Malus

Malus, more commonly referred to as apple trees, is a collection of small deciduous trees or shrubs that include the orchard apple, crabapples, wild apples, and rainberries.  Apple trees typically produce a plethora of beautiful red, white, or pink five-petalled blooms, which carry a splendidly pleasant aroma.  Growing anywhere from 13 to 39 ft / 4 to 12 m tall, apple trees have dense, twiggy crowns of long, simple or toothed elliptical leaves.  Crabapple plants generally produce fruit that is significantly more sour than orchard apples, but there are some cultivars that have been bred to produce sweeter fruit as well.  Some crabapple plants can be grown as bonsai since they can be formed as miniature versions of the larger adult trees.  Many apple trees are incapable of self-fertilization and require insects to pollinate them by visiting the flowers of multiple trees.  

All apple trees need to be planted in a location that receives copious amounts of sunlight throughout the day, as they grow poorly in shaded areas.  A slightly acidic, rich, well-draining soil mixture with sand and loam can help to produce healthier trees and fuller harvests.  Young plants will need to be watered monthly during the summer and mulched with loose soil.  When the weather is particularly dry, apple trees will need to be watered before bud break, 20 days after flowering has ceased, three weeks before harvest, and during their leaf fall.  Areas with moderate temperatures and humidity levels are ideal for apple trees, as they typically grow best in cooler climates. Fertilize apple trees in the spring by spreading a nitrogen-rich fertilizer 2.5 ft / 0.8 m away from the trunk and raking it into the soil.  This process should be repeated in the summer, 3 months after the initial feeding.  Learn more in the Plant Story community.  

3-6 hours of sun per day, with protection from intense mid-day sun

Water moderately, allowing the top 3cm to dry out between watering.

Malus

Malus

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