Apple variety currency columnar in which zone is grown

For almost 15 years, a columnar apple tree of the Currency variety has been grown in summer cottages and industrial gardens in the Moscow Region. The authorship belongs to the scientist breeders of VSTISP: V.V. Kichin, N.G. Morozova. The exceptional immunity to scab makes it possible to obtain a crop without the use of chemicals. The compact size of the fruit tree allows you to grow apples in small summer cottages.

Characteristics, description of the variety with photo

Columnar apple trees are very compact. The trees grow a little over two meters, and they are narrow in width about 20 cm. Due to the fact that miniature dwarf rootstock trees are not practiced for this variety of apple trees.

The trees are very decorative from spring to late autumn. The leaves are bright green even during the leaf fall. High immunity to scab and other apple diseases is well reflected in the appearance: there is no rot and wormhole on the fruits.

The apples are large, round in shape. Fruit weight ranges from 100 to 250 g. The skin is glossy, thin, dense. The color is yellow with a red blush on the sides.

The taste differs for the better in comparison with the fruits of popular varieties: Vasyugan, President. Currency apples are sweeter if there is little acid.

Winter variety. Harvest in early October. Ripe apples rarely crumble, this allows you not to rush to harvest.

For family consumption, apples in the winter can be stored in a cellar or basement. They retain their taste until February. In industrial cultivation, the crop is stored in refrigerators. The fruits are suitable for drying and the production of canned food (compotes, jams).

Annual seedlings planted in autumn or early spring bloom in the first year. At the age of 4 years, a full harvest is obtained - 5 kg of apples from one tree. Farmers produce up to 100 t / ha. The use of fertilizers guarantees an increase in yield up to 150 t / ha (10 kg per tree).

Productivity begins to decline after 15 years of fruiting. This is due to the drying out of the ringlets, which are located in the lower part of the trunk. Old trees are usually uprooted. A decrease in yield will not occur if the replacement is planted in advance, when the old apple trees are 10 years old. Columnar apple trees live for a long time - 50 years.

In terms of winter hardiness, Currency is compared with Antonovka and Melba. Successful wintering has been noted with individual temperature drops down to -38 ° C. In central Russia, trees winter well, do not suffer from scab, apple pests and other diseases.

Advantages and disadvantages

This variety is very popular.There are practically no disadvantages, and the list of advantages is quite long:

1. Variety Currency is ideal for growing in the climate of Central Russia.
2. Winter-hardy.
3. 100% immune to scab.
4. Rarely gets sick and suffers from garden pests.
5. No insecticides needed.
6. The fruits are of excellent quality and taste.
7. Good keeping quality and transportability.
8. Productivity.
9. Compact, require little space.
10. Convenient to care for trees.
11. They begin to bear fruit early.

Planting and leaving

Sapling requirements:

• annual;
• not overdried;
• without leaves;
• without damage;
• without signs of disease and pests.

The size of the site for planting is calculated taking into account the standard (compacted) planting scheme: a row spacing of 1 m, in a row a landing step of 0.5 m. The location is better southern, sunny, light partial shade is acceptable during the day. 1 m between trees). Pits with a discharged planting method are dug of a larger size (0.9 m * 0.9 m). There are advantages from such a landing. The yield is higher and the trees develop faster as they receive more nutrients.

Row spacing. When planting in spring, immediately sow them with cereals or pour a layer of mulch. This will protect the roots, which are usually located close to the surface, from damage. The best mulching material is straw. Lies for a long time, well protects the ground from drying out, retaining moisture in it. To scare away mice among the cereals, you can sow fragrant plants. Lemon balm, mint, dill are suitable for this.

Compost or humus added to the planting hole will significantly speed up the formation of the apple tree. For one tree, 3 kg of organic matter is enough. Do not add mineral fertilizers. If the soil is acidic, add dolomite flour for digging at the rate of 100 g per 1 sq. m area.

Deacidify the soil at least once every 4 years. Lime can be used instead of dolomite flour. Consumption per square meter - 200 g.

Planting dates: spring, autumn. Plant in autumn after the first night frosts. Healthy seedlings with a good root system take root quickly. The size of the holes depends on the volume of the root and is dug under a particular tree.

Watering

It is especially important to organize them correctly in the first year. The ground under the apple trees must be constantly moist. If the summer is dry, then abundant watering should be carried out at least 2 times a week. The aisles should also be well moistened, they can be tinned.

In August, watering ends. Apple trees are preparing for winter, shedding their foliage. Before the first frosts, winter watering is carried out. Pour up to 200 liters of water on one adult tree in several steps.

Pruning

If you do not remove the side branches, the young tree will turn into a regular dwarf apple tree. To obtain a classic column, the removal of side shoots will have to be done annually at the beginning of spring.

In the first summer, carefully pluck out all the buds that have set. They are formed over the entire area of ​​the trunk, the healthier the tree, the more buds are formed. During fruiting, the Currency looks very decorative. Ruddy apples literally stick around the trunk along its entire length.

Each gardener chooses his own pruning scheme. Let's consider one of them.

The first time it is carried out on the second year after planting. If the seedling was planted correctly, then over the summer the crown grows by 35-40 cm, and the apple tree releases side shoots. The main column does not need pruning, only the side branches need to be cut.

1. The first year, cut off all branches, leaving two buds. New shoots will form from these buds next year.
2. Second year. Leave one of each pair of shoots. The one that grows up. Fruits will form on it. Shorten the shoot extending from the column at a large angle to 30 cm. Do not touch the column.
3. Third year. The branches on which the fruits were cut in the previous year. Cut off the remaining shoots according to the second year scheme.

To maintain the desired crown density, annually remove thin, weak shoots and those that grow downward or inward.Over the next years, branches are removed that have borne fruit for three years.

The central column is limited in growth if it is extended above 2.5 meters. This is usually done in the sixth year of life. Until this time, the crown kidney is not touched.

Sometimes from frost the apical bud is damaged and in the spring not one, but several shoots come out of it. In this case, you need to choose the most powerful one, and cut the rest.

Top dressing

Dense stands and frequent watering drain the soil. To maintain the balance of nutrients, you will need regular feeding. Mineral fertilizers are not applied for planting, since there will be no effect. The root system is not yet ready to assimilate them.

In the first summer, it is worth feeding the apple tree three times through the leaves. Use 0.2% urea solution for foliar feeding. Spray trees in the evening in calm and dry weather. There will be no leaf burn.

During the summer, you can feed the apple tree with slurry 3 times. Proportion 1:10. If you use chicken manure as a fertilizer, then take one part of dry manure and 30 parts of water to prepare the solution. In the absence of organic fertilizers, you can feed with saltpeter or urea. But do not forget that nitrogen-containing fertilizers can be used only until the end of June. 1 tbsp is enough for a bucket of water. l. fertilizers.

Preparing for winter

Young trees must be prepared for winter. They must be protected not only from frost, but also from rodents. Scare off rodents with branches of coniferous trees. They are wrapped around tree trunks and wrapped with twine or rope. If there are no needles, you can wrap the lower part of the trunk with tar paper.

The roots lie close to the surface so that they do not freeze, you need mulch: sawdust, fallen leaves. The layer thickness is at least 10 cm.

The upper part of the tree is saved from frost using any covering material. There are a lot of them on sale now. For these purposes, a material with a maximum density is suitable. It is more durable, suffers less from wind and better protects the tree from frost and cold winds. In winter, the plantings are covered with snow.

Reviews

Reviews of columnar apple trees are often negative. This is due to the low awareness of gardeners about the methods of planting and growing. The reviews about the Currency variety are mostly positive, since it is usually used by farmers to grow apples for sale. Amateurs also give a good rating.

Oleg

I live in the suburbs. I have been growing apple trees in the country for more than 10 years. The variety is promising. Harvestable. Apple trees are decorative. They decorate the garden all summer long and are smartly dressed in autumn. The neighbors are jealous. The apples are stored well in the cellar, they taste sweet.

Tatyana

Three years ago I bought in the nursery and planted in the garden two seedlings of the Valyuta variety. It is still difficult to judge future harvests, but for 3 years she removed about 6 kg from two apple trees in the fall. They say that there will be more apples every year. I like the compact size of the trees. Places take up little. You don't need a ladder to pick apples conveniently. In the spring, foliar feeding is easy.

If you have a small garden and a large apple tree, there is not enough space in it, buy currency varieties of apple trees, and enjoy working with it. Over the years, he will repay the care with delicious, beautiful apples.

Small and neat and beautiful forms have attracted the interest of many breeders.

All over the world.

And now more than a hundred varieties of their hybrids are known.

Columnar Apple Currency

When people talk about a garden, not everything is clear at once. What garden are we talking about?

This could be:

• Garden on the site of an amateur gardener.
• Industrial garden-company (agricultural holding).
• Farmer's garden.
• A garden on land on an area of ​​under a hectare, where there is more emphasis on decorativeness.

These are different concepts.

But all cases necessarily imply the presence of columnar apple trees in any garden.

They are very popular these days. And quite have achieved this popularity and fame.

Yet some gardeners are concerned about their comparative novelty (although they may even be the same age) and obscurity:

• How to grow (especially if you do not live in the Black Sea region)?
• What do they taste like?
• Where can I get it?

From the history. In 1964, in Canada, a farmer discovered an amazing branch on a Macintosh apple tree:

• No new shoots with very dense foliage.
• The apples are packed tightly next to each other.
• The properties of the fruits remained the same.
• Practical experiments have shown that it reproduces well by grafting. And even seeds.
• The new variety was named Vazhak.

  Historical branch - which became the beginning of varieties of columnar apple trees.

Important! Work on the creation of new varieties does not stop. What agronomists have achieved today, see the photo and description of the variety

What might interest you:

• View. Compare with the pyramidal poplar, and with cypress, and with columns. They are good not only for yields of delicious apples, but for very beautiful decorative forms.
• The size... Compact forms allow you to plant a large number of varieties in one area. From which gardeners with disabilities rub their hands with pleasure in the area of ​​plantings.
• Who thinks what... But instead of an apple tree on a medium-sized rootstock, there is the possibility of planting 12-15 columnar apple trees.
• Amazing early maturity and annual fruiting... Already in the second year after planting, you yourself will be able to taste apples. 10-15 pieces is not a lot, but we already have it.
• Convenience of all maintenance work behind trees due to their small size (pruning, treatment from diseases and pests, watering and feeding, harvesting).

Description

In Russia first columnar apple trees appeared when crossing the varieties Brown striped and Vazhak.

And the apple tree Currency is the result of many years of experience in tests and trials. And it should be noted that the result is excellent. Read more description, photos, reviews below.

Apple-tree "Currency" (columnar).

The variety was bred in 1986 by scientists and specialists of the All-Russian Institute of Selection and Technology of Horticulture and Nursery under the leadership of V.V. Kichin and N.G. Morozova.

Since 1994, he has already been on variety trials, and since 2004 in the State Register. Long experienced! But he passed the test.

Harvesting apples "Currency" in the country.

You will be interested in:

• About the creator: Victor Valerianovich Kichina. Professor. The founder of two directions in the selection of fruit and berry crops. Creator of 30 varieties of apple trees. Since 1972, he has created 20 varieties of columnar apple trees. Most are hardy and scab resistant. Widely known and recognized varieties of large-fruited raspberries. There are 25 of them in total and are grown in more difficult conditions in Russia. I prepared a shift for myself - 32 candidates of sciences!
• About the grade:
  • Stunted tree with an insignificant crown, which is only 20 cm.
  • The dark green foliage, densely covering the trunk, falls off even in autumn, without having time to turn yellow.
  • Rounded apples of golden color with a scarlet blush on the side do not differ in uniformity:
    • Starting at 110-140 grams.
    • And large and 230-250 grams.
  • Dessert taste and sweetness are felt more than sourness.
  • Juicy snow-white pulp with a slight aroma.

additional characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

Everything best qualities columnar apple trees, you will find in the Currency variety.
And also:

• Delicious and attractive for implementation. They can even lie under the counter and in the display case for up to 2 weeks without any problems.
• Scab immune cultivar with Vf gene. More than 10 years of monitoring the variety in the Moscow region have confirmed the ability to resist this dangerous and widespread disease of apple trees. Not a single case has been reported! Just don't think about juggling the results, this is confirmed by the description of the variety, photos, reviews.
• Columnar apple variety Currency enters fruiting early.
• Productivity is high.
• Suitable for growing in areas of central Russia without any problems.

Advice!

• Think about replacing the tree ahead of time. After all, after 15 years there will be several apples on the tree.
• Fill in the calendar memory:
  • As soon as the trees are ten years old, plant a new speaker garden.
  • Consider replacement plantings. After all, I definitely liked the variety!

Dimensions of an adult tree

Naturally undersized semi-dwarf tree. Even closer to dwarf. Therefore, even mature tree just over two meters... And the average indicators of their growth are 2.1-2.3 m.
This determines the annual growth. It's insignificant.

But if your tree grows 20-30 cm every year, then you are taking good care of your trees. And he's all right.

Frequency of fruiting

With such a variety as Currency, you will have to forget about the frequency of fruiting.

Problems with processing and eating fresh apples are guaranteed to you.

Or rather, not a problem.

And pleasant worries. You can even prepare a little drying. But fresh apples are better.

Yield

You can often find what is considered as the main characteristic of columnar apple trees - their productivity. And not on the yield.

And this is understandable. 5-6 kg of fruits from an adult tree somehow not impressive. Not even a bucket. And the bucket. And the same 10 kg with good care. But for columnar apple trees, this is a good yield.

And here 100 tons per hectare, already a weighty argument. But there may be 150 tons with enhanced care.

Important! This yield can be up to 14-16 years of age. Then the trees are replaced with new plantings.

To set the mood:

• I read once that "cunning" gardeners manage to get big harvests. Than in the price lists.
• Sure! Not cunning. The real ones. Smart. Not lazy. Creative ... Then you can continue yourself.

Tasting assessment

• Dessert taste. And the sweetness feels good. There is also a sourness.
• But sweeter than the President and Vasyugan varieties (if you ate these columnar apples).
• And the score is 4.5 points out of five. And this is not enough!

Self-fertility

There are judgments that the apple tree does not bear fruit:

• I don’t think it’s because she grows on her own... Although this is possible.
• My columnar apple tree has not given fruit for more than ten years. Recognized pollinators grew nearby (only later I found out).
• This means that we still do not know everything about columnar apple trees! There is work to do.

Winter hardiness

Even compared with the famous Antonovka... And the comparison is not in favor of Antonovka:

• Even 38 degrees of frost can withstand... This is a very high rate!
• Therefore, they are grown in the difficult conditions of central Russia. And not only there.
• But there are columnar varieties with higher winter hardiness (for example Vasyugan and Iksha). But this is not a reproach to Currency.

Disease resistance

Scab immunity provides high resistance to other diseases. Especially to rot. But better carry out preventive treatments.

Columnar apple trees in the garden.

Reviews

Sergey Karasev: After the appearance of the first columnar apple tree, I was carried away. I wanted to plant more and more. This despite the fact that you cannot take apples from them in boxes and buckets. But how beautiful they are in the garden. I advise. Planting not only for her to be in the garden. And in order for it to decorate your garden. To be in plain sight. That's how Currency appeared in the garden. This variety fueled my desire to plant and grow them even more.

Maxim Egorov: Apple tree columns The currency suits me completely. Do what you want. I created a unique row near the fence. Handsomely. And also with delicious apples. I experimented with their ability to persist. Just in the cellar. They retained good qualities in February. And juicy.

Stepan Okrainsky: I have heard many stories about the finickyness of columnar apple trees. And the soil must be fertilized. And water more often. I have drip irrigation removed almost all problems. And the taste of late apples Currency convinces to plant a couple more of them. And maybe a different kind. But winter. The look and size completely satisfies me. The taste is excellent. Especially in February.

Planting a columnar apple tree.

How planting and maintenance should be done

Timing

As soon as spring comes, I feel like it plant trees... So drop the Currency:

• For her spring is preferable... Manages to get stronger by the winter.
• Provide sunny or slightly shaded places for her.
• Pay attention to groundwater... Their high position is unacceptable.

Technology

Whoever has planted at least one tree considers himself to be a specialist in planting them. And rightly so.

Attention! Follow the recommendations of experts and then there are more guarantees in a successful

landing

and the survival of the seedling.

Just a few nuances:

• Choose a planting site that you did exactly before buying the apple tree.
• Pick up healthy seedlings. Better with a closed root system.
• Prepare planting holes (or trenches when planting a large number of trees). In the fall for planting in the spring. Or 20 days before boarding. Their size should provide free placement of the roots. No curls or folds. Refuel them with fertile soil and fertilizers.
• The vaccination site should be 6-8 cm above ground level.
• Insert the peg and tie the seedling.
• Remember to water and mulch abundantly.

Distance

There are many planting options, and not only the availability of space and area determines this, we talked about their magnificent decorative appearance. Anyway:

• There must be at least one meter between the rows.
• In a row, 40-50cm is enough.

Features of columnar apple trees.

Features in Siberia

The weather conditions of Siberia oblige you to pay more attention to all stages of planting and growing an apple tree.

For instance. The same cropping. Freezing of branches more often and more. But they have a good ability to recover. And the presence of snow allows for better cover.

Advice!In general, I would not undertake to advise the Siberians and Urals on how to grow apple trees there.

Agrotechnics

Includes the aforementioned site selections, landing dates.

And also a number of agrotechnical actions... Regular watering and feeding for the columnar apple is of great importance. The high location of the root system obliges you to carry out them regularly:

• Water twice a week (if summer is dry).
• Feed... Organic and mineral fertilizers. As during the growing season. So it is during the ripening of the fruit. Top dressing can be root and foliar.
• Loosen and mulch... After watering. But don't dig. Remember the roots.
• Sow with cereals.
• Protect from pests and diseases. Even immunity to scab presupposes preventive treatments in early spring and autumn against diseases. And the pests themselves will remind you of themselves. Treatments with compatible tank mixes of insecticides and fungicides can be carried out.
• Including from rodents... Or what you can call the bunnies. The crown of columnar apple trees is very vulnerable and tasty to bunnies.
• Prepare trees especially carefully for winter. And they are a serious test.

Trimming and shaping

Included in the complex of agrotechnical methods apple tree care... Many people think that it is not necessary to prune a columnar apple tree. Therefore, they acquire them.

This is a misconception. Maintain the shape of the column (or pyramids) is just cropping and allows you to save:

• From side shoots leave 2-3 buds.
• Two shoots will grow next year.
• Leave the more horizontal one.
• And second cut back into 2-3 buds.
• The next year, remove the fruiting branch.
• And with two shoots, the actions are repeated.

Columnar apple tree, planting and care.

• Moreover, it is necessary to remove damaged and dry ones.
• AND don't forget about the apical kidney... Even take care of her. Its preservation will provide a columnar shape. Damage to the kidney leads to the growth of 3-4 shoots. Your task is to leave one of them. And then do it every year.
• And if you miss this moment and leave a few of them, grow a bonsai with a pyramidal crown. And increase the yield.

Columnar apple trees planted along the fence.

Rootstock

This the variety can be purchased on super-dwarf rootstocks:

• In the regions of the South - Paradizka Belorusskaya (PB-4).
• In central Russia - Budagovsky Kid.
• So they will grow up slowly, slowly.

Important! Due to their natural disposition to dwarfs, it is not advisable to graft them on dwarf rootstocks. Since they will be small. As you can see, they are vaccinated and sold.

Pollinator varieties

For good fruiting, use varieties with similar ripening times. And these are late autumn or winter varieties.

Features of ripening and fruiting

What year does it bear fruit?

Currency in leaders in early maturity even among columnar apple trees. A one-year-old sapling planted in spring can bloom in May.

Experts do not recommend leaving flowers for the formation of fruits.... So that the apple tree grows stronger this year. And gave strength to the fruits. They will then be.

Columnar apple trees Currency and Moscow necklace.

Ripening terms

Winter variety and ripens in due time - early October... If something did not work out for you with the removal of the fruits, you can not be upset. Apples do not crumble for a long time. Even ripe ones.

Features of fruiting

Are concluded in flowering regulation and ovary formation:

• First year of planting - remove all flowers
• Second year - leave 6-8 fruit set.
• Further - leave 2-3 flowers on the fruit link.
• Leave only one of the resulting ovaries.

Important! 5-6 years old, adult fruiting begins and up to 14-16 years.

Storage periods

Your normal storage conditions in basements will ensure their long-term preservation. Until February.

Want to eat on March 8 - take care of improved storage conditions.

Annual seedlings of a columnar apple tree in the garden.

Features in the regions

In outskirts of Moscow

All of the above applies precisely to the Moscow region and Northwest Russia.

In Siberia and the Urals

Columnar apple trees are becoming more and more popular here:

• Them frost resistance among the priority qualities.
• Columnar apple currency is not just included in the list of varieties that can be grown in these harsh lands... She occupies a leading position.
• And if you consider the possibility of growing them in flowerpots, this opens up additional perspectives. Not just for Currency.

Nuances and questions from readers

What if it doesn't bear fruit?

I have such a story and happened.

But the variety of the columnar apple is different.What did he do:

• Trunk constrictions.
• Driving nails into the trunk.
• Threats with an ax.
• Increased attention to care (especially more watering and dressing).
• Apples have appeared. What exactly helped? Do not know. And there are many more options (root system, even errors with a variety).

Useful videos

Watch a video about the features of caring for columnar apple trees:

Watch the video description of the apple variety Currency:

Watch the video about the features of columnar apple trees:

Watch the video about the features of caring for columnar apple trees:

Conclusion and tips

In ours, it is no longer so original to have columnar apple trees in your garden. They are in many ways not inferior to traditional varieties.

And such a sort as Currency even surpasses:

• Taste.
• By size
• Care.
• For safety.

Make an effort. Grow right.

Columnar apple currency, this is a very unusual variety, which is distinguished by its compact size, early ripening of fruits, and generally excellent yield indicators. Today we will take a closer look at the presented variety, and go through in detail all aspects of care for a high yield!

general characteristics

The apple tree has a high yield, especially when compared to its small size. So, already at 4 years of age, the tree is able to bring about 6 kg of apples. Under good conditions, timely feeding and proper processing, a tree for 4 years of life can bring about 10 kg of apples.

Unfortunately, such productivity will last only the first 15 years of the plant's life, gradually fading away from 8-10 years, which, in comparison with the total life expectancy of an apple tree up to 50 years, forces gardeners to remove still young, but already exhausted trees.

This variety of apple trees is very unpretentious, resistant to unfavorable weather conditions, and in general frost-resistant trees of compact size, focused on growing in central and southern Russia, as well as in the southern regions of the CIS countries.

Due to their small size, apple trees can be effectively grown in large groups, while being in relatively small areas, which makes them an excellent variety for gardeners who do not have large enough plots of land, as well as various types of small and medium-sized private enterprises who wish to get the maximum yield, with minimum involved territories.

The small dimensions of the Currency apple tree make it possible to grow them in the greenhouse conditions of industrial greenhouses, which makes this variety interesting for various agricultural enterprises in the northern regions of Russia, where the cultivation of other, larger varieties of apple trees is unacceptable due to the too harsh climate, as well as the impossibility of placing them in covered greenhouses.

The variety is characterized by high resistance to both low temperatures and sudden temperature changes, which is especially important during early spring and late autumn.

The apple tree does not need additional preparation for wintering in cases where winter frosts in your region rarely exceed -35 degrees, while it is recommended to wrap the lower part of the trunk with a dense cloth, rubber or rubber to protect the tree from hungry rodents.

In the northern regions, characterized by lower temperatures, early winters and late summer, it is inappropriate to plant an apple tree in open ground, as this will lead to poor yields, slow growth, and sometimes even death of the tree, which is important for the regions of Siberia, Kamchatka and Buryatia.

As for the ripening period of a planted tree, under good growing conditions, it can be considered fully formed by 5-6 years of age.

When apple trees are grown in less ideal conditions, and especially in regions with colder climates, the tree fully matures by the age of 8. It is important to note that this variety, like all columnar apple trees, begins to bear fruit already in the first year after planting in open ground, which should be avoided until the tree is 4 years old.

The cultivar is moderately self-fertile and can pollinate itself. Despite this, the maximum yield can be achieved only when apple trees are grown in groups, so that there can be pollination by third-party pollinators.

Moreover, all columnar apple trees were bred with an orientation towards collective cultivation with their fellows, and apple trees of other varieties. Separately, they are not of gastronomic interest in terms of fruiting.

The columnar apple tree Currency has excellent resistance to various kinds of diseases, and has 100% immunity to apple scab, which allows it to be grown even in humid climates.

Scab immunity also helps the apple tree to be extremely resistant to rot, mold and moss on its trunk, but despite this, we recommend taking preventive measures against the formation of rot and scab, in climates with extremely wet spring and autumn.

Description of the variety and fruits

The apple tree itself reaches a maximum growth of 2.5 meters, and the crown width does not exceed 20 cm.

As for the fruits themselves, they have the following characteristics, such as:

1. The size and weight of the fruit can range from 100-250 grams, depending on how many flowers you leave on the shoots.
2. The fruit is yellow in color with a profuse and well-defined flush on the sides.
3. The fruits have a thin skin that shows good firmness even when stored for a long time.
4. The fruits adhere firmly to the branch even when ripe, which minimizes the risk of spoilage when falling to the ground.
5. The fruits have a sweet taste, with a slight sourness.
6. The pulp is juicy, white, with a pleasant, mild, but persistent aroma.
7. The fruits are suitable for canning, baking, preparing dried fruits and baking.
8. Fruits are stored for up to 3-4 months.
9. The fruits are harvested in early October.Under unfavorable conditions, full ripening can take until mid-October.

The apple tree has dense foliage of a dark green color, which falls off even in late autumn, without having time to completely turn yellow.

As pollinators, columnar apple trees of other varieties, or ordinary apple trees of large sizes, should grow next to the columnar apple trees of Currency. The main requirement for pollinators is that the period of their flowering should coincide with the flowering of the Currency.

The apple tree begins to bloom in mid-May, or at the very beginning of June, depending on how early the spring is. The apple tree blooms for about 10 days.

The first harvest can be obtained already in the first year of planting a seedling in open ground, but it will be small, unformed, and in general will significantly reduce the growth rate of the seedling itself, by pulling in nutrients.

Get rid of 70-80% of flowers and ovaries of future fruits until the tree is 4 years old, after which you can enjoy its high yield and excellent fruits.

The scheme for the correct removal of flowers is presented by the following list:

1. In the first year of the seedling's life, remove all flowers;
2. In the second year of life, leave 6, maximum 8 fruit set;
3. From 3-4 years of age, leave 2-3 flowers on each fruit link.

Suitable region and climate

The apple tree takes root well in the regions of central Russia. In general, a temperate continental climate is suitable for the apple tree, with sunny summers and rather cold winters. Apple tree Currency can grow successfully in regions with a warmer climate, for example, in the Crimea.

When and by whom was it bred?

The variety was born in 1986, thanks to the efforts of Moscow breeders V. V. Kichina and N. G. Morozova, by crossing the columnar elite "KB6" and the American donor ‘OR38T17’.

The apple tree of the new variety was endowed with a special Vf gene, which makes it immune to scab. The variety became available to the general public in 1994, and was recommended for cultivation in the middle regions of the Russian Federation.

Pros and cons

The advantages of this variety include the following points, such as:

1. The unpretentiousness of the apple tree, including the absence of the need for its spring and autumn processing with pesticides.
2. Good disease resistance and 100% scab immunity.
3. Early terms of fruiting.
4. Relatively high yield.
5. Good frost resistance, down to -35 degrees.
6. The fruits are of high gastronomic quality.
7. The fruits are stored for a long time.
8. The apple tree is compact and takes up little space.
9. The apple tree has a more aesthetic appearance in comparison with other varieties, especially prone to scab.

The disadvantages include only two points, such as:

1. The apple tree has been actively bearing fruit for only 15 years, after which its maintenance becomes impractical.
2. The apple tree has high yields, but in general, they do not reach other columnar varieties, for example, President, which is capable of producing up to 15-17 kg of large apples from one tree.

Harvesting and storage

Fruit collection begins in early October. The fruits should be stored in a cool room, at temperatures from 0 to -5 degrees, and then they will retain their original qualities for up to 3 months.

Growing and planting

Seedlings can be planted with equal success both in autumn and spring. In the spring, the seedling is planted at the end of April, and in the fall in any half of October.

Saplings should be planted in a sunny area, where groundwater does not rise to the surface by less than 2 meters.

The seedlings are planted in a kind of trench 90 cm deep, and the distance between the seedlings is 50 cm.In order to speed up the development of the tree, and if you have enough space, it is recommended to make the distance between the seedlings at 90 cm.

The row spacing should be 1 meter apart. The landing site does not need to be fenced off from the wind. The tree loves moist and fertile soil.

For planting, you should choose a 1 year old seedling that will not have leaves.

When choosing a seedling, be guided by the following points:

1. The seedling must have a whole root system;
2. There should be no damage, swelling or rot on the trunk of the seedling;
3. The seedling must not be broken;
4. The roots of the seedling should be stored in a humid environment, without prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, best of all, covered with a cloth.

Photo of planting seedlings:

Site preparation should be carried out in accordance with the following points:

1. Dig a hole equal to the depth of the root system of the seedling. If you plan to plant a lot of seedlings, dig a trench as deep as the length of the longest root system of the seedlings you have;
2. When digging a hole, the top layer of earth is folded side by side;
3. 3-4 kg of organic matter is poured into the pit, which has previously decomposed well, and 80 g of potassium and 100 g of superphosphate are also added;
4. The resulting mixture is mixed with the previously deposited earth using a shovel;
5. Leave the pit to infuse for 1 month.

Remember, holes and trenches should be prepared and fertilized 1 month before planting the seedlings.

After this period of time, you can start planting apple trees, for which you should use the following points:

1. Stick a wooden peg into the ground, the length of which will be equal to 1-1.5 meters.
2. Prepare a seedling, and straighten its roots so that they look at the bottom of the pit.
3. Place the seedling in the hole, next to the peg, directly on top of the fertilizer.
4. Proceed to backfilling the seedling with soil, while we recommend that you tamp the soil slightly every 5-10 cm.
5. When planting seedlings, make sure that their root collar is above the ground level within 3-5 cm, for faster development of the plant itself.
6. After you have completely covered the seedling with soil, tie it to a rope.
7. Dig a small groove at a distance of 40-50 cm from the tree, no more than 10 cm deep, and pour 2 buckets of water into it.
8. If desired, the topsoil around the seedling can be mulched with fresh grass, straw and peat chips.
9. The planting process is complete.

Follow-up care

The subsequent care of the seedling is quite simple, and fits into several points of the following type:

1. During the season, it is necessary to make 3-4 watering of each seedling, spending 20-30 liters of water on it.
2. In spring, do not forget to feed the tree with a solution of urea or ammonium nitrate, at the rate of 50 grams per 12 liters of water. Distribute the resulting mixture to all the apple trees you have, 2 liters per tree. This dressing should be carried out 3-4 times per season, at intervals of 15 days.
3. In winter, the trunk of the apple tree can be wrapped in a thick cloth or rubber in order to avoid damage by rodents.
4. Beginning in May, spray the apple tree with the Healthy Garden solution in order to avoid the appearance of the apple moth. Spraying is carried out every month, before the onset of autumn.

There is no need to spray the apple tree with anti-scab agents. It is also not necessary to harvest the leaves in autumn. Whitewash the trunk at will, or if there are damaged areas of wood. The main rule in caring for a Currency apple tree is to keep the soil moist on the hottest summer days.

As for tree pruning, it is carried out in the spring, when it is necessary to shorten the side branches so that only 2 buds remain on them. Dried bark and twigs should be cleaned after the tree has completely shed its leaves in late autumn.

Conclusion

This description of the columnar apple tree Currency gives detailed information on the characteristics, care and planting of this variety, which is useful for both beginners and experienced gardeners!

However, there are a large number of varieties, so it is rather difficult to choose one. In this article, we will talk about one of the hardy apple varieties. You will learn: what is remarkable about the variety, description of characteristics, peculiarities of growing and caring for trees.

Character traits

Variety "Currency" was first bred in 1986 by the efforts of VSTISP breeders in Moscow from varieties "KB6" and "OR38T17". Due to this, the new columnar variety received the Vf gene, which reliably protects the tree from scab, allowing it not to be treated with chemicals.

It should also be noted that the trees of this variety grow dwarf, with a compact crown, on the branches of which medium-sized apples of a deep yellow color with a red blush on the sides ripen already in October. The variety shows itself perfectly when grown in central Russia due to its resistance to low temperatures and weather extremes.

The early maturity, which is characteristic of this variety, allows you to get a harvest already in the first year of cultivation, and in full force the variety of this apple tree bears fruit for 4 years of growth. However, high yields persist only for 15-17 years, then the dynamics decline. True, given the compactness of the trees, it is quite easy to uproot them and replace them with new ones.

The winter hardiness of the variety is on a par with the Antonovka and Melba apple trees. In addition, Currency has good resistance to many fungal and infectious diseases.

Growing features

Like most columnar varieties, Currency grows best and bears fruit in moist, fertile soils with good drainage. If at the same time the groundwater does not lie close to the roots of trees, then the apple tree feels just fine.

It is recommended to cover the trunk and lower branches for the winter to protect the tree from small rodents.

Saplings are best planted in partial shade in early spring or late autumn. Considering that ripening occurs in early October, it is better to plant or transplant in mid-late October. With a developed root system, young trees quickly take root in a new place.

The planting pattern is nothing special: the depth of the pit depends on the development of the roots of the seedling, as well as the width: between the seedlings there should be at least 50 centimeters, and between the rows - about 1 meter. Often, cereals are sown in the aisle to protect the roots from damage. This method of planting is called compacted. However, the columnar apple tree grows well in sparse plantings. In this case, the trees are placed in pits with a depth and width of at least 90 centimeters, keeping the distance between them not less than 1 meter. This type of planting will allow the root system to develop more freely, which will have a positive effect on yield.

The main thing is that the first years of the seedling's life it has protection from the wind. Therefore, very often young trees are planted along the fence or outbuildings.

Characteristics of the variety

The columnar apple tree "Currency" bears fruit of medium size, weighing up to 200 grams. The rind is yellow with a distinct blush on the sides. The peel itself is thin, but at the same time retaining its elasticity for a long time. Apples stay on the branches for a long time, even reaching maturity, which distinguishes the variety from other varieties, which are often prone to falling off ripe fruits.

The variety also exhibits excellent taste - the pulp is juicy, sweet with a slight sourness. The color of the flesh is white, has a light persistent aroma. Apples are suitable both for fresh consumption and for preservation, baking and drying. However, this apple variety is also distinguished by a long shelf life, up to 3-4 months.

In height, the columnar apple tree reaches about 2.5 meters, while in diameter it rarely exceeds 25-30 centimeters. From the point of view of decorativeness, this variety fits well into any garden composition. Not least of all, this is due to resistance to various diseases, because its leaves retain a presentable appearance throughout the season, they do not have spots, rot, dots, traces of insect damage.Until the middle of October, the foliage retains freshness and greenery, which favorably distinguishes "Valyuta" from other varieties.

Care

The columnar apple tree does not require specific care due to its resistance to diseases and most pests, but the garden should not be started at all. The first two years of life, seedlings need regular watering - at least twice a week. The pruning and shaping of the appearance of apple trees begin in the second year of the tree's life. It is necessary to completely remove the side shoots so that fruits develop in their place next year.

Trees respond well to organic and mineral fertilizers, especially before the fruiting period. Freely use superphosphate, potash fertilizers, humus or complex fertilizers (carefully read the description and dosage before use).

Young seedlings must be tied up in order to protect them from the effects of strong winds, and also to cover the trunk and lower branches for the winter in order to protect them from rodents and small animals that feed on the bark.

If the planting was done in spring, then it is necessary to cut off all flowers in the first year to help the tree form well. When planting in the fall, you can only cut off half of the flowers.

Video "Columnar Apple Trees"

In this video, the chief agronomist of the Sady Urala nursery talks about columnar apple trees, their features, advantages, and varieties.