Description and characteristics of the columnar apple tree Moscow Necklace, subtleties of cultivation

The columnar apple tree of the Moscow Ozherelie variety was bred completely by accident. But subsequently the hybrid became very popular among gardeners due to its characteristics.

History of the development of the Moscow Necklace variety

In 1960, a breeder from Canada, Vyazhek, discovered a branch on a Makitosh apple tree that was different in structure from all other branches. The breeder made a rootstock of a branch on another apple tree. This is how the first columnar apple tree was bred.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the variety include:

• Disease resistance.
• Regular fruiting.
• Taste qualities of apples.
• Universal use in cooking.
• Duration of crop storage.
• Transportability.
• Resistance to severe frosts.

Among the disadvantages is the life expectancy of the plant. After 15 years, yields begin to decline.

Technical and external characteristics

It is important to study the technical characteristics of the tree in order to calculate in advance what area the apple tree will need.

Crown width and tree height

It is better to start studying the description of an apple tree with the characteristics of the crown. The crown is medium dense, compact. The trunk height is from 2 to 3 m. The Moscow Necklace apple tree is suitable for small areas.

Self-fertility

The variety is self-sterile. Pollinator varieties should be planted nearby. All varieties that begin to bloom at the same time as the Moscow Necklace are suitable for this.

Quantity and taste of the harvest

The yield is average, up to 10 kg of fruits are collected from one tree. The apples are oval in shape, with an average weight of 165 -180 g. The pulp is fine-grained in structure, juicy and sweet.

Frost resistance

Moscow Ozherelye is a winter-hardy variety.The tree can withstand frosts down to -45 degrees.

Immunity to disease

Moscow Necklace is highly resistant to diseases and pests. It rarely even needs preventative spraying against diseases.

Lifespan of an apple tree

The lifespan of a tree is 20-25 years. But already in the 15th year of life, the yield begins to decline.

Features of ripening and fruiting

Another important characteristic is the period of harvest ripening and the beginning of fruiting.

Beginning of fruiting

The apple tree begins to bloom and produce crops in the second year after planting. If you plant a seedling in the spring, it will bloom in the same year, which will not have a very good effect on future productivity. That is why it is recommended to plant an apple tree in the fall.

Flowering period

The Moscow Ozherelye variety blooms in early May.

Deadlines

The hybrid is a winter variety, so the first ripe apples appear on the tree towards the end of September.

Fruit ripening

The harvest begins to ripen en masse in early October. This is when you should start picking the fruits from the tree.

Period of storage and use of apples

Like all winter varieties, Moscow Ozherelye is stored for a long time after harvesting. The fruits are stored for up to 3 months in a cool, dark room. The use of apples is universal. It is recommended to eat the fruits closer to winter. Apples are also suitable for making compotes, jams and baked goods.

Features of cultivation in the regions

The Moscow Necklace variety can be grown in any region. Due to its high resistance to frost, the apple tree takes root well even in northern latitudes with harsh winters.

Planting technology and care rules

Future productivity depends on the correct planting of the seedling in the soil.And if not properly cared for, the tree can often get sick due to weakened immunity.

Preparation of planting material

Before planting, the seedling needs to be prepared so that it can quickly take root in its new location. To do this, the rhizome is dipped into a growth activator within a few hours. And just before planting, the roots are placed in a liquid clay solution. These measures will be quite sufficient.

Required soil composition

The Moscow Ozherelye apple tree is undemanding to the soil. The seedling grows well on black soil, loamy and sandy soil.

Preference should be given to light fertile soils with neutral acidity.

Timing and scheme of planting seedlings

The most favorable period for planting seedlings is autumn. It is worth planting an apple tree before mid-October. Autumn planting is preferable because over the winter the seedling will take root in a new place, and in the spring it will begin to grow actively. You need to prepare the place for planting 2 weeks in advance. The soil is dug up, the top layer is mixed with manure and urea. Then they fill the bottom with it. A stake is driven into the center.

Place the seedling in the center of the hole, bury it with soil and water generously. At the end, tie it to a stake. The distance between adjacent trees should be at least 2 m.

Irrigation

Water the apple tree 4 times per season. Most of all, the plant needs liquid during the period of swelling of the buds, flowering, and filling of apples. The last time the tree is watered is before the onset of cold weather.

For humidification, only heated water can be used.

Loosening the soil

Before each watering, it is recommended to loosen the soil and remove all weeds. Loosening before watering will help ensure that the roots receive more oxygen along with water. You need to weed the soil to a depth of 7-10 cm.

Foliar and root feeding

In the first half of the season, nitrogen is added to the soil. In the second half of the season, the apple tree needs phosphorus and potassium. In addition, the soil is fertilized with urea, bone meal and manure. For foliar feeding, use a solution of boric acid. The tree is sprayed before flowering and 10 days after.

The plant is also watered with superphosphate, ammonium nitrate and any other complex mineral fertilizers. The main thing is not to overfeed the apple tree.

Crown formation

The apple tree is pruned twice per season - in spring and autumn. But it is not necessary to trim the crown every year. In the spring, formative pruning is carried out. Branches should only be cut with sharp pruning shears. The first time the plant is pruned after planting. To prevent the seedling from freezing in winter, cut off its top. Also in the spring, young shoots are periodically pruned. In autumn, dry and damaged branches are cut off.

Treatment and treatment procedures for diseases and pests

The Moscow Necklace apple tree will not have to be frequently treated for pests. This variety has high immunity. But it is still advisable to maintain the plant. For prevention, the tree is sprayed several times a season with preparations against pests and diseases.

In the spring, the tree is treated with Bordeaux mixture or iron sulfate. The second treatment is carried out after 2 weeks. The apple tree is also sprayed with biological products, which can be used even during the formation of ovaries.

Wintering an apple tree

Although the Moscow Necklace apple tree is winter-hardy, it is still advisable to prepare the tree for winter. First of all, after harvesting, the soil around the trunk is mulched with peat, sawdust or straw. Mulch layer - 15-20 cm.

The lower part of the bark is covered with durable material that mice cannot chew. During snowy winters, regularly shake off the snow from the branches to prevent them from breaking. These measures will be quite enough for the apple tree to survive the winter.