A gardener who managed to grow apple trees on his plot and eat them feels proud and pleased. Limited space sometimes does not allow planting many trees. But even in this case, there is a solution - the columnar Medoc apple tree, which is semi-dwarf.
- Advantages and disadvantages of the Medoc apple tree
- general characteristics
- External parameters
- Dimensions of an adult tree
- Annual growth
- Frost resistance
- Disease resistance
- Pollinator varieties
- Tree harvest
- Tasting evaluation of fruits
- Which areas are suitable for cultivation?
- Planting and care
- Disembarkation dates
- Layout and depth of the landing pit
- Loosening the soil and regular watering
- Top dressing
- Crown formation
- Seasonal prevention
- Do I need to cover it for the winter?
- Hybrid varieties
- What problems do young gardeners face?
Advantages and disadvantages of the Medoc apple tree
Among the advantages:
- compact dimensions;
- rapid onset of fruiting;
- large marketable fruits;
- stable immune system to diseases and insect pests;
- lack of increased sensitivity to sudden changes in ambient temperature.
Disadvantages of the apple tree variety:
- short period of fruiting;
- high price of seedlings;
- trees do not create shade on the soil around the trunk.
The last point is considered both a disadvantage and an advantage. If there is no shade from the tree, you must constantly monitor the condition of the soil. Regular mulching will prevent it from drying out. At the same time, weeds between the trees are removed. The advantage is that other crops can be planted along with the apple tree.
general characteristics
Description is the criterion that the buyer of a seedling pays attention to first of all. Honey is distinguished by the period of fruit ripening. The type of apple tree is columnar.
External parameters
Since the apple tree takes up little space, it looks like an ornamental tree. But this nuance does not prevent Medka from bearing fruit with large apples.
Dimensions of an adult tree
The height of the apple tree reaches no more than 2.5 m, the average is 2 m. The trunk is covered with leaves, which is the crown. It reaches from 20 to 35 cm in width.
Annual growth
Within one year, the apple tree grows up to 15 cm in height. To ensure that the indicator does not go beyond 10-15 cm, the tree needs favorable conditions. If the top has been damaged in some way, the tree needs time for the side bud to begin to grow.
Frost resistance
The tree is not afraid of sudden temperature changes, which is its advantage. Withstands winter cold, even if the indicator drops to -40 °C.
Disease resistance
Medok has a strong immunity, which allows it to remain untouched by diseases and pests.
Pollinator varieties
The Medoc apple tree is self-fertile and therefore does not require pollination by other trees.
Tree harvest
At the age of five, the apple tree produces a harvest of 9 kg. Medk's productivity decreases every year.
Tasting evaluation of fruits
It is no coincidence that the apple tree variety received this name. The fruits have tender and juicy pulp. The taste of apples is honey and very sweet.
Which areas are suitable for cultivation?
Suitable areas for cultivation are Siberia, central Russia and the Urals. The short northern summer is not a reason to abandon the apple tree variety.
During this time, the fruits have time to ripen and become sweet.
Planting and care
The best material is 1 year old seedlings. They are the easiest to tolerate being transplanted to a new location. The young tree should be up to 70 cm in height, covered with buds, without leaves, and the roots should be devoid of cones.
Disembarkation dates
The most favorable period is spring and autumn. In regions with warm climates, planting continues until early November.
In the middle zone, it is recommended to plant an apple tree in the spring so that it has time to gain nutrients over the summer.
Layout and depth of the landing pit
Site preparation begins in the fall. Pits measuring 60 x 60 cm should be spaced 50 cm apart. The distance between rows is no more than 1 m.
Loosening the soil and regular watering
Medok is a columnar apple tree that needs regular watering. If it is hot outside, repeat irrigation every week, using 1 to 2 buckets per seedling. Watering depends not only on weather conditions, but also on the structure of the soil.
When loosening the soil, be careful, since the root system of the apple tree variety is located close to the soil surface. The area of land around the tree trunk is loosened and then mulched with straw. Loosening is also done between the rows. This ensures a flow of oxygen to the root system.
Top dressing
Fertilizers are applied a month after planting the seedling in the ground. The fertilizer is embedded in the ground or scattered over the surface of the soil. To ensure that nutrients are quickly absorbed by the roots, the trees are watered.
After a month, fertilizing is repeated. After another month, the procedure is carried out again. It is not necessary to use solid fertilizers; sometimes the area is watered with urea.
Crown formation
Columnar apple trees grow in one trunk, so they do not need pruning to form a crown. The growth of Medok's column is stopped in the 5th year of life by removing the top. Branches that grow to the side are shortened by only 2 buds.
Seasonal prevention
Medoc needs to be treated with fungicides and other drugs. Carrying out such measures reduces the likelihood of parasitism by harmful insects and the development of diseases.
Do I need to cover it for the winter?
The apple tree withstands winter cold and at the same time maintains the structure of the wood. Pay attention to the root system, since on snowless days frost damages roots close to the soil surface. In autumn, the area around the trunk is covered with humus.
The young tree is tied with burlap, having first wrapped the top with paper folded in several layers.
Hybrid varieties
The honey has an unusual shape, created artificially. The most famous varieties with the same characteristics are Orlinka, President, Bolero and others.
What problems do young gardeners face?
After planting a seedling, gardeners complain that the tree does not bear fruit.
The reasons for this phenomenon are as follows:
- Neglect of shelter rules for the winter.
- Poor quality planting material.
- A large number of branches.
Improper care affects the lack of fruit set. Only correcting all errors will help you get a rich harvest of apples.