Apple tree (Malus domestica) OSTANKINO

Columnar Apple (Malus domestica) 'Ostankino'

One of the best and most reliable Russian columnar varieties.

'Ostankino' is one of the first and most widespread Russian columnar apple varieties with autumn ripening, which has proven its reliability over the years. It is prized for its very early entry into bearing, high and regular productivity, high frost hardiness, and large, attractive fruits of dessert quality. It is a natural semi-dwarf tree with a compact growth habit and is self-fertile. The fruits are large, with a purple-red blush, and their flesh is very juicy, sweet-tart with a predominance of sweetness, and an excellent 'McIntosh'-type aroma.

Main advantages of the variety:

• High productivity and very early entry into bearing: Produces a crop as early as the 2nd year.
• Excellent dessert flavor: Sweet and very juicy fruits with a 'McIntosh' aroma.
• High frost hardiness (down to -35 °C) and resistance to scab.
• Self-fertile: Bears fruit reliably even as a single tree and sets fruit well even in cold weather.
• Compact columnar growth: Ideal for small gardens and container growing.

Origin and Registration

• Country of origin: Russia, Moscow
• Breeder: Prof. V.V. Kichina
• Cross: ‘Vazhak’ × ‘Obil'noye’
• Year of registration: 2002

Variety Characteristics

Tree

It is a natural semi-dwarf tree, reaching a height of 2–3 meters. The crown is compact, columnar, and densely covered with short fruit-bearing wood. The lifespan of the tree is approximately 15–16 years. It is self-fertile and sets fruit well even in cold weather.

Fruit

• Size and weight: Large, with an average weight of 100–160 grams, maximum up to 300 g.
• Shape: Oblate, symmetrical.
• Skin: Thin but firm, greenish-yellow, with a prominent purple-red blush.
• Flesh: White, fine-grained, medium-firm, very juicy.
• Taste: Excellent, dessert quality, sweet-tart with a predominance of sweetness and a distinct 'McIntosh'-type aroma.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost hardiness: High, withstands frosts down to -35 °C.
• Disease resistance: Good, resistant to scab but more sensitive to powdery mildew.
• Drought resistance: Medium.

Growing Recommendations

• Use: Universal – for fresh consumption and all types of processing (juices, jams, compotes, cider).

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest time: Late August to mid-September.
• Storability: Good, lasts for 1 month in normal conditions, and until December or February in a refrigerator.