Content
- 1 History of selection
- 2 Description of the Constellation apple tree with photo
- 3 Characteristics of the apple tree Constellation
- 4 Advantages and disadvantages
- 5 Planting an apple tree Constellation
- 6 Caring for the Constellation apple tree
- 7 Collection and storage
- 8 Conclusion
- 9 Reviews from gardeners about the columnar apple tree Constellation
The Constellation apple tree is a Russian variety obtained several years ago. Produces large, tasty and aromatic apples that are stored almost until the next harvest. You can grow trees both for yourself and for commercial purposes.
History of selection
Constellation is a variety of columnar apple tree. It was launched on the basis of the Oryol station. The exact origin is unknown - it is believed that the crop was obtained as a result of complex work based on the selection of different varieties, including:
- donor 224-18;
- donor SRO523;
- Leader (USA);
- some hybrids.
In 2015, researchers submitted an application to include the Sozvezdie variety in the register of breeding achievements in Russia. Until now, she has remained unanswered. Officially, the variety is not on the register, although it has already spread to many regions, including those with frosty winters.
Description of the Constellation apple tree with photo
The Constellation variety belongs to the columnar apple trees.Therefore, when describing, gardeners are especially interested in the height and diameter of the tree, appearance, shape, and color of the fruit. The main characteristics are presented below.
Crown height and diameter
The Constellation variety, like other columnar apple trees, is distinguished by its small size and compact crown. The height of the tree does not exceed 2.5 m, in rare cases a little more, but this is an anomalous development. The crown diameter is only 50-70 cm.
Fruiting of the Constellation apple tree occurs on branches such as ringlets, as well as fruit twigs (they extend directly from the trunk). The bark is brown in color with a tinge of greenish or brown. Sometimes slight pubescence is noticeable. The roots are fibrous, deepen slightly, and they are well branched.
Leaves
The leaves of the apple tree variety Constellation are small, green or dark green in color. The leaf blades are dense and leathery, glistening in the sun. The shape is elongated, the tips are long-pointed, serrated, with well-defined serrations and wavy edges.
Fruit
The fruits of the Constellation apple tree are quite large in size, weighing on average 125-150 g. The color is dark red, rich. The shape is round and regular. A waxy coating is visible on the surface. The flesh is greenish in color and has a pleasant aroma.
Large apples ripen on a branch
Characteristics of the apple tree Constellation
Among the characteristics of the variety, special attention should be paid to taste, yield and immunity. These and other options are described in detail below.
Taste qualities
One of the advantages of the Constellation apple tree is the pleasant, illuminating taste of apples. The balance of sour and sweet is noticeable. The pulp is quite juicy and aromatic.
The composition includes the following components:
- simple sugars – 13.7%;
- acids – total no more than 0.7%
- pectins – about 11.4%
- vitamin C – up to 12 mg per 100 g;
- substances with P-activity – up to 300 mg per 100 g.
Ripening time
The Constellation apple tree is a late flowering variety. The buds appear in the first half of May, but open only towards the end of the month or even in the first ten days of June. The flowers are massive, snow-white, shaped like a bowl. Organized into small inflorescences. Flowering lasts 2 to 3 weeks, depending on how warm the spring is.
The fruits of the Constellation variety ripen from late September to mid-October. They stick to the petioles quite well, so they can be removed at any convenient time. During the period of final ripening, the surface of the fruit is covered with a bluish coating. This indicates that the apples are completely ready for picking.
Productivity
The yield is 5-7, and sometimes 10-15 and even 17 kg per tree. The Constellation apple tree grows very quickly - young seedlings add 50-60 cm annually. At the same time, the tree gives its first full harvest by the 5-7th year of life. The overall fruiting period is short. Therefore, after 8-10 years it is necessary to think about planting new seedlings.
Pollinators
The Constellation apple tree is self-fertile, so it does not need pollinating varieties. However, to maintain productivity, it is recommended to plant as many flowers as possible and, if possible, bring in a mobile apiary with bees.
The variety is self-fertile and does not require pollinators.
Frost resistance
One of the advantages of the Constellation apple tree is that the crop is characterized by very high winter hardiness.The tree can withstand up to -37 degrees, and sometimes up to -42 °C.
Growing regions
The Constellation apple tree tolerates frost very well. This is one of the few large-fruited varieties that can be grown even in the climatic conditions of the Urals, Siberia and the Far East.
Disease resistance
The variety is completely resistant to scab and has satisfactory immunity to powdery mildew. However, it may suffer from other fungal and bacterial infections. Invasion of aphids, spider mites and other pests cannot be ruled out.
Therefore, in the spring it is recommended to carry out regular treatments with special preparations. In summer, trees are inspected and, if necessary, sprayed with insecticides. During the fruiting period, biological preparations and folk remedies are used.
Advantages and disadvantages
The Constellation Apple tree has many benefits. This is one of the few varieties with large fruits that can be grown even in the climatic conditions of Siberia and the Far East. The apples are large, attractive in appearance, and can be stored for a very long time. Therefore, you can cultivate the crop both for yourself and for sale.
The fruits are fragrant and tasty
Pros:
- very high winter hardiness;
- satisfactory yield;
- large apples;
- excellent keeping quality;
- good transportability;
- takes up little space;
- resistance to scab and powdery mildew;
- can be grown in areas with close groundwater.
Minuses:
- short life cycle;
- needs frequent watering.
Planting an apple tree Constellation
Planting of the Constellation apple tree is planned for the autumn, although a spring procedure is also allowed. In regions with frosty winters, it is best to plant at the beginning of the season - the first half of April.In the middle zone, the Volga region, the Black Earth region, and in the south, planting is possible in the fall - from late September to mid-October.
The place should be sunny and well protected from draft winds, especially from the north side of the garden. When landing, proceed as follows:
- Dig holes at 1 m intervals with a depth of 60-70 cm.
- Lay a layer of stones, then fertile soil.
- Place a peg in the center.
- Place the seedling and compact the soil so that the root collar is 5-7 cm above the ground.
- A Constellation apple tree seedling is tied to a peg.
- Water and mulch after a few days (for autumn planting, the layer height should be at least 10 cm).
Caring for the Constellation apple tree
Caring for an apple tree is quite simple, but there is one feature. The root system of the Constellation variety comes close to the surface. Therefore, watering should be given regularly - for young seedlings weekly, for mature trees - once every 10 days (twice as often in drought).
The water is pre-settled outside or indoors. It is important to ensure that the soil does not dry out. To do this, it is recommended to mulch the tree trunk circle with sawdust, hay, straw or other materials.
After watering, loosening is carried out, and weeding is done if necessary. Fertilizers are applied regularly, starting from the second season after planting. In early April, give urea or ammonium nitrate (20 g per 10 l). During budding and then 2-3 more times at intervals of three weeks, complex mineral fertilizers are applied in alternation with organic matter (for example, mullein infusion 1:10). Particular attention is paid to superphosphate (40 g per 10 l) and potassium sulfate (30 g per 10 l).
To get a good harvest, trees need to be watered regularly.
In early spring, before the sap begins to flow, sanitary pruning of the Constellation apple tree is done.After this, it is recommended to treat with Bordeaux mixture or another fungicide. In the spring and summer, spraying against insects should be carried out. For this purpose, insecticides are used - “Decis”, “Fufanon”, “Inta-Vir” and others.
Collection and storage
The Constellation apple tree is a winter variety. Collection begins from late September to mid-October. If the autumn is warm, you can remove the fruits in the second half of the month, waiting for the appearance of a bluish coating.
Apples should be stored indoors under the following conditions:
- temperature 2-5 degrees above zero;
- humidity 70%;
- darkness;
- regular ventilation.
If you follow the storage rules, the fruits of the Constellation apple tree last for a very long time. They are placed in wooden boxes and kept until next summer, and sometimes until the next harvest. Thus, the shelf life is 9-12 months.
Conclusion
The Constellation apple tree is one of the few varieties of the columnar group with large fruits that can be grown in the climatic conditions of Western and Eastern Siberia, as well as the Far East. It bears tasty fruits and is characterized by good yield and immunity. When caring for it, it is important to carry out timely watering and regularly fertilize.
Reviews from gardeners about the columnar apple tree Constellation
