Apple trees in Siberia: planting, how to care for spring and what to do in July

When growing apple trees in Siberia, it is important to take into account the degree of frost resistance and the height of the tree. Given the harsh climatic conditions, where temperatures drop below -35 degrees, plants should be planted not only with high immunity, but also with a sufficient level of winter hardiness.

Besides, it is better to choose undersized varieties that are less susceptible to cold and frost.

Characteristics of apple trees for Siberia

To get not only a qualitative, but also a quantitative harvest in Siberia, an apple tree must meet the following criteria:

• quickly adapt to growing conditions;
• to form a strong root system;
• recover as soon as possible after illness;
• withstand severe frosts.

There are three groups of plants, divided by the degree of winter hardiness:

• Highly resistant, able to withstand negative temperatures of 40 degrees. Varieties are positioned as quite productive with small apples. The crop ripens mainly in autumn, the fruits are suitable for fresh consumption and for preparing blanks.
• Medium-resistant, which are characterized by medium-sized fruits, excellent taste and the ability to withstand temperatures within -35 degrees.
• Weakly resistant, plants can only resist low temperatures down to -25 degrees. Apples attract attention with their large size.

Features of cultivation

Since the weather conditions in Siberia are unstable, there is often a change in temperature regimes, and the lack of light and heat adversely affects fruit crops. Plants after planting in the ground cannot quickly take root due to cold weather, often freeze slightly and get sick. Apple varieties should be grown in Siberia with strong immunity and a high degree of resistance to adverse environmental factors.

It is more efficient to plant zoned varieties.

Among the most suitable options in the Siberian assortment are:

• Ranetki. The cultivars are bred through a hybridization process using wild Siberian apple and cultivated plants. This group of garden plantations stands out for its excellent winter hardiness, productivity, but their fruits are small, weighing 8-10 g. The taste is tart, sour.Often apples are used for technological processing. Cultivated in bush and bush forms.

• Semi-cultural. In the intermediate group, which was bred by crossing large-fruited European varieties with ranetki. Fruit weight is 20-80 g, taste and product characteristics are excellent. Fruit crops of this species have a reduced degree of frost resistance and productivity. It occurs mainly in slate-bush form.
• Large-fruited. This group of cultivars has high marketability and taste characteristics, and does not tolerate frost well. They are grown in creeping form and require additional shelter to protect them from low temperatures.

In order for plants to grow and develop normally in Siberian conditions, you need to know how to properly plant, what care they need.

Planting and care tips

In each climatic zone, planting and caring for fruit crops has its own characteristics, the knowledge of which allows you to create the most comfortable conditions for them.

Date of planting

Spring is not the best time for planting apple trees in Siberia, it is best, according to experienced gardeners, to plant in the fall. Among the positive aspects of the autumn planting of fruit crops are:

• rapid rooting of young trees;
• bark and buds have time to mature, and the already prepared plant goes into winter;
• the root system formed for winter is able to more effectively provide the crown with moisture and increase the degree of frost resistance;

• strong spring plants come out of dormancy earlier and grow faster, unlike planting apple trees in spring;
• due to a full growing season, young trees are safely prepared for the coming winter and are more likely to survive it, while spring-planted plants are at risk of not enduring frosts during an unfavorable summer season.

For information! If summer varieties of apple trees are planted, then the crop is harvested in July, but it cannot be stored for a long time. Autumn varieties reach their removable maturity closer to mid-September, the shelf life of the fruit is over two months.

Select site

For planting apple trees in a harsh climate, it is recommended to choose a well-lit and protected area from through winds. If there is a shortage of sunlight, then the plants will not be able to fully develop and produce a quality crop.In addition, at the landing site, groundwater should not be close to the surface of the earth, at least 2.5 m before they occur.

Preparation

Apple trees are very sensitive to depleted and heavy type of soil. For them, it is preferable to choose areas of fertile soil, well-permeable to moisture and air. If the soil is highly acidic, it is recommended to use s altpeter to neutralize it.

To avoid moisture stagnation, drainage should be laid in the planting pit in the form of small gravel, brick battle.

Clay soil also has a detrimental effect on apple trees, it is better to mix it with river sand and nutrient mixtures. Thanks to what it is possible to cultivate such soils. Loamy soils are considered ideal for fruit crops, where you only need to periodically add fertilizer formulations to increase their frost resistance and resistance to diseases.

Plant pattern

You should prepare a seat in advance, one month in advance. Dimensions: 60-65 cm high and 70 cm wide. To plant an apple tree, you need:

• dig a hole;
• mix the excavated land with peat, humus, compost or complex mineral composition;
• to form a mound-shaped hill out of fertile soil;
• place the seedling and spread its roots;
• carefully sprinkle with earth and lightly tamp;
• water;
• mulch with organic compound.

For information! To support a young tree, a vertical support up to 5 cm thick is installed in the planting pit, at least 40 cm of a peg should rise above ground level.

Care Tips

For quick rooting and adaptation, the planted plant should be properly looked after:

• remove weeds near plantings;
• sprinkle mulch in the trunk circle;
• irrigate;
• cut;
• fertilizer mixtures need only be applied 3-4 years after planting.

Diseases

In order to prevent the development of diseases dangerous for apple trees, it is recommended not to neglect preventive measures. In addition, it is necessary to fight against pests, which are often the source of the appearance of diseases.

The best varieties of Siberian apple trees

Frost-resistant and hardy varieties that are best suited for difficult climates include:

• Gorno altaiskoe;
• Souvenir of Altai;
• Ermakovskoye Mining;
• Bayana.

The right variety is the key to a bountiful harvest.

Recommended