The best varieties of dwarf apple trees

Low-growing apple trees attract gardeners with their compactness, high yield and resistance to diseases. And if the size of the site is small, then there is no better option for organizing a mini-garden.

Usually, an apple tree is represented as a tall and mighty tree with a spreading crown, which casts a shadow over almost half of the site. However, an apple tree reaches this size by the age of 15-20, and even then not always. Even within the same variety, an apple tree can grow, or it can remain a dwarf tree. It turns out that the "growth" of a tree depends on rootstock... It acts as the foundation of the future apple tree, its choice affects the duration of the productive period of the tree, the timing of its entry into the fruiting and ripening phases, the taste, appearance and size of the fruits, as well as the duration of their storage.

An apple cultivar can be grafted onto a vigorous or dwarf stock. Depending on this, the tree will also be either tall, with a massive crown, or stunted, supported by a trellis. However, there are varieties that are natural "dwarfs", i. E. even on an ordinary rootstock, their height does not exceed 3 m. Some of the most popular are the following varieties of dwarf apple trees.

Bratchud

The full name of this winter variety sounds like "Brother of the Wonderful", it is suitable for cultivation in all climatic zones. The tree is a natural "dwarf" with a flat-rounded crown up to 3 m in diameter. Fruit size usually does not exceed average values. Their distinguishing feature is the presence of a small seam in the form of a strip. The skin is dry, with a glossy sheen. The main color of the fruit is greenish-yellow, later a crimson blush appears. The pulp of ripe fruits is white, coarse-grained. It cannot be called juicy, but the taste remains pleasant. The variety is high-yielding, transportable, with a long shelf life.

Entering fruiting	Tree height (m)	Fruit weight (g)	Harvest	Shelf life (days)
3-4 years	1,5-2	140-160	End of September	120-140

Carpet

Autumn variety of apples. The crown of the tree is horizontal, drooping. The size of the fruits exceeds the average size and can reach 200 g. The fruits are flat-rounded, their main color is greenish-yellow, subsequently saturated with a red blush. The pulp is creamy, coarse-grained and slightly juicy, moderately aromatic, with a pleasant sweet and sour taste. The variety has a stable high yield. During a long winter, the lower branches can break off under the weight of the snow.

Entering fruiting	Tree height (m)	Fruit weight (g)	Harvest	Shelf life (days)
3-4 years	1,5-2	150-170	End of September - beginning of October	50-60

Legend

Early winter grade. A tree with a dense spherical crown and compactly spaced shoots. The fruits are slightly ribbed, grow rather large, resemble a truncated cone in shape. The main color of apples is greenish with a yellow tint; as they ripen, the fruits turn red. Occasionally, burgundy stripes appear on their surface. The pulp is white, with a creamy shade, juicy, fine-grained with a strong aroma. The taste of the fruit is sweet, caramel. The advantages of the variety are frost resistance and immunity to most pests and diseases.

Entering fruiting	Tree height (m)	Fruit weight (g)	Harvest	Shelf life (days)
2-3 years	2-3	180-200	Early October	60-90

Moscow red

High-yielding winter variety. The tree is not tall with a compact spherical crown. Fruits are round in shape, without ribs. The main color of the fruit is greenish-yellow; as it ripens, it acquires a bright yellow tint. By the time the fruit is picked, a deep red blush appears on the surface. The pulp is yellowish, with a pleasant sweet and sour taste. The variety is resistant to scab and other diseases, fruits and leaves remain healthy throughout the entire ripening period.

Entering fruiting	Tree height (m)	Fruit weight (g)	Harvest	Shelf life (days)
For 6-7 years	2-3	130-190	End of September - beginning of October	90-120

Stunted

The trees are undersized, the branches grow at right angles to the trunk. Fruits are medium in size, round in shape, with large, well-visible ribs. The color of the fruits is greenish-yellow; as they ripen, red stripes appear on their surface, merging into a solid blush. The pulp is greenish, dense, fine-grained, juicy, with a sour-sweet aftertaste. The variety is winter-hardy, fast-growing, high-yielding. However, in a rainy summer, the leaves are affected by scab.

Entering fruiting	Tree height (m)	Fruit weight (g)	Harvest	Shelf life (days)
3-4 years	1,5-2	130-150	Second half of September	120-150

Snowdrop

Shale apple tree with predominantly horizontal branches. Young trees bear fruit almost every year. The fruits are medium in size, although there are specimens weighing 300 g. Their shape is rounded-conical with small ribs. The main color of the fruits is light yellow, later they are covered with a dark red blush. The pulp is light white, very juicy and tasty. The fruits are consumed both fresh and used for making jams, preserves and compotes. The consumption and removable ripeness of apples coincide, so they can be consumed immediately after picking.

Entering fruiting	Tree height (m)	Fruit weight (g)	Harvest	Shelf life (days)
3-4 years	1,5-2	140-170	Beginning of September	100-120

Grounded

The branches of the tree during the growth period begin to grow horizontally, almost parallel to the ground, while their ends are bent upward. Fruits are regular and round in shape, their size is slightly less than average. The main color of the apple is greenish-yellow; as it ripens, a red blush appears, which occupies the entire area of ​​the apple. The pulp is greenish, firm, very juicy and rich. The fruit tastes sweet and sour, suitable for making jams and preserves. The tree can withstand frosts down to -40 ° C and bears fruit annually.

Entering fruiting	Tree height (m)	Fruit weight (g)	Harvest	Shelf life (days)
2-3 years	1,5-2	90-110	September	50-60

Early sweet

Low-growing tree with a flat-rounded crown. Bears fruit annually. Fruits are flat-round and medium in size. The main color is light yellow. The pulp is white and sweet, with a slight creamy undertone. Winter hardiness and scab resistance are very high.

Entering fruiting	Tree height (m)	Fruit weight (g)	Harvest	Shelf life (days)
3-4 years	1,5-2	90-100	Early august	10-15

Sokolovskoe

Winter variety, bred relatively recently.Fruits are larger than medium in size, flat-rounded. The shiny peel is usually greenish-yellow in color; as it ripens, the apple becomes covered with an expressive dark red blush. The pulp is creamy, dense and juicy, fine-grained. The taste of the fruit is sweet and sour with a pleasant aftertaste. They are consumed fresh and used to make jams, preserves and compote. The Sokolovskoe variety is a natural "dwarf" with high productivity, but insufficient resistance to summer heat and frost.

Entering fruiting	Tree height (m)	Fruit weight (g)	Harvest	Shelf life (days)
3-4 years	1-1,5	170-190	October	100-110

Sun

A late autumn variety with immunity to scab, bred over 20 years ago. The crown is round, not very thickened. Fruits grow within medium size, oblong-beveled shape, smooth and oily skin. The main color of the fruits is greenish-yellow, as they ripen, they turn yellow, and a raspberry blush appears on them. The pulp is white, with rare creamy splashes, juicy and dense. Apples have a sweet and sour taste with a rich aftertaste. Winter hardiness and productivity of the variety are high.

Entering fruiting	Tree height (m)	Fruit weight (g)	Harvest	Shelf life (days)
3-4 years	1,5-2	140-160	Second half of September	90-120

Wonderful

The tree is undersized (natural "dwarf"), the crown is formed in a horizontal plane, almost creeping along the ground. The fruits are large, more than average in size, the weight of some reaches 200 g. The shape of the apples is flat-rounded, the main color is yellow-green, as it ripens, a rich bright red blush appears. The pulp of the fruit is juicy, with a fine-grained structure, sour-sweet taste, with a pleasant aftertaste. The variety is characterized by increased winter hardiness and scab resistance.

Entering fruiting	Tree height (m)	Fruit weight (g)	Harvest	Shelf life (days)
2-3 years	1,5-2	120-140	Early august	25-30

How dwarf apple trees differ from the rest

The differences between tall and dwarf trees become noticeable even at the stage of choosing a particular seedling. When buying, dwarf seedlings can be distinguished by their appearance. For example, along large buds at the ends of branches or a fibrous root system with small roots. Tall apple trees, by comparison, have a rod-shaped root system.

The roots of dwarf apple trees are shallow, so such trees can be planted in areas with a groundwater level above 1-1.5 m.

In the garden, dwarf apple trees are always easy to distinguish by their compact size, neat crown and regular fruiting. These trees reach a height of 2-3 m and begin to produce crops already in the third year.

Are dwarf and columnar apple trees the same thing?

Columnar apple trees are often confused with dwarf ones. However, these are two different forms of fruit trees. Dwarf apple trees are short trees with a spreading crown that can reach a diameter of 3 m. Columnar apple trees have a well-defined trunk with short lateral branches. In shape, it resembles a column, in the upper part and along which fruits grow. In order not to be mistaken when choosing a seedling, pay attention to the following signs:

• a columnar apple tree grows in one trunk, practically without lateral branches;
• the root system of a dwarf apple tree is fibrous (in a columnar one it is pivotal), the more elastic it is, the healthier the tree.

Dwarf apple varieties are intended for small areas with a close location of groundwater. They take up little space, quickly bear fruit and give a bountiful harvest. The fruits of low-growing apple trees are stored for a rather long time, have a marketable appearance and have a pleasant taste and aroma. Be sure to plant them in your garden to appreciate all the benefits of plants.

The arrangement of the 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 garden. Relatively recently, a dwarf apple tree was bred. The 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 abundantly. The thin trunk of the trees is very strong and can support the relatively large weight of its fruit. You must be careful when choosing a dwarf apple tree seedling. 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 pivotal root system).

In a small area, you can concentrate many 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 bear fruit fully only after 10 years, and a dwarf tree can yield 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 apple varieties from specialized enterprises. Breeders note the high quality of these seedlings.

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

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 absorbed very quickly. This explains such a rapid flowering and fruiting of an apple tree on a dwarf rootstock. The varieties of these fruit trees, due to the location of roots so close 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 best to choose for your summer cottage garden?

Dwarf apple trees are subdivided according to some features and ripening times:

• Early (summer). Melba, Candy, Wonderful, Golden Delicious, Early sweet.
• Medium (autumn). Grounded, Sokolovskoe, Solnyshko.
• Late (sub-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 are the average height of the trunk. Some summer residents call them semi-dwarf. You can also see the classification under the dwarf designation in the reference books.

Also, dwarf apple trees are classified according to their taste (dessert, sweet, sour), as well as their resistance to cold weather and the 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 aromatic early varieties of dwarf apple trees. Ripening period - end of July. The mass of one fruit can reach up to 130 g. The external features of the fruit are round shape, green peel with a slightly dark color, juicy and soft pulp.
• Melba. Summer, high-yielding, sweet variety that yields fruit already in the 3rd year of vegetation. Apples are medium in size, juicy pulp and pleasant aroma. On the sunny side of the tree, on the skin, there may be stripes of a yellowish-green hue with red sides. The first fruits are harvested by summer residents in July-August. This variety of dwarf apple is very popular for the Moscow region (see photo).
• Autumn striped. One of the largest-fruited 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 temperatures up to + 60C. The outer 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. It is best suited for this polyurethane insulation in the form of a thin film.
• Moscow necklace. This is the best variety of dwarf apple trees (see photo and description), which was recently bred by breeders. It has a bright, red skin, a pale pink hue of pulp and a juicy content. Great for making fresh juices. The fruit tastes sweet and sour. Weight of one - about 120-140 g. Fruiting, actively, starting from 3 years after planting the seedling. Refers to autumn varieties. Harvested in mid-October.
• Grushevka near Moscow. 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 rootstock of the winter ripening period. Ideal for growing in local climates. Some summer residents also grow them in mid-latitudes. The beginning of active fruiting falls on the 5th year after planting in 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. A mid-winter variety of a dwarf apple tree (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 110 g. A remarkable property of this variety is its long shelf life (up to 9 months). Some summer residents like to use these trees as a hedge in the landscape design of the garden and the suburban area as a whole.
• Bogatyr... Dwarf apple trees for Siberia. Varieties like this can often be found in the Urals. They are resistant to frost and other difficult conditions of climatic changes. The main distinguishing feature is a rather spreading crown. The tree branches strongly. To form a beautiful crown, it is necessary to carry out timely cleaning and pruning. As for the fruits, they are slightly elongated. The shade is red-yellow. The taste is sweet and sour.

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

Recently, more and more attention of gardeners is focusing on dwarf apple varieties, which, of course, have a number of advantages over the classic varieties of apple trees... They are:

• take up less space in the garden;
• tolerate winter better;
• harvesting is much more convenient;
• as well as caring for them.

To choose the right variety of this type of apple tree, you need to understand what are the nuances in caring for themwhat to avoid, what to be prepared for and how to create the best possible conditions for growing them.

general characteristics

Dwarf apple trees are considered, the height of which does not exceed 2.5, and the root system has a fibrous structure, which is located in a meter layer of soil.

This fact is used by gardeners, in an area with a close occurrence of groundwater, which can damage the deep-lying roots of trees.

All varieties of dwarf apple trees can be divided into groups, depending on when the fruits fully ripen:

• summer type;
• autumn type;
• winter type.

Dwarf apple varieties

Candy

Very early ripening variety, apples ripen in the first week of August.The apple tree is distinguished by its excellent quality, fragrant round-shaped fruits, covered with a rich green skin and strong crunchy flesh. Average fruit weight 125 g.

Candy perfectly tolerates frost and sudden changes in temperature.

Important! If frosts nevertheless damage the aboveground part of the tree, then it tends to recover very soon and resume fruiting.

Candy.

Read more about the Candy apple in this article.

Melba

It is a popular, widespread variety withThe first among dwarf varietiesrecognized by breeders.

Attracts gardeners with its early maturity (The 1st crop can be removed in the 3rd year after planting), excellent yield (up to 145 - 150 kg of fruits per tree) and unpretentiousnesshowever it is worth noting average resistance to scab pathogens and severe frosts.

Apples ripen in the first half of August, medium-sized fruits (average weight 155 g), rounded in shape, covered with a delicate skin, on which is a raspberry blush.

Inside, the fruit is snow-white, tender, pleasant in structure, very aromatic.The taste is sweet, with a special caramel aftertaste.

Melba.

You can find out more about the Melba apple tree here.

Moscow necklace

Enough new variety, instantly loved by fruit growers for its large tasty apples, which reach full maturity in October and early maturity: the primary harvest can be seen as early as the 3rd year after the tree is placed on the site. The apple tree is resistant to the scab pathogen, tolerates frost well.

Fruit:

• enlarged, leveled, average weight - 173 g;
• spherical regular shape;
• covered with a loose skin of wine-red color;
• have an amazing aroma, fragile and juicy structure;
• The taste is sweet and sour, with an unobtrusive sourness.

After harvest can be stored for up to 100 days.

Moscow necklace.

You can read more about the Moscow necklace apple tree here.

Wonderful

The height of a tree of this variety - from 1.6 to 2 m, depending on the type of rootstock, the crown is sweeping, with falling branches dropping even lower under the weight large fruits (average weight 210 g).

Fruits are spherical, slightly flattened in the center, aligned, covered with a thin yellow-green skin. Apple has classic dessert taste, with a barely noticeable sourness, pleasant consistency.

Important! One of the most important advantages of this variety is that the apple tree perfectly tolerates stagnant water.

Wonderful.

You will learn more about the Chudnoye variety from this article.

Sokolovskoe

Belongs to the category natural dwarfs, its height is 1.1 - 2 m, fruiting irregular, begins in the 4th year after planting. Productivity 55 -65 kg per tree.

The fruits are flattened-spherical, covered with a delicate but dense glossy dry skin of a yellowish hue, which by the time of ripening is covered with large raspberry strokes. Under the skin the apple is granular, dense, creamy, aromatic, with a sweet and sour taste.

Average winter hardiness, too cold temperatures in winter can damage the fruit buds. Prolonged drought in summer negatively affects the taste characteristics of apples.

Sokolovskoe.

Read more about the Sokolovskoye apple in this article.

Zhigulevskoe

Stunted tree, very quickly entering the fruiting period, the fruits are ready for harvest in September, have a round shape. Covered from above with a dense thin skin of a yellow-green hue, by the time of full ripeness it is covered with crimson vertical streaks.

Excellent taste characteristics, the yield tends to increase from year to year.

The variety is resistant to pathogens of fungal diseases and the influence of pests, winter hardiness is above average.

Zhigulevskoe.

You can find out more about the Zhigulevskoye apple tree here.

Snowdrop

This variety of apples - genetic dwarfs, reaches a height of 1.5 m, refers to stanza... It is very fast-growing, the first harvest can be removed 3 years after planting.

The yield is high, but over time, an implicit periodicity may appear.

High drought tolerance and frost tolerance, the apple tree is able to withstand low temperatures down to -40 ° C.

Fruit:

• medium by weight, which varies from 135 g to 173 g;
• rounded-elongated shape;
• the top of the apples is covered with a thin peel, dry and smooth, of a pale yellow hue with raspberry-pink strokes along the perimeter of the fruit;
• apple pulp is juicy and crunchy, sweet and sour, aromatic.

The fruits are ready to be harvested in early September, universal in appointment, can be stored for up to four months.

Snowdrop.

You can read more about the Snowdrop apple tree here.

Carpet

Autumn undersized tree, recommended for cultivation in the Ural and West Siberian regions, possesses tremendous frost resistance and resistance to the influence of pathogens of fungal diseases.

Carpet is distinguished by its early maturity, the first harvest should be expected after 3-4 years after grafting, the yield is high (64 kg per tree), but over time periodicity can be observed.

The fruits are enlarged, the average weight is 155 - 160 g, have a spherical, slightly flattened shape, covered with a soft, delicate skin of a yellow-light green color, with a bright scarlet blush.

The inside is dryish, with active grain, beige.

The purpose of the crop is processing and fresh consumption.

Apples can be stored in a cool place for up to one and a half months.

Carpet.

You will learn more about the Carpet variety from this article.

Bratchud

The apple tree of the Chelyabinsk selection belongs to the natural elfin. The apple tree is medium-late (collection - mid-September), the fruits are medium (145 - 165 g), round, slightly elongated with an implicit ribbing. The peel is smooth, glossy, dry, olive green with an unobtrusive blush.

Inside apple with an active white shade, medium-grained, not juicy, sour-sweet taste with a pleasant aroma. Fruits can be stored for up to 4 months, transportability is satisfactory.

Variety stands out for its resistance to frost. Among the shortcomings, it is worth highlighting the weak resistance to scab pathogens.

Bratchud.

Read more about the Bratchud apple tree in this article.

Grounded

Large-fruited early ripening variety, characterized by an excellent yield (up to 135 kg from an apple tree), the first harvest can be obtained three years after planting the tree in the ground.

Fruits are large, average weight 145 g, spherical shape. The apple is covered with a dense thin fragrant green peel, by the time of ripeness it becomes covered with a beautiful even blush, the taste is sweet and sour, which has received a high tasting rating.

Important! This variety has excellent scab resistance and high frost resistance.

Grounded.

You can find out more about the landed apple here.

Legend

This the variety of undersized baby apple trees is early winter (collection can be carried out from the beginning of October), enters the fruiting phase in the 3rd year after planting in the garden.

Fruits are slightly ribbed, round, somewhat elongated, the main color of a strong thin skin is light green-yellow, the integumentary color is bright crimson with thick burgundy vertical stripes. Inner part juicy, white with creamy splashes, with a distinct apple smell and dessert taste. Fruit weight can vary from 175 g to 200 g.

After harvest can be saved for 90 days.

Legend.

You can read more about the Legend apple tree here.

Moscow red

Variety with excellent yield, late fruiting (the crop is harvested in the first decade of October), it is highly resistant to scab pathogens and other diseases, winter hardiness and frost resistance are satisfactory.

The fruits are smooth, round, the peel is strong, but thin, green; by the time of ripening, a crimson continuous blush appears on the side. The weight of apples is 135 - 185 g.

After ripening and picking apples can be stored for up to 120 days.

Moscow red.

Stunted

The variety is recommended for cultivation in the Central Black Earth zone, fast-growing, frost-resistant.

Important! A significant disadvantage is that the Stunted in a rainy summer can be infected

scab

.

The fruits of this apple tree are round, slightly flattened in the center, medium-sized, covered with a smooth glossy skin of a yellow-green hue. By the time the hearth is removed, it is covered with wide crimson stripes almost along the entire perimeter of the apple.

The flesh is crunchy, dense, sourish and very juicy with a white-green hue with a classic apple scent.

Stunted.

Read more about the Low-growing apple tree in this article.

Sun

This variety is late autumn (harvested towards the end of September), distinguished by immunity to scab pathogens, excellent frost resistance and quite satisfactory yield.

Fruits are medium-sized in size (145 g), elliptically oblique, aligned, covered with a strong oily skin of a green-yellow color, which by the time of maturity is covered with a bright continuous scarlet blush.

The taste is unobtrusive, sweet and sour with a pleasant fresh fruity aftertaste.Inside, the apple is dense, homogeneous, juicy, snow-white, with a pleasant aroma.

Sun.

You can find out more about the Sun apple tree here.

Arbat

This variety not only dwarf, but also columnar, it is distinguished by a quick entry into fruiting (the first crop can be harvested for 2 - 3 years after placing in the garden), disease and pest resistance and excellent frost resistance, which makes it possible to cultivate it in the northern regions.

The fruits are medium-sized, elliptical, covered with a strong shiny skin of a rich red-pink hue. Inside, the fruit is fragrant, creamy, juicy and sweet, with a slight sourness.

Once harvested, they can be stored for up to several months, but may lose taste over time.

Arbat.

You can read more about the Arbat apple tree here.

For the middle lane

In order to choose the right variety of apple trees for cultivation in a certain region, you need to understand what requirements they must meet.

So, the middle strip of our country is characterized by frequent return frosts in spring, possible frosts in early autumn, as well as slushy warm winters, in which the root system of a number of horticultural crops may be soaked.

Such weather conditions can be abruptly replaced by frost, which is the main problem.

Low-growing varieties for the middle lane:

• Melba;
• Candy;
• Zhigulevskoe;
• Autumn striped;
• Grushovka Moscow;
• Bogatyr;
• Arbat;
• Moscow necklace;
• Bratchud;
• Legend.

Useful photos and videos

Grushovka Moscow.

Bogatyr.

Autumn striped.

Watch a video describing the varieties listed above:

Watch a video about dwarf apple trees:

Watch a video about the varieties Sokolovskoe and Kovrovoye:

Watch a video about Yablona Arbat:

Conclusion

Understanding what is necessary for the successful cultivation of dwarf apple trees, you can easily choose the perfect variety, draw up an agrotechnical plan for him, choose the best place in the garden.

Among the great many works of breeders to date even the most picky gardener will find the apple tree of his dreams!

Today, every second gardener dreams of planting a dwarf apple tree on his site. Especially small fruit trees attract those with 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 popularity.

The cultivation of this culture has its own characteristics that amateur gardeners need to know about. What are dwarf apple trees (varieties, reviews, advantages)? What are the nuances of planting and caring for trees?

One of the most popular horticultural crops

The apple tree is one of the most common fruit crops among Russian gardeners. Its seedlings, the flowering time of which is the period 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.

The beneficial 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 it is imperative to eat at least one apple per day in order to replenish the body with the necessary dose of iron and other nutrients and vitamins.

Housewives prepare excellent jam, jam, compotes and juices from apples. Delicious fruits are also used for making apple wines, which are widely popular among amateurs.

Classification

These fruit trees differ in terms of fruit ripening: early (summer varieties), middle (autumn) and late (winter, late winter). Their rootstocks are also heterogeneous. Among them, there are: seed stock (vigorous apple trees that are grown from seeds) and clonal, grafted (dwarf, semi-dwarf, medium-sized).

Apple tree varieties are classified:

1. Tall - plants up to 8 m tall, a well-developed root system that penetrates deeply into the soil. Recommended for cultivation in areas where groundwater is below 3 m.
2. Semi-dwarf grows up to 5 m in height. They are grown in areas where groundwater occurs at a level of up to 2.5 m.
3. Dwarf - undersized crops up to 2.5 m in height, with a relatively shallow (up to 1 m) root system. Suitable for areas with a high (about 1.5 m) groundwater table.
4. Columnar have one erect trunk without significant branching.

Varieties differ in resistance to cold: frost-resistant, thermophilic. By taste: sweet, sour, dessert, etc.

Dwarf apple trees: varieties, reviews

A clear selection of varieties for each specific site is necessary in order for fruit trees to please their owners with a high yield annually. Gardeners generally speak positively of dwarf birches. After all, they are not very whimsical in leaving.

The famous I.V. Michurin believed that the success of the whole business, i.e. the achievement of the desired indicators of the yield of the garden is decided precisely by a successful selection of varieties. Dwarf apple trees are no exception. Varieties, reviews, planting and care features are publicly available. More than 10 thousand varieties of such trees are known. Users in their reviews highlight the best dwarf apple trees, varieties.

Reviews, photos can be read and viewed in the article. Gardeners believe that by choosing varieties of dwarf trees that are suitable for the region of residence, adhering to the rules of planting and care, you can ensure rich fruiting.

Summer

The best summer dwarf apple trees (varieties, reviews, description):

• Melba is a high-yielding variety. Fruiting begins in the third year. Ripening of apples refers to the period: end of July - August. They are medium in size with juicy flesh and caramel flavor.
• "Candy" is an early ripening variety, bred by the breeder I.V. Michurin. The fruits of this hybrid are fragrant, very tasty. In a warm and not rainy summer, their ripening begins in August. The weight of individual fruits reaches 120 g. They are round in shape, have a dark green peel, dense and juicy pulp.
• "Wonderful" is a late summer variety with high winter hardiness. Fruiting begins in the fourth year of planting. Gives a high yield (up to 75 kg). Fruit weight - 140 g. The shape of the apples is flat-round, slightly ribbed.The color is yellow-green with a rich dark red blush and a bright dessert taste.

Autumn

Users have highlighted the best autumn dwarf apple trees (varieties, reviews):

• Zhigulevskoe. Fruiting of trees begins in the third year. The variety has a high level of vitality, does not succumb to pests and diseases. Ripening of apples - at the end of September. These are large fruits with a red-orange peel. According to gardeners, subject to annual feeding, the tree preserves good fruiting and large fruit size for a long time.
• "Autumn striped". Trees of this variety are recommended to be covered for the winter, since frost can damage its high-lying root system. The fruits are round in shape, their weight is about 200 g, the color is bright yellow, the taste is bright, sweet and sour. The variety is distinguished by unpretentious storage conditions (at temperatures up to 6 degrees).
• "Grounded". The variety is resistant to low temperatures and scab. The beginning of fruiting, depending on the region, refers to the third year after planting. The yield reaches 130 kg. The fruits are large, flat-round in shape, with a dense smooth greenish-red skin, have a bright sweet and sour taste.
• Sokolovskoe. Fruiting of the variety begins in the fourth year. Productivity - about 85 kg. The apples are large, weighing about 190 g, with a greenish-yellow color and a bright blush. The taste is sweet and sour, with richness.

Winter

As the best gardeners call winter dwarf apple trees (varieties, reviews):

• "Bratchud". A tree of medium height (up to 2 m), begins to bear fruit at the age of 3-4. Its yield is about 120 kg. The variety has high winter hardiness and regular fruiting. The fruits have an oblong rounded shape with a noticeable ribbing and a characteristic lateral seam, reaching a significant size. The skin is smooth, shiny, with a greenish-yellow color. The pulp is white, slightly juicy, coarse-grained, with a bright sweet and sour taste.
• "Grushovka Podmoskovnaya". One of the varieties mentioned by gardeners. Many also argue that these are the best dwarf apple trees for the Moscow region. Varieties, reviews of which are different, have their own strengths and weaknesses. Grushovka Podmoskovnaya is a popular scab-resistant variety. Fruiting from 5-6 years, high yield is stable. Apples are small in size, rounded and elongated. Practically not subject to decay. The skin color is yellow, with a red side.
• "Bogatyr" has a wide branchy crown, which requires annual pruning of old branches in order to increase the yield. The tree has significant winter hardiness, practically not susceptible to pests and diseases. Fruits are elongated, with a red-yellow color. The taste is sour, reminiscent of Antonovka.
• "Moscow necklace" - a new variety, bears fruit three years after planting. The fruits are large in size. The color of the peel is bright red, juicy, pale pink pulp with a sweet and sour taste.
• "Carpet" bears fruit in the fourth year after planting. The yield reaches up to 110 kg per tree. The size of the fruit is significant, the shape is flat, the shiny skin is greenish-yellow in color. The taste is dessert.
• "Snowdrop" is a winter-hardy, scab-resistant variety. Productivity - about 90 kg. The shape of the fruit is round-conical, weight is about 170 g. The color of the peel is light yellow, with a red blush. The taste is sweet and sour.

How to distinguish dwarf apple seedlings from other varieties?

Many are wondering how to grow and what kind of dwarf apple trees, varieties, reviews exist. A seedling must be chosen very carefully when buying.

A dwarf apple tree is grown from a regular seedling using a rootstock of the required variety. This process is quite lengthy, so gardeners prefer to buy ready-made seedlings.

When buying, there is a risk of confusing "dwarfs" with seedlings of other varieties.

To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to take into account their distinctive features:

• at the grafting site, where the junction of the neck of the seedlings with the stem is located, the protrusion should be clearly distinguished;
• ordinary apple trees have a taproot system, in dwarf ones it is fibrous with small roots;
• the main difference between good roots of dwarf apple seedlings is that they are usually fresh and elastic;
• on the ground part of a high-quality tree, there should be no drying out of the bark or injuries to the branches;
• the trunk of columnar apple trees, in contrast to dwarf ones, is smooth, almost without branches;
• a two-year-old seedling of a dwarf apple tree at the ends of the branches has large buds, the height of the trunk does not exceed 50 cm, the number of formed branches is insignificant.

Gardeners leave positive reviews about dwarf apple trees. But you need to be very careful about transportation. Immediately after purchase, the dwarf apple tree seedling should be wrapped in a damp cloth. For the safety of the branches during transportation, they are pulled closer to the trunk and secured with twine. Upon arrival at the site, the tree is immediately planted and watered.

About landing

How to plant dwarf apple trees in the ground? Varieties, reviews, the merits of which were considered in the article, require prepared soil.

The best time to plant, according to gardeners, is spring, just after the snow melts. The required amount of fertilizer must be applied to the soil. The place should be elevated and protected from the wind. Dwarf apple trees (varieties) grow not only in sunny, but also in weakly shaded places. Reviews, in which the planting is considered first, confirm that you need to choose the right place for the tree.

Before planting, the seedlings should be trimmed a little in order to form a lower crown stem. After a year, the increments are cut off. With the correct implementation of these procedures, the apple tree retains its youth longer, and the fruits are of a significant size.

Saplings of dwarf apple trees are planted in areas where groundwater occurs at a distance of at least 1.5 m from the surface. The distance between trees should be 2X3 or 3x3 m. Planting pit parameters:

• depth: 50 cm;
• diameter: 60-70 cm.

The topsoil removed by digging the hole should be set aside separately from the rest of the excavated soil.

Add a bucket of humus to the dug planting hole, mix it with the top layer of soil, pour out a bucket of water and mix again.

The root system of the seedling is placed in the resulting wet mass and covered with earth. The grafting site should be 2-3 cm above the soil level. The earth must be compacted along the diameter of the trunk circle by making a roller up to 10 cm high for irrigation.

About the features of the care of seedlings

An important question is what kind of care dwarf apple trees (varieties) require. Reviews, tree care must be studied in advance, even before buying.

Dwarf apple seedlings are very easy to care for.

During the summer, trees need watering (1-2 buckets of water once a week). In addition, additional feeding is required:

• Infusion of mullein (1:10). Mullein (1 bucket) is dissolved in water (10 buckets), fermented (insisted) for 10-12 days. The resulting infusion (1 l) is then dissolved in 10 l of water.
• Chicken droppings (1:20). A solution of chicken manure (1 bucket) is diluted in 20 buckets of water, fermented (insisted) for 10-12 days. Then 0.5 l of the resulting mixture is diluted in 10 l of water.

Seedlings should be watered with fertilizer in the amount of 1-2 buckets for 1 tree. After watering or past rains, the soil must be loosened. Top dressing ends in August, in more northern areas - at the end of July.

Adult apple care: spring

In the spring, as soon as the sun begins to warm up, insulation materials must be removed from the apple trees, with which the trees were covered for the winter, after which they begin sanitary pruning. Branches damaged by frost must be cut off.You should also carefully examine the crown, remove existing pests. After that, fertilizers are applied under the apple trees, garbage is removed near the trees and burned. The soil must be dug to a depth of 5-7 cm, and complex fertilizers (containing trace elements that saturate the soil) and nitrogen-containing fertilizers (to activate vegetative processes) should be introduced into the trunks. In clear weather, the trunks are whitewashed.

In the spring, trees are also sprayed three times with special solutions:

• before the onset of swelling of the kidneys;
• during the swelling period;
• after bud break.

The procedure eliminates pests and fungal diseases. Before the start of the awakening of insects, water obstacles should be built: traps, wrap the trunks with trapping belts.

Summer care activities for mature trees

With the onset of summer, it is necessary to carefully monitor the soil near the apple trees and the condition of the trees themselves. At this time of the year, care consists in timely watering and pest control (processing when sick trees and nearby plants are detected with a special solution).

At this time, foliar feeding is carried out. In the hot period, dwarf plantations are fed with nitrogen. If a deficiency of any trace element is detected, the plants are sprayed with a special agent that can provide the apple trees with everything they need. With a lack of iron (which happens most often), the plants are treated with iron sulfate.

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, cut off branches that are damaged by insects or have other damage.

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

Dwarf apple trees: varieties, reviews, benefits

• The small size of trees allows you to plant a significant number of them on the site.
• Much earlier than in an ordinary garden, dwarf trees bear fruit: usually in the 3rd year after planting. For example, users mark the variety "ground" as early, beginning to bear fruit in the 3rd year after grafting. The duration of the growing season of this variety is about 150 days, the yield is up to 130 kg per tree.
• The yield of dwarf trees is rapidly increasing every year and does not differ from the indicators of tall apple trees. So, the gardeners of Polesye and even the Non-Black Earth Region speak positively about the varieties Melba, Northern Sinap, Antonovka, grown by grafting a dwarf insert. These varieties do not require special care, are distinguished by high yields, and more regular than those of the nearby tall-growing apple trees.
• Productivity of ordinary tree species: once every 2 years, in dwarf trees - once a year.
• Due to the low growth of trees, it is easier to harvest from them, monitor the ripening of trees. There is no need to use special pruning devices. 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 nutrition of the fruits.
• Placing the root system close to the soil surface allows the tree to instantly respond to feeding and watering. So, apple trees of the varieties "Melba", "Northern Sinap", "Antonovka", according to reviews, can not be planted in the 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 deepening the dwarf insert more than half. This method of planting will ensure the growth of its own root system from the grafting site in the first year. The authors of the reviews note that there is no need for frequent watering of dwarf apple trees. According to reviews, trees of the varieties "pear of Moscow region", "bratchud", "snowdrop" need regular watering only during the first summer after planting. Mature trees do just fine without watering.
• The small size of the trees allows them to use less fertilizer and also reduce the cost of spraying.
• A small growth of apple trees increases the time to prepare them 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 semi-dwarf varieties, its frost resistance exceeds all known varieties: the roots of the tree tolerate temperatures up to minus 16 degrees Celsius. Also, many reviewers note that semi-dwarf varieties are more viable than dwarf ones. A deeper root system allows them to give a larger yield with a small tree size.

Flaws

• The lifespan of dwarf apple trees is half that of their tall counterparts. But this has its own plus - the ability to replace varieties with more modern ones every 20 years.
• Finding roots near the surface is fraught with the threat of freezing. Thorough warming of the root system is necessary.
• Shallow roots require fertile soil.
• The high yield of apple trees sometimes leads to poor quality of their fruits. Depletion of trees leads to irregular fruiting. To eliminate it, it is necessary to cut off excess inflorescences.
• The load of fruit sometimes breaks small trees. 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 the ancestor of domestic breeding IV Michurin 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.

These include those already familiar:

• summer varieties "melba", "candy";
• autumn "Zhigulevskoe", "autumn striped";
• winter "pear tree near Moscow", "hero", "arbat", "Moscow necklace", "lobo" (a relatively recent variety with high fruit taste, as well as preservation, fruiting, winter hardiness of trees).

Growing "dwarfs" in Tatarstan

Amateur gardeners, based on the results of their 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 frosts in winter reach minus 40 degrees, the latest spring and earliest autumn frosts are observed), gardeners successfully grow paradiscus 62-396, as well as the "Moscow pear" with an intercalary insert of this paradise.

Gardeners call two conditions favorable for this:

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

The same factors also have negative sides that have to be dealt with: in the 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 the high snow, the bole has to be raised to a height of 1.2 -1.4 m and in the fall wrapped with tar paper or roofing felt.

Cultivation of dwarf apple trees in the regions of the Middle Volga and South 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 region 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 planted 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 a high level of yield:

• "Spartak", "Kutuzovskoe", "Kuibyshevskoe", "the daughter of papirovka", "Zhigulevskoe" (Middle Volga region);
• “Bashkir handsome”, “Moscow pear”, “earthy”, “silver hoof”, “bratchud” (Bashkiria).

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

Trees on dwarf rootstocks are less adapted: for 2-3 years they stop growing due to the load of 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 - minus 13-15 degrees, in summer - plus 60-64 degrees Celsius, soil fertility - low) showed themselves from the 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 favorable planting of apple trees, say that first of all attention should be paid to the soil and climate.

The following varieties of fruit trees on dwarf and semi-dwarf rootstocks are definitely recommended for growing in the region:

• M1, M3 (medium-sized);
• М9, ММ106, Budagovsky's paradise (with a share of risk);
• 54-118, 3-3-35, 62-396, 3-5-44. 3-3-72, 3-1-76 (high winter hardiness);
• paradise of 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, adherence to the rules of planting and caring for them will ensure high productivity of the dwarf garden for a long time.