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Summary
Malus species
Apples are small to medium-sized deciduous trees, typically growing from 4–12m (14–40ft) tall, with edible fruit produced in autumn. Orchard Apples (M. domestica) are cultivated for their edible fruit and grafted onto rootstocks to control their size and disease resistance. They are a hybrid of mixed origins, including M. dasyphylla, M. praecox, M. pumila, M. sieversii and M. sylvestris. There are many named varieties with different flavours ranging from sour to sweet and textures from dry and mealy to crisp and juicy. There is also a wide range in ripening seasons, with the first fruits being ready in mid-summer, whilst other cultivars are not picked until late autumn. It is possible to provide freshly harvested fruit from mid-summer to early winter and stored fruit for the rest of the year with careful choice. They prefer a sunny position but will succeed in partial shade, producing less fruit. Low-chill apple trees are varieties of apple trees that require a relatively short period of cold temperatures (known as ‘chill hours’) to produce fruit. This makes them well-suited for growing in regions with mild winters, such as California, Florida and Texas. Some examples of low-chill apple trees include Anna, Dorsett Golden and Ein Shemer.
In California, some popular low-chill apple varieties include:
Anna: This is a self-fertile, disease-resistant variety that produces medium-sized, sweet and juicy fruit with a red and yellow colour. It requires around 200 chill hours and ripens in late September.
Dorsett Golden: This sweet and juicy variety is yellow in colour and has a crisp texture. It requires around 150 chill hours and ripens in late September.
Ein Shemer is a self-fertile, disease-resistant variety that produces large, sweet, and juicy fruit with a red and yellow colour. It requires around 200 chill hours and ripens in late October.
In Florida, some popular low-chill apple varieties include:
Tropic Sweet: This is a sweet and juicy variety with a red colour and a crisp texture. It requires around 150 chill hours and ripens in mid-September.
Southern Rose: This sweet and juicy variety is red in colour and has a crisp texture. It requires around 150 chill hours and ripens in early October.
Gulfcrimson: This sweet and juicy variety is red in colour and has a crisp texture. It requires around 150 chill hours and ripens in late October.
In Texas, some popular low-chill apple varieties include:
Dorset Golden: As above
Gala: This is a sweet and juicy variety with a red colour and a crisp texture. It requires around 400 chill hours and ripens in late September.
Granny Smith: This tart and juicy variety is green in colour and has a crisp texture. It requires around 400 chill hours and ripens in late October.
It is worth noting that these are just a few examples, and there are many other low-chill apple varieties available. It is essential to choose a variety well-suited to the specific growing conditions in your area, such as soil type and climate. Also, you must check with local agricultural extension offices, nurseries, or orchards to get the best recommendations for your area.
Orchard apples are grown on rootstocks that influence the tree size and the age at which it has fruit and yield. M26 and MM106 are suitable rootstocks for small to medium-sized areas. MM111 and M25 are vigorous standard trees for large sites; M9 and M27 are dwarfing when space is limited. There is a vast choice of apple cultivars for dessert (eating), culinary (cooking) use, dual-purpose or cider-making. Crab apples bear smaller, tarter fruits offering shelter and food for visiting birds. The fruits often persist on the tree throughout winter.
Physical Characteristics
Malus domestica is a deciduous Tree growing to 9 m (29ft 6in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; North Wall. By. East Wall. By. South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Oil
Edible Uses: Oil Oil Pectin
Fruit - raw, cooked or dried for later use. Apples are one of the most common and widely grown fruits of the temperate zone. There are a great many named varieties with differing flavours ranging from sour to sweet and textures from dry and mealy to crisp and juicy. There is also a wide range in the seasons of ripening with the first fruits being ready in late July whilst other cultivars are not picked until late autumn and will store for 12 months or sometimes more. See individual records for more details. The fruit of some cultivars is rich in pectin and can be used in helping other fruits to set when making jam etc[61, 142]. Pectin is also said to protect the body against radiation[201]. An edible oil can be obtained from the seed[4]. It would only really be viable to use these seeds as an oil source if the fruit was being used for some purpose such as making cider and then the seeds could be extracted from the remaining pulp[K].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antibacterial Antidiarrhoeal Astringent Laxative Odontalgic Stomachic
The fruit is astringent and laxative[4, 9]. The bark, and especially the root bark, is anthelmintic, refrigerant and soporific[218, 240]. An infusion is used in the treatment of intermittent, remittent and bilious fevers[4, 240]. The leaves contain up to 2.4% of an antibacterial substance called 'phloretin'[240]. This inhibits the growth of a number of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in as low a concentration as 30 ppm[240]. A ripe raw apple is one of the easiest foods for the stomach to deal with, the whole process of digestion taking about 85 minutes[4]. The apple juice will reduce the acidity of the stomach, it becomes changed into alkaline carbonates and thus corrects sour fermentation[4]. The apple is also an excellent dentifrice, the mechanical action of eating a fruit serving to clean both the teeth and the gums[4].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Lighting Oil Oil Pectin Teeth Wood
Apples can be used as part of an agroforestry system. They provide fruit and shade, can serve as windbreaks, and attract beneficial insects. They can also be used as hedgerows.
The fruit is a source of pectin[61, 142]. Pectin is used as a thickener in jams etc and as a culture medium in laboratories. The apple is also an excellent dentifrice, the mechanical action of eating a fruit serving to clean both the teeth and the gums[4, 269]. The oil from the seed has been used as an illuminant[269]. Wood - hard, compact, fine-grained. Used for turnery, tool handles, canes etc[46, 171, 226]. It makes an excellent fuel[226]. Espalier: tree or other plants that is trained to grow flat against a support (such as a trellis or wall). 1. Nectary - flowers rich in nectar and pollen: Yes.
2. Wildlife - Food. Fruit and seeds. Leaf litter and detritus (for beneficial insects). Shelter - Dense foliage. Nesting and roosting - dense trees and shrubs: Yes.
3. Invertebrate Shelter. Overwintering sites (rough bark, hollow stems). Leaf litter. Groundcover: Yes.
4. Pest Confuser (smell): No.
Special Uses
Attracts Wildlife Espalier Food Forest
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most fertile soils, preferring a moisture retentive well-drained loamy soil[1, 200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils, though if these are poorly drained there could be problems with diseases such as canker[200]. Prefers a sunny position but succeeds in partial shade though it fruits less well in such a situation[1, 200]. Tolerates a pH range from 6 to 7, preferring a range of 6.5 to 6.8[200]. The apple is one of the most commonly cultivated fruit crops in the temperate zone. The primary climatic requirements for the production of good quality fruit are warm summer temperatures, relative freedom from spring frosts, reasonable protection from the wind (especially cold north and east winds) and an evenly distributed rainfall of about 600 - 800mm per annum[200]. Good apple production has been achieved as far north as 65°, whilst about 1000 hours of winter temperatures below 7°c are necessary to initiate flower production[269]. However good quality apples can still be produced in other areas with careful management and choice of cultivars[200]. Even in tropical latitudes, the plant has succeeded at high elevations, producing fruit at elevations over 3000 metres in Ecuador for example[269]. Where space is at a premium, or at the limits of their climatic range, apples can be grown against a wall. Most cultivars will grow well against a sunny south or west facing wall, an east facing wall will suit many of the tougher cultivars and even a north facing wall can be used for early culinary cultivars[219]. A hybrid of mixed origins, including M. dasyphylla, M. praecox, M. pumila, M. sieversii and M. sylvestris, this species is very commonly cultivated in temperate areas for its edible fruit[11]. There are very many named varieties[46, 183, 200] and with careful choice of these varieties it is possible to provide freshly harvested fruit from July to December and stored fruit for the rest of the year. When chives (Allium schoenoprasum) or other alliums are grown under apple trees it can prevent or cure scab[18]. A spray of the infused leaves of Equisetum spp can also be used against scab[18, 201]. If climbing nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are grown into the tree they can repel woolly aphis[18, 201]. Apples lose their flavour if they are stored with potatoes[18]. They will also impart a bitter flavour to carrots or potatoes if they are stored in the same area[201]. Growing apples near potatoes makes the potatoes more susceptible to blight[201]. Wrapping maple leaves (Acer spp) around apples in store helps to preserve the apples[18, 20]. Apples store better if they are grown in a sward that contains a high percentage of clover[201]. Apple trees grow better and produce better quality fruit when foxgloves (Digitalis spp) and wallflowers (Erysimum cheiri) are growing in the orchard[201]. Dandelions (Taraxacum spp) produce ethylene gas and this can cause earlier ripening of fruit if plants are growing in an orchard[18]. The fruit is a good wildlife food source, especially for birds[200]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[200]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200]. Some Malus species are self-fertile, while others may require cross-pollination with another variety for a better fruit set. Apples generally have a moderate growth rate, often reaching maturity in 3 to 5 years, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - this species is a hybrid and will not breed true from seed, though some interesting new fruiting cultivars can be produced.. It is best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. It usually germinates in late winter. Stored seed requires stratification for 3 months at 1°c and should be sown in a cold frame as soon as it is received[200]. It might not germinate for 12 months or more. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. If given a rich compost they usually grow away quickly and can be large enough to plant out in late summer, though consider giving them some protection from the cold in their first winter. Otherwise, keep them in pots in a cold frame and plant them out in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of mature wood, November in a frame[11].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Range
Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Pakistan, Tadzhikistan, Uzbekistan, Xinjiang.
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
| Related Plants
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| Latin Name | Common Name | Habit | Height | Hardiness | Growth | Soil | Shade | Moisture | Edible | Medicinal | Other |
| Malus angustifolia | Southern Crab, Southern crab apple | Tree | 7.0 |
3-8
| M | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Malus baccata | Chinese Crab, Siberian crab apple | Tree | 15.0 |
2-7
| M | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Malus baccata mandschurica | Manchurian Apple | Tree | 7.0 |
0-0
| | LMH | SN | M | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| Malus bracteata | | Tree | 7.0 |
5-9
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | |
| Malus brevipes | | Tree | 3.0 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | |
| Malus coronaria | Garland Crab, Sweet crab apple | Tree | 7.0 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | MWe | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Malus florentina | Hawthorn-leaf crab apple | Tree | 8.0 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | MWe | 2 | 0 | |
| Malus floribunda | Japanese Crab, Japanese flowering crab apple | Tree | 10.0 |
4-7
| M | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 0 | |
| Malus fusca | Oregon Crab, Oregon crab apple | Tree | 12.0 |
5-9
| S | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Malus glabrata | | Tree | 5.0 |
5-9
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | |
| Malus glaucescens | | Tree | 5.0 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Malus halliana | Hall crab apple | Tree | 4.0 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | |
| Malus halliana spontanea | | Tree | 4.0 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | |
| Malus hupehensis | Chinese Crab, Chinese crab apple, Tea Crabapple, Flowering Tea Crabapple | Tree | 7.0 |
4-8
| M | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Malus ioensis | Prairie Crab, Prairie crab apple, Texas crab apple, Prairie Crabapple | Tree | 5.0 |
3-8
| S | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Malus ioensis palmeri | Prairie Crab | Tree | 5.0 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | |
| Malus kansuensis | | Tree | 5.0 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | |
| Malus lancifolia | | Tree | 6.0 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Malus praecox | | Tree | 0.0 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | |
| Malus prattii | Pratt apple | Tree | 10.0 |
5-9
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | |
| Malus prunifolia | Chinese Apple, Plumleaf crab apple | Tree | 8.0 |
3-7
| | LMH | SN | M | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Malus prunifolia rinkii | Chinese Apple | Tree | 8.0 |
3-7
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 0 | |
| Malus pumila | Paradise Apple, Common Apple, Apple Tree | Tree | 7.0 |
3-9
| M | LMH | SN | M | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| Malus pumila nervosa | Crab Apple | Tree | 5.0 |
3-7
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Malus pumila paradisiaca | Paradise Apple | Tree | 5.0 |
3-7
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Malus sargentii | Sargent's apple, Sargent Crabapple | Shrub | 4.0 |
4-8
| S | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | |
| Malus sieversii | Crabapple | Tree | 8.0 |
4-10
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Malus sikkimensis | | Tree | 7.0 |
5-9
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 0 | |
| Malus spectabilis | Chinese Flowering Apple, Asiatic apple | Tree | 9.0 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 0 | |
|
|
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
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