Description of the 20 best varieties of columnar apple trees with photos, names and reviews

The compactness of columnar apple trees allows a wide variety of varieties to be planted on the site. They do not take up much space, but bear fruit from the first years of life. The best varieties of columnar apple trees can be selected by description with photos and names, taking into account reviews from gardeners.

Content:

Early (summer) varieties of columnar apple trees
Medium (autumn) columnar apple trees
Varieties of late (winter) columnar apple trees

The columnar variety of apple trees either does not form lateral branches at all and forms fruits directly on the trunk, or the lateral branches, in relation to the trunk, are located at an acute angle. Such trees are shaped like pyramidal poplars. The crown diameter is no more than 40 - 50 cm.

Such apple trees are characterized by early fruiting, the ability to bear fruit 1-2 years after planting in a permanent place. With the right agricultural technology and choice of variety, you can get up to 22 kg of tasty and aromatic apples from a miniature tree.
The disadvantages include the short fruiting period of columnar apple trees, 10-15 years. But, due to the precociousness of most varieties, old specimens are easy to replace with new ones.

Columnar varieties, based on the timing of ripening, can be divided into early, medium, and late. Thanks to breeding work, varieties have been obtained that winter well at temperatures down to -40°C.

Early (summer) varieties

The ripening of apples of summer varieties occurs at a certain time: from the second half of July to the 20th of August. The shelf life of such fruits is 15-25 days. The use of fruits of summer varieties is universal; they are consumed fresh and preserved for the winter.

Vasyugan

For central Russia and the Moscow region, the variety is considered summer. It is characterized by a pyramidal crown, the trunk is densely covered with fruits.

Fruits are formed in the first year of planting. After 15 years of fruiting, the yield begins to decline, so it is recommended to replace the trees with young seedlings. The fruits have a distinct aroma.

Height: 2.5-3 m.
The variety is self-fertile. Does not require pollinators.
The fruits ripen in summer, at the end of August. Storage duration: up to 50 days.
The yield of an adult tree is 10-12 kg.
The fruits weigh on average 100-200 g. The shape of the apples is conical and elongated. The peel gradually changes color from light green to light red. The pulp is cream-colored, juicy, dense. The taste is sweet, pleasant, dessert.
Immunity to diseases and pests is high when preventive measures are taken.
Frost resistance: -40°C. Climatic zone: 3. Can be grown in the Moscow region and colder regions.

“I assumed that the Vasyugan apple tree is a sissy for the south. I saw a description of the variety, a photo, and now several of them are growing and have begun to bear their first fruits. I am not bothered by the relatively small number of apples. They are very tasty. And it’s a pleasure to look after them.”

Dialogue

An early variety, it is attractive, first of all, for its high yields. Such indicators are achieved with proper care and agricultural technology.

Fruiting begins in the second year after planting. “Dialogue” is winter-hardy and scab-resistant.

Tree height: 2.2-2.5 m.
Pollinators: Vasyugan, Jin.
Fruit ripening occurs in early August. They can be stored for up to 30 days.
The yield of an adult tree is 12-15 kg.
The average fruit weight is 115-150 g. The shape of the apples is round with slight ribbing. The skin is light yellow without any top color. The pulp is juicy, aromatic, white, medium density. The taste is sweet and sour.
The Dialog variety is not susceptible to fungal infections, but needs protection from pests.
Frost resistance: -40°C. Climatic zone: 3. Grows well in the middle zone and Moscow region.

“I bought a columnar apple tree of the Dialog variety 3 years ago at a nursery. The fruits ripen in early August. This is an early ripening variety for central Russia. Started bearing fruit in the 3rd year. At first there were about 7 apples, this year I counted 17 apples. Round, bright yellow with juicy and sweet flesh.”

Baiba

The Baiba apple tree is early-fruiting, characterized by good winter hardiness and immunity. Lifespan 25 years.

Height: 1.5-2.5 m.
Fruit ripening period: mid-August to mid-September. The fruits are stored for 15-25 days.
The yield of an adult tree is 12-16 kg.
The average fruit weight is 150-250 g. The skin color is greenish with a striped-red blush. The pulp is tender, aromatic, juicy. The taste is sweet with sourness.
Immunity to scab at a high level.
Frost resistance: -38°C. Climate zone: 3.

“The Baiba apple tree blooms relatively early, but the flowers are quite resistant to spring frosts. It begins to bear fruit very quickly in 2-3 years. The harvest is harvested at the end of August - beginning of September, and it lasts for a short time - until October."

Gin

The variety is early-bearing, the first apples can be tasted in the second year. A positive property is that ripe fruits do not fall off, so the harvest can be harvested gradually.

The use of apples of this variety is universal; they are consumed fresh and for winter preparations. The duration of active fruiting is short, no more than 12 years.

Height: 2m.
Pollinators: Medok, Vasyugan.
The harvest is ready by the third ten days of August - the first ten days of September.
The yield of an adult tree is 16 kg.
Average weight of fruits: 120-150 g. The color of the rounded fruits is crimson. The pulp is white, tender, juicy, aromatic. The taste is sweet and sour, dessert.
Immunity to scab is high.
Frost resistance: -40°C. Climatic zone: 3. Gin can be planted not only in the middle zone and Moscow region, but also in the North-West region

“The columnar apple tree of the Gin variety has proven itself well on my site. The distance between neighboring apple trees is 60 cm, and it is better to leave 80 cm between rows.Thus, you can diversify apple trees with different varieties. The yield for a tree with this type of structure is good, up to 15 kg per tree. The apples are large and sweet.”

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Nectar

An early, columnar variety, it is popular among gardeners due to the good resistance of the root system to harsh winters. Tolerates transplantation well.

An early-growing variety, it forms its first fruits a year after planting. In order not to weaken the tree, experienced gardeners recommend plucking off the first flowers. The apple tree produces harvests in 15-16 years. The fruits of the Medok variety are used fresh and for winter preparations.

Height: 1.5-2 m. Crown diameter 25 cm maximum.
Self-fertile variety.
Harvesting begins in August, the fruits are stored for about 30 days.
The yield of an adult tree is 8-10 kg.
Average fruit weight: 150-260 g. Apples have a classic shape, yellow peel. The taste is sweet, with a honey flavor. The pulp is juicy, white, aromatic.
The variety is not susceptible to scab.
Frost resistance: -39°C. Climatic zone: 3. Middle zone, Moscow region, North-Western region.

“I wanted to plant an apple tree, but there wasn’t enough space on the plot for a large tree, so I planted a “column” Medok. In the area occupied by a regular apple tree, I planted 4 seedlings of the Medoc variety. The most amazing thing is that with such a small size, an adult tree produces a decent harvest.”

The president

One of the best summer, columnar varieties. Apples begin to form at a level of 30 cm from the surface of the ground and are located along the entire trunk. Fruiting is annual.

For the Moscow region and central Russia it is considered late summer. Precocious. The ability to bear fruit lasts 15 years.The fruits are consumed fresh and are also used for winter preparations.

Height: 2-2.5 m. Crown diameter: 15-25 cm.
No pollinators required.
The harvest is ready for harvest from mid-August to mid-September. The fruits are stored for no more than 40 days.
The yield of an adult tree is 12-16 kg per tree. The apple tree reaches its maximum yield by 4-5 years of age.
Average fruit weight: 120-260 g. The shape of apples is classic, slightly flattened. The peel is light yellow with a red-violet “blush”, thin, shiny. The pulp is aromatic, white or cream in color. The taste is pleasant, sweet and sour.
The variety is not susceptible to scab.
Frost resistance: -40°C. Climatic zone: 3. Middle zone, Moscow region, North-Western region.

“Three years ago, in the Moscow region, the President planted a columnar apple tree in the garden. The color of the apple caught my attention: light green with a red-violet blush. Sweetish, aromatic, juicy to taste. The skin is thin. In 5 years my height has grown to 1.8 meters. The apples are round, slightly flattened. The taste is good. The only small drawback is that it requires maintenance and constant watering.”

Medium (autumn) varieties for the Moscow region and central zone

To provide your family with apples of this category, it is enough to plant 2-3 copies in your garden plot. Autumn varieties are usually not susceptible to disease and are winter-hardy. The fruits can be collected throughout the fall. The maximum number of apples can be obtained from a 5-year-old tree. The fruits have good keeping quality and are stored for a long time.

Iksha

A medium-sized, columnar variety with a strong trunk. Iksha is distinguished by its ability to bear fruit abundantly. Resistant to many diseases and low temperatures.

For central Russia and the Moscow region it is considered early autumn.It begins to bear fruit from the first year after planting.

Height: 2.2 m.
Pollinators: President, Ostankino, Medok.
Fruit ripening time: end of August. Storage duration is 1-3 months.
The yield of an adult tree is 20 kg.
Average weight of apples: 80-180 g. The shape of the fruit is flat-round. The skin is thin and dense, green-yellow in color with pink stripes. The taste is sweet and sour, dessert.
Immunity to diseases is average; preventive treatments are necessary.
Frost resistance: -39°C. Climatic zone: 3. Middle zone, Moscow region, North-Western region.

“We bought a very small dacha plot, planted several columnar apple trees on it, Iksha is one of them. We are very pleased, she is unpretentious and prolific.”

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Ostankino

Like most columnar varieties, Ostankino is early-bearing. The first apples appear 2 years after planting in a permanent place. In addition, the variety has a stable yield for 14-15 years.

The fruits are formed along the entire stem, 40 cm from the ground level. Another advantage of the variety is its good keeping quality. The application is varied: consumed fresh and in the form of preparations.

Height: 2.5 m. Compact crown.
Pollinators: President, Iksha.
The fruits ripen in autumn and are ready for harvest in September.
The yield of an adult tree is 16 kg. The maximum harvest can be expected in the 5th year.
Average weight of fruits: 150-280 g. The shape of apples is classic - round, slightly flattened. The skin is red with a purple outer “blush”, smooth. The pulp is white, juicy, the taste is sweet and sour. Shelf life - until December-January.
It is highly resistant to diseases.
Frost resistance: -30°C.Climatic zone: 4. Middle zone, Moscow region.

“I bought a couple of columnar seedlings of the Ostankino apple tree 5 years ago at an exhibition, thanks to reviews from neighbors. Wonderful miniature apple trees have grown with beautiful tasty fruits, as in the photo. True, they began to bear fruit abundantly only this season, and in previous years few apples were collected from these trees.”

Triumph

Early-growing autumn variety. By the age of 5 it produces its maximum yield. The Triumph apple tree attracts with its high taste and immunity to scab.

The fruits are used universally: they are consumed fresh, processed into compotes, jams, and juices.

Tree height: 2 m. Compact crown.
Pollinators are not required, the variety is self-fertile.
The fruits are ready for harvest from mid-September.
Productivity: 6-11 kg per tree.
Average fruit weight: 130-200 g. Fruit shape is classic. There is a slight ribbing on the apples. The peel is dense, shiny, burgundy. The fruits are sweet with slight sourness and a honey aftertaste. Apples have a characteristic pleasant aroma. The pulp is tender, medium density, white. Storage duration is 30-45 days.
It is highly resistant to scab.
Frost resistance: -30°C. Climatic zone: 4. Middle zone, Moscow region.

“I was captivated by the fact that the apple tree takes up little space. There is mixed opinion regarding the amount of harvest. It won’t be enough for a family; we’ll have to plant a few more apple trees. But there’s plenty of fresh food to eat.”

Malyukha

Early ripening, autumn, low-growing variety. Fruiting is possible in the second year after planting. It is resistant to fungal infections and has good shelf life. Tolerates cold well.

Height: 1.8 m.
Pollinators: Valya, Kitayka, Chervonets.
Medium ripening, apples are ready for picking in September.
The yield of an adult tree is 13-15 kg.
Average fruit weight: 250 g. The pulp is creamy, juicy, aromatic. The taste is sweet and sour. Storage duration is until January of the next year.
Immunity to diseases and pests is high.
Frost resistance: -40°C. Climatic zone: 3. Middle zone, Moscow region, North-Western region.

“At first I didn’t take the small, flimsy tree seriously. But when fruits appeared on it in the second year, I was very surprised. Now my attitude has changed, I love the Malyukha variety for its excellent taste and the fact that it is unpretentious.”

Barguzin

Early autumn variety with high yield. Barguzin tolerates transportation well, is immune to powdery mildew and is resistant to low temperatures.

Height: 2 m. Compact crown.
Pollinators: Triumph, Chervonets, President.
Fruit ripening period: end of August - mid-September.
The yield of an adult tree is 20-30 kg.
Average fruit weight: 130 g. The shape of apples is classic - round. The peel is pale green with a red outer “blush”. The pulp is pale green, juicy, aromatic. The taste is dessert. Storage duration is 1-1.5 months.
Immunity to diseases and pests is high.
Frost resistance: -30°C. Climatic zone: 4. Middle zone, Moscow region.

“I planted Barguzin apple trees at my dacha several years ago, they are already bearing fruit. Apples are tasty, sweet, almost without sourness. We eat it fresh and make preparations for the winter. Caring for trees is easy, starting in the spring; I feed them several times and water them all season.”

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Gothic

The columnar Gothic apple tree is distinguished by its winter hardiness and fruit quality. Fruiting begins in the third or fourth year of life. Fruiting is regular.The tree needs support.

Height: 2.5-3 m.
Pollinators: Senator, Cascade, Delight, Currency.
Autumn variety, fruit ripening: September - October.
The yield of an adult tree is 6-10 kg.
Average fruit weight: 165-225 g. Round shape. The skin is greenish-yellow with red stripes. The pulp is creamy and juicy. The taste is sweet and sour. Storage duration is until December.
Scab resistance is high.
Frost resistance: -35°C. Climatic zone: 4. Middle zone, Moscow region.

Delight

A fast-growing, winter-hardy variety of columnar apple tree with excellent qualities: large-fruited, high yield, compact, disease-resistant.

Height: 2 m.
Pollinators: Moscow Necklace, Currency, Amber Necklace.
Fruit ripening period: September.
The yield of an adult tree is 10-15 kg.
Average fruit weight: 150-190 g. The color of the skin during ripening changes from green to light yellow with a red blush and specks. The pulp is juicy, fine-grained, light green in color. The taste is sweet and sour. Storage duration is 1.5 months.
Immunity to scab is high.
Frost resistance: -40°C. Climatic zone: 3. Middle zone, Moscow region, North-Western region.

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Cascade

The variety is high-yielding, early-fruiting, and frost-resistant. Not susceptible to disease, universal in use. Apples hold tightly to the branches.

Height: 2.5 m. The crown is narrow.
The variety is self-fertile, but neighbors will not interfere to increase the yield: Antonovka, Ostankino, Valyuta.
It begins to bear fruit 2-3 years after planting. Harvesting can begin in late September - mid-October.
The yield of an adult tree is 15-18 kg. Fruiting is annual and abundant.
Fruit weight can be: 180-210 g.The skin of apples is yellow-green, dense, covered with a blurred cherry-colored “blush.” The pulp is aromatic, tender, creamy in color. The taste is sweet and sour. Storage duration is maximum 1.5 months.
Resistance to diseases and pests at a high level.
Frost resistance -38°С…-36°С. Climate zone: 3.

“I have had the Cascade apple tree for 6 years and bear fruit every year. I'm pleased that it doesn't require much maintenance. She never got sick at all.”

Late (winter) varieties

Any orchard definitely needs late varieties of apple trees. They are distinguished by high shelf life with preservation of fruit quality until approximately February. Descriptions of the best varieties of columnar apple trees with descriptions and photos make it possible to select winter varieties for cultivation not only in the southern regions, but also in central Russia and the Moscow region.

Currency

Early-growing, winter variety, suitable for cultivation in central Russia. It is characterized by winter hardiness, good keeping quality and transportability.

The apples do not fall off, which allows the harvest to be extended. Used fresh and for canning.

Height: 2.5 m. Crown diameter about 0.2 m.
Pollinators: Garland, Moscow Necklace, Cascade.
Harvesting begins in late September and the first half of October.
The yield of an adult tree is 10 kg.
Average fruit weight: 100-250 g. The skin of apples is thin, shiny, yellow with a red “blush”. The taste is sweet and sour, more sweet. The pulp is aromatic, juicy, white. Storage duration is 3-4 months.
Scab resistance is high.
Frost resistance: -38°C. Climatic zone: 3. Middle zone, Moscow region, North-Western region.

“For several years now, I have been growing, and now bearing fruit, the columnar apple tree Valyuta. A columnar apple tree in the garden is convenient and beautiful.They don’t need a lot of space, and the yield is not bad.”

Moscow Necklace

Winter variety, cold-resistant, early fruiting. Fruiting is annual. Peak yield occurs in the 4th-5th year. It bears fruit actively during the first 10 years; by the age of 15, the yield almost completely stops.

Used fresh and for canning. The fruits tolerate transportation and storage well.

Height: 2-3 m. The crown is very narrow.
Pollinators: President, Vasyugan.
The harvest ripens in late September-early October.
The yield of an adult tree is 10 kg.
The average fruit weight is 130-250 g. The skin is thin, dense, initially green, gradually turns red and by autumn the apples acquire a dark red color. The pulp is light cream, fine-grained, very juicy with a pleasant aroma. The taste is dessert, sweet with sourness. Storage duration is 3-4 months.
It is resistant to scab, but requires preventive protective measures against other diseases and pests (codling moth, aphids, mites).
Frost resistance: -35°C. Climate zone: 4.

Amber necklace

One of the best columnar varieties of late ripening apple trees. The size of the tree and the shape of the crown allow the crop to be planted in a row every 40 cm. The Amber Necklace stands out among gardeners among others due to its high yield.

Height: 2-2.5 m.
Pollinators: Moscow Necklace, Delight, Poetry.
The fruits are ready for harvest at the end of September.
The yield of an adult tree is 21 kg.
Average fruit weight: 150-280 g. The skin of the apples is a beautiful amber color. The taste is sweet, pleasant, with a slight sourness. The pulp is white, juicy, aromatic. Storage duration is about 5 months (until February-March).
Scab resistant.
Frost resistance: -40°C. Climate zone: 3.Middle zone, Moscow region, North-Western region.

“All columnar apple trees are good, but the Amber Necklace is simply a miracle, as in the photo and fully corresponds to the description. A real necklace, it so gracefully encircles the trunk.”

Poetry

Early-growing, winter variety, disease-resistant, with good yield. The maximum yield can be obtained in the 4th year of life. Fruiting continues for 15 years.

Height: 1.8 m.
No additional pollination required.
Fruit ripening: October.
The yield of an adult tree is 5-9 kg.
Average fruit weight: 140-190 g. The shape of apples is classic, slightly flattened. The main color is greenish-yellow. The top color is dark red. The pulp is greenish in color, juicy, medium density, sweet and sour taste. Storage duration: until February.
High immunity to scab.
Frost resistance: -35°C. Climate zone: 4.

Pedestal

Pedestal is a fast-growing, productive, winter-hardy, excellent variety of columnar apple tree. The first fruits can be tasted 2-3 years after planting the seedling.

Height: 2.2 m.
Self-fertile variety, does not require pollinators.
Fruit ripening: mid-August - mid-September.
The yield of an adult tree is 15-16 kg.
Average fruit weight: 200 g. Spherical shape. Apples are red in color, with a sweet and sour taste. Storage duration is 3-4 months.
The variety is resistant to diseases; with timely prevention, pest damage can be avoided.
Frost resistance: -35°C. Climatic zone: 4. Middle zone, Moscow region.

Chervonets

Chervonets is a fast-growing variety. Does not tolerate temperature changes well. Maturation is simultaneous. Ripe fruits do not fall off.

Height: 1.8-2.1 m.
Pollinators: Triumph, Iksha, Ostankino.
Fruit ripening period: late August–early September.
The yield of an adult tree is 8-10 kg.
Average fruit weight: 180 g. Spherical shape. The skin color is light yellow with a crimson cover. The pulp is juicy and aromatic. The taste is sweet and sour, dessert. Storage duration is until February.
Scab resistance is high. Preventive treatment against other diseases and pests is necessary.
Frost resistance: -27°C. Climatic zone: 5. Freezing is possible in the middle zone.

“I planted several different weeds in the garden, one of them was Chervonets. Very tasty apples, just perfect, in my opinion - the best, sweet and juicy. If you remove them from the apple tree on time, they are stored like this until the New Year.”

Garland

Garland is one of the best late, columnar varieties, compact, takes up little space, has good yield, early fruiting, and a decorative appearance.

The fruits have a very attractive appearance, are easy to transport and store well. But the most important thing is their unusual taste, reminiscent of a juicy ripe pear.

Height: 2.5 m.
Pollinators: Malyukha, Iksha.
Fruit ripening period: September. Fruiting is regular.
The yield of an adult tree is 14-18 kg.
Average fruit weight: 130-250 g. The color of apples is green with a blurry dark red cover. The pulp is greenish, medium density. The taste is sweet and sour, dessert. Storage duration is until January-February of the next year.
The variety is resistant to scab.
Frost resistance: -40°C. Climatic zone: 3. Middle zone, Moscow region, North-Western region.