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 once a year, once they mature, to keep them 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.
Watering
Water the apple tree every other day for about a week after transplanting. 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 soil moisture and prevent weeds from taking over.
Fertilising
Use our slow-release nitrogen-rich all-plant fertiliser. Apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months.
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.
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.
Pests and Diseases
Aphids, citrus psylla, red scale, citrus greening. Spraying regularly with Agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control) will assist in prevention or in after-the-fact control. If you already have aphids or mites, wash the tree with a harsh hosing, and when dry, spray with Neem oil or EM Control.
Practice good garden hygiene (remove fallen fruit and leaves).
Watch for root rot (if overwatered) and fungal infections during wet periods.
Harvesting
Ripe apples should come off easily when they are cupped in your hand, lifted, and twisted a little.
