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.
Dwarf varieties are ideal for container growing because they remain compact. Ensure you have a second apple tree nearby for pollination. A pot of at least 50x50x50cms would be good to start with, the larger the better to avoid it becoming root bound.
Size
The dwarf Golden Delicious Apple trees can grow to a maximum of 3 metres.
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.
Use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter if planting in a pot. A combination of potting, compost, and perlite helps ensure proper drainage and aeration. Avoid using garden soil directly, as it may compact too much in pots. Add half a bag of our Volcanic Rock Dust (R25 per bag) and a bag of Superfrass (R25 per bag). This combination will facilitate rapid growth while also protecting the roots from insect damage.
Be sure to plant the tree so that the graft union (the small bump where the tree was grafted to the rootstock) stays above the soil line.
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.
Trees in pots will need more regular watering. Water the tree when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Mulching
Use from 2 to 5 centimetres of pine bark mulch to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. It retains moisture, and maintains an optimal pH. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.
Fertilising
Superfrass is a natural, 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 apple tree.
Apply one teaspoon of our slow-release nitrogen-rich berry/all plant fertiliser every 4-5 months
Pruning
Regular pruning helps maintain the shape and encourages fruit production. Prune in late winter or early spring, removing dead or overcrowded branches.
Only give a heavy pruning when your apple tree is at least 3 years old.
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.
Harvesting
Ripe apples should come off easily when they are cupped in your hand, lifted and twisted a little.
