- Do you have to water the columnar apple regularly?
- When and with what should the columnar apple be fertilized?
- When and should you cut columnar apples?
- Which diseases and pests are common in columnar apples?
- What should be considered when overwintering the columnar apple?
Unlike other varieties, columnar apple trees do not form a thick trunk or a sprawling crown. Instead, they remain narrow in stature and often only reach a height of between two and three meters. The fruits usually grow directly on the trunk - unless it is not a "real" columnar apple - and taste just as juicy and sweet as any other apple. Proper care of the otherwise uncomplicated little trees ensures a delicious harvest.
The columnar apple rewards good care with plenty of fruit
Do you have to water the columnar apple regularly?
Column apple trees do not tolerate waterlogging, which is why good drainage and a loose substrate are of great importance both in pots and in planted specimens. Nevertheless, the potting soil must not dry out, especially during the period of flowering and fruit development, the tree has a high moisture requirement. So water regularly, but not excessively. Mist the tree from time to time as, like all apple trees, it prefers high humidity.
When and with what should the columnar apple be fertilized?
Planted specimens are usually sufficient to supply two to three times a year with compost, horn shavings (32.93€) and, if necessary, rock dust. Work these organic fertilizers into the tree pit in spring, early summer and autumn. Container trees are supplied with compost in spring and autumn and a liquid fertilizer every two weeks between March and September.
When and should you cut columnar apples?
In contrast to "normal" apple trees, columnar apples do not have to be cut back for fruiting to develop. Instead, it suffices between February and March
- to shorten shoots that are too long
- Cut off steep, upright and branching branches
- remove diseased and dead shoots
Furthermore, it makes sense to thin out the fruit in June so that the remaining fruit grow larger.
Which diseases and pests are common in columnar apples?
Columnar apples contract the same diseases and pests as their larger relatives. Therefore, if possible, choose scab-resistant varieties (e.g. 'Rondo', 'Pomgold' or 'Goldlane') and eliminate possible causes of disease at an early stage: keep the planting distance and remove diseased parts of the plant.
What should be considered when overwintering the columnar apple?
Columnar apple trees are sufficiently hardy. Planted specimens pile up with some compost in autumn, only trees cultivated in pots should be protected from the cold. To do this, place the pot on an insulating surface, wrap it in fleece or something similar and place it against a wall.
tips
Column apples are not self-pollinating, so you should always plant a second tree of the same variety - otherwise there will be no apples in the fall.