Columnar peach: description of varieties with photos and names

The unusual columnar crown shape distinguishes the Kolinsky peach from other tree species. This plant is an option for gardeners looking to grow a juicy and sweet fruit in a small space. Ornamental beauty, compact size, high-quality fruit, and low maintenance are the main advantages of the columnar peach.

General characteristics

Columnar peach varieties are low-growing (1.5-2 m) deciduous fruit trees with a narrow (about 50 cm) cylindrical crown. The fruits, supported by short branches, are positioned close to the main stem, forming a "column." The side shoots are unbranched. One or more plants are typically planted to decorate a garden: they look very picturesque during flowering and fruiting.

The foliage of these fruit trees is dark green, oblong and oval, with pointed tips. Besides being decorative, the tree produces a good harvest. There are early and late-blooming varieties, but on average, they begin blooming in mid-spring and bear fruit in the second half of summer. Although the yield of these varieties is lower than that of other varieties due to their small size, their fruit is tastier and more aromatic, with juicy, sweet flesh.

The average fruit weighs 250 grams. It contains a complex of beneficial substances: vitamins, minerals, essential oils, plant acids, and sugars. Breeders have developed cultivars that can withstand temperatures as low as -40°C and are relatively resistant to diseases and pests. This allows them to be planted in any climate zone.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Cultivars with this crown type have a number of advantages and disadvantages. Compactness – plants don't require much space, unlike a two-year-old seedling of any garden crop. Other advantages:

1. The narrow crown of such fruit trees will not shade other shrubs in the garden.
2. Growing columnar peaches is easy: planting and care don't require much time or resources, and they don't require extensive gardening experience. Pruning the branches, watering the tree, and harvesting are simple. These trees don't require crown shaping.
3. Varietal columnar trees tolerate winter well and are easier to cover.
4. Immunity to diseases and pests.
5. Excellent taste, large fruit size.
6. During flowering, additional pollination is not required, as the tree is self-fertile.

There are significantly fewer disadvantages. The first is the relatively low yield due to the small crown size. Their short lifespan makes them less attractive to gardeners: not everyone wants to replant every 5-7 years. Finally, the price of a single cylindrical-crowned seedling can reach up to 1,000 rubles, which is significantly more expensive than standard varieties.

Columnar peach: the best varieties

Fruit breeders have developed many varieties suitable for plantings in a country gardenThe list of the best columnar peach varieties includes Honey, Souvenir, Golden Triumph, Ring, Anniversary of the Capital, Gardener's Totem, Steinberg, and Kulon.

Honey

Lovers of early varieties will definitely appreciate the columnar peach "Honey." Numerous reviews report that the fruits of this variety grow truly large, averaging 180-200 g. They are round, yellow with a red blush on the side, and moderately pubescent. The taste lives up to its name: the flesh is juicy and sweet, as if spiced with honey. The pit separates very easily.

The honey variety tree typically grows no more than 2 m tall, with an oval crown and dense foliage. The harvest period is average, with harvesting beginning in the first half of July. Each cultivar yields approximately 10-12 kg of select fruit—a good yield for a small tree.

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Souvenir

The columnar peach variety Souvenir originates from Crimea. It developed in the mild and warm southern climate, so it has average frost resistance. The description and online photos indicate that these fruits are yellow both inside and out with a slight reddish blush and weigh between 150 and 200 grams. The skin is fluffy. Those who have tried Souvenir claim that the flesh is very juicy, sweet, and has a pleasant pineapple scent.

The average height is 2-2.5 m, and the crown width is about 0.5 m. The fruits technically ripen by early August, but experienced gardeners allow them to ripen until the second half of the month: this will improve the flavor. This type of peach tree is replanted every three years.

Golden Triumph

The Golden Triumph peach ripens early, in early July. It's no wonder it got its name. The ripe fruit is beautiful, large, and red with fragrant orange flesh. Golden Triumph is a peach with a record weight among alternative varieties: it reaches 285 g. During the fruiting season, a single plant can yield up to 12 kg of fruit.

As for the cultivar as a whole, its height does not exceed 1.4 m, and its crown is narrow. It is distinguished by its resistance to diseases and tolerance to fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

Ring and Pendant

Plants of the "Persten" variety begin bearing fruit in midsummer, between July 10th and 20th. These plants also don't exceed 2 meters in height. Their foliage is bright green and medium-dense. Peaches weigh up to 200 grams and are distinguished by their orange color with a dark red blush. The skin is slightly pubescent. The flesh is fibrous. A single plant can yield up to 15 kg of aromatic fruit.

Kulon is a variety that came to us from America. These trees have a more branched and voluminous crown. The fruit is round, with a distinctive groove in the center. The color is yellowish-pink and fluffy. The flesh is fleshy, golden in color, and the pit is easily removed. The average peach weighs up to 170 g.

The capital's anniversary

The peach variety "Yubiley Stolitsy" is similar in height to other varieties. Its crown is medium-sized and leafy. Its advantage is its robust resistance to temperature fluctuations, fungi, and pests. Seedling sellers claim that a single plant yields approximately 11 kg. Like most of the varieties described, the "Yubiley Stolitsy" is rounded with a pointed tip, and its color is yellow-pink. The flesh is firm, sweet, and light yellow. The fruit is massive, weighing approximately 230 g.

This columnar peach ripens early—the Yubiley Stolichny peach bears fruit as early as mid-July. The Yubiley Stolichny peach is not only eaten fresh. Gardeners make jam, compotes, dry it, or simply freeze it to enjoy its refreshing taste throughout the winter.

Gardener's totem

The Gardener's Totem is the most popular of the varieties listed. It is renowned for its large fruits (around 280 g) and high yield. Gardeners have harvested over 15 kg of flat-round fruits with a refreshing aroma from a single tree. They are yellow and rosy in appearance. The harvest has a long shelf life and is resistant to shipping, making it suitable for commercial cultivation.

The plant's trunk reaches 1.7 m in length and is evenly covered with shoots. Gardener's Totem is characterized by mid-early ripening: gardeners begin enjoying its juicy fruits between July 15th and 20th.

Steinberg

The columnar Steinberg peach is easily distinguished from others by its elongated, pyramidal crown, which sometimes rises just over 2 m above the ground. Its diameter is small – only 0.4 m. The rounded, flattened Steinberg fruits typically weigh no more than 150 g. They are yellow with a bright crimson blush on the sunny side and a distinct peach scent.

The Steinberg columnar peach is often discussed on forums. Experienced gardeners say this fruit thrives even in Siberia, provided it receives adequate shelter during the winter months. Sunlight has virtually no effect on its flavor; the plant thrives regardless of the conditions.

Varieties for gardeners in the Moscow region

The weather conditions in the Moscow region would be detrimental to regular peaches: the southern crop is not accustomed to severe frosts. However, columnar peaches are suitable for the Moscow region, as they can withstand subzero temperatures even lower than those near Moscow and are very rarely susceptible to disease. All the previously mentioned varieties will thrive in the Moscow region without any problems.

The columnar peach, Inzhinny, also survives the Moscow region winter. It's more cold-hardy than common varieties and was bred relatively recently. The Inzhinny fruit weighs about 170 g, an average-sized amount. It's not cheap, but it's worth the money: the flattened fruit's flesh is rich in vitamins and has a delicate flavor. The only drawback is that it doesn't keep well due to its thin skin.

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Reviews

Alexandra, 36 years old

I first saw columnar peach trees in a friend's greenhouse. I especially liked the Honey peach variety. They were a true marvel, both in appearance and taste. I planted the same ones at my dacha. I now have three of these trees. Last summer, I sampled my first harvest: the peaches were honey-colored and juicy. I'm planning to buy Steinberg peach trees.

Vadim, 42 years old

My experiment with these peaches (the Totem Gardener variety) began three years ago. I was afraid that the harsh climate would prevent the columnar trees from taking root and lead to their death. However, my worries were unfounded. Last year's harvest was small; this season, it's several kilograms. They taste just as good, if not better, than regular peaches. And what a fragrance!

Elena, 54 years old

This is incredible. I chose the Kulon variety instead of a regular peach tree because I had limited space (a small plot near the house). I haven't regretted it one bit. The plant is easy to grow, miniature, disease-resistant, and even produces delicious fruit. All in all, it's a positive.

The columnar peach is both beautiful and practical. Miniature and undemanding, it thrives and produces fruit, even for novice gardeners. The harvest ripens quickly, and the fruit, planted directly on the trunk, is fragrant and sweet.