Very often in an orchard there is not enough space for all the crops and varieties that the owner would like to grow. Ordinary Russian summer residents know firsthand about this problem, trying to fit a residential building, a vegetable garden and an orchard on six acres of land. An excellent solution in this situation would be to plant trees of dwarf varieties, which are not inferior to conventional crops in yield and quality of fruits, but take up much less space. Compact fruit trees have a lot of advantages, but growing “dwarfs” also has its own nuances that should definitely be taken into account.
The features of “dwarfs” and recommendations for growing them will be discussed in this article. The most popular ones will also be listed here dwarf varieties fruit trees and reviews from gardeners about some of them.
Features of "dwarfs"
Dwarf fruit trees for the garden are a group of crops characterized by their small height and the presence of an end point of growth. All compact fruit trees are divided into two groups:
- natural "dwarfs", growing up to 1.5-2 meters and independently stopping in growth;
- grafted "dwarfs", which can be obtained by grafting low-growing varieties of fruit trees onto a special dwarf rootstock. Such trees, as a rule, grow up to 2.5-3 meters; they must be pruned correctly, limiting growth and regulating the direction of shoots.
When choosing dwarf varieties to grow on your own plot, the gardener should know about some of the characteristics of these trees. First of all, “dwarfs” have a small crown and an equally compact root system. Therefore, they require much less space in the garden than regular tall varieties.
With all these advantages, it is necessary to understand that the root system of dwarf fruit trees is located superficially, so the tree will need more moisture and nutrients.
Another feature of dwarf fruits is earlier fruiting - already in the second or third year after planting, the gardener can expect the first harvest. Natural “dwarfs” have a short life cycle - about 10-15 years; after this time, the trees age, and their productivity sharply decreases. Grafted low-growing varieties live longer - 20-30 years, here a lot depends on the life expectancy of the rootstock.
Advantages and disadvantages
Most reviews about dwarf fruit trees are positive - these crops are in demand among gardeners, more and more high-quality rootstocks are appearing, and there is a choice in accordance with the climatic characteristics of the region.
The biggest advantage of low-growing varieties is the ease of growing and caring for them: it is much easier to maintain a two- to three-meter tree than a taller crop.
The advantages of dwarf breeds do not end there, gardeners note the following qualities:
- Early fruiting. Already two to three years after planting, a low-growing seedling begins to bear fruit, and within 6-8 years the tree’s fruiting becomes stable. This occurs several years earlier than in conventional tall varieties.
- Productivity of "dwarfs" below is no worse, often even better, than that of ordinary fruit trees. It is thanks to this quality that dwarf crops have become so widespread: in a small area, you can collect as much fruit from a small tree as from a tall one.
- Fruit quality and size those of the “dwarfs” are in no way inferior to standard varieties of fruit trees. The fruits are just as tasty, juicy and aromatic. And their size is often even larger and more uniform.
- The compact dimensions of the crown significantly simplify care behind a tree. Trimming, spraying, and harvesting becomes much easier; high ladders and special devices are not needed.
- A dwarf tree will require much less nutrients and processing agents, which is a significant saving on the gardener’s budget.
- Ripening time The fruits of dwarf varieties are shorter and earlier than those of ordinary trees.This is due to accelerated vegetation and rapid sap flow.
- Compact dimensions allow you to grow one tall tree or 4-6 “dwarfs” on the same area.
This is not to say that the disadvantages of a dwarf garden are very critical, and it is better to abandon the idea of compact gardening. But These nuances must be taken into account:
- Large material investments. You will have to spend a lot more money on purchasing seedlings than on purchasing conventional varieties. The problem is solved by grafting inexpensive low-growing varieties onto a dwarf rootstock. But, even in this case, you will have to spend money on purchasing a couple of plants instead of one.
- Frequency of care. You need to care for a dwarf garden in the same way as a traditional one. But this will have to be done more often: mini-trees should be watered regularly, fertilized more, and treated consistently against pests and diseases.
- Average, “dwarfs” live half as long, therefore, the gardener will have to more often uproot old plants and buy new ones.
- Low trees with a shallow root system find it more difficult to withstand gusts of wind or the weight of the crop, so they supports needed.
- Due to their high yield and poorly developed root system, dwarf trees need Feed more abundantly and more often. For this purpose, both organic and mineral fertilizers are used.
Dwarf crops definitely deserve attention. It is better to check the quality of such varieties through your own gardening experience.
Varieties of "dwarfs"
Modern breeding is moving forward with huge strides, and today almost any type of dwarf crop is on sale. Every gardener can start a real mini-orchard with apples, pears, cherries, peaches and apricots on their plot.
Miniature apple trees
The first dwarf trees to appear in Russia were miniature apple trees. Typically, gardeners in the country grow them on a special M9 rootstock, which retards the growth of the tree and promotes its rapid growth. Not all low-growing apple trees are suitable for the climatic conditions of the country, but there are several successful varieties.
Candy
The fruits of this dwarf apple tree ripen in August. The average weight of an apple is 110-120 grams. The taste of the fruit is good, the fruit is juicy, aromatic, with firm flesh. The peel is yellow-green and covered with stripes.
Melba
A dwarf super-early variety, fruit ripening begins in the second half of July and lasts for almost a month. The tree's productivity is very good. The apples grow to medium size and have a pleasant caramel taste and aroma.
Pears
The vast majority of low-growing pears grown in Russia belong to mid- and late-ripening varieties.
Veles
Dessert variety with round fruits. The pears are large – 180-200 grams each. The skin of the fruit is green.
Parisian
A dwarf variety with late ripening. This winter pear produces large, sweet and sour fruits. The hue of ripe fruits is yellow-green with a reddish color clearly visible through the peel.
Plums
Not only pome crops, but also stone fruit crops can be dwarf. In most of Russia, it is recommended to grow one of the following varieties.
Blue Free
This dwarf plum has very good frost resistance, so it is suitable even for the northern regions of the country. The harvest ripens early and quickly. The fruits are inky blue, large in size and oval in shape.
The president
A dwarf tree of this variety has a very significant advantage - unpretentiousness. In any climatic conditions, on almost any soil, the plum crop ripens quickly and pleases with quality and quantity. Plums are oval shaped, sweet and tasty. The dwarf variety President is excellent for growing on an industrial scale.
Peaches
Peach trees are not very tall anyway, and dwarf varieties of this crop rarely reach even two meters.
Sweet Cap
The most common dwarf peach is fig hybrid Sweet Cap. The culture pleases with its high yield and very good winter hardiness. The flesh of the fruit is snow-white, and the taste is very pleasant and sweet.
Ural Federal District
This peach is also a fig. The dwarf variety is characterized by increased resistance to various diseases. The fruits are very large, the peaches are sweet and juicy. The variety is excellent for both private and industrial cultivation.
Miniature apricots
It's hard to believe, but even apricots today can be dwarf. This crop loves warmth and sun, so it is recommended to grow sweet apricots in the southern and central regions of the country.
Hardy
The name of this dwarf variety speaks for itself: the tree tolerates drought and low temperatures well. Apricots are large, fragrant and tasty. The fruit pit is easily separated from the pulp. The peel is thin, and the flesh of the apricot is sugary.
Crimean Amur
A dwarf variety with medium ripening periods.The tree produces large fruits, weighing about 100 grams. Apricots are a little sour and have a lemon tint, but they are very aromatic.
Review
Several years ago, our whole family moved to live in the countryside. The question of choosing fruit trees immediately arose, and it was decided to purchase dwarf seedlings. We knew about the shortcomings of all “dwarfs” and their short life expectancy, but we really wanted variety on six acres and quick results. What can I say as the owner of a mini-garden? I like the dwarf garden and am pleased with the quality and quantity of its harvest. But I recommend that beginners consider the following:
• our choice of dwarf varieties is limited;
• finding a high-quality rootstock is as difficult as buying a real “dwarf”;
• the root system of these trees is fibrous, so they require regular moisture (I use a drip irrigation system);
• trees need to be fed at least twice a year, but it is better to do it more often.
Overall, I am pleased with my garden and am thinking of rejuvenating it with the same “dwarfs” in the future.
Conclusion
Today there are many more interesting and promising options than standard gardening. One of the popular trends today is growing dwarf fruit trees. This business has both its pros and cons, but every year an increasing number of farmers and summer residents are switching to mini-gardening.
