In most parts of the country, spring is the best time to plant apple trees. The exact month will depend on where you live, but March and April are ideal for most growers. If you live in a warmer climate (USDA zones seven and warmer), it’s also possible to start planting in the fall.
Can apple trees be planted in the fall?
We say fall is the best time to plant because when we plant a fruit tree in fall, we get the maximum amount of root growth, which produces the maximum amount of shoot growth and, if we’re lucky, fruit growth, in the spring and summer—the active growing season. CAUTION!
Do you need 2 apple trees to produce fruit?
Apples are self-unfruitful. Plant at least two different apple tree varieties within 50 feet of one another for a good fruit set. Some apple varieties, such as Golden Delicious, will produce a crop without cross-pollination from a second variety.
Can you plant apple trees in winter?
You can plant your apple tree in late winter or early spring. As long as the ground isn’t frozen and a hole can be dug, your apple tree is good to start growing.
What is the best month to plant apple trees? – Related Questions
Will my apple tree survive a freeze?
Yes, apple trees can survive winter. Most apple trees are used to standing strong in harsh winters with some extra care. Plus, their high need of 500-1,000 chilling hours makes it essential for them to grow in cold places. Some varieties can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°F.
How do you winterize an apple tree?
How late in the year can you plant apple trees?
In cold northern climates, spring is the best time to plant apple trees. In areas where winter is less severe, early spring or late fall planting is recommended.
Can apple seeds be planted in winter?
You want to wait until the ground is thawed after the frost season is over. Getting in right after frost is ideal. The ground will be soft enough to be worked, making it easy to plant your apple seed. If you live in a warmer climate that’s considered Zone 7 and above, then you’ll want to wait until early fall to plant.
Can an apple seedling survive the winter?
Your greatest risks in wintering outdoors are the roots drying out, rodents and freezing/thawing. Taking steps to mitigate against these risk should let your seedling survive and thrive outdoors throughout the winter.. Good luck with your seedling.
Can potted apple trees survive winter?
A Note on Cultivars
Apple trees are already primed to survive the winter because they typically need anywhere from 500 to 1,000 “chill hours” – temperatures between 32 and 45°F – in order to produce blooms in the spring. Photo by Laura Ojeda Melchor. But some varieties are more winter-hardy than others.
Should you soak apple trees before planting?
Before planting: soak the apple tree’s roots in a bucket or large tub of water for one to two hours. This helps keep the roots from drying out while you dig the planting hole. Avoid soaking roots for more than six hours.
Do you need to cover apple trees in winter?
Just like with citrus, cover during the day so heat can build up before a nighttime freeze. How to protect apple trees from a late frost: Compared to other fruits, apple trees can actually handle the cold quite well. Still, you should shield them with a cover.
Should I water my apple tree in the winter?
Watering in the winter: The tree still needs water even when it is dormant in the winter. If there are dry spells during the winter, soak the roots with water when it is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
How many years does it take for apple tree to produce fruit?
Dwarf apple trees will start bearing fruit 2 to 3 years after planting. Standard size trees can take up to 8 years to bear fruit.
What do you spray on apple trees in the winter?
The best spray to use is either copper oxychloride or lime sulphur sprayed in alternate years. The first spray should be in late autumn at leaf fall just before the tree enters its dormancy. Spray again at bud swell or bud burst in late winter or early spring.
What do you feed apple trees in the winter?
Apples and young pear trees
- Method one: Each year, use a potassium-rich general fertiliser (rose fertiliser for example) in late winter as directed by the manufacturer.
- Method two: Each year, use Growmore fertiliser.
Do coffee grounds help apple trees?
Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, and copper, all of which are essential to fruit trees. They also raise the pH level in the soil, which is good for the health of the plant. Most fruit trees require slightly acidic soil, so adding coffee grounds will help them thrive.