Iksha columnar apple tree

Columnar apple trees are gradually moving out of marginal status, and more and more confidently compete with traditional species. One of the attractive options is the Iksha apple tree. Its cultivation and basic vegetative features are definitely worth describing.

The summer apple tree Iksha has been known since the 1980s. The culture was developed by the famous Kichina (by crossing Russian and British materials). Over the past time, the main features of the plant have already been well studied. Therefore, the culture can be characterized in detail. The work was carried out in the famous VSTISP, and the result was presented already in 1985.

The height, like other columnar varieties, reaches a maximum of 1.5-2 m. The crown is medium-sized, but dense. Light green leaves are distinguished by thick petioles. But the branches, on the contrary, cannot boast of special thickness. The root system goes very deep, which, depending on the level of groundwater, can be both a plus and a minus.

Other features:

• average level of foliage;

• large green foliage of an oblong shape;

• unpainted cuttings of leaves;

• tendency to give too early lateral shoots on annual growths;

• the harvest is formed on the ringlets.

This culture does not have any expressive negative aspects. But she:

• tolerates low temperatures very firmly;

• gives a solid (by the standards of columnar apple trees) harvest;

• allows you to achieve this harvest already in the early stages of development;

• staunchly resists the main part of fungal infections that often persecute apple growers;

• possesses a number of other valuable properties.

Iksha is a typical summer apple tree. You can remove the fruits from it at the end of August or at the beginning of September. The first fruits will appear in the 2nd year of development. This result is achieved when planting annual seedlings. But real productivity will be achieved in the third season of development.

In terms of fertility, this culture is at an average level. You can harvest 5-6 kg of fruit per year. However, by the standards of columnar varieties, this is a very good indicator. With sensible agriculture, the collection can be doubled. When growing industrial plantations, it will be from 80 to 100 tons per 1 hectare.

You can also eat Iksha apples fresh. They are also used to make compotes and preserves. The surface is dominated by a yellow color mixed with a red blush. The shape of the fruit is flat-rounded; it can weigh up to 180 g. Characterized by a thin, but very dense peel.

Other important characteristics:

• sweet and sour "dessert" taste;

• density and at the same time juiciness of the pulp;

• pleasant saffron (unobtrusive) smell;

• keeping quality is approximately guaranteed for 60 days.

Iksha is a semi-dwarf plant. Therefore, it will not be able to stretch itself to a great height. You need to plant an apple tree strictly in sunny areas. The gap between seedlings should be from 1 to 1.5 m. When selecting seedlings, it is imperative to visually assess the degree of their health.

A good specimen is an annual, with a single central guide. It is also necessary to evaluate the roots so that they are devoid of any hints of decay. Organic fertilizers are placed in the planting pit. Above them should be a soil layer and some sand. When backfilling with a soil layer, the immersion of the root collar should be excluded.

The piercing winds can even be beneficial for Iksha. However, they cause serious damage in winter. High soil acidity is just as unacceptable as for any other tree. In the most difficult cases, it is necessary to solve this problem in advance with the help of lime. Due to the powerful root complex, planting close to any water bodies and wells is unacceptable.

The depth of the hole should be at least 70 cm. Its minimum diameter is 80 cm. The planted apple trees are immediately watered with plenty of water. Preferred planting on a dry, bright day in March-April or September-October. However, in any case, you will have to take into account the actual weather, which can make significant adjustments.

From Iksha, you can make a creeping tree. Usually, two shoots are left, and in the fall, only the most active of this pair is retained. To form the stanza, the apple tree will have to be bent down. This approach is justified in the Far East and in other regions with a harsh climate. For enhanced pollination, varieties are suitable:

• Vazhak;

• Jonathan;

• Chervonets;

• Gala;

• Gin;

• Ostankino;

• Korobovka;

• Triumph;

• Borovinka.

In spring Iksha is poured with urea solution. When exactly 2 weeks have passed, use the mullein solution. After the next 2 weeks, the trunk circle is fed with ash. Most often, such manipulations are enough to grow a healthy fruit-bearing tree. Sometimes in the fall, organic substances are laid in the near-stem section.

The winter hardiness of this crop is fully confirmed. But still, the shelter of the trunk can be very useful. It is stated that the variety can withstand air cooling down to -40 degrees; even Antonovka is not capable of this. And despite this, temperature changes, especially with high humidity, can be very destructive. In the most severe cold and early spring, protection is required.

Protection from harmful insects and rodents is built traditionally. The likelihood of their attacks from the unusual shape of the trunk does not diminish. Preventive treatments are usually sufficient to fight infections. But all the same, in the spring you will have to inspect the plant; it is worth repeating the same procedure at the end of autumn. Additional checks are carried out if very favorable conditions for pests and parasites are created.