If you’re like most people, you consume apples more often than any other fruit. And with the availability of dwarf trees and cultivars that are very hardy – some to Zone 1 – many Peapols can grow their own.
Buy your trees from a local nursery or one in a similar climate zone so you’ll have specimens suited to your growing conditions. Two different apple varieties that flower simultaneously are needed for cross-pollination; a crabapple will also do the job. Commercially grown trees have two parts: The root portion – or rootstock – determines the ultimate size of the tree and the time until the tree reaches fruit-bearing age and influences its hardiness and productivity. Grafted onto the rootstock is the specific variety, which determines the fruit’s color, taste, quality, a season of maturity, and disease resistance.
Apple trees are among the most common fruit trees globally because they are simple, fun, and inexpensive. They begin to bear fruit within a few years and grow in large parts of North America. If you’ve read this far, you probably already have a primer on what to expect when growing apple trees, but there are times when it can seem a bit overwhelming.
Now that you know which apple trees you can grow, the question arises of which one you would rather grow. Learn how to choose the right apples for your landscape, how to plant and care for your apple trees to promote fruit production, and much more. Below you will find 4 to 1 apple tree options for producing a diverse selection of different apple varieties.
The most important question when choosing an apple tree is how to use the fruits you harvest. Try the fruits of the apple trees that you think you want before committing to planting them.
Apple trees bloom at different times of the year, and most require cross-pollination between two varieties of apples, so you need to choose a tree that blossoms during the same period. However, most apples need a second apple tree for pollination and the second tree of a different variety (for example, a pink lady’s apple paired with a Gala Fuji, Granny Smith, or McIntosh apple) to produce fruit. When two trees pollinate themselves, you have two varieties of trees that bloom simultaneously and then pollinate each other to grow the same apple tree.
You will want to evaluate the size of your planting area to determine which apple variety is the best, but remember that in most cases, you will want to leave room for at least two apple trees, if not more.
Cut off apple trees by planting in rows of 6 to 10 feet at a distance of 1 1 / 2 to 3 feet. Standard-sized apple trees are not grown in domestic gardens but most commercial orchards. Plant dwarf or bush apple trees or graft apple varieties grafted onto small rootstocks (see explanation above) – or genetic dwarfs, compact trees that can grow up to 3 m tall.
Backyard farmers often plant apple trees and leave them uncultivated for several years. Plant them in well-drained soil with holes large enough to spread the roots. Keep the surrounding trees clean and free of debris, fallen fruit, and leaves, cut branches, and weeds all year round.
Without adequate and proper care of an apple tree, fruit quality can be poor. , it is important to choose the right apple tree which meets your needs and climate.
Apple trees are complex to choose from, as there are hundreds of varieties, and many other variables related to the ultimate size and position of the tree have to be taken into account. Different varieties ripen at different times, from late summer to late autumn, and they are needed to pollinate certain apple trees. Considerations on dwarf and standard varieties The first thing to do when deciding which apple variety to grow is to make sure you choose the type that grows best in your region.
The following article discusses the varieties of apple trees that grow in Zone 6 best and the specifics of how apples can plant apples in Zone 6.
If you have ever planted an apple tree and wondered why it produces nothing more than a few beautiful flowers, you are in good company. Whether it’s the red, golden, delicious red McIntosh or one of the other apple varieties, you’ll love growing your favorite fruit on one of these trees. Read until the end so that you are ready to choose to plant the apple tree and reap its fruits.
Growing a 4 x 1 “apple tree may seem like a bit of magical gardening, but actually, it’s pretty easy. With 4-1 “apple trees, one plant is sufficient to harvest a seasonal crop rotation, making it the perfect model tree for your garden.
The inhabitants of zone 6 have many fruit tree options to cultivate local apple trees in the garden. There is no doubt that apples are among the hardiest fruit trees, and there are many apple trees for the inhabitants of zone 6.
The best place to plant apple trees is in an area with rich, well-drained soil and lots of sunlight. In a smaller space, you can produce a hedge of dwarf apple trees or apple trellises, both of which yield successful harvests. Local apple growers can choose to grow apple trees in the whip or order them for spring planting in March or April.
The most common diseases that afflict apple trees are apple scab, mildew, black rot, frogs, leaf stains, rust, throat rot, sooty stains, fly stains, and blight. The tree can carry Disease-resistant apple trees back into the day, but some varieties need spraying.
Since most apples are grown from small rootstocks, control over the size of the tree is determined by the adaptability of the trees, soil type, and resistance to certain pests and diseases. Half-dwarf apple trees bear fruit every 3-4 years and can live up to 60 years. These are grafted trees whose shoots are referred to as “shoots,” taken from another apple variety and transferring the fruit quality of this variety, and grafted onto a specific rhizome to give the shoots strength and determine the size of the tree.
Some nurseries offer apple trees with two compatible varieties that can be grafted onto the same tree. With 4 + 1 apple trees, this process can be repeated several times to graft different apple varieties onto the desired fruit tree.
Choose a full sun site with good drainage and air circulation and is protected from strong winds. Avoid low-lying areas or frost pockets where cold air settles. A slight slope is ideal, so cold air can flow away from the trees.
When planting, dig a hole for the tree twice as deep and wide as the root ball. Fill the bottom with a mix of soil and compost, so the spot becomes as deep as the root ball. Don’t add any fertilizer. Position the tree, so the graft union (the swollen area several centimeters above the roots) is five to 10 centimeters above the soil line. Then fill in with soil, pressing it down gently but firmly; water the tree well.
Spread a two-centimeter layer of compost in a one-meter circle around the trunk and sprinkle with organic fertilizer. Cover with 10 centimeters of wood chips, keeping the scraps away from the trunk of the tree. This will help conserve moisture and control weeds and grass from competing with the tree. Dwarf specimens should be staked permanently, while full-size ones benefit from being staked for the first few years.
During the growing season, make sure the trees have at least 2.5 centimeters of water each week (whether from rainfall or irrigation), from May through August. Pull out any weeds that grow through the mulch. Each spring, pull back the mulch, spread a 2.5-centimeter-thick layer of compost over the soil under the canopy, and dig in organic fertilizer before replacing the mulch.
Some years, trees will set too much fruit, which can result in small apples, a poor crop the following year and a heavyweight that could damage branches. When fruits are marble-sized, thin to one fruit per cluster; for large apples of optimal quality and size, thin to 20 centimeters between fruits on a branch.
If you buy a one-year-old whip without branches, prune back to 1.2 meters to encourage side limbs. For a two-year-old branched tree, thin side limbs to 20 centimeters apart. The second year, remove main lateral ones that are too crowded and any that cross other ones and prune out dead or weak growth. In subsequent years, prune to develop an open apple tree where all branches receive light and good air circulation.
Diseases and Pests of Different Apple Varieties
To prevent disease, plant resistant varieties, practice good garden sanitation, and improve the quality of your soil. When the tree has no leaves and before the buds start to open in spring, spray with dormant oil, which contains lime sulfur, to kill overwintering insects and fungal diseases. Ideally, apply two or three times. However, trees must not be treated or be wet with dormant oil when the temperature is below freezing. On the West Coast, treat trees after the leaves fall, in mid-winter, and before the buds start to open in spring. In colder areas, spray only when temperatures allow.
Protect against sunscald and damage by small mammals by installing tree guards on young trees, but not too tightly, as they can inhibit growth and cause the bark to stay moist, encouraging disease. It’s best to put guards on in fall and remove them for the growing season. Once the tree bark is rough, guards are no longer necessary.
Apple Maggot
The adult fly lays its eggs on the fruit and the larvae tunnel into the apple. To prevent these pests from overwintering, pick up and dispose of fruit as soon as possible after it drops. During the growing season, trap adults by hanging sticky red sphere traps (available at garden centers). Put in place three weeks after petal fall.
Codling Moth
The adult moth lays its eggs on the leaves and twigs, and the larvae soon move to the fruit and tunnel inside. As long as there are no untended fruit trees within 90 meters, trees can be effectively protected with codling moth traps, which are available at garden centers. Place in the trees as soon as bloom begins. For serious infestations, spray with Bacillus thuringiensis 15 days after petal fall begins, then five days later, and once again after another five days.
Curculio
The tiny adult beetle lays its eggs on the fruit and the larvae tunnel into the apple. When the larvae start feeding, the fruit drops and the larvae crawl out and burrow into the soil. Rake up leaves in fall and remove brush piles and other debris near the trees. If curculios are a serious problem, spread a sheet under the tree each morning for three weeks after petal fall and shake the tree. The adults, which play dead when alarmed, will fall onto the sheet.
Scab
A fungal disease resulting in olive-colored spots on leaves and fruit; spots darken over time. Leaves may drop off, and lesions on fruit turn hard and corky. Spores overwinter on infected leaves, so do good fall cleanup. Plant disease-resistant varieties such as ‘Liberty’, ‘Freedom’ and ‘Novamac’.
Cedar Apple Rust
Small, rust-colored pustules form on the undersides of leaves. Control with a sulfur spray when the buds have a pinkish tinge and again three weeks after petal fall.
Modern Varieties
- ‘Cortland’ Great flavor; uses: fresh, baking. Stores very well. Late; Zone 4
- ‘Empire’ Dark red, high quality; uses: fresh, baking. Late; Zone 4b
- ‘Freedom’ Large, red; immune to many fungal diseases; uses: fresh, baking. Late; Zone 4b
- ‘Golden Delicious’ Sweet, high quality; uses: fresh, baking. Late; Zone 5
- ‘Greensleeves’ Has the green skin and crisp tartness of ‘Granny Smith’, but greater hardiness; uses: fresh, baking. Late; Zone 4b
- ‘Liberty’ Juicy, red; very disease-resistant; uses: fresh, baking. Stores well; highly recommended. Late; Zone 4
- ‘Lodi’ An improvement on ‘Yellow Transparent’, green-yellow; use: baking. It doesn’t store well. Early; Zone 4
- ‘Novamac’ Red, high quality; good disease resistance; use: fresh. Late; Zone 4b
- ‘Paulared’ Flavour is similar to ‘McIntosh’; use: fresh. Early to midseason; Zone 4
- ‘Spartan’ Quite scab-resistant; uses: fresh, baking. Stores well. Late; Zone 4
Heritage Varieties
- ‘Cox’s Orange Pippin’ Exceptional quality, orange-red; use: fresh. Late; Zone 5b
- ‘Duchess of Oldenburg’ Green-yellow splashed with red; use: cooking. Scab-resistant. Early; Zone 3
- ‘Golden Russet’ Uniquely flavored, aromatic, golden brown skin; uses: fresh, cider. Stores well. Late; Zone 4
- ‘Snow’ (a.k.a. ‘Fameuse’) 300-year-old Canadian variety; aromatic, sweet; use: fresh. Midseason, Zone 4
- ‘Wealthy’ Juicy, aromatic, red with white flesh tinged with red; scab-resistant; uses: fresh, baking. Midseason; Zone 3
- ‘Wolf River’ Huge, hardy and healthy; uses: baking, fair for fresh. Late; Zone 3
- ‘Yellow Transparent’ Yellow; uses: long-time favorite for baking and sauces; somewhat scab resistant. Earliest apple; Zone 3
Pick Your Own
Get the most out of those crisp fall days by heading out to a pick-your-own apple farm. Some sell other products and offer hayrides, petting zoos, and other child-friendly activities.
Atlantic region
- Boates Vinegar & U-Pick, Kinsman Corner, Woodville, N.S.; 902/678-7671.
- Daniel’s U-Pick, Martock, N.S.; 902/798-5432.
- Dempsey Corner Orchards, Aylesford, N.S.; 902/847-1855.
- Elderkin’s Farm Market & U-Pick, Greenwich, N.S.; 902/542-7198.
- Gates U-Pick, Port Williams, N.S.; 902/ 542-9340.
- Foote Family Farm, Woodville, N.S.; 902/ 678-4371.
- Bostwick’s Pick Your Own, Kingston, N.B.; 506/763-2943.
- Charlotte’s Family Orchard, Gagetown, N.B.; 506/488-2630.
- River View Orchards, Keswick Ridge, N.B.; 506/363-4282.
- Uris Williams & Sons, Ste-Antoine, N.B.; 506/525-2376.
Ontario
- Brantview Apples & Cider, St. George; 905/833-5459.
- Cannamore Orchard, Crysler; 613/448-3633.
- Chudleigh’s, Milton; 905/878-2725.
- Pine Farms Orchard, King City; 905/833-5459.
- Wagner Orchards, Maidstone; 519/723-4807.
Quebec
- Abbaye Cistercienne, Rougemont; 450/469-2880.
- A la Croisee des Pommes Inc., Ste-Joseph du Lac; 450/623-8621.
- Cueillette 640 Enr., Ste-Joseph du Lac; 450/623-8635.
- Ferme Hillspring, Franklin Centre; 450/827-2565.
- Ferme au Pic Enr., Dunham; 450/295-2306.
- Ferme R. Giguere, Ste-Famille; 418/829-2647.
- Verger Trois Pommes, Rougemont; 450/469-0858.
Prairies
- Treasure Valley Markets, Cadillac, Sask.; 306/785-4602.
- Pearl Creek Farm, Melville, Sask.; 306/ 728-5572.
- The Berry Farm, Sherwood Park, Alta.; 780/657-2275.
- Pork Palace Orchard, Brosseau, Alta.; 780/657-2275.
- Sprout Farms Fruit Tree Nursery, Bon Accord, Alta.; 800/676-0353.
British Columbia
- The Apple Barn Pumpkin Farm Ltd., Abbotsford; 604/853-3108.
- Chilliwack Corn Maze & Greendale Apple Farm; Chilliwack; 604/819-6203.
- Willow View Farms, Abbotsford; 604/854-8710.
Sources
KEY: ‘Carrol’: 1, ‘Cortland’: 2, ‘Cox’s Orange Pippin’: 3, ‘Donald’: 4, ‘Duchess of Oldenburg’: 5, ‘Empire’: 6, ‘Freedom’: 7, ‘Golden Delicious’: 8, ‘Golden Russet’: 9, ‘Goodland’: 10, ‘Greensleeves’: 11, ‘Harcourt’: 12, ‘Liberty’: 13, ‘Lodi’: 14, ‘Norkent’: 15, ‘Novamac’: 16, ‘Paulared’: 17, ‘Snow’ (a.k.a. ‘Fameuse’): 18, ‘Spartan’: 19, ‘Sunnybrook’: 20, ‘Wealthy’: 21, ‘Westland’: 22, ‘Wolf River’: 23, ‘Yellow Transparent’: 24
