Long and tall, sturdy and bushy
Columnar fruit trees are often referred to as "ballerinas." Aptly, they're as slender and graceful as a prima ballerina and take up little space—leaving plenty for your chill-out corner and you! Columnar trees grow to about 40–60 cm wide and between 2–3 m tall. To ensure a bountiful fruit harvest, the trees should receive as much sunshine as possible. The more shade, the lower the yield—it's that simple. The trees certainly look decorative on the balcony. Miniature trees are even smaller: at 1.5 m, they've reached their growth target, yet they still bear tasty fruit—up to 20 or 30 are quite possible. The secret to their dwarfism is a weakly growing rootstock that slows the entire tree's growth "above ground." Choose self-fertile varieties at a garden center or online nursery. Many fruit varieties cannot pollinate their blossoms themselves, but usually require a companion tree to produce fruit. This can be a wild bird cherry, as is the case with sweet cherries. It's also important to choose the most resilient varieties possible. These varieties are less susceptible to, or even completely resistant to, diseases such as scab. Unlike fruit trees in the garden, ballerina and miniature trees require little or no pruning. Only very old fruit shoots are removed in February.
Easy to maintain
No matter which growth form you ultimately choose, a large planting container is essential for the survival of all balcony fruit trees. Minis usually need to be repotted immediately after purchase into a container that is about 6–10 cm wider than the existing pot. A 30-liter flowerpot is usually sufficient for the first four years. After about six years, it's time to expand; the new pot should then ideally hold 50 liters. Plant a grafted tree in nutrient-rich soil so that the grafting point (where the trunk has a larger bump) is about 8 cm above the top layer of soil. Make sure there is a drainage hole in the bottom of the pot (see page 28). In any case, the trunk should be supported by a stake to ensure it remains stable and upright. Don't forget to water it thoroughly several times! Fertilization is usually done in the spring with slow-release fertilizer, with occasional liquid fertilizer applied; pay attention to the individual instructions of the respective grower. In winter, fruit plantations on the balcony prove to be relatively uncomplicated. In a sheltered location, the tubs wrapped in fleece usually survive the cold season without any problems.
My relaxation tip
If you're having trouble deciding which variety to plant on your balcony, simply opt for a multi-variety tree. This tree combines both early and late-ripening apples, for example, ensuring long-lasting enjoyment.
