Position
Plant your apple tree in full sun for the best fruit yield. They can tolerate some shade, but you’ll likely get fewer fruits from them.
Size
Apple trees can grow to 12 metres tall and 9 to 12 metres wide when mature. But, it’s best to prune them yearly once mature to remain at about 6 metres. Ensure you plant the tree away from external walls, electrical lines and other trees.
Soil Type
Apple trees are not fussy about soil type, but do prefer slightly acidic soil. The only requirement is that the soil drains well.
Loosen the ground in the area before planting the tree about 1.5 metres deep in your normal garden soil mixed with some acid compost.
Adding half a bag of our Volcanic Rock Dust (R25 per bag) and a bag of Superfrass (R25 per bag) will assist in rapid growth. They also protect the roots from being eaten by insects.
Watering
Water the apple tree every second day after transplanting it for about a week. Thereafter, reduce your watering to twice a week in dry or hot weather for the next 2 to 3 months.
Once your apple tree is well established, you won’t need to water it unless you are not getting much rain. They only require about 2.5 centimetres of rain every 7 to 10 days.
Mulching
Add a thick layer of pine bark mulch, keeping it about 20 to 30 centimetres away from the tree trunk (any closer may cause excess moisture and damage the trunk). This will retain the moisture in the soil and will prevent weeds from taking over.
Fertilising
Superfrass is a natural high quality organic growth enhancer and pesticide. Packed with macro-elements (N, P, K) and micro-nutrients (Zn, Cu, etc.), which enable your plants to grow robustly. Use Superfrass when planting your appple tree.
Use our slow-release nitrogen-rich fertiliser, like our berry fertiliser Apply 1 teaspoon of our berry fertiliser every 4-5 months.
Pests and Diseases
Apple trees are prone to Powdery Mildew. Spraying regularly with Agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM) Control will assist in either prevention or after-the-fact treatment. If you already have aphids, mites, or mildew, wash the tree with a strong hose. When dry, spray with Neem oil or EM Control. Consistency is key.
Pruning
Create a healthy plant and stimulate growth by pruning your apple tree. This will assist in producing larger quantities and higher quality fruit.
Prune it in the first few months of spring, but only give a heavy pruning when your apple tree is at least 3 years old.
Harvesting
Ripe apples should come off easily when they are cupped in your hand, lifted and twisted a little.
