Apple tree cultivation and care

It is always nice to have a manzano in the garden, not only because of its fruits but also because it is a generous tree, with colorful and intense foliage. But to have one it is necessary to know how to take care of it so that we can enjoy it as we have always wanted it. Although there are different varieties of apple tree, all of them need practically the same care.

In addition, they are plants that withstand frost very well, so if you want a rustic plant in your garden, we definitely recommend getting one. Next we are going to tell you everything about this magnificent tree fruity.

Origin and characteristics of the apple tree

Although it is important to know the care, first we must know what the manzano to know, for example, in which exact location of the garden to plant it. So, you should know that it is a deciduous plant native to the mountainous regions of western Central Asia, and that can reach a maximum height of 10 meters (Although in cultivation it is rare that it is allowed to grow so much. In fact, it is normal to keep it with 4 meters at most to make it easier to collect the apples).

Its crown is open, rounded and highly branched. Oval, acuminate or obtuse leaves sprout from it, with a serrated margin and dark green on the upper surface and pubescent on the underside. The flowers arise in cymes with the appearance of umbel or corymb, in number from 4 to 8, and are hermaphroditic.

Last we have the fruit, the apple. Technically it is a pommel, which measures between 30 to 100 millimeters wide by 35 to 110 millimeters high. The skin is thin, and green, yellow or reddish in color as usual. The pulp, on the other hand, is whitish / yellowish, somewhat hard but not too hard (it can be chewed without effort), and it has a rather pleasant sweetish taste. In the center of the apple there are some seeds, these yes, hard, small, and blackish in color.

Main varieties apples

There are many, around 1000 varieties and cultivars. Therefore, among all of them we recommend the following:

• Apple Beauty of Rome: the skin is red and yellow. It is late.
• Gala apple: the skin is yellow.
• Golden Delicious apple: it is golden in color, and very juicy.
• Red Delicious apple: its skin is red, and it also has juicy meat.
• Pippin apple: it is somewhat late. Green in color, and slightly acid pulp.

Apple tree cultivation and care

The apple tree is a tree that in cultivation is not a very demanding plant. However, to get it to produce an interesting amount of fruit, it is very important to know its needs well. In this way, we will achieve not only our goal, but also make it a healthy tree.

Location

It is a tree that requires good exposure to sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. Frost doesn't affect them, but if there are frosts in spring, it's best to choose a late-season apple variety, otherwise the fruiting season could be delayed, or it might not even be as fruitful as expected. You can check out our recommendations on apple tree care in the garden to ensure its correct location. If you have little space, you will have to prune it, or buy a dwarf apple tree. In any case, don't worry too much about this, as it tolerates pruning well. However, it must be done at the right time and avoiding excess (we'll tell you more about this below).

The roots won't cause any problems. However, it shouldn't be planted right next to a wall, just a few centimeters away, because otherwise the trunk will grow at an angle, moving away from it. This can be a problem, as a strong wind could blow at any moment, causing the plant to fall over.

Earth

Beyond the variety, it is important to bear in mind that the apple tree needs a well-nourished, somewhat moist, non-salty soil with good drainageIf you want to make sure you're providing a good substrate, we recommend checking out our guide for specific tips. Want to keep it in a pot? You can, but… we only recommend it if you purchase a dwarf tree. Since this tree is grafted onto a dwarf variety, it will be difficult for it to grow taller than 2 meters, so it is more appropriate for growing in a pot.

If you decide to get one like this, a short one, you'll need to use fertile soil. For example, one highly recommended one is this one they sell, which is made for typical garden plants.

Irrigation

As for watering, the apple tree needs enough amount of water (around 200-300 liters a year, once it is adult) and it is recommended to water it when the tree receives shade to avoid the rapid evaporation of water when the tree is exposed to the sun. During winter, do not over water to prevent the soil from freezing.

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Although fertilizers are good for the apple tree, avoid applying them when the tree is just planted so that the roots are not burned. You can add an organic compost, for example compost when the tree is established, and from there do it during the spring and all the summer.

Transplant and planting frame

In late winter, when you see the buds 'swell', it will be an ideal time to plant it in the garden. If you are going to plant more than one, you have to do it at a minimum distance of 3 meters so that they can have a correct development.

You should avoid planting them too close together, since doing so would end badly, with diseased branches, and with less capacity to produce fruit.

Pruning

The pruning of the apple tree basically consists in ensuring that it has the appropriate number of branches so that it can support the weight of its fruits. It is a very fruitful tree, so the thinning of branches is something that has to be done from time to time.

It has to be done at the end of winter. You have to remove:

• All branches that are in poor condition; that is to say, those that are dry, broken, diseased or dead.
• Those that intersect.
• The shoots that appear along the trunk (below the crown).

Also, you should trim any branches that grow too long. When you're done, seal wounds with healing paste, in order to avoid infections.

Pests

The pests that most affect it are the following: Red spider, aphids, psila, fruit fly, San José louse, and fruit embroiderers. Fortunately, can be treated with environmentally friendly, non-toxic insecticides such as diatomaceous earth, neem oil or potassium soap.

Diseases

Does not usually have, but yes it could end up affected by apple tree diseases, canker, viral disease, moniliosis, or mottling. To prevent this, keep the plant fertilized and well-watered. If symptoms appear, such as fruit rot or leaf burn, it should be treated with fungicides.

To learn more about hardy fruit trees, you can check out our guide on .

Harvest

They must be collected when they have reached the size and color of the apple variety that we are growing, something that will happen throughout the fall.

Apple tree multiplication

The Apple tree can be multiplied by seeds in winter (so that they go cold before germinating), grafts and cuttings in spring.

Rusticity

Withstands frosts down to -12ºC. It cannot live in tropical climates, since it needs to spend an average of 800-1000 hours of cold per year, that is, those are the hours in which in autumn and winter the temperature must be 7ºC or lower.

What uses is given to the apple tree?

It has several uses:

• Edible: this is the best known. Its fruits are eaten as a dessert, raw, or well cooked (in cakes for example). Jams and preserves are also made.
• Ornamental: it is a beautiful tree, which produces beautiful flowers in spring and also provides a pleasant shade. It can even be worked as bonsai.