Theappletree is the most widely adapted of all temperate-zone fruit trees.
Though native to central Asia and Afghanistan, the deciduous, fruit-bearing trees are cultivated all over the world.
Many cultivars have chilling requirements that must be met for fruits to develop properly.
Honeycrisp is a popular apple because its tree doesn’t take up much space.Credit:OliverChilds/Getty Images
So, if youd like to grow your own, choose a cultivar that will thrive in your climate.
Apple trees are copious producers if properly pollinated and planted in full sun and well-drained soil.
Where to Plant Apple Trees
The key to successfully growing apples is to pick the right spot.
Honeycrisp is a popular apple because its tree doesn’t take up much space.Credit:OliverChilds/Getty Images
All apples do best in full sun andmoist, well-drained soil.
Soggy or swampy soil can kill the tree.
Apple trees require ample room to spread and grow.
Plan for mature full-size trees to reach 20 to 30 feet tall and wide.
Dwarf varieties will grow about 8 to 10 tall and wide.
Test Garden Tip:Apples bear best when there are two varieties nearby to pollinate each other.
In fact, some appleshaveto be pollinated by another variety to bear fruit.
When selecting varieties for your yard, be sure to note any special needs such as this.
If you only have room for one tree, choose a self-pollinating cultivar.
If you are planting abare root tree, soak the roots for a few hours before preparing your hole.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root system and just as deep.
Using the native soil, make a cone-shape mound in the center of the hole to support the roots.
Honeycrisp is a popular apple because its tree doesn’t take up much space.Credit:OliverChilds/Getty Images
Spread the roots over the mound and backfill the hole with the remaining displaced soil.
Add a stake to stabilize the tree and water the tree deeply.
If planting more than one standard apple tree, space them 20 to 25 feet apart.
Fuji apples are the fourth most popular apple in the U.S., but they may get knocked out off that spot soon.Credit: (Photo: YellowFootPrint/Shutterstock)
Dwarf and semi-dwarf trees can be placed 8 to 12 feet apart.
Light
Apple trees require at least 8 hours of full sun each day to thrive.
They do not tolerate soils with standing water.
Credit:John Burke / Getty Images
Young trees may want as much as 2 inches of water per week.
Regardless of your tree’s age,water it deeply and slowlyto prevent run-off.
During hotter months, your tree may require additional water.
Golden Delicious Apple Tree.Credit:JackF / Getty Images
If you live in a warmer climate, look for varieties with low chill-hour requirements.
If your tree is producing more than 18 inches of new growth per year, do not fertilize.
This helps establish the tree faster, but no other pruning is required.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Remove any branches that have died and shoots that pop up around the tree’s roots.
Like many trees, apples have a central leadera main, upright trunkthat supports the branches.
Your apple tree will stay healthiest if you prune it to have an open framework.
Pick apples from the tree when they separate easily from the branch with a gentle tug.
Ripe apples should have firm flesh.
Soft, overripe apples are excellent forcookingand cider-making.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
it’s possible for you to alsofreeze sliced applesfor later use in pies, cobblers, and crisps.
However, it’s best to choose dwarf varieties that won’t outgrow or topple their containers.
Start small with a cutting or sapling and work your way up to larger containers.
Credit: Scott Little
Fill your pots with a high-quality potting mix or a mix of compost and potting mix.
It’s best not to use garden soil as it doesn’t drain well in containers.
In Zone 6 and warmer, you might leave the pots outdoors all year.
Credit:Kindra Clineff
It’s important to keep container-grown apple trees watered well.
In early spring, water your tree and ease it from its container.
Untangle and inspect the roots, cutting off any dead bits.
Credit: Bob Stefko
When the tree becomes too large to repot, replace the soil every 3 to 5 years.
Pests and Problems
Unfortunately, apples are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases.
For example, apple maggotlarvae burrow into the fruit, causing infested apples to drop early.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Prevent it by picking up and destroying fallen apples every week in summer.
Use apple-maggot traps in the tree to catch the adult moths.
Apple scabis most prevalent in areas with cool, wet spring weather.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
Look for olive-brown spots on the leaves and the fruits.
Cedar-apple rustcauses pale yellow spots on leaf surfaces and fruits.
The spots grow, turn orange, and get tiny black dots in them.
Prevent it by selecting rust-resistant varieties, spraying with a liquid-sulfur spray in spring, and removing any nearbyjunipers.
Codling mothis a common insect pest.
Its larvae feed on the fruits, creating small holes.
Prevent it by spraying Bt, a natural bacterium, two weeks after the petals drop from the blossoms.
Fireblightcauses blossoms to turn brown and die and branches to wilt and die with the leaves still on.
It is possible to grow apples organically as long as you’re willing to tolerate a few superficial blemishes.
There are several grafting methods but whip grafting is often the easiest for beginners.
You will also need to collect a scion from your parent tree in late winter.
Snip your scion at this juncture.
To whip graft your apple tree, cut your scion wood at a 45-degree angle just below a bud.
Then, cut your rootstock at a 45-degree angle approximately 6 to 8 inches above the ground.
Align the angled pieces together making sure the cell layers match up.
Use a piece of grafting tape to secure the pieces together.
Apply a sealant (like grafting wax).
Plant the cut end of your tree segment in a prepared container filled with vermiculite.
Store the cutting in a cool, dry place (like a basement or cellar) for several weeks.
While it is growing, keep the soil evenly moist, but not wet.
Types of Apple Trees
There are more than 7,000 varieties of apple.
Since each is different, take the time to research the best selections for your area.
It is a popular choice forpies and dessertsbecause the apples hold their shape and bring acidity to recipes.
They were first introduced in New South Wales in 1868 by Granny Anne Smith.
Honeycrisp
OliverChilds/Getty Images
Honeycrisp apple trees (Malus domesticaHoneycrisp) grow approximately 12 to 15 feet tall.
They can be grown in almost any zone but are hardy in zones 4-9.
The cultivar was developed by the University of Minnesota and is one of the most cold-hardy apple varieties.
Honeycrisp apple trees require cross-pollination from another tree to produce fruitbut its well worth it.
The apples are surprisingly crisp and juicy with a flavor reminiscent of apple cider.
They have an orangish-red flesh with a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
Fuji apple trees require cross-pollination to produce fruit.
They have a pear-like quality and are great for snacking, cooking, and making salads.
They are partially self-fertile and require cross-pollination from another tree to produce fruit.
They are often used for mild apple dishes like sauces and salads.
They grow best in zones 4-9.
Golden delicious apple trees are self-fertile but require cross-pollination from another tree to produce fruit.
Crabapple
Crabapple trees (Malusspp.)
are hardy deciduous trees that typically grow 10 to 20 feet tall and wide.
They are long-blooming plants with spikes of flowers atop tall, herbaceous stalks.
It is hardy in zones 4-10.
In herb gardens, chamomile is said to improve the flavor and scent of other herbs.
Coreopsis
Coreopsisis an annual (and sometimes perennial) that is hardy in zones 3-9.
It’s also a favorite food for black swallowtail caterpillars.
Best of all, the garden requires littlepruningor other care to thrive and provides plenty of all-season interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
For best results, choose trees that bloom in the same season.
When in doubt, ask your local extension service for recommendations or plant a crabapple tree.
Crabapple trees are often used in orchards to cross-pollinate apple trees because they are long-blooming and require little care.
Remember, all apple trees require some measure of cross-pollination from a compatible tree to produce the best fruit.
Even self-fruitful trees perform better with cross-pollination.
Plant compatible trees within 50 feet of each other for the best apple crop.
However, the project may not yield the results you are looking for.
For one,the process requires a lot of patience and time.
What’s more, apple seeds don’t grow “true to punch in”.
Your best bet is to clone an apple tree via grafting.
If properly planted and cross-pollinated, dwarf apple trees should begin producing fruit 2 to 3 years after planting.
Standard-size trees may take as long as 6 to 8 years to produce fruit.
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