Apple tree

Malus domestica · Tree/Shrub

A hardy fruit tree that needs a cold winter to fruit well. Most varieties need a second, different apple nearby for pollination. Dwarf rootstocks keep trees small enough for a garden or even a large container.

Care at a glance

Light

Full sun, 6–8 hours a day

Water

1–2 in per week in the first years; deep, infrequent soaks

Soil

Deep, well-drained loam; pH 6.0–7.0

Temperature

Hardy to about -30 °F depending on variety; needs winter chill

Spacing

8–10 ft for dwarf, 15–20 ft for semi-dwarf

Container

Dwarf types in 15–20 gallons, 18 in deep

Harvest

Fruit 2–5 years after planting, late summer to autumn (estimated)

Lifespan

50+ years (estimated)

When?

Plant bare-root trees in late winter or early spring while dormant; container trees can go in from autumn to spring when the ground is not frozen. Choose a variety suited to your winter chill hours.

Step by step

1. Pick two compatible varieties that bloom at the same time, or check for a crabapple nearby.
2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the roots but no deeper; keep the graft union 2–3 in above soil.
3. Water deeply after planting and add 2–3 in of mulch, keeping it off the trunk.
4. Stake dwarf trees; their roots stay shallow for life.
5. Prune in late winter to an open center or central leader, removing crossing branches.
6. Thin young fruits to one per cluster, about 6 in apart, for bigger apples and yearly crops.
7. Pick when the fruit twists off easily and the seeds have turned brown.

Common problems

Pets

Seeds, leaves and stems are harmful to cats, dogs and horses; the flesh of the fruit is generally not a concern. If in doubt, ask your vet.

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