Malus domestica 'GREENCATS' columnar apple tree
Symbivit Tric (arbuscular)
Symbivit (arbuscular)Malus
Columnar apple trees form a distinctive branch in the long history of Malus domestica, which began when wild apples from the Caucasus and Central Asia gradually spread into Europe and became one of the most widely grown fruit trees of the temperate zone. The modern columnar form, however, originated only in the 1960s as a spontaneous bud mutation on the cultivar McIntosh, later named McIntosh Wijcik. The tree developed a strong upright leader, extremely short internodes and, instead of long lateral branches, produced dense fruiting brachyblasts (short, stubby shoots bearing flower buds) – a feature that immediately attracted the attention of breeders. Since columnar apples are naturally rather compact in habit, they are often grafted onto more vigorous rootstocks such as MM106 or MM111 to improve growth, although this is not essential.
The genetic basis of this growth form is linked to the dominant Co gene, located on chromosome 10. Later molecular analyses showed that the columnar habit is associated with the insertion of a Ty3/Gypsy-type retrotransposon into a non-coding region of the genome, present in all columnar cultivars and absent in standard forms. This insertion alters the expression of growth-related genes, particularly those regulating auxin transport, gibberellin levels and strigolactone production, leading to the suppression of lateral branching and the promotion of short fruiting shoots. The Co gene is inherited dominantly, and its presence can be traced throughout the entire lineage of columnar cultivars, from the original Wijcik to modern selections intended for intensive orchards as well as small gardens.
Greencats is another columnar apple variety. It bears medium-sized or large apples with rich green, glossy skin similar to Granny Smith variety. The flesh is firm and crisp, juicy, sweet and sour. The fruit is resistant to scab, canker, and powdery mildew. Greencats is a late variety can be picked from mid October onwards and stored until end February.
Last update: 27-01-2012; 23-10-2016
Columnar apples can also be grown in containers, provided the container is large enough and offers excellent drainage. A minimum volume of 40–60 litres is recommended, ideally a ceramic or wooden pot that does not overheat. The substrate must be airy, fertile and consistently slightly moist, as roots in containers dry out more quickly – especially in winter, which is the most dangerous period for apples. In hot summers, regular watering is essential, often every other day, along with twice-yearly feeding – organic fertiliser in spring and a light dose of potassium in summer to support wood ripening. The container should be placed in a sheltered spot to prevent the tree from toppling in strong winds. Wintering is reliable as long as the root ball does not freeze too deeply; placing the pot on an insulating layer (wood, polystyrene) and wrapping it with jute or spruce branches helps stabilise temperature. Container growing works best with trees on medium-vigour rootstocks (MM106, MM111), which tolerate restricted root space better. Under these conditions, container cultivation is long-term sustainable, typically for 8–12 years.
They also grow reliably in almost any non-waterlogged soil, but for the best growth and fruiting they prefer deep, fertile ground that retains moisture without becoming heavy. After planting they require regular watering, especially during the first two years and during fruit development; later they cope well with short dry periods. They fruit mainly on horizontally oriented wood, but their columnar habit naturally produces short lateral fruiting spurs, so pruning is minimal – remove only damaged or crossing shoots and always preserve the leader, which determines the height of the tree. Regular pruning is NOT recommended, as it can lead to overcrowding and the formation of vigorous, unproductive shoots. Growth is moderate, and the tree responds well to compost or a spring dose of organic fertiliser. Rootstocks such as MM106 or MM111 provide stable growth and good vitality even in poorer soils. Hardiness is around –30 °C (USDA zone 5)
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- STANDARD QUALITY - Plants of this group are 1st class quality with number of branches and overall density adequate to their size and age, considering they were container grown.
- DE LUXE QUALITY - This label guarantees a luxurious quality of manually selected plants that, compared to their height and age, are exceptionally dense and beautiful.
- EXTRA - These plants are usually mature and bigger specimens with exceptional overall appearance.
- STANDARD (as described in the plant form) means a tree with a trunk of 190-210 cm and a crown at the top, unless specified differently. The commercial size for trees is their girth measured in the height of 1m from ground.
- HOBBY - These plants are of the same quality as our standard-quality plants but younger and therefore cheaper.
- SHRUB - a woody plant with branches growing bushy from the ground level.
- HALF-STANDARD or MINI-STANDARD - a small tree with shorter trunk, its size is usually specified.
- FEATHERED - These are trees with branches growing already from the base of the trunk and up along the stem.
- GRASSES and PERENNIALS - Sizes given usually read the diameter of the pot or the clump, as specified.
