Overview of varieties and features of growing columnar pears

General description of columnar pears

The columnar variety of pears has two striking features: compact size and high fertility. In height, such trees can grow up to 2 m. The trunk of the plant is larger than that of ordinary trees of this fruit crop. Fruiting occurs along the trunk.

The description of the fruit directly depends on the pear variety. The fruits are usually large in size and have a typical flavor. Fruit ripening dates are different. There are summer and winter varieties. The average yield per tree is 3–8 kg.

Video "How to Prune Columnar Trees"

This video will show you how to properly prune columnar trees.

Varieties

The following varieties of columnar pears are most popular with gardeners:

1. Sapphire. Fruiting begins at 3 years old. The fruits ripen in September. The fruits are elongated and pink-green in color. Their average weight is 250 g;
2. Pavlovskaya. The crop appears in 2 years. Fruit picking - in October. Pears are large, juicy and sweet. Their skin is thin. It is colored yellow-pink;
3. Carmen. Harvesting takes place in summer. The peel of pears is bright burgundy. The fruits themselves are large. They weigh about 300 g. The fruit tastes very sweet;
4. Delight. The crop is removed as it ripens. Fruits weigh about 100–160 g. Pears smell good and are delicious. Their skins are unevenly yellow in color. Small dots are often present on its surface;
5. Honey. Fruit ripening takes place in mid-August. Pears are yellow-green in color. The fruits are very large and can weigh about 400 g. The pulp is juicy and sweet, has a light pleasant aroma;
6. Decor. The crop ripens in late summer and early autumn. Fruiting begins at the 2nd year of the tree's life. Fruits are oval, yellow.

"Tenderness" also belongs to the columnar varieties. Refers to autumn varieties. Pears weighing up to 150 g are formed on the tree. They are egg-shaped and have a green skin. The variety is characterized by very juicy and delicate fruits. Their taste is sour.

This is not a complete list of columnar pear species.

Advantages and disadvantages

Columnar varieties have the following advantages:

• take up little space in the garden;
• many species begin to bear fruit as early as the second year after planting;
• a huge assortment of varieties. You can choose a variety for specific climatic conditions;
• high transportability of fruits;
• easy to harvest;
• high fertility of trees.

Thanks to these qualities, columnar varieties have many positive reviews. In addition to the above advantages, such a pear has a number of disadvantages:

1. Short lifespan of trees. If the care of the plant is correct, then the pear will live for about 10 years.
2. Saplings are demanding to care for. To obtain abundant fruiting, certain agrotechnical techniques should be observed.

Features of agricultural technology

The columnar pear is planted in pits 50 cm wide and 80 cm deep. Saplings should be planted in April-May or September-October. Trees are usually planted in one lane. But if the size of the garden allows, it is allowed to organize two lanes.

After planting, the roots of the plant remain close to the surface. Therefore, loosening and weeding of the trunk circle is performed very carefully so as not to damage the root system.

After planting, the seedlings must be properly cared for. Watering is performed 3-4 times a week in the morning. 5–8 liters of water are poured under one tree. Waterlogging of the soil leads to root rot.

The first feeding is carried out before the leaves appear. Organic feed should be used carefully.

Due to the high growth rate, tree pruning is imperative. With proper formation, pears grow by 10-12 cm per year. They also have 3-4 new branches.

In the first year, all the flowers that appear are cut off. This will allow the seedling to take root better in its new location. For the next year, you can leave 4-5 fruits.

Despite the frost resistance, pears should be covered for the winter. It is especially important to perform this procedure in the first year after planting. The shelter is formed after the first frost. Plants are protected from frost with straw, spruce branches and non-woven textiles. When constructing protection, it is necessary to ensure that mice and other rodents do not get inside. Moisture should not be allowed inside the shelter, otherwise the decay process will begin.

Pollination nuances

Almost all varieties of columnar pears are self-fertile. For the formation of the crop, they need the presence of pollinating trees near. The best pollinating varieties are:

• Bere Bosk;
• Duchess;
• Favorite of Yakovlev and others.

It is necessary to choose a pollinator for each specific variety. Both trees should bloom at the same time.

Gardeners reviews

Maria, 35 years old: “A couple of years ago, my husband and I bought three different saplings of a columnar pear. During the first year, they were abundantly watered and fed. The next year we have already received a small harvest. The number of fruits grows every year. We are very pleased with the purchase. "

Alexander Nikiforovich, 50 years old: “I have been breeding columnar pears for many years. Of all types, the most beloved are Sapphire and Honey. Of course, you have to tinker a lot with the trees, but the tasty harvest is worth it. "