Apple Seeds (Malus domestica) produce perennial fruit trees that yield fresh, juicy apples suitable for eating, baking, or preserving. Apple trees are a staple in home orchards and provide a rewarding gardening experience with proper care and seasonal maintenance.
Ideal for home gardeners, backyard orchards, and container cultivation, apple trees are low-maintenance and adaptable to a variety of climates.
Features
- Fresh Fruit Production: Produces sweet, crisp apples for fresh eating or cooking.
- Perennial Fruit Tree: Returns year after year with proper care.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and beneficial insects for better fruit set.
- Versatile Gardening: Suitable for gardens, raised beds, or large containers.
- Sustainable & Rewarding: Ideal for home orchards and backyard fruit production.
Specifications
- Scientific Name: Malus domestica
- Common Name: Apple
- Plant Type: Perennial fruit tree
- Germination Time: 4–6 weeks (cold stratification recommended)
- Maturity Period: 4–7 years for full fruit production
- Sun Exposure: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
- Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy soil; pH 6.0–7.0
- Watering: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist
- Plant Height: 10–25 feet at maturity (varies by variety)
- Plant Spacing: 15–20 feet apart for optimal growth
- Temperature Range: 32°F–85°F (0°C–29°C)
- Fertilization: Apply balanced fertilizer or compost annually in early spring
- Best Growing Season: Spring for sowing seeds
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3–8
Planting Guide:
- Cold stratify seeds for 6–8 weeks before sowing.
- Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in moist, fertile soil.
- Maintain consistent moisture until seedlings emerge.
- Transplant seedlings into garden beds or containers when 4–6 inches tall.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune young trees lightly to encourage strong branching and fruiting.
