Apple

Plant family

Rose family (Rosaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Plant distance

250 cm

Row spacing

300 cm

Seeding depth

60 cm

Instructions

Description

The apple belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae) and is one of the most widely grown fruit trees in the world and is classified as a pome fruit. There are a variety of cultivars, most of which, however, are enthusiast varieties and are not grown conventionally. Today's cultivated varieties are largely descended from the wild varieties of dwarf apple (Malus pumila) and wood apple (Malus sylvestris). Apple trees can grow up to 10 m tall. The white flowers form and open in early-late spring depending on climatic conditions. The round to partially flat fruits of the apple come in red, green or even yellow.

Growing tips

Apple blossoms only tolerate frost down to -1°C, so the location of the apple tree should not be susceptible to late frost. Apple trees like deep, humus-rich soil that is not too cold or wet. Diseases then develop more easily. In terms of varieties, there are some differences as to which conditions are best. A second apple tree can be helpful for pollination, as apple trees do not pollinate themselves. To plant a root-free apple tree, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and do not plant the apple tree deeper in the soil than before. Compost fertilization is recommended when planting. Shake the tree a little to distribute the soil between the roots. After filling up, press the soil down firmly and water well. In addition, shorten the top and side shoots by no more than half and tie the tree to a stake. Apple trees should be well fertilized once in March and supplemented with infusions in summer. If the apple tree has a very large crop of fruit in one year, it should be thinned out a little, otherwise it will only bear sparsely the following year. The crown of the apple tree should remain light, so prune inward-growing shoots in winter. To shorten overhanging branches with too many fruits, you should choose August. Nesting aids and food plants for insects can help to ensure a richer harvest. Apples can be harvested as soon as they have reached their typical color and come off the tree easily. Stored varieties should be harvested a little earlier. Liming for the winter can provide frost protection and protect against pests. The large, black seeds found in the fruit are suitable for propagation. The fruits are available in specialist fruit stores and sometimes also in supermarkets. Use sandy, lean soil and bury the seeds at a depth of approx. 2 cm. Germination takes place at 20-25°C, usually within 3 weeks. However, it can also take up to six months for them to germinate. Pests include the codling moth and the apple web moth. Diseases also include apple scab. Collect fallen leaves in the fall and dispose of them in the organic waste garbage can.