Ostankino columnar apple tree: description and characteristics of the variety, planting and care

Column-shaped apple trees differ from their counterparts in that they have no side shoots. In addition to this fact, no serious shortcomings were identified. The size of the apples is more than compensated for by the characteristic, rich taste. The pulp is white, juicy. And the yield from trees of this variety is beyond praise. Therefore, the trees of the columnar apple tree of the Ostankino variety are welcome guests in garden plots and summer cottages.

The history of the appearance of the Ostankino apple tree

The variety appeared almost by accident. The circumstances of its breeding are as follows: in the mid-60s of the last century, a gardener from Canada by the name of Mackintosh (by an amazing coincidence, this is the name of a common variety of apples) noticed an old tree literally strewn with fruits.The branch on which they grew was devoid of side branches.

The observant breeder had to cut cuttings from the “wrong” apple tree in order to plant them later. The new species was named columnar. And the Ostankino hybrid was independently bred in the USSR after crossing the existing varieties Obilinoe and Vozhak.

Pros and cons

The Ostankinskaya apple tree is productive, drought-resistant, moderately needs lighting, watering, is not afraid of windy, open spaces. To sum up the main advantages of the variety, we get the following list:

Compact.
Productivity.
Excellent taste.
Exceptional frost resistance.

In addition, choosing seedlings of a columnar apple tree, gardeners can count on protection from pests, productivity, early maturity, and suitability for transportation. The fruits of Ostankino are juicy, strong, tasty. Yes, and there are practically no obvious shortcomings.

The variety is cultivated without problems in the Moscow region, Samara, Perm regions. Recommended for both black earth and non-chernozem zones. In Ukraine, with its milder climate, it grows almost everywhere. It can grow even in the Urals and Siberia, where frosts often fall well below zero.

General information

The apple tree is practically devoid of lateral branches, hence its name - columnar. It has a single barrel with a vertical orientation. For the first time, the variety was bred by specialists from the Institute of Horticulture (the author of the selection is V. V. Kichina) in 1974. It has been registered in the State Register since 2002. The yield is high. The mass of the fetus reaches 200 grams. These are, in brief, the main characteristics of the species.

External parameters

When describing an apple tree, pay attention to 2 points: the height of the tree and fruiting. Despite the compact, literally dwarf size, Ostankino brings a crop on a par with "adult" varieties.The fruits on the trunk are dense, starting at a distance of 30-40 cm from ground level.

Size of an adult apple tree

When a tree grows up, its height reaches 2 meters, rarely exceeding this mark. The appearance of the apple tree, its compact size from a disadvantage becomes an advantage in small household plots.

Annual growth

On average, the growth of a tree in length is 5-10 centimeters when the plant bears fruit intensively. Specific annular and spear-shaped thickenings form on the columnar trunk, from which kidneys later develop.

Life span

After a couple of years, the apple tree reaches its greatest growth. The trunk of Ostankino is straight, strong enough to withstand sharp gusts of wind in open areas. Fruiting and life expectancy persist up to 14 years.During this time, gardeners will be able to collect a lot of sweet, juicy apples. For the 15th year, the planting of apple trees will have to be renewed.

Tree sustainability

No wonder they say: small, but remote. The apple tree not only successfully resists gusts of wind, but also has other advantages. The Ostankino variety is not in vain popular with summer residents. The species is unpretentious, almost not susceptible to diseases, attacks of garden pests.

Freeze

Bringing out a new variety, breeders did not even suspect what advantages were hidden in it. Ostankino very successfully resists the cold, is not afraid of severe Siberian frosts. Although they created it for the Moscow region.

Drought

The columnar apple tree is resistant to insufficient watering, even short-term droughts. Rather, it will negatively react to waterlogging of the soil.

High humidity

This apple variety does not like waterlogging of the soil. In combination with frost, this factor will lead to damage to the shoots, especially young ones. The stagnation of liquid in the soil for Ostankino is more dangerous than its lack.

Diseases and insects

The species has a satisfactory resistance to typical diseases, such as brown spot. But from powdery mildew, scab, protection will be required. Of the pests, the plant is dangerous apple flower beetle, weevil. In general, the variety has high resistance to external threats.

Features of ripening and fruiting

Ostankino has characteristic features of the vegetative period. They include:

Varieties that pollinate the apple tree.
Terms of fruiting young growth.
Harvest time.

Knowing these criteria for growing garden trees, it will become easier to achieve the desired result.

Pollinator varieties

Considered a self-pollinating species. When planted next to the Abundant variety, a stable, high-quality hybrid is obtained.

What year does a young tree bear fruit

A grown apple tree planted in early spring will begin to bear fruit in the first year. But experienced gardeners recommend not to hurry with tasting, but to collect inflorescences. But after such a procedure, the tree will steadily bear fruit.

Terms of flowering and harvest ripening

The formation of inflorescences of a columnar apple tree occurs in the spring. In terms of fruiting, the variety belongs to September. Fragrant, juicy apples ripen at the end of the month.

Apple tasting evaluation

Gardeners positively evaluate the taste qualities of the Ostankino variety, emphasizing the sweetness and moderate firmness of the white pulp.Strong, bright red, sometimes with a transition to a lilac tone, the peel, in general, does not affect the tasting properties. But it ensures the safety of apples during transportation.

Collection and use of apples

The fruits of the columnar apple tree are harvested in autumn, using mainly in their natural, raw form. For preservation, jams, marmalade, jams, other varieties are suitable.

How to plant and grow a columnar apple tree

According to the existing agricultural technology, the Ostankino variety is bred with seedlings. The optimal time for the process is autumn - September or October. Experienced gardeners advise planting an apple tree no later than 15-20 days before the first frost. Many little things affect the result, including the choice of location, a seedling (should be from a trusted seller), with a well-developed, undamaged root system. After planting, do not forget about top dressing.

Areas where landing is possible

Non-chernozem zones are suitable, as well as places more favorable for growing apple trees. These are Moscow and the region, Siberia, the Urals, the Northeast. Samara, Perm and adjacent regions are also suitable for the Ostankino variety.

Required soil composition

Depleted, sandy soils are not suitable for Ostankino. In this case, top dressing is necessary. This is humus, humus, compost. Complex fertilizers are also suitable. In the black earth regions, seedlings will take root better.

Date and disembarkation scheme

Most gardeners recommend autumn for planting. In order for the trees in the garden to fully develop without interfering with each other, they are planted according to the following scheme: the distance between the rows is 90-110 centimeters, the step is from 40 to 60.

Water frequency

Proper tree care includes proper watering. In dry periods, it is more frequent, when the humidity of the air rises - less often. On average, this is 5 times a season. Fruiting plants require more water. Soils saturated with moisture require adjustment of the parameter.

Fertilizer

The first time the tree is fertilized when planting. Then the apple tree is regularly fed with nitrogenous complexes. For 1 year - in May, then - a month later. It is important not to overdo it: too much fertilizer is just as bad as too little.

Loosening the soil

Loosening, mulching are useful for a tree. We carry out these procedures regularly, ensuring the permeability of the soil, enriching it with oxygen.

Pruning and crown shaping

Ostankino has no crown as such. But pruning is still necessary. It is carried out before the start of the movement of juices. Be sure to remove dry or damaged shoots. In the process of pruning, they try to maintain the columnar shape of the plant.

Seasonal preventive treatments

The Ostankino apple tree needs regulatory treatment from garden pests. Specific dates are tied to the periods of activation of insects.Both complex and purposefully acting preparations are used. Tentatively this is early spring, when the buds begin to bloom.

Preparing for winter

Before hibernation, the remains of foliage are removed from the apple tree, pruning is performed (if necessary). In cold regions, it is allowed to mulch the plant, even cover the stem, protect the columnar apple tree from freezing.