When growing apple trees in Siberia, it is important to consider the degree of frost resistance and the height of the tree. Considering the harsh climatic conditions, where temperatures drop below -35 degrees, plants should be planted not only with high immunity, but also with a sufficient level of winter hardiness.
In addition, it is better to choose low-growing varieties that are less susceptible to cold and frost.
Characteristics of apple trees for Siberia
To obtain not only a qualitative, but also a quantitative harvest in Siberia, an apple tree must meet the following criteria:
- quickly adapt to growing conditions;
- form a strong root system;
- recover as quickly as possible after illness;
- withstand severe frosts.
There are three groups of plants, divided according to the degree of winter hardiness:
- Highly winter-hardy, able to withstand negative temperatures of 40 degrees. The varieties are positioned as quite productive with small apples. The harvest ripens mainly in autumn; the fruits are suitable for fresh consumption and for preparing preparations.
- Medium winter-hardy, which are distinguished by medium-sized fruits, excellent taste and the ability to withstand temperatures within -35 degrees.
- Weakly winter-hardy, plants can resist low temperatures only down to -25 degrees. Apples attract attention with their large size.
Features of cultivation
Since the weather conditions in Siberia are unstable, temperature regimes often change, and the lack of light and heat has a detrimental effect on fruit crops. Plants, after being planted in the ground, cannot quickly take root due to the cold weather; they often freeze and become sick. Apple tree varieties that are grown in Siberia should have strong immunity and a high degree of resistance to adverse environmental factors.
It is more effective to plant zoned varieties.
Among the most suitable options in the Siberian assortment are:
- Ranetki. The varieties were developed through a hybridization process using wild Siberian apple trees and cultivated plants. This group of garden plantings is distinguished by excellent winter hardiness and productivity, but their fruits are small, weighing 8-10 g. The taste is tart and sour. Apples are often used for technological processing. Cultivated in bush and bush-like forms.
- Semi-cultural. In the intermediate group, which was bred by crossing large-fruited European varieties with ranetki. The weight of the fruit is 20-80 g, the taste and product characteristics are excellent. Fruit crops of this type have a reduced degree of frost resistance and productivity. It is found mainly in a slate-bush form.
- Large-fruited. This group of cultivated varieties has high commercial and taste characteristics and does not tolerate frost. They are grown in a creeping form and require additional shelter to protect them from low temperatures.
In order for plants to grow and develop normally in Siberian conditions, you need to know how to plant correctly and what care measures they need.
Tips for planting and care
In each climate zone, planting and caring for fruit crops has its own characteristics, knowledge of which allows you to create the most comfortable conditions for them.
Landing dates
Spring is not the most suitable time for planting apple trees in Siberia; it is best, according to experienced gardeners, to carry out planting work in the fall. Among the positive aspects of autumn planting of fruit crops are:
- rapid rooting of young trees;
- the bark and buds have time to ripen, and the already prepared plant goes into winter;
- the root system formed by winter is able to more effectively provide the crown with moisture and increase the degree of frost resistance;
- in the spring, stronger plants emerge from dormancy earlier and grow faster, unlike planting apple trees in spring;
- Thanks to a full growing season, young trees are safely prepared for the coming winter and are more likely to survive it, while plants planted in spring during an unfavorable summer season are at risk of not being able to withstand frost.
For information! If you plant summer varieties of apple trees, the harvest is harvested in July, but it cannot be stored for a long time. Autumn varieties reach their harvest maturity closer to mid-September; the fruit has a shelf life of over two months.
Site selection
To plant apple trees in harsh climates, it is recommended to choose a well-lit area protected from draft winds. If there is a shortage of sunlight, then the plants will not be able to fully develop and produce a high-quality harvest. In addition, at the planting site there should not be groundwater close to the surface of the earth, at least 2.5 m before its occurrence.
Preparation
Apple trees react very sharply to depleted and heavy soil. For them, it is preferable to choose areas with fertile soil that allows moisture and air to pass through well. If the soil is highly acidic, it is recommended to use saltpeter to neutralize it.
To avoid moisture stagnation, drainage in the form of fine crushed stone and broken bricks should be placed in the planting hole.
Clay soil also has a detrimental effect on apple trees; it is better to mix it with river sand and nutrient mixtures. Thanks to this, it is possible to cultivate such soils. Loamy soils are considered an ideal option for fruit crops, where it is only necessary to periodically add fertilizer compounds to increase their frost resistance and degree of resistance to diseases.
Planting scheme
The seat should be prepared one month in advance. Dimensions: 60-65 cm in height and 70 cm in width. To plant an apple tree, you need to:
- dig a hole;
- mix the extracted soil with peat, humus, compost or a complex mineral composition;
- form a hill in the form of a mound from fertile soil;
- place the seedling and straighten its roots;
- Gently sprinkle with soil and compact lightly;
- water;
- mulch with organic matter.
For information! To support a young tree, a vertical support up to 5 cm thick is installed in the planting hole; the stake should rise at least 40 cm above the ground level.
Care Tips
For quick rooting and adaptation, the planted plant should be properly cared for:
- remove weeds near plantings;
- pour mulch into the tree trunk circle;
- carry out watering;
- do pruning;
- It is necessary to apply fertilizer mixtures only 3-4 years after planting.
Diseases
In order to prevent the development of diseases dangerous to apple trees, it is recommended not to neglect preventive measures. In addition, it is necessary to combat pests, which are often the source of diseases.
The best varieties of Siberian apple trees
Frost-resistant and hardy varieties that are optimally suited for difficult climates include:
- Gornoaltaiskoe;
- Altai souvenir;
- Ermakovskoe mountain;
- Bayana.
A correctly selected variety is the key to a bountiful harvest.
