Descriptions of the best varieties of apple trees for growing in Siberia and how to properly care for them

For many years, the unfavorable climate was an insurmountable obstacle to the cultivation of fruit trees. Heat-loving plants could not survive severe frosts and withstand the vagaries of nature. As a result of the painstaking work of breeders, many unique plant varieties have appeared. The pinnacle of achievements of talented scientists were apple trees for the gardens of Siberia.

How to choose the right variety

In the difficult climatic conditions of Siberia, it is necessary to choose frost-resistant types of apple trees. Of great importance is the ability of plants to quickly recover after a sudden thaw and recurrent frosts. Winter-hardy varieties of Siberian selection meet the strict requirements of agricultural technology.

Which varieties are best to choose for Siberia

The territory of Siberia is divided into two large parts. Each of them has its own climatic conditions, so the requirements for varieties may differ. With a careful approach to business, you can grow the most productive trees.

Western

In the temperate continental climate of Western Siberia, summers are hot and winters are harsh, but still the conditions for growing apple trees are milder than in the gardens of the eastern region of Siberia. Winter air temperatures rarely drop below 35 ºC.

When choosing material for planting, it is better to choose varieties that are resistant to cold and have early ripening periods. Such qualities are endowed with the Zavetnoye or Altai Amber varieties.

Eastern

The sharply continental climate brings with it severe winters. Sometimes the air temperature drops to -60 ºC. Summer temperatures in the harsh region range from 20 to 40 ºC.

Huge temperature changes have a detrimental effect on apple trees, so you need to choose the strongest and most frost-resistant varieties, such as Lydia, Pupil, and Autumn Joy.

Varietal characteristics

What information is important when choosing a tree type:

1. Degree of frost resistance.
2. Harvest ripening time.
3. Taste qualities of fruits.
4. External qualities of fruits (color, shape).
5. The presence of stable immunity.

Ranetki

The trees are decorated with a bright scattering of miniature, sweet apples. The plant is unpretentious and tolerates frost and temperature changes. The undemanding tree is resistant to diseases and regularly gives its owners a bountiful harvest.

Semi-cultured women

Breeders developed semi-cultivated varieties by crossing ranetki with large-fruited apple tree species. Seedlings are grown in standard form, while other varieties are more often cultivated in the form of a stanza or bush. Most varieties require cross-pollination, so 3-4 varieties of semi-cultivated apple trees are planted in the garden.

Large-fruited creeping

Large-fruited varieties are difficult to grow in Siberian conditions. They do not tolerate frost well, so the plants are grown in stale form. Due to its creeping form, the plant takes up a lot of space, so it is better to grow it in a spacious area.

Columnar

The plants are modest in size, the crown diameter does not exceed 50 cm. Small branches are located on the thickened trunk. You should not expect large harvests from apple trees. Unfortunately, columnar trees have a number of disadvantages:

1. Poor wintering of plants. In winter, the part located above the snow level often freezes.
2. Trees require frequent pruning. Otherwise, the apple tree strives to form several trunks.
3. Short lifespan. On average, a columnar apple tree lives 8-9 years. Trees will have to be replaced frequently with young seedlings.

According to experts, columnar apple trees cannot be planted in the Novosibirsk region.

Dwarf

Only hybrid varieties are suitable for Siberian gardens.It is impossible to grow ordinary dwarf trees in harsh conditions. The plants are frost-resistant and are able to regularly please their owners with a harvest. The varieties Palmetta and Zhigulevskoe have proven themselves well.

Standard

To form standard forms, ranetki and semi-cultivated, small-fruited tree species are used. The low plant boasts a lush crown and an even trunk. It is very convenient to care for such an apple tree.

Classification by ripening time

When creating a garden, you need to make sure that the seedlings are of different ripening periods. This trick will help you get the most out of your plants.

Summer

Apple trees produce harvest in late July and August. Summer fruits are stored for no more than 4 weeks.

Ranetka Ermolaeva

A surprisingly unpretentious plant. It tolerates severe frost without difficulty and rarely gets sick. The bright red fruits are sour, but after the onset of cold weather the apples become sweeter. The tree feels great in any conditions except the Far North. Ranetka is not demanding of sunlight and soil fertility.

Alyonushka

The tree is classified as semi-dwarf. The plant is decorated with weeping branches. Miniature bright yellow apples boast a sweet taste and a special spicy aroma. The plant easily tolerates cold, but, unfortunately, does not have strong immunity. The apple tree often becomes a victim of fungal infections.

Ermakovskoe mountain

Small, yellow fruits are decorated with scarlet streaks. Apples are sweet and sour, aromatic. A distinctive feature of the tree is its curved branches. The fruits ripen in August. The harvest is stored for no more than a month. The leaves are susceptible to scab. The winter hardiness of the plant is average.

Minusinsk red

An unpretentious variety, recommended for cultivation in any region of Siberia.Golden fruits are decorated with blush. The apples are sweet and small. The fruits ripen by mid-August. The harvest is stored for no more than 3 weeks.

Altai crimson

It grows well in both Western and Eastern Siberia. The height of the tree reaches 2.5 meters. The fruits are small and sweet. The variety is reliable and frost-resistant. Reaches maturity by the end of August. Apples can be stored for up to 2 months. The tree is scab resistant.

Melba

The calling card of the apple tree is its wonderful aroma, reminiscent of the smell of candy. Sweet and sour fruits grow weighing from 80 to 140 g and reach maturity by the end of August. The harvest can be stored until January. Melba's only drawback is its susceptibility to scab.

Gornoaltaiskoe

The plant is frost-resistant, but can freeze slightly in low temperatures. Recovers quickly. The fruits are small, sweet and sour, slightly covered with a waxy coating. The harvest ripens by the end of August.

Zhebrovskoe

The tree is resistant to diseases and has an excellent taste of small, yellow fruits. The plant tolerates low temperatures well. The harvest is harvested in the second half of August.

Autumn

Autumn types of apple trees reach maturity by the first half of September. Fruits can be stored from 1 to 3 months. Some varieties can be called winter. Late apples ripen by the end of September. These fruits can be stored for 6 months. Knowing these features, it is not difficult to decide which varieties are best to plant in the country.

Northern synapse

Differs in late ripening. The harvest can only be harvested at the beginning of October. The plant is frost-resistant, tolerates drought well, and is resistant to scab. The fruits are sweet and sour, spicy, medium size.

Surkhurai

The apple tree is resistant to cold and temperature changes and has good immunity. Raspberry fruits are famous for their excellent sweet and sour taste. The harvest ripens in the second half of August.

Hope

Autumn, frost-resistant variety. The fruits are yellow, but as they ripen they turn red. Apples are sweet and sour. Ripen in the first half of September.

Tolunay

A small tree can withstand pests and diseases with honor. At the same time, the plant can hardly tolerate temperature changes. The harvest ripens by the last days of August or early September. The fruits are pink, sweet and sour.

Zavetnoe

A low-growing tree with a spreading crown. Easily tolerates cold and is resistant to disease. The harvest ripens by the end of September. The apples are red, sweet, with a strawberry flavor.

Ural liquid

Frost-resistant variety, adapts to any conditions. The harvests are plentiful, the fruits are sweet, with a slight sourness. Apples are so tasty and sweet that they are given as food to people suffering from stomach ulcers.

Altai souvenir

The apple tree is suitable for planting in Western Siberia. Attractive, medium-sized fruits ripen in September. Thanks to its modest size, the tree does not freeze. The apples are yellow, with red shading. The taste is sweet and sour. The pulp is grainy and very juicy. The harvest can be stored for 4 months.

Lungwort

Not afraid of frost, resistant to scab. The tree grows well in conditions of close groundwater. The harvest ripens at the end of August. Fruits can be stored for no more than 4 weeks. The taste of the fruit is spicy, sweet, with a special aroma.

Bayana

The medium-sized tree is resistant to low temperatures and has strong immunity. The apples are yellow, decorated with a slight blush.As they ripen, the sweet and sour fruits acquire a purple hue. The harvest is harvested in early September.

Choosing the type of apple tree according to its fruiting characteristics

Experts divide varieties into 3 types:

1. Plants that produce crops every year.
2. Mixed type. This group often includes autumn species that produce crops with a long shelf life.
3. Trees that bear fruit only after a certain period. Most often, this feature is inherent in large-fruited varieties.

With annual fruiting

With good care, almost all young trees can produce apples every year. In addition, you can purchase seedlings with annual fruiting. These include Gorno-Altai and Altai sweets.

With a long shelf life of fruits

The harvest collected from these apple trees lasts from 2 months to six months. These include autumn varieties such as Bayana or Zavetnoye.

Large-fruited

In Siberian conditions it is difficult to grow a tree with large fruits. With a big stretch, the varieties Melba or White filling can be considered as such. As a rule, apple trees bear fruit after a certain period of time.

Features of planting and care

The seedling should be placed in a sunny place with a low groundwater level. Every spring it is necessary to perform sanitary pruning of the plant, removing dry and broken branches.

What time should I choose to plant?

It is better to plant young apple trees in the spring, after the soil has thawed. Otherwise, the seedling risks freezing.

What are the requirements for soil, fertilizer and watering?

The apple tree grows well on fertile loamy soils and absolutely does not tolerate acidic soils. Water the tree twice a month, generously moistening the tree trunk with water. Feed the plant with organic fertilizer.

Nutrients are embedded to a depth of 12-14 cm. If the tree grows in fertile soil, the apple tree is fed once every 2-3 years.

Winter care

Frost-resistant apple trees need protection from extremely low temperatures. Therefore, tree trunks and roots are insulated for the winter using spruce branches, rags or spunbond.