The apple-tree is a columnar Constellation - a worthy representative of this group of varieties. It is believed that it allows you to use the available area with maximum benefit, since there are practically no side branches on it.
Features
The main feature of the columnar apple trees is that they have practically no lateral branches, and it turns out that the fruits ripen on the trunk itself. Most varieties available are of Canadian origin. Although initially this, apparently, was a random mutation.
At least in the specialized literature one can meet the legend that the first columnar-shaped apple tree was discovered in the 1960s by pure chance by a Canadian gardener who noticed a tree with a similar mutation in the garden. As it turned out, such signs are inherited.
That accidentally discovered tree became practically the progenitor of the variety Vozhak, Yesenia. And in a sense, the apple-tree columnar cultivar Constellation is also its descendant.
All varieties are characterized by early maturity. Initially, there were many dwarf varieties among them, but then both medium- and strong-growing ones were bred.
In the infield, it is recommended to grow dwarf and medium-sized apple trees. Representatives of the first type grow relatively slowly, but they yield the crop from the first year.
Medium-sized species are obtained artificially. For this, ordinary varieties are grafted onto super-dwarf columnar apple trees. As a result, relatively compact trees are obtained, reaching a height of 2.5 m.
Column-shaped apple tree Constellation: variety description
This variety is considered ideal for the so-called amateur gardens, although studies have shown that it is suitable for commercial cultivation, as it can produce a wonderful harvest from each tree, and it appears already in the first year.
The description of the apple-tree colon-shaped constellation (photos are presented in the article) is worth starting with the fact that it is a very small tree. And it grows quite slowly. Although small lateral branches appear on it in the second or third year, there are very few of them.
That is, a variety has a certain tendency to branch. But, as a rule, after the fourth year, the branches stop growing. If the apical bud was injured, then the growth of the tree may stop altogether, but side branches will appear, and they will begin to actively develop.
Thus, if the gardener still wants to get a classic columnar tree, he must do everything so that the plant maintains a growth point for the first two or three years.
Although any description of the cultivar of the columnar apple tree, the Constellation suggests that the tree begins to bloom and bear fruit early, in the first or second year you should not expect a large harvest from it. Its volumes will increase, but only in the first 5-6 years of the plant's life. In the 7-8th year, the harvest will be stable and at the same time high, provided that the apple tree is properly looked after.
In general, even the best trees of columnar varieties can bear fruit only the first 15-20 years of their life. Then most of the apple trees, unfortunately, die off. Sometimes the life of the tree is extended by anti-aging pruning, but if the variety is grown in its pure form, without rootstocks, then it will not help much.
Description of the variety of apple-tree colon-shaped constellation (in the photo you can see the size of apples) can be completed by the characteristics of the fruits. They grow quite large, their weight averages 125-150 g. The fruits have a greenish aromatic pulp and a pleasant sweet and sour taste. This is a late variety, but it is well stored.
Grade Benefits
In addition to the high yield and excellent taste characteristics of the fruit, the description of the colony-shaped constellation apple tree includes other advantages of this variety, which include:
- the presence of immunity to scab, which reduces the time and money spent on processing apple trees with appropriate preparations;
- high winter hardiness, which allows the tree to tolerate frosts up to 40 degrees;
- excellent preservation of fruits and the possibility of their transportation.
Of course, all the qualities of the variety are fully disclosed only with proper care.
Landing Nuances
Planting of such apple trees, as well as other representatives of the colonial group, is recommended to be carried out in spring. This should be done before the kidneys open.
Theoretically, seedlings can be planted in open ground in the fall, but only where climatic conditions allow. In the middle lane it is possible in September, in the southern regions - even in early October, subject to warm weather.
For planting, one- and not two-year-old seedlings are selected, since they take root more quickly and easily, they begin to grow up early, bloom and bear fruit.
In any case, seedlings must be selected correctly, checking them before purchase. It is especially important to inspect the root system to make sure that there is no rot. You should not buy seedlings of apple trees Constellation with over-dried roots, as they are poorly received.
If you buy a seedling in a container, then it can be planted even in the summer. It is important to choose the right site. It should be well lit, although it is clear that constant direct sunlight can damage the tree. In addition, an apple tree, especially one that is so small, needs wind protection.
The soil on the site should be well-drained, contain a lot of nutrients and pass water well. The groundwater level should be at a depth of not less than 200 cm.
Spring care
In spring, pruning the Constellation apple tree is mandatory, as well as preventive treatment from pests and diseases (despite resistance to scab, this still needs to be done, and even before the buds open).
At this time, all the shoots are cut, except for one, the strongest. But they leave just a couple of buds and treat this place with garden var. This is necessary in order to prevent branching of the tree, which could reduce its fruitfulness.
If we are talking about apple trees that were planted this year, then all the buds formed are removed from them. But the trees in the second year of life leave 10 buds, then the number gradually begins to increase.
Care for the apple tree constellation in the summer
Until mid-June, experienced gardeners carry out complex dressing using mineral fertilizers. In addition, the ovaries are certainly thinned out. This is done when the fruit has already appeared on the trunk, but they still remain small, no more than cherries.
During the summer, additional fertilizing can be carried out, but in August they stop, except for the introduction of potash fertilizers.
Wintering the apple tree constellation
Although apple trees of this variety are distinguished by good winter hardiness, it is still recommended that they be covered with fir spruce branches for the winter or sprinkled with wood shavings. But in any case, there should be dry material protected from damage by rodents.
It is not recommended to cover the apple trees with straw. When it snows, apple trunks are advised to wind up without fail.
Watering and loosening
The Apple Tree Constellation loves fertile, well-moistened soil. Watering is carried out regularly, as the earth dries around the roots of the tree. At the same time, it is important not to overdo it with him, otherwise they will begin to rot. As a rule, one or two waterings per week should be enough, but weather conditions must also be taken into account.
It is imperative to produce and loosening the soil in the near-stem circle. But just be careful not to damage the roots.
Also the site is mulched. And at a distance of 1/4 from the trunk, it is advised to grow siderat grasses that do not need to be mowed.