Colony Apple "Arbat": characteristic of the variety and peculiarities of cultivation

The name "kolonovidnye" in apple trees came from the form of growth of fruit on the tree, which are formed at the stem of the plant and represent a column by sight.This type of apple trees is compact and convenient for breeding, especially in small areas. This is due to the fact that in place of one large tree can be planted from 4 to 6 colonic plants. One of the first varieties of kolonovidnyh fruit trees were apple varieties "Arbat".

Variety seedlings are usually germinated from seed, and subsequently can be planted in open ground or become grafted to dwarf trees. The crown of this variety is small and fairly compact. Fruits grow on the ends of the fruiting plants located close to the stem of the plant.

Large varieties of fruits, the unpretentiousness of their cultivation and the rapid adaptation of the tree to the environment are characteristic of the variety of the columnar apple Arbat. Due to its small size and miniature crown, the plant receives a sufficient amount of lighting necessary for the further qualitative development of its fruits.

The average age of the beginning of a bountiful harvest on a tree is 5 years. But the first apples can appear in the first season.

The variety is characterized by large and regular yields. To preserve this degree of yield and fruit size, apple branches are thinned every year so that the fruits do not begin to degenerate.

The apple tree has a powerful trunk and short branches, fruits densely dotted at the ends. These branches are differently called "collars" or short growths. During the flowering period, they are flower buds, and subsequently the fruit. For a domestic buyer, a columnar apple may look unusual, however, unlike its large relatives, with compact sizes it gives a greater yield.

The leaves themselves are small, saturated green. Located close to the tree trunk.

The frost resistance of the plant is average. Despite the fact that it is adapted to our climatic conditions, experienced gardeners still recommend covering the tree and its root system for the winter to avoid complete or partial death of the plant.

For Arbat apples, a round, slightly elongated shape is typical. The peel is bright, glossy, beautiful and rich cherry color. The taste of the fruit is sweet, has a slight sourness. Cream-colored flesh, sufficiently saturated with moisture.

The average weight of the fetus is 90-110 grams.

The fruits ripen completely in the period from late August - mid September. After harvesting, apples ripen for a month, and then fully prepared for preservation and further use in cooking. Unfortunately, raw fruits are not stored for a long time and by the middle of winter they begin to lose their taste and appearance.

The advantages of the variety include the following features:

• Compactness. For the full development of the tree is enough 0.5 m2 on the site;
• The tree is resistant to most pests and diseases of apple trees common in central Russia;
• Early and abundant fruiting every year;
• Plant height does not exceed 3 meters, which provides a comfortable apple harvest;
• The shape of the trunk and the location of the branches allow you to comfortably handle them from pests;
• Good tolerance of climatic conditions of central Russia.

This variety has some drawbacks:

• If you do not thin out and do not remove dead branches, then the fruits are chopped, and with abundant fruiting, the breaking of the rings is possible;
• The life of the hybrid, unlike other varieties of apple trees, is rather low and is about 15 years;
• The shelf life of the fruit is also small, poor ability to transport.

Planting is done until the first buds are dissolved. The time of planting a tree is either in late autumn or in early spring, when the snow melts.A place for autumn planting is prepared in summer, and for spring - at the end of autumn of the previous season.

Most of all the variety loves loam. If there is too much clay in the soil, then sand and peat are added to it, and if it is too sandy, clay is added.

To plant a tree in the open ground, you first need to dig a hole, fill it with a fertile layer of a mixture of humus, compost and mineral. When it is time to plant, the seedling has a little root cut and soaked it for several hours in water. Then straighten the roots and placed in a prepared pit, falling asleep above the ground. If a one-year-old sapling is planted, then all the buds are removed from its branches.

After landing, it is necessary to ground the ground around the trunk. If several saplings are planted or there are other trees of the Arbat variety already at the site, then it is necessary to keep a distance of 1.5-2 meters between them. If you plant the seedlings too close to each other, they will interfere with the normal nutrition of others, taking healthy nutrients from their neighbors. As a result, the sapling and neighboring apples will receive insufficient nutrition and, accordingly, develop poorly.

Water the plant after planting 2 times a week. In the first year, the plant is able to give 3-4 apples.

Care tree requires from the start. He needs to be fed with fertilizers containing nitrogen, and periodic mulching of the earth around the trunk. In the spring, while the tree has not woken up yet, all dry and sore branches are cut from it.

After harvesting, the tree is also fed and shortened on the threshold of winter, since there is a great risk that next year they may break under the weight of the fruit.

In winter, the plant must be covered both in the area of ​​the root and the bottom of the trunk. To do this, use a special insulated material or conventional hay. The fact is that the root system of this variety is rather sensitive to hypothermia. The same applies to the trunk. If the tree is not covered, then in the cold winter the top can freeze and the development of the plant will be disturbed. And if the plant is in the open, then in addition its trunk is tied to some support so that it will not be broken by winter winds.

To reduce the risk of damage to the tree by pests, its trunk, especially at a young age, is wrapped with a regular bandage or nylon pantyhose with special impregnation.

Do not forget about the prevention of the development of the codling moth. To do this, periodically inspect the trunk of the plant for damage and destroy all Padans, both fruits and branches.

Also it is worth making periodic treatment from parasites by spraying with chemical preparations. This will help not only get rid of the moth, but also from other pests. Moreover, due to the small dimensions of the hybrid, it is quite simple to do this. Only spray must begin no earlier than 2 weeks after the start of the flowering period.

In addition, the tree can be affected and apple aphids or leafs. It will be easier to get rid of them - it is enough to spray the plant with a solution of ash with the addition of green soap or infusion of tobacco leaves with tincture of onion peel.

Many gardeners and gardeners speak positively of the Arbat apple variety and actively recommend it for planting experienced farmers. Testimonials from professionals show that the apple tree is not very sick, gives a bountiful and frequent harvest, takes up minimal space on the plot and also has an original look - with it you can easily decorate the garden. The fruits themselves have a sweet taste and juicy flesh. Can be used both in fresh form and in dishes.

For information on what characteristics of an Arbat apple, see the next video.