What do you know about such a tree as the Ostankino column-shaped apple tree? Every time someone talks about a garden, our brain draws a picture of a beautiful garden plot, which is planted with many trees with lush crowns. So it was in the old days. Now the situation has changed, and scientists have bred apple varieties that take up little space, but give an excellent harvest. Information about such varieties, apple processing and planting tips are collected for you in this article.
Appearance story
The story of such a peculiar tree is quite simple. It all started in Canada when someone saw a strange apple tree that did not have a single side branch, while there were many fruits on the central strong trunk. Having studied such a tree in detail, scientists took it as a basis and developed many different varieties. The Ostankino columnar apple tree is one of such species. The further gardeners worked with her, the more they liked her. Indeed, the main advantage of the tree is to save space on the site without losing the amount of harvested crops.
general information
On average, trees of this type grow to a height of two and a half meters with a crown width of only half a meter. The tree has a main trunk and there are absolutely no lateral branches. The fruits ripen very quickly, and a year after planting, you can harvest. A columnar tree can be:
Often such a tree is not grown in an open area, but in a pot. And although earlier such plants could only be found in special tree nurseries, now anyone can buy and plant them. The Ostankino apple tree, the description of which we present below, is one of the most popular varieties of this type of fruit tree. The taste of apples and a convenient form attract both domestic and foreign gardeners.
Column-shaped apple tree "Ostankino"
This variety was bred in Russia and has become very popular gardeners in the country. What is characterized by such a tree? The Ostankino columnar apple tree is one of the semi-dwarf species, and can grow up to 2 meters in height. It resembles a column in shape. A special feature of the variety is the high density of fruits, which begin to be tied almost from the bottom to the top. Also, the apple tree can be recognized by a large number of leaves. On average, one tree produces from ten to sixteen kilograms of fruit, but the trunk calmly withstands such a load. The life expectancy of such apple trees is from ten to fifteen years. Aging, the trees are becoming weaker, the yield is significantly reduced, and this is a signal to begin to rejuvenate the garden.
The apples themselves are small and weigh no more than one hundred and fifty grams. Round and slightly flattened fruits are distinguished by a yellow-green peel with purple-red sides. The fruit tastes sour with a touch of sweetness, while the flesh is white and juicy. Due to their qualities, apples are often used for canning.
Advantages and disadvantages
The Ostankino apple tree, the reviews of which we carefully studied, has a number of certain advantages. Based on the statements of the owners, the following conclusions were made:
- trees are compact in size, which allows you to plant a significant number of plants on a relatively small plot of land;
- small root size allows you to grow a tree in a pot;
- the variety is very resistant to frost, therefore it is allowed to plant it in spring and autumn;
- the apple tree is rarely sick, which makes it possible to have many beautiful fruits without additional chemical treatment;
- even if there is not enough sunlight during the fruit set season, the Ostankino apple variety forms a large number of them, this does not affect the quality of the crop.
From the foregoing, it becomes clear why this plant is so popular among gardeners. Although there are also negative reviews:
- high cost of seedlings;
- limited service life. Sadovodov is saddened by the fact that after seven to eight years, the crop becomes more scarce, and you have to replace the old tree with a young one.
Landing and care
What you need to know when planting a tree like the Ostankino column-shaped apple tree? There are several recommendations for growing this particular type of plant:
- choosing a seedling, carefully study its appearance, it should not be damaged, suspicious insects, the roots should be intact, and the tree itself is fresh;
- when planting a tree on a site, correctly position the seedlings; when planting a large amount, the distance between them should not be less than 1 meter;
- When digging a hole for landing, consider the size of the root system, it should be spacious in the hole;
- regularly feed the soil, as the apple tree likes to grow in fertile land, and the first recharge should be done before planting;
- watering the tree is also required, while it is recommended to take standing warm water;
- watch the shape of the tree, although there is no crown for such trees, but you need to look at the top: if it is damaged, then two or three new ones will grow in its place, from which you need to choose the healthiest and remove the rest;
- when the side branches appear, they must be removed immediately, and the cutting site should be lubricated with linseed oil.
Feeding and pest control
Processing apple trees is necessary if you notice a problem. Due to disease resistance, this variety does not need to be constantly sprayed. If necessary, you should use the recommended standard tools, depending on the problem. Another thing with top dressing. It must be carried out constantly. In the spring, you can fertilize the earth with manure. The application rate is 2.5-3.5 kg per plant. You need to use only last year's rotten manure, as fresh burns the roots. Urea is considered an excellent way to feed trees - 50-80 g under a tree. And in the summer, it is recommended to use potassium-phosphorus fertilizer - not more than 100 g of the substance for one apple tree.
In the end, I would like to add that this species has become a real salvation for gardeners who are short of space on the site. A rich harvest and the ability to plant trees in pots make this variety even more attractive.