Dwarf apple tree, planting and care. The best dwarf varieties of apple trees Planting undersized apple trees

Gardeners usually have two reasons for choosing a dwarf apple tree instead of the usual one: saving space and the ability to provide undersized trees with the most thorough care, because their crown does not exceed 3 m in height.

Features of dwarf and semi-dwarf apple trees

Apple trees of dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties are obtained by grafting varietal cuttings onto dwarf clonal rootstocks. In other words, each tree of this variety is not grown from a seed, but is obtained only by vegetative means. As a result, the young tree 100% retains all the characteristics of the donor, except for one - growth.

Dwarf apple garden

It is easy to distinguish seedlings from columnar ones by the root, which is not rod-shaped, but fibrous. Dwarf rootstocks generally do not have thick roots. The buds of dwarf varieties, even at first glance, are much larger than usual. Intending to buy a dwarf or semi-dwarf seedling, you should be prepared for the fact that its price will be significantly higher than that of a regular one.

Attention: dwarf trees perfectly coexist with tall ones, if the recommended distance between them is observed. At the same time, planting shrubs close to the trunk circle is not recommended. A close-lying root system does not tolerate such a neighborhood.

There are some drawbacks that you need to be aware of:

• Short life span. An ordinary apple tree can bear fruit up to 60 years, but low-growing varieties have a maximum fruiting period of 20 years, and for the most part only 13-15 years. However, this can be seen as a positive side, as the regular renewal of the garden allows you to evaluate many more of the latest varieties.
• Low frost resistance. It is due to the low occurrence of the root system. In severe frosts, the roots can freeze.
• Requirements for soil fertility. Top dressing of such varieties is necessary every year.
• Too much flowering. The apple tree strives to give as many fruits as possible. To obtain a high quality crop, up to a quarter of the inflorescences must be cut off. Remove from them those that are located close to the trunk.
• Fragile branches. Often the weight of the fruit is so great that without additional props the branches break.
• Low keeping quality. Tall varieties are distinguished by the highest keeping quality, it is difficult to compete with dwarf varieties.

Characteristics of varieties of dwarf and semi-dwarf apple trees

In domestic nurseries, you can find trees zoned for a particular region. The study of the description of varieties should not be neglected. Insufficient frost resistance will lead to the death of the seedling in the first winter. Drought resistance, disease resistance, need for pollination are also important.

Dwarf varieties of apple trees for the Moscow region

Cool summers and frosty winters are typical features of the climate of the Moscow region. Not every variety can produce a crop and not die in such conditions. The following dwarf apple trees have proven themselves well:

• Melba- summer pollinated variety of yellow sweet apples, ripening at the end of July. Fruit weight ranges from 150-250 g. One tree for 3-4 years yields up to 40 kg. Keeping quality: 3 months.
• Zhigulevskaya- a large-fruited autumn undersized apple tree with golden-red apples weighing up to 350 g. It ripens at the end of September. Stored up to 3 months. Needs cross-pollination. One tree can produce up to 250 kg of fruit.
• Grushevka Moscow- one of the oldest winter varieties, ripening at the end of October. The fruits are quite small - about 100 g, but at the same time they are perfectly stored until the summer. Differs in high frost resistance and fecundity: up to 150 kg per tree.

Grushevka Moscow

Dwarf varieties of apple trees for the Leningrad region

Waterlogged soils, severe frosts, high humidity, proximity to the sea are all limiting factors suitable for a small number of varieties. Practice has shown that varieties take root well in the region:

• Antey- a late-ripening autumn apple tree, which has an average yield (up to 50 kg), as well as a high keeping quality of fruits (until May). Dark red apples weigh about 200 g, and the first fruiting occurs in the 3rd year. Weakly resistant to scab, but can withstand temperatures down to -30°C. Actively bears fruit in the period of 5-25 years.
• Delight- very sweet, medium-sized (up to 150 g) apples, beautiful raspberry color. Trees need cross-pollination and produce up to 80 kg of fruit. Drought and scab resistant winter-hardy variety. Already in mid-August, you can pick green apples, which are distinguished by a pleasant sour taste and strong aroma, and technical ripeness occurs in mid-September.
• Ladoga- red sweet and sour apples weighing up to 150 g. They ripen in September. The tree is able to give up to 150 kg at a height of up to 3 m. The fruits are perfectly stored until March. The first harvest is harvested in the 5th year.

Low-growing apple trees for central Russia

Here you can allow a much wider varietal diversity, because relatively mild winters make it possible not to be afraid of freezing gardens. Warm and long summers, a large amount of precipitation, fertile soils - all these are favorable factors suitable for growing apple trees in the best possible way.

The most positive feedback from gardeners on the following varieties:

• wonderful- a dwarf apple tree with the most compact crown with a height of 1.6-2 m. Falling spreading branches hardly hold green apples weighing up to 210 g. Productivity - up to 80 kg. Fruiting for 3-4 years. Ripening at the end of August. Keeping quality - until October.
• Snowdrop- a very undersized small apple tree up to 1.6 m high. It bears fruit for 3 years already, it is very resistant to severe frosts and drought. The weight of apples is up to 170 g, and the yield is up to 120 kg per tree. Ripening in early September. Keeping quality - 4 months.
• Imant- characterized by late ripening (end of October) and high weight of dark red fruits with a pronounced wax coating, reaching 250 g or more. Scab-resistant variety, well preserved until May. Frost resistant.

snowdrop apple tree

The best varieties of dwarf apple trees for the Urals

Serious temperature fluctuations from hot summer to frosty winter require varieties of fruit trees cultivated in the Urals to be resistant to freezing and drought. This can be fully boasted by such varieties of apple trees as:

• Souvenir Altai- reaches no more than 3 m in height, gives small red apples weighing up to 120 g. Ripens at the end of summer. High yields are organically complemented by resistance to scab, as well as self-fertility. A tree does not need neighbors to consistently produce a high yield year after year.
• Paping- an early summer variety of very light white-green apples, competing in popularity with White Bulk. Fruit weight is 150 g on average, harvested in the first half of August. Fruiting begins in the 4th year, and the growth with each subsequent year is several tens of kilograms, reaching 200 kg per tree.
• Bayana- richly fruiting variety. Yellow-green with a blush apples weighing up to 150 g ripen in early autumn with the appearance of a purple hue on the skin. The tree tolerates frosts down to −35°С. Differs in self-fertility, therefore it is suitable for a single planting. Fruiting occurs at 4 years.

Everything you need to know about planting and caring for dwarf apple trees

It is very important to choose the right seedling before buying. Since it is quite difficult to vaccinate yourself, it is much more profitable to purchase ready-made grafted plants in nurseries. In this case, you need to know the signs of a quality scion:

• Between the trunk and the root neck there is a well-defined protrusion indicating the place of inoculation.
• A 2-year-old seedling should have 4 developed branches (a wild game has many short branches without buds).
• The height of the tree is up to 0.5 m.
• The roots are fibrous in shape (in a wild game - a taproot).

The optimal time for planting is spring, as soon as the soil thaws, or autumn (the first decade of September). The place on the site is chosen as much as possible illuminated, or with partial shade. The depth of groundwater is ideally 1.5 m. The soil for planting is prepared in advance, enriching it with organic fertilizers, as well as digging and achieving a uniform loose structure.

Planting dwarf apple trees (diagram)

Advice. The planting hole is prepared at the rate of 1.5 m between the trees and a depth of 0.7 m. The first 20 cm of the surface layer of soil is simply thrown aside, as they will be mixed with humus or rotted manure. It is good to add wood ash to it and 0.6 kg of superphosphate for each seedling.

At the bottom of the planting pit or trench, pegs are installed for tying seedlings, and only after that, a seedling is placed on a small mound of soil with fertilizers, gently straightening its roots. The filling of the soil is carried out in stages, abundantly watering each layer with water. After filling the pit, the scion point should be above the ground at a height of at least 3 cm.

A circle with a diameter of about 50 cm is trampled around the trunk. Its edge is formed with a roller 15 cm high. This will facilitate the irrigation process, as it will prevent water from spreading past the roots. Next, the top of the seedling is tied to a support peg, and the ground around is sprinkled with a layer of mulch from sawdust, chopped grass, sunflower husks, etc.

Care

The main care of apple trees is to protect them from pests. Scab is the most common fungal disease for which trees are treated with fungicides. But in addition to this, apple trees are attacked by all kinds of pests, from which they are protected by spraying with special insecticides, as well as hanging traps, and carefully removing fallen leaves.

Feeding is done annually. Mullein solution is ideal, as they can simply be watered planting several times per season.

Important: without nutrition, the apple tree will give an ovary, but it will not be able to ripen.

Crown-forming pruning is done from the first year. However, it is performed in the spring. The step by step guide is pretty simple. After the first year, the seedling is shortened to 50 cm. After another year, its 4-5 heels are shortened to 20 cm each. After that, every year the growing branches are also shortened in the same way. As a result, a close to spherical crown is formed, which is optimal for most dwarf varieties.

In addition to forming, sanitary pruning is also carried out. It removes broken branches, as well as improperly growing ones. In the spring, it is necessary to carefully inspect the crown and remove all frozen and dried areas. Moreover, it is important to pay special attention to dry knots, because various wood borers often become the cause of their death.

The first rule of a gardener in caring for any kind of apple tree is not to leave the tree unattended. Just planting is not enough. The lack of pruning, annual feeding, pest control is almost guaranteed to lead to the death of the tree, or the absence of a crop on it.

Considering that many productive varieties require the presence of other apple trees on the site, it is best to take care of this right away, taking it as a guide to action. Several seedlings are selected for planting at once, focusing on their adaptability to the climatic features of the region.

Today, every second gardener dreams of planting a dwarf apple tree in his area. Especially small fruit trees attract those who have limited garden space. "Dwarfs" are becoming more and more popular. Everything depends on their compactness: they take up much less space than tall trees with a powerful root system and a spreading crown. The significant level of productivity of dwarf apple trees is also gaining more and more fame.

Growing this crop has its own characteristics, which amateur gardeners need to know about. What are dwarf apple trees (varieties, reviews, advantages)? What are the nuances and care for them?

One of the most popular garden crops

The apple tree is one of the most common fruit crops among Russian gardeners. Its seedlings, the flowering time of which is from May to June (depending on the variety), are widely used in landscaping parks and gardens as an ornamental flowering plant, but more often for harvesting.

Useful properties of apples (spherical fruits of green, red or yellow color, up to 15 cm in diameter) have been known for a long time. It is believed that at least one apple must be eaten per day in order for the body to be replenished with the necessary dose of iron and other useful substances and vitamins.

Housewives make excellent jams, jams, compotes and juices from apples. Delicious fruits are also used to make apple wines, which are widely popular among lovers.

Classification

Autumn care for adult apple trees

Autumn is harvest time. All debris should be removed around the apple tree: fallen leaves, branches and apples - in order to prevent the appearance of fungus and rot. It is also necessary to apply mineral fertilizers, prune branches that are damaged by insects or have other damage.

It is also necessary to loosen the soil near the apple trees: to violate the thermal insulation of a potential winter overnight shelter for insects. It is necessary to protect the trunks from rodents by insulating them with roofing material, placing baits for mice.

Dwarf apple trees: varieties, reviews, benefits

• The small size of the trees makes it possible to plant a significant number of them on the site.
• Much earlier than in a conventional garden, dwarf trees begin to bear fruit: usually in the 3rd year after planting. For example, the “mundane” variety is noted by users as early, starting fruiting in the 3rd year after grafting. The duration of the vegetative period of this variety is about 150 days, the yield is up to 130 kg per tree.
• The yield of dwarf trees increases rapidly every year and does not differ from that of high-growing apple trees. So, the gardeners of Polissya and even the Non-Chernozem region speak positively about the varieties "Melba", "Northern Sinap", "Antonovka", grown by grafting a dwarf insert. These varieties do not require special care, are characterized by high yields, and more regular than those of nearby high-growing apple trees.
• The yield of ordinary tree species: 1 time in 2 years, for dwarf trees - 1 time per year.
• Due to the low growth of trees, it is easier to harvest from them, to monitor the ripening of trees. There is no need to use special devices for cutting branches. Gardeners note the compactness of the crown of many dwarf varieties and their low growth: "Northern Sinap", "Melba", "Antonovka" and some others at the age of 10 have a height of no more than 2.5 m.
• The small growth of apple trees and the relatively insignificant branching of the crown require less nutrition, which leads to increased fruit nutrition.
• Placing the root system near the soil surface allows the tree to instantly respond to top dressing and watering. So, apple trees of the varieties "Melba", "Northern Sinap", "Antonovka", according to reviews, can not be planted in pits. Gardeners recommend pouring small mounds, about 30 cm high and up to 100 cm in diameter, making depressions in them and planting trees there, while more than half deepening the dwarf insert. This method of planting will ensure the growth of its own root system from the place of grafting in the first year. The authors of the reviews note that there is no need for frequent watering of dwarf apple trees. Trees of the varieties “Grushovka of the Moscow Region”, “Bratchud”, “Snowdrop”, according to reviews, need regular watering only during the first summer after planting. Mature trees do well without watering.
• The small size of the trees allows them to use less fertilizer, as well as reduce the cost of spraying.
• The small growth of apple trees increases the time for their preparation for winter sleep, as a result of which they are not afraid of autumn frosts. Users note frost resistance, as well as disease resistance of such winter varieties as "snowdrop", No. 57-145, No. 57-233. The last variety belongs to the semi-dwarf ones, its frost resistance exceeds all known varieties: the roots of the tree tolerate temperatures down to minus 16 degrees Celsius. Also, many reviewers note that semi-dwarf varieties are more viable than dwarf varieties. A deeper root system allows them to give a larger yield with a small tree size.

disadvantages

• The life span of dwarf apple trees is half as long as their tall counterparts. But this has its own plus - the ability to replace varieties with more modern ones every 20 years.
• The presence of roots near the surface is fraught with the threat of their freezing. Careful warming of the root system is necessary.
• The surface location of the roots requires the presence of fertile soil.
• The high yield of apple trees sometimes leads to low quality of their fruits. Depletion of trees leads to irregular fruiting. To eliminate it, it is necessary to cut off excess inflorescences.
• A load of fruit sometimes causes small trees to break. To prevent this, special supports for branches and trunk should be installed.

Varieties for the middle lane

It is known that fruit ripening on fruit trees directly depends on climatic conditions.

Gardeners remember well the words of I.V. Michurin, the founder of domestic selection, about the need to zoning varieties, taking into account the ability of apple trees to resist diseases of a particular climatic zone and their frost resistance.

Above, we have already mentioned the best dwarf apple trees for the Moscow region (varieties). Gardeners' reviews also mention hybrids, as well as artificially bred trees with different ripening periods.

Moscow Region is an area of ​​the middle lane, ideal for growing early, mid-season and late varieties.

Those already familiar include:

• summer varieties "melba", "candy";
• autumn "Zhiguli", "autumn striped";
• winter "Grushovka of the Moscow Region", "Bogatyr", "Arbat", "Moscow Necklace", "Lobo" (a relatively recent variety with high rates of fruit taste, as well as preservation, fruiting, and winter hardiness of trees).

Growing "dwarfs" in Tatarstan

Amateur gardeners, based on the results of ongoing experiments, confidently assert that Tatarstan is a suitable climatic region where dwarf apple trees (varieties) can be grown. Reviews, in which Tatarstan is mentioned quite often, confirm that it is in this region that you can get a good harvest.

For example, in the most extreme conditions of Tatarstan (Bugulma-Belebeevskaya Upland, where winter frosts reach minus 40 degrees, the latest spring and earliest autumn frosts are observed), gardeners successfully grow paradiska 62-396, as well as the "Moscow pear tree" with an intercalary insertion of this cutting. parades.

Gardeners call two conditions favorable for this:

• good snow cover (keeps the soil temperature down to minus 5-10 degrees at a general air temperature down to minus 35 degrees Celsius);
• heavy soil cover (clay and heavy loam) that promotes good anchoring of the root system, which keeps the tree from tilting in the presence of a bountiful harvest.

These factors also have negative sides that you have to deal with: in spring, trees need to be dug out from under the snow so that the snow mass does not break the branches.

To protect against rodents due to high snows, the trunk has to be raised to a height of 1.2 -1.4 m and wrapped in roofing felt or roofing material in autumn.

Growing dwarf apple trees in the regions of the Middle Volga and Southern Urals (Bashkiria)

Low trees on dwarf rootstocks are becoming increasingly popular among gardeners not only in the southern strip, but also in regions with a harsh climate, which include the regions of the Middle Volga and the Southern Urals (Bashkiria).

Where else can you grow dwarf apple trees (varieties)? Reviews, Bashkiria is also mentioned in them, they say that in this region, many plant this type of apple trees.

The most attractive for gardeners are apple trees with a height of up to 3-3.5 m, characterized by early maturity and high yields:

• "Spartak", "Kutuzovets", "Kuibyshevskoye", "daughter of papier", "Zhigulevskoye" (Middle Volga region);
• "Bashkir handsome", "Moscow pear", "mundane", "silver hoof", "Bratchud" (Bashkiria).

The varieties are well compatible with clonal rootstocks. The first crop on semi-dwarf rootstocks is harvested 3-4 years after planting, commercial - 4-5 years.

Trees on dwarf rootstocks are less adapted: for 2-3 years they stop growing due to the load with fruits. At the age of 7-8 years, they bear fruit periodically.

In the harsh conditions of the region (the temperature of the arable horizon in winter is minus 13-15 degrees, in summer it is plus 60-64 degrees Celsius, soil fertility is low), the following showed their best side:

• semi-dwarf rootstocks: E-56, 64-143, Ural-11, E-63.54-118, Ural-5;
• dwarf rootstocks: K-2, SPS-7, "ARM-18", R-60, "Ural-1".

"Dwarfs" in the southern regions

The southern regions, in particular, Rostov, are an ideal region for growing dwarf apple trees. And here gardeners plant dwarf apple trees (varieties). Reviews, in which the Rostov region is also considered as a region for a favorable planting of apple trees, say that first of all attention should be paid to the soil and climate.

• M1, M3 (medium height);
• M9, MM106, Budagovsky's paradise (with some risk);
• 54-118, 3-3-35, 62-396, 3-5-44. 3-3-72, 3-1-76 (high winter hardiness);
• paradiski Serdyukov (exceptionally high winter hardiness).

The dwarf apple tree is a popular culture due to its undeniable advantages among gardeners in various regions of the country.

The choice of varieties of low-growing trees suitable for the region of residence, compliance with the rules for planting and caring for them will ensure a high yield of a dwarf garden for a long time.

In many countries of the world that are actively engaged in fruit growing, vigorous trees (pears and apples) have long been abandoned due to the fact that they are much more difficult to care for, fruiting begins late and yields increase for a long time. Yes, and trees with large crowns require significant areas of land.

Differences between dwarf and vigorous apple trees

A vertical columnar apple tree looks a bit unusual in gardens compared to traditional sprawling apple trees, however, it is definitely worth planting it in your garden. Like dwarf apple trees, whose varieties have long been widely used in domestic gardens, columnar trees take up very little space, and yield even more than some.

For example, if 4 vigorous apple trees can be placed on one hundred square meters of a plot, then 16 will fit dwarf trees, and up to 200 seedlings will fit columnar trees! There is no doubt that the profitability of such an apple orchard will be several times higher with more comfortable working conditions.

Although any gardener can grow dwarf or columnar apple trees, planting and caring for them still has its own characteristics that will need to be considered.

Video about fruit trees, columnar apple trees

If a vigorous apple tree is obtained as a result of grafting a varietal cutting onto a "wild" - a seed stock, then to obtain a dwarf apple tree, the cutting is grafted onto a clone stock. Clonal rootstocks have absolutely all the properties of the mother plant, they can be medium-sized and super-dwarf, but semi-dwarf and dwarf are most often found. On semi-dwarf rootstocks, apple trees grow up to four meters high, starting to bear fruit from the fourth year, and on dwarf rootstocks, trees reach two to three meters and bring a crop from the third year.

When buying, dwarf seedlings can be easily identified by the presence of large buds at the ends of branches and by a fibrous root system with small roots (in vigorous apple trees, the root system is tap). Usually, the cost of seedlings of dwarf apple trees is higher than that of vigorous ones, this is explained by the difficulty of growing clonal rootstocks.

Columnar apple tree

Dwarf apple trees have many advantages:

• early start to bear fruit;
• quickly increase the yield;
• due to the compact size of the tree, most of the nutrients go to the formation of fruits, and not to the construction of wood;
• apples can be easily plucked from the branches without using additional devices, due to which the presentation of the fruit is better preserved;
• due to the location of the roots near the surface, dwarf trees can be planted in areas with groundwater that are quite close to the surface.

Due to early fruiting, dwarf apple trees age faster, but this also has its advantages - you can often replace varieties in the garden with more modern ones.

Due to early fruiting, dwarf apple trees age faster

Planting dwarf apple trees and further care

Since dwarf apple trees take up little space in the garden, it is better to immediately plant several varieties with different fruiting periods. The following varieties of dwarf apple trees are distinguished by good winter hardiness and high yields: late-summer variety Chudnoye with dessert-tasting apples, autumn varieties Kovrovoe (dessert fruit taste) and Landing (with sweet and sour apples), winter varieties with sweet and sour fruits Snowdrop and Sokolovskoye.

A dwarf apple tree is planted on windless slopes or elevated areas well lit by sunlight, although dimming is also acceptable. The soil is preferably fertile, the occurrence of groundwater is allowed no closer than one and a half meters from the surface.

Dwarf seedlings can be placed on the site at a distance of two to three meters from each other. A landing pit is dug half a meter deep, with a diameter of about 70 cm. The top layer is set aside for a while, and then it is poured onto the bottom of the pit, mixed with a bucket of humus and a bucket of water. A dwarf seedling is installed in the resulting wet mass so that the grafting site is a couple of centimeters above the level of the pit. The seedling is covered with the remaining earth, compacting it, and then a roller 10 cm high is formed along the diameter of the near-stem circle.

Planting dwarf apple trees

Caring for dwarf apple trees consists in weekly watering during the summer and loosening the earth after watering and rains. During the summer, it is enough to make an infusion of mullein or chicken manure twice. A small pruning of the tree is done in the first year to create the lower tier of the crown, and in subsequent years the growths are cut off with good fruiting so that the fruits do not shrink and the apple tree stays young longer.

Features of planting and caring for columnar apple trees

Neat rows of apple-tree trunks-columns strewn with apples, like garlands, look very attractive and make it possible to use even the smallest parts of the garden with great benefit. Caring for columnar apple trees is as convenient and pleasant as caring for dwarf trees, and plentiful harvests quickly pay for the purchase of fairly expensive seedlings. Moreover, the taste of apples is more intense, because the fruits ripening on a vertical trunk are constantly under the sun.

However, when growing columnar apple trees in regions with severe winters, there is a risk that the tops of the trunks will freeze, and as a result, two or three will form instead of one main trunk. In this case, the main trunk should be cut off before the next strong shoot, and only one of the most developed shoots should be left from several shoots. Replacement shoots grow quickly and bear fruit quite abundantly.

Dwarf seedlings can be placed on the site at a distance of two to three meters from each other

The following varieties of columnar apple trees are most adapted for growing in different climatic conditions: President with light yellow dessert-tasting apples, Ostankino with large red fruits, Vasyugan with striped sweet and sour apples, the Iksha variety of increased winter hardiness, Moscow Necklace - the leader in yield, etc. d.

Planting columnar apple trees:

• choose annual seedlings, as they take root better and do not tolerate various diseases, unlike older seedlings;
• the root system of the seedling should remain elastic, not dry;
• the optimal distance for columnar seedlings is 30 cm, row spacing can be left about one meter wide;
• the landing pit should be of such dimensions that the root system is freely placed in them;
• seedlings are installed in a pit with humus-fertilized soil, straightening the roots, and leaving a place for grafting the tree above the ground;
• after planting, the trunk circle should be well shed with water and leave the young apple tree to “rest”.

Traditional columnar apple trees are not needed. Instead, side shoots are removed with secateurs in the spring.

Video about the columnar apple tree "Arbat"

From the moment the leaves of the apple tree open, it should be watered with a solution of urea at intervals of two weeks (three dressings are enough). In the middle of summer, it is recommended to feed the trees with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. For prevention, it is necessary to spray apple trees from pests and fungal diseases.

The fruiting of the columnar apple tree continues for 10-15 years, after which the annelids on the trunk begin to dry out, and the yield falls irreversibly. The tree itself can grow up to 50 years, retaining its natural columnar shape.

The arrangement of a country garden begins with the selection of a place and the selection of seedlings of the desired trees. The first, of course, on this list are apple trees. These are the most common fruit trees in the backyard. Relatively recently, a dwarf apple tree was bred. Varieties of this unusual tree are gaining more and more popularity among gardeners.

What are dwarf apple trees? These are trees that have a compact crown and grow no more than 4 m in height. At the same time, they bear fruit profusely. The thin tree trunk is very strong and can support the relatively large weight of its fruit. You need to be careful when choosing a seedling of dwarf apple trees. It is somewhat different from the seedlings of large trees. At the ends of the branches there should be large buds, and the root system should be fibrous with many small roots (most of the seedlings of ordinary apple trees have a tap root system).

In a small area, you can concentrate a lot of seedlings and get a fairly good harvest. Between the trees, you can leave a space of no more than 1.5 m. In addition, a large apple tree begins to fully bear fruit only after 10 years, and a dwarf one can produce a crop for 2-4 years. The life cycle of one dwarf tree is about 15-20 years, but in terms of yield it is in no way inferior to a 40-year-old giant. You can buy dwarf varieties of apple trees from specialized enterprises. Breeders note the high quality of such seedlings.

The undeniable advantage is that harvesting is greatly simplified due to the parameters of the tree. The top of dwarf varieties can be reached from a small ladder.

It should be noted that, based on biological characteristics, small growth contributes to better nutrition and saturation of the fruits themselves. The tree spends most of its resources on the development of the fruit.

The root system is located almost under the soil surface, so the applied fertilizer and moisture are mastered very quickly. This explains such a rapid flowering and fruiting of the apple tree on a dwarf rootstock. Varieties of these fruit trees, due to such a close placement of roots to the soil surface, may be affected by winter frosts. Experienced summer residents recommend covering the soil around these trees with a ball of straw for the winter.

What varieties of dwarf apple trees are better to choose for your country garden?

Apple trees of dwarf varieties are subdivided according to some features and ripening periods:

• Early (summer). Melba, Candy, Wonderful, Golden Delicious, Early sweet.
• Medium (autumn). Mundane, Sokolovskoe, Sunshine.
• Late (winter). Carpet, Snowdrops, Bogatyr.

The rootstocks of each of these groups are also heterogeneous. Characteristics can be expressed in all seedlings, regardless of the ripening period. Distinguish:

• Vigorous apple trees grown from seed. Such seedlings are called seed stock.
• Grafted varieties. The characteristic features of these apple trees is the average height of the trunk. Some summer residents call them semi-dwarf. You can also see the classification under the dwarf designation in reference books.

Also, dwarf apple trees are classified by taste (dessert, sweet, sour), as well as by resistance to cold and degree of sensitivity to warm climates.

The best varieties of apple trees on a dwarf rootstock:

• Candy. As summer residents note, this is one of the most delicious and fragrant early varieties of dwarf apple trees. The ripening period is the end of July. The mass of one fruit can reach up to 130 g. The external signs of the fruit are rounded, green peel with a slightly dark color, juicy and soft pulp.
• Melba. Summer, high-yielding, sweet variety that gives fruits already in the 3rd year of vegetation. Apples are medium in size, juicy flesh and pleasant aroma. On the sunny side of the tree, on the peel, there may be stripes of a yellowish-green hue with red sides. Summer residents collect the first fruits in July-August. This variety of dwarf apple tree for the Moscow region is very popular (see photo).
• Autumn striped. One of the largest varieties. The weight of one apple can reach 210 g. Their rich sweet and sour taste will suit every gourmet. The fruits keep very well. The best conditions are the temperature regime up to +6 0 C. The external color is bright yellow. Experts recommend covering the area around the tree with mulch for the winter. Tree crowns also require protection from severe frosts. Polyurethane insulation in the form of a thin film is best suited for this.
• Moscow necklace. This is the best variety of dwarf apple trees (see photo and description), which was recently bred by breeders. Differs in bright, red skin, gentle pink shade of pulp and juicy content. Great for making fresh juices. Fruits are sweet and sour in taste. The weight of one is about 120-140 g. It bears fruit, actively, starting from 3 years after planting the seedling. Refers to autumn varieties. Harvested in mid-October.
• Grushevka Moscow region. To the question of which dwarf apple trees (varieties) to buy in the Moscow region, the answer is obvious - only Grushevka of the Moscow region. These are apple trees on a dwarf stock of winter ripening. Ideal for growing in local climates. Some summer residents also grow them in the middle latitudes. The beginning of active fruiting falls on the 5th year after landing on the main place. The shape of the fruit is slightly elongated. The peel has red dots, and the main color is yellow. It is noteworthy that this variety is resistant to scab, root rot and other dangerous diseases.
• Arbat. Mid-winter variety of dwarf apple (see photo). It resembles a columnar apple tree in shape, but refers specifically to dwarf trees. The apples themselves have a bright, burgundy hue, and their weight reaches an average of up to 110 g. A remarkable property of this variety is a long shelf life (up to 9 months). Some summer residents like to use these trees as hedges in the landscape design of the garden and summer cottage as a whole.
• Bogatyr. Dwarf apple trees for Siberia. Varieties like this one can often be found in the Urals. They endure frost and other difficult conditions of climate change. The main distinguishing feature is a rather spreading crown. The tree branches heavily. To form a beautiful crown, it is necessary to carry out timely cleaning and pruning. As for the fruits, they are slightly elongated. Color red-yellow. The taste is sweet and sour.

In addition to the above, summer residents also distinguish dwarf apple trees for the middle lane (Zhigulevskoye, No. 134, Bratchud). Particular attention should be paid to the variety of dwarf apple trees Bratchud (they are also called Brother Wonderful). This is a fairly versatile variety that is suitable for growing in the middle lane and for the Urals.

Today, apple trees on dwarf rootstocks or the so-called dwarf apple trees, because they take up much less space and are much easier to care for. In addition, they come into fruition for more than the third year after planting, they require less nutrients, they grow well even in areas with high groundwater. And since the growing season of these apple trees ends much earlier than ordinary apple trees, they have time to prepare for winter.

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Planting and caring for a dwarf apple tree

• Landing: early spring or mid-September to mid-October.
• Bloom: in May.
• Lighting: bright light or partial shade.
• The soil: loose, moist, fertile, light, best loamy.
• Watering: young apple trees are watered three times per season at a consumption of 5 buckets of water per tree, fruit-bearing trees are watered 3 to 5 times: before flowering, during it, before the ovaries fall and before the fruit ripens. When grown in sandy soil, 4 buckets of water are enough for one tree, 5-6 buckets are required in clay soil. After the dry season in October, water-charging watering of apple trees is carried out in order to soak the soil to the depth of the roots, spending 10 liters of water per m² of the garden. If groundwater is high on the site, winter watering is not needed.
• Top dressing: regular - once every two weeks. As a fertilizer, both organic compounds (solution of mullein, chicken manure) and mineral ones are used. Top dressing can be carried out under the root and on the leaves.
• Pruning: in March-April - sanitary and formative, in the fall - sanitary.
• Reproduction: vertical and horizontal layers, green and lignified cuttings, grafting.
• Pests: apple-plantain aphid, apple sawfly, glass-box, codling moth, moth, leaf-roller moth, sucker, comma-shaped shield, fruit striped moth, bluehead scoop, currant leafworm, mountain ash moth, moth peeled off, subcortical and fruit leafworms, fruit moth, pear sucker , gypsy, ringed and oak-leaved silkworms, mining moths, blood and red-gall aphids, red apple mites, goose, winter moth, green apple aphid, western unpaired bark beetle, sapwood, pear tubeworm and sawfly, eastern codling moth, apple flower beetle, upper fruit moth, brown fruit mite, hawthorn and hawthorn circle moth.
• Diseases: witch's broom (proliferation), bitter fruit rot, milky sheen, mosaic, mosaic ringing, powdery mildew, fly beetle, tinder fungus, common cancer, scab, branch death, pome fruit rot, subcutaneous viral blotch, rubberiness, rust, flattened branches, vitreous fruits , black cancer and cytosporosis.

Read more about growing a dwarf apple tree below.

Dwarf apple trees - description

The dwarf apple tree is not some new type of plant. To get a dwarf apple tree, varietal cuttings are grafted onto a clonal dwarf rootstock. As a result, apple trees grown on such rootstocks reach a height of no more than 2.5 m. You need to know that the life expectancy of dwarf apple trees is on average shorter than that of vigorous ones, but with proper care they live 20-30 years, while the life expectancy of ordinary apple trees trees 35-40 years old.

The difference between tall and dwarf trees, as we have already written, is solely that the undersized forms grow on dwarf rootstocks with a superficial root system, while tall and medium trees have a tap root system that goes deep into the soil. But it is precisely this difference that requires clarifying for readers the question of which varieties of apple trees on dwarf rootstocks are suitable for areas with a cool and cold climate.

Dwarf apple trees for the Moscow region

The best varieties of dwarf apple trees for the Moscow region:

• Melba- a high-yielding summer variety, round-elongated yellow-green with a red dashed blush whose fruits weighing from 150 to 250 g ripen at the end of July. The pulp of apples of this variety is tender, juicy, sweet and sour, with a caramel flavor;
• Candy- this fragrant and unpretentious summer variety was bred by Michurin himself, and it still surpasses all other summer varieties in taste. Apples with a yellow skin and a red-brown blush, weighing an average of about 120 g, ripen by the beginning or middle of August. The pulp of the fruit is sweet, dense and juicy;
• Zhigulevskoe- a viable, disease and pest resistant productive autumn variety with very large apples in a red-orange striped peel, ripening by the end of September and stored for six months. The pulp is creamy, tender, coarse-grained, moderately sour. Trees of this variety are afraid of severe frosts;
• autumn striped- mid-season variety with round bright yellow fruits weighing up to 200 g with a rich sweet and sour taste, which are perfectly stored at a temperature of 6 ºC;
• Grushovka Moscow Region- has long been a popular high-yielding late scab-resistant variety with small rounded elongated yellow apples with a red barrel;
• Bogatyr- winter-hardy, practically not affected by diseases and pests, a winter variety with a strongly branching crown and slightly elongated apples of red-yellow color and a sour taste reminiscent of Antonovka.

In addition to those described, the varieties Moscow Necklace, Snowdrop, Carpet, Ground, Northern Sinap, Antonovka, Legend, Moscow Red, Low-growing and others grow well in the conditions of the Moscow Region.

Dwarf apple trees for the Urals

Varieties of dwarf apple trees for the Urals should have even greater winter hardiness than apple trees for the Moscow region. These frost-resistant varieties include:

• wonderful– a late-summer winter-hardy high-yielding variety with flat-round, slightly ribbed yellow-green apples weighing up to 140 g with a rich dark red blush and dessert-flavored pulp;
• dwarf apple tree Bratchud- the name of the variety is deciphered as "Brother Wonderful". This is a highly productive and very winter-hardy late variety with medium-sized oblong-round ribbed greenish-yellow fruits weighing up to 120 g, with a characteristic side seam and slightly juicy coarse-grained pulp of excellent sweet and sour taste;
• mundane- mid-season, highly productive and scab-resistant winter-hardy variety that can withstand frosts down to -40 ºC. Green with a bright red blush, fruits weighing up to 150 g have a flat-round shape and an excellent sweet and sour taste;
• Sokolovskoe- productive and winter-hardy winter variety, resistant to scab, with greenish-yellow fruits with a shiny skin and a red blush, weighing up to 200 g and creamy fine-grained, juicy and dense pulp of sweet and sour taste;
• Snowdrop winter-hardy and productive winter variety with light yellow, slightly ribbed fruits with a blurry reddish barrel, weighing up to 160 g, although there are also three hundred gram apples.

In addition to those described, such varieties as the Sun, Early sweet, Low-growing, Kovrovoe, Ural bulk, Krasa Sverdlovsk, Ksenia, Bashkirsky handsome, Schreifing, Yantar and others grow well in the conditions of the Ural climate.

Dwarf apple tree for Siberia

There are not so many truly winter-hardy varieties of dwarf apple trees that can tolerate frost below 40 ºC, but there is still a choice. The most promising varieties for growing in the harsh conditions of Siberia are:

• Ermakovskoye Mining- summer productive variety, bred by crossing varieties Felix Altai and Altai dove and able to withstand frosts down to -51 ºC. The fruits of apple trees of this variety are small, weighing up to 80 g, round, smooth, light yellow, almost completely covered with a red stroke. The pulp is fragrant, fine-grained, white, juicy, sweet and sour;
• Dessert Antonovka- a mid-season winter-hardy variety resistant to scab, obtained by crossing Pepin saffron and Antonovka ordinary. The fruits of this variety, weighing from 150 to 200 g, are rounded, greenish-cream in color with a slight red speckled-striped blush and medium-grained juicy aromatic pulp of excellent sweet and sour taste;
• Arkadik- summer productive variety, ripening already in mid-August, with red-striped elongated fruits weighing up to 160 g with sweet, juicy white pulp of a pleasant dessert taste;
• winter lungwort- a scab-resistant winter hybrid variety with round-conical yellow-green fruits weighing up to 120 g with an indistinct red blush and white flesh of medium juiciness with a fresh-sweet taste. The fruits can be stored until March;
• Delight- early autumn variety with round-conical yellow-green fruits with a red-raspberry blush that occupies most of the apple. Fruit weight is about 150 g, the pulp is fine-grained, white with pinkish veins, juicy, sweet and sour, with a slight taste of raspberries;
• Gift to the Count- a highly productive winter variety, resistant to fungi, with round-conical, slightly ribbed yellow fruits with a purple-red blush covering most of the apple. The pulp of the fruit is light yellow in color, sweet-sour taste, medium juiciness, with a slight aroma.

The best varieties of dwarf apple trees

According to the ratio of taste, unpretentiousness in care, resistance to diseases and pests, frost resistance, drought resistance and other less important characteristics, the best varieties of dwarf apple trees are Bratchud, Kovrovoe, Low-growing, Snowdrop, Mundane, Early sweet, Sunny, Sokolovskoye and Wonderful.

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