Columnar apple Medoc

Columnar varieties of fruit trees are widespread in Russia and in neighboring countries. The Medoc variety, which was bred in 1987, is in great demand. The hybrid apple tree pleases with a tasty and healthy harvest, is not too demanding to care for and develops quickly. The Medoc appeared thanks to the crossing of two popular fruit crops.

Trees reach a height of up to 2.5 m. The columnar apple has a compact and neat crown. Gardeners note the high decorativeness of this variety. The early-growing apple tree will be a charming decoration for any garden. The variety is medium-sized. To maintain the neat appearance and shape of the crown, regular pruning is carried out.

The branches are covered with massive leaves, their color is standard green. The shape is elongated, with a sharp tip. Medoc blooms early, especially when compared to other common varieties. This period starts at the end of April or until mid-May. The exact date depends on the climate in the region. Mature trees are covered with lush flowers throughout the crown, attracting the attention of others.

As the characteristics of the variety, it is worth highlighting resistance to diseases. Also, the apple tree tolerates transplanting well in autumn or spring. Trees are not afraid of dangerous insects, but it is necessary to provide them with reliable protection from pests. This is the only way to preserve the high decorative properties and quality of the fruit.

Medoc is chosen due to its many positive qualities. Summer residents, who have been cultivating this variety for several years, note the following positive characteristics.

• The fruit crop is fast-growing, pleases with a stable harvest.
• Due to its high frost resistance, the variety can be grown even in the northern regions of the country, without fear for the safety of the garden. Many people call Medoc the standard of unpretentiousness and stamina. Other common varieties will not survive this cold temperature.
• The root system is well developed, but compact, so trees can be grown next to each other. Young trees can be grown in containers.
• Apples are rich in useful trace elements and vitamins. They are recommended as baby and dietetic food. High gastronomic qualities are noted separately.
• Strong immunity protects trees from infections, diseases and pests.

This variety also has disadvantages. You must definitely familiarize yourself with them before growing:

• like many other columnar apple trees, Medoc will only produce crops for 12-16 years;
• the harvest is not stored for long, only for a month, so take this into account when collecting and using apples.

Medoc is an early autumn variety. The first fruits can be harvested in the second year, while regular fruiting is observed. Apple trees are removed in late August or early autumn. All columnar apple trees are early-growing, and this characteristic has also been adopted by the Medoc variety.

The first flowers can be seen already in the first year after planting.It is recommended that the buds be torn off so that the trees do not start producing crops too early. If you follow this procedure, the harvest will be stable, and its taste will be at its best.

The peak of fruiting occurs around the fifth year of the tree's life. During this period, from 8 to 10 kilograms of fruit are harvested from one apple tree.

The yield is noted as high. The average is from 5 to 8 kilograms.

Medoc apples are large and gain in weight from 150 to 200 grams, but some fruits can be more than 250 grams. The size is influenced by adherence to agricultural technology and the age of the tree. It is important to organize regular feeding and moderate watering.

The fruit has a round shape. The color is bright and uniform, yellow-white. The smell is light and almost imperceptible. Snow-white pulp is hidden under the skin, its structure is granular. The variety got its name due to its pronounced honey flavor. Because of their sweet and dessert flavor, apples are often eaten fresh.

Most often, this type of fruit crop is grown in the territory of central Russia. It is customary to plant Antonovka and other common pollinators next to semi-dwarf trees. The frost resistance indicator is up to -42 degrees Celsius. You can plant trees in spring or autumn. When laying a garden between rows or trees, leave from 40 to 50 centimeters.

The Medoc variety needs to be cared for regularly and competently. Apple trees are watered at least 2 times a week. Also, one should not forget about fertilizing. Trees are fed from the beginning of bud swelling to leaf fall. If the soil is not moistened in time, the tree will begin to lose inflorescences, and the fruits will become less sweet.

Experienced gardeners advise you to stick to the following pattern:

• in autumn or spring, irrigation is performed 3-4 times;
• in the hot season, trees are also watered 4 times, but they increase the volume of water, especially during a drought;
• with the arrival of winter, irrigation is stopped: only with the arrival of spring, when the soil warms up, irrigation is resumed.

For irrigation, it is recommended to use settled water, rainwater is great. It is better to refuse from river water, as it can provoke various diseases. It is very difficult to quantify the amount of pathogens in a liquid.

Fertilization is an important part of caring for fruit varieties. Choose organic and mineral compounds. Top dressing alternates, since they cannot be applied at the same time. You also need to take breaks between feeds. Excess nutrients are harmful to the tree. The branches begin to dry out, and the root system rots. Top dressing is of great importance during flowering, as well as during the period of active growth of the seedling.

Fertilize the garden according to the following scheme:

• organic compounds are applied 3-4 times a year, while using bird droppings, compost or manure;
• nitrogen compounds are needed with the active growth of the trunk and branches;
• as soon as the fruits begin to form, they switch to fertilizing with potassium and phosphorus.

Combined feeding not only strengthens the immune system of the apple tree, but also protects it from diseases and negative environmental factors. Before adding nutrients, it is necessary to clear the top layer of soil from weeds and dig it up. Poultry droppings and manure must be diluted with water before use. A high concentration of active substances will only harm the tree.

As soon as the crop begins to ripen and change color, fertilization is stopped. To protect the garden in winter, the ground around the trunk is covered with mulch. A special covering material or straw will do. For the winter, trees are not fed.

Despite the high frost resistance, trees are additionally insulated in areas with harsh and long winters. The trunks are wrapped in burlap. In Siberia, apple trees are completely wrapped so that the branches do not freeze. Within the boundaries of warm regions, there is no need to take additional measures to preserve the garden: the Medoc variety will easily endure frosts down to -42 degrees Celsius.