Contents
- History of breeding
- Description of the apple tree Constellation with a photo
- Characteristics of the apple tree Constellation
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Planting an apple tree Constellation
- Apple tree care Constellation
- Collection and storage
- Conclusion
- Reviews of gardeners about the columnar apple tree Constellation
The Constellation apple tree is a variety obtained several years ago. Gives large, tasty and fragrant apples, which are stored almost until the next harvest. You can grow trees both for yourself and for commercial purposes.
History of breeding
The constellation is a variety of columnar apple. It was launched at the Oryol station. The exact origin is unknown – it is believed that the culture 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, the researchers applied for the inclusion of the Sozvezdie variety in the register of breeding achievements in Our Country. So far, she has remained unanswered. Officially, the variety is not included in the register, although it has already spread to many regions, including those with frosty winters.
Description of the apple tree Constellation with a photo
Variety Constellation refers to columnar apple trees. Therefore, in the description of gardeners, the height and diameter of the tree, the appearance, shape, and color of the fruit are of particular interest. 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.
The fruiting of the Constellation variety apple tree goes on such branches as ringworms, as well as fruit twigs (they extend directly from the trunk). The bark is brown with a hint of greenish or brown. Sometimes a slight pubescence is noticeable. The roots are fibrous, deepening slightly, while they are well branched.
Leaves
The leaves of the Constellation apple tree are small, the color is green or dark green. Leaf plates are dense and leathery, glisten in the sun. The shape is elongated, the tips are long-pointed, serrate-crenate, with well-defined notches and wavy edges.
Fruit
The fruits of the apple tree Constellation are quite large in size, the average weight reaches 125-150 g. The color is dark red, saturated. The shape is rounded, correct. Wax coating is visible on the surface. The pulp is greenish in color, with a pleasant aroma.
Apples are large, 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 detailed below.
Palatability
One of the advantages of the Constellation apple tree is the pleasant, illuminating taste of apples. Noticeable balance of sweet and sour. The pulp is quite juicy and aromatic.
The composition includes such components:
- simple sugars – 13,7%;
- acids – not more than 0,7% in total
- pectins – about 11,4%
- vitamin S – up to 12 mg per 100 g;
- substances with P-activity – up to 300 mg per 100 g.
Terms of maturation
The constellation apple tree belongs to the varieties of late flowering. The buds appear in the first half of May, but open only by the end of the month or even in the first decade of June. The flowers are massive, snow-white, shaped like a bowl. Arranged in small inflorescences. Flowering lasts from 2 to 3 weeks, depending on how warm the spring will be.
The fruits of the Constellation variety ripen from late September to mid-October. They stick quite well to the petioles, so you can clean it at any convenient time. During the period of final ripening, the surface of the fruit is covered with a bluish bloom. 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 the first full-fledged harvest by 5-7 years of life. The total period of fruiting is short. Therefore, already after 8-10 years, it is necessary to think about planting new seedlings.
Pollinators
The Constellation apple tree is self-fertile, therefore it does not need pollinating varieties. However, to maintain productivity, it is recommended to plant as many flowers as possible and, if possible, bring a mobile apiary with bees.
The variety is self-fertile, does not need pollinators.
Frost resistance
One of the advantages of the Constellation apple tree is that the culture has a very high winter hardiness. The tree can withstand up to -37 degrees, and sometimes up to -42 ° C.
Growing regions
Apple tree Constellation 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 characterized by complete resistance to scab, satisfactory immunity to powdery mildew. However, it may suffer from other fungal, bacterial infections. The invasion of aphids, spider mites and other pests is not excluded.
Therefore, in the spring it is recommended to carry out regular treatments with special preparations. In summer, the trees are inspected and, if necessary, sprayed with insecticides. During the fruiting period, biological preparations and folk remedies are used.
Advantages and disadvantages
Apple tree Constellation has many advantages. 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. Apples are large, attractive in appearance, stored for a very long time. Therefore, you can cultivate a culture both for yourself and for sale.
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.
Cons:
- short life cycle;
- needs frequent watering.
Planting an apple tree Constellation
The planting of the Constellation apple tree is planned for the autumn period, although the spring procedure is also allowed. In regions with frosty winters, it is best to land at the beginning of the season – the first half of April. In the middle lane, the Volga region, the Black Earth region, in the south, landing in the fall is possible – from late September to mid-October.
The place should be sunny and well protected from through winds, especially from the north side of the garden. When landing, they act like this:
- Dig holes at intervals of 1 m with a depth of 60-70 cm.
- Lay a layer of stones, then – fertile soil.
- Put a peg in the center.
- A seedling is placed, the soil is compacted so that the root collar is 5-7 cm above the ground.
- Tie a seedling of an apple tree Constellation to a peg.
- Water and mulch after a few days (during autumn planting, the layer height should be at least 10 cm).
Apple tree care Constellation
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 – young seedlings weekly, adult trees – once every 10 days (during drought twice as often).
Water is preliminarily defended on the street or indoors. It is important to ensure that the soil does not dry out. To do this, it is recommended to mulch the trunk circle with sawdust, hay, straw or other materials.
After watering, loosening is carried out, if necessary, weeding is done. Fertilizers are applied regularly, starting from the second season after planting. In early April, give urea or ammonium nitrate (20 g per 10 liters). During budding and then 2-3 more times with an interval 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 start of sap flow, they make sanitary pruning of the Constellation apple tree. After that, it is recommended to treat with Bordeaux liquid or another fungicide. Spraying against insects should be carried out in spring and summer. To do this, use insecticides – “Decis”, “Fufanon”, “Inta-Vir” and others.
Collection and storage
Apple tree Constellation refers to winter varieties. Harvesting 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 bloom.
You need to store apples in a room with the following conditions:
- temperature 2-5 degrees above zero;
- humidity 70%;
- darkness;
- regular ventilation.
Subject to the storage rules, the fruits of the Constellation apple tree lie for a very long time. They are laid in wooden boxes and kept until next summer, and sometimes until the new crop is harvested. 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. Brings tasty fruits, is characterized by good productivity and immunity. When leaving, it is important to carry out timely watering and regularly fertilize.
Reviews of gardeners about the columnar apple tree Constellation
