Apple Trees — FarmPal
The backbone of any home orchard. Fresh eating, baking, cider, and storage.
Sun
full
Water
moderate
Spacing
Standard: 25-30 ft. Semi-dwarf: 12-15 ft. Dwarf: 8-10 ft
Days to Harvest
2-5 years to first fruit. 100-180 days from bloom to harvest.
Planting Depth
Graft union 2-4 inches above soil line
Companion Plants
Chives
Nasturtiums
Comfrey
Clover groundcover
Avoid Planting Near
Grass right up to trunk
Black walnut
Common Pests
Codling moth
Apple maggot
Aphids
Japanese beetles
Deer
Diseases to Watch
Fire blight
Apple scab
Cedar apple rust
Powdery mildew
Growing Tips
- •Most apples need a pollination partner (different variety)
- •Prune in late winter while dormant
- •Thin fruit to 6-8 inches apart for larger apples
- •Keep grass 3-4 feet away from trunk
- •Use tree guards to prevent rodent damage
Harvesting
- •Twist and lift don't pull straight down
- •Ripe when seeds are dark brown
- •Harvest early varieties before they get mealy
- •Handle gently to prevent bruising
Storage
Cool basement or refrigerator 2-6 months. Late varieties store longest.
Varieties
Honeycrisp
Exceptionally crisp and sweet. Stores well.
Granny Smith
Tart, firm. Best for baking. Very long storage.
Fuji
Super sweet. Excellent storage. Great fresh.
Liberty
Disease resistant. Great for organic growing.
Arkansas Black
Deep red to purple. Improves with storage.