Apple - Malus x domestica

Apples are a staple of any home orchard. Arguably the most versatile fruit they are great for eating, storing, preserving, cooking and baking, drying, cider-making, and juicing - depending on the variety of course! The main apple harvest season is February - May, with the odd variety available in January, or June. 

Best grown in temperate areas as most varieties need some cooler weather over winter (chill hours) to prompt the cycle however are some low chill varieties that do suit warmer climates. They thrive in sunny, sheltered sites and well-drained, fertile soil with good moisture. 

Some are self-fertile, and even if not, they often won't require a pollinator, as long as there are other apple trees nearby, It's wise to choose a disease resistant variety, especially for the home orchardist or if you plan to manage them organically, as black spot mildew and other diseases can be a problem for those varieties that are susceptible.

When choosing a pollinator, make sure you think about whether they are early, mid, or late flowering. You can find more information on the apple pollination chart. Apple trees are tip or spur bearing, with some varieties producing on both. If bought from a nursery the variety tends to be grafed onto rootstocks, which will give certain qualities to the graft. 

Click here for more rootstock information.