your site, and fragrant fruits will be a great treat for family members and friends.
Share in the comments what varieties of columnar apple trees are in your garden, and how you care for them.
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