Apple tree columnar Moscow Necklace: description and characteristics of the variety, cultivation

The columnar apple tree of the Moscow Necklace variety was bred quite by accident. But subsequently, the hybrid became very popular among gardeners due to its characteristics.

History of breeding the variety Moscow Necklace

In 1960, a breeder from Canada, Vyazhek, discovered a branch on an apple tree of the Makitosh variety, which differed in structure from all other branches. The breeder made a rootstock of a branch on another apple tree. So the first columnar apple tree was bred.

Pros and cons

The advantages of the variety include:

Disease resistance.
Regular fruiting.
The taste of apples.
Versatile use in cooking.
Crop storage time.
Transportability.
Resistant to severe frosts.

Among the disadvantages are the life expectancy of the plant. After 15 years, yields begin to decline.

Technical and external characteristics

It is important to study the technical characteristics of the tree in order to calculate in advance what territory the apple tree will need.

Crown width and tree height

It is better to start studying the description of an apple tree with the characteristics of the crown. The crown is medium density, compact. The height of the trunk is from 2 to 3 m. The Moscow Necklace apple tree is suitable for small areas.

Self-fertility

The variety is self-infertile. Pollinating varieties should be planted nearby. All varieties that begin to bloom at the same time as the Moscow Necklace are suitable for this.

Crop quantity and taste

The yield is average, up to 10 kg of fruits are harvested from one tree. Oval-shaped apples, on average, weight is 165 -180 g. The pulp is fine-grained, juicy and sweet in structure.

Freeze resistant

Moscow Necklace belongs to winter-hardy varieties. The tree withstands frosts down to -45 degrees.

Immunity to diseases

Moscow Necklace is highly resistant to diseases and pests. Rarely needs even preventive spraying against diseases.

Apple tree lifespan

The life span of a tree is 20-25 years. But already at the 15th year of life, the yield begins to decline.

Features of ripening and fruiting

Also an important characteristic is the period of ripening of the crop and the beginning of fruiting.

Beginning of fruiting

The apple tree begins to bloom and yield in the second year after planting. If you plant a seedling in the spring, it will bloom in the same year, which will not have a very good effect on further productivity. That is why it is recommended to plant an apple tree in the fall.

Flower period

The flowering time of the Moscow Necklace variety falls on the first days of May.

Timing

The hybrid is a winter variety, so the first ripe apples appear on the tree towards the end of September.

Fruit ripening

Massively ripen the harvest begins in early October. That's when you should start removing the fruit from the tree.

Period of storage and use of apples

Like all winter varieties, Moscow Necklace is stored for a long time after harvest. Fruits are stored up to 3 months in a cool dark room. The use of apples is universal. In food, fruits are recommended to be consumed closer to winter. Apples are also suitable for making compotes, jams and pastries.

Features of cultivation in the regions

You can grow the Moscow Necklace variety in any region. Due to its high resistance to frost, the apple tree takes root well even in northern latitudes with harsh winters.

Technology for landing and care rules

The future yield depends on the correct planting of the seedling in the soil. And with improper care, a tree can often get sick due to weakened immunity.

Preparation of planting material

Before planting, the seedling needs to be prepared so that it can quickly take root in a new place. To do this, in a few hours, the rhizome is dipped into a growth activator. And just before planting, the roots are placed in a liquid solution of clay. These measures will be sufficient.

Required soil composition

The Moscow Necklace apple tree is undemanding to the soil. The seedling grows well on black earth, loamy and sandy soil.

Preference should be given to light fertile soils with neutral acidity.

Terms and scheme of planting seedlings

The most favorable period for planting a seedling is autumn. It is worth planting an apple tree until mid-October. Autumn planting is preferable because during the winter the seedling will take root in a new place, and in the spring it will begin to grow actively. You need to prepare a place for landing in 2 weeks. The soil is dug up, the top layer is mixed with manure and urea. Then they fill the bottom with them. A stake is driven into the center.

Put the seedling in the center of the hole, bury it with soil and pour plenty of water. At the end, tie to the stake. The distance between adjacent trees must be at least 2 m.

Irrigation

Water the apple tree 4 times per season. Most of all, the plant needs liquid during the period of swelling of the kidneys, flowering, pouring apples. The last time the tree is watered before the onset of cold weather.

Only warm water is allowed for humidification.

Loosening the soil

Before each watering, it is recommended to loosen the soil and remove all weeds. Loosening before watering will help the roots get more oxygen along with the water. Weed the soil to a depth of 7-10 cm.

Foliar and root top dressing

In the first half of the season, nitrogen is added to the soil. In the second half of the season, the apple tree needs phosphorus and potassium. In addition, the soil is fertilized with urea, bone meal and manure. For foliar top dressing, a solution of boric acid is used. The tree is sprayed before flowering and 10 days after.

The plant is also watered with superphosphate, ammonium nitrate and any other complex mineral fertilizers. The main thing is not to overfeed the apple tree.

Crown formation

The apple tree is pruned twice a season - in spring and autumn. But it is not necessary to cut the crown every year. In the spring, formative pruning is carried out. You need to cut branches only with sharp secateurs. The first time the plant is pruned after planting. To prevent the seedling from freezing in winter, cut off its top. Also in the spring, young shoots are periodically pruned. Dry and damaged branches are cut in autumn.

Treatment and treatments for diseases and pests

The Moscow Necklace apple tree will not have to be treated often from pests. This variety is highly resistant. But it is still desirable to maintain the plant. For prevention, several times a season, the tree is sprayed with preparations for pests and diseases.

In the spring, the tree is treated with Bordeaux liquid or iron sulfate. The second treatment is carried out after 2 weeks. Also, the apple tree is sprayed with biological products that can be used even during the formation of ovaries.

Wintering apple tree

Although the Moscow Necklace apple tree is winter-hardy, it is still desirable to prepare the tree for winter. First of all, after harvesting, the soil around the trunk is mulched with peat, sawdust or straw. Mulch layer - 15-20 cm.

The lower part of the bark is covered with a durable material that mice cannot chew on. During snowy winters, regularly shake the snow off the branches so that they do not break. These measures will be enough for the apple tree to survive the winter.