Apple

Apple Trees – Best in NZ!

Growing apples in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• Reduced food waste.
• Lower grocery costs.
• Fewer food miles and less plastic packaging, decreasing your carbon footprint.
• Convenience.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

From Granny Smith, Fuji, Royal Gala, to Splendour, we have many apple varieties, and we’ll help you find the right apple tree for your space. Our fruit trees have been selected to thrive in New Zealand’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Apple trees, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Apple Tree Questions

1. What is the best month to plant apple trees?

The best month to plant apple trees is during winter. This is because the tree is dormant and can begin to grow as conditions warm. You can plant earlier or later than this as long as you pay attention to watering them.

Here are some tips for planting an apple tree:

• Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
• Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the tree and plant the apple tree at the same depth as it was growing in the pot.
• Backfill the hole with soil and firm it in during the process.
• Mulch around the tree to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Stake the tree to reduce any chances of wind damage.
• Apply fertiliser to the top of the soil during spring. The best option for this is: https://www.theplantcompany.co.nz/shop/product/fertiliser/fruiting-plant-fertiliser

2. How many apples do you get from one tree?

The number of apples you get from one tree will depend on the variety of apple, the age of the tree, the growing conditions, and how well the tree is cared for. A healthy and mature apple tree can produce anywhere from 100 to 200 apples in a growing season. However, some well-maintained and highly productive trees can yield higher than this.

3. Where is it best to plant apple trees?

The best place to plant apple trees is in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They need at least six hours of sunlight per day to produce fruit. NB: apple trees do not tolerate heavy or poorly drained soils and will generally fail.

4. How many leaves does it take to produce one apple?

The number of leaves it takes to produce one apple depends on the variety of apple tree, the age of the tree, the growing conditions, and how well the tree is cared for. However, as a general rule, it takes about 50 leaves to produce one fruit.

5. How long until an apple tree produces fruit?

The amount of time it takes for an apple tree to produce fruit depends on the variety of apple tree, the rootstock, and the growing conditions. However, most apple trees will begin to produce fruit within 3-5 years of planting. Some dwarf and semi-dwarf apple trees may begin to produce fruit a year earlier. The growing conditions will also affect how quickly an apple tree will produce fruit. If the tree is not planted in a suitable location, it may take longer to produce fruit.

6. What is the sweetest apple in NZ?

The sweetest apple in New Zealand is generally considered to be the Posy apple. Here's why:

• High sugar content: Posy apples have a significantly higher sugar content compared to other New Zealand apple varieties. This translates to a noticeably sweeter taste.
• Honey flavor: Posy apples are known for their unique honey-like flavour, with hints of rock melon, watermelon, and peach. This adds to their overall sweetness and makes them stand out from other apples.
• Early season: Posy apples are harvested early February, before most other New Zealand apple varieties. This means they are available fresh at a time when people are craving sweet and juicy fruits.

However, sweetness is subjective and can depend on individual preferences. Some people might prefer the slightly tart flavour of apples like Braeburn or Fuji.

Here are some other sweet apple varieties grown in New Zealand:

• Jazz: Sweet and tangy flavour with hints of peaches and melons.
• Gala: Slightly sweet with hints of vanilla and floral aromas.
• Smitten: Sweet and crisp with a honey-like flavour.

Ultimately, the best way to find the sweetest apple for you is to try different varieties and see which one you like best.

7. How do you replicate an apple tree?

The main methods for replicating an apple tree is through grafting. This involves joining two parts of different plants together so they grow as one. A section of stem from the desired apple tree (scion) is attached to the rootstock (an established root system from another compatible apple tree).

• Benefits:
  • Allows you to grow specific varieties of apples that wouldn't otherwise grow on their own roots.
  • Produces apples that are true-to-type, meaning they will have the same characteristics as the parent tree.
  • Can be a faster way to get a fruiting tree than growing from seed.
• Drawbacks:
  • Requires some skill and practice.
  • Incompatible scion and rootstock combinations can fail to grow together.
  • Grafted trees may be susceptible to specific diseases.

8. Do apple trees need to be next to each other?

Apple trees do not need to be next to each other to produce fruit. However, they will benefit from being cross-pollinated from another compatible apple variety. Think about as though a tree by itself will produce 70% of its yield potential. Two compatible trees planted close by can achieve 95% of their yield potential.

Self-Pollination vs. Cross-Pollination:

• Self-pollination: Some apple varieties are self-fertile, meaning they can pollinate themselves and set fruit even without another apple tree nearby. However, these varieties often have lower yields or produce smaller, misshapen fruit.
• Cross-pollination: Most apple varieties are self-incompatible, meaning they need pollen from another compatible variety to set fruit effectively. This is because their own pollen is not viable or cannot fertilize their own flowers.

Distance for Cross-Pollination:

• The ideal distance for cross-pollination between apple trees is within 40-50 feet (12-15 metres). This distance allows for efficient transfer of pollen by insects like bees and wind.
• However, some cross-pollination can occur even between trees that are further apart, up to 100 feet (30 metres). The effectiveness of pollination at this distance will depend on factors like wind speed, insect populations, and the specific varieties involved.

Choosing Compatible Pollinators:

• Not all apple varieties are compatible pollinators for each other. Some may bloom at different times or have pollen that is not viable for other varieties.
• It's important to choose apple varieties that bloom at the same time and have compatible pollen when planting for cross-pollination.

9. What are important facts about apple trees?

Here are some important facts about apple trees:

Diversity:

• There are over 7,500 different varieties of apples grown worldwide.
• Each variety has unique characteristics, including flavour, colour, size, and texture.
• Some popular varieties include Gala, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, and Fuji.

History:

• Apple trees are thought to have originated in Central Asia over 5,000 years ago.
• They were brought to Europe by the Romans and later spread to North America by colonists.
• Today, apples are one of the most popular fruits in the world.

Biology:

• Apple trees are deciduous, meaning they lose their leaves in the fall.
• They can grow to be 30-40 feet (10-13 m) tall and live for up to 100 years.
• Apple trees flower in the spring and produce fruit in the fall.
• The fruit is a pome, which is a type of fleshy fruit with a core containing seeds.

Cultivation:

• Apple trees are grown in temperate climates around the world.
• They require full sun and well-drained soil.
• Planting two or more compatible apple trees is necessary for cross-pollination and fruit production.
• Apple trees need regular care, including pruning, watering, and fertilizing.

Nutrition and Health:

• Apples are a good source of fibre, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
• They have been linked to a variety of health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
• Eating apples is also good for your teeth and gums.

Cultural Significance:

• Apples have symbolic meaning in many cultures.
• In the Bible, the apple is associated with the forbidden fruit eaten by Adam and Eve.
• In Greek mythology, the apple is associated with the goddess of discord, Eris.
• In the fairy tale Snow White, the apple is poisoned and causes the princess to fall into a deep sleep.
• Today, apples are often used to represent knowledge, wisdom, and temptation.

Additional facts:

• The world's largest apple weighed 18.49 pounds and was grown in Japan in 2018.
• The United States is the world's leading producer of apples, followed by China and Turkey.
• Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple juice and has various culinary and medicinal uses.

Apple trees are a fascinating and diverse species with a rich history and cultural significance. They are also a valuable source of food and nutrition. By learning more about apple trees, we can appreciate and enjoy them even more.

10. What makes an apple tree?

An apple tree is a complex organism with various interconnected features that define its identity and function. Here are some key elements that make an apple tree:

1. Genetics:

• Apple trees are diploid organisms, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes.
• The specific genes carried by these chromosomes determine the tree's characteristics like size, shape, fruit color, flavor, disease resistance, and growth habits.
• Different apple varieties have distinct genetic profiles, resulting in their unique characteristics.

2. Root System:

• The extensive root system anchors the tree in the soil and absorbs water and nutrients essential for its growth and development.
• The root system can extend several times the diameter of the tree's crown, allowing it to access resources from a large area.
• Different rootstock types influence the mature size of the tree and its adaptability to various soil conditions.

3. Trunk and Branches:

• The trunk provides structural support for the tree and transports nutrients and water between the roots and the leaves.
• Branches grow from the trunk and bear leaves, flowers, and eventually, fruits.
• The branching pattern and growth habit can vary depending on the apple variety and pruning practices.

4. Leaves:

• Leaves are the primary site for photosynthesis, where the tree converts sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into energy.
• They play a vital role in respiration, transpiration, and nutrient storage.
• The size, shape, and color of leaves can vary depending on the apple variety and environmental conditions.

5. Flowers:

• Apple trees typically produce clusters of pink or white flowers in the spring.
• The flowers contain both male (anthers) and female (stigma) reproductive organs, facilitating self-pollination in some varieties.
• Cross-pollination with compatible apple varieties is crucial for optimal fruit production.

6. Fruits:

• The apple fruit is a pome, a fleshy fruit with a central core containing seeds.
• Apple varieties exhibit a wide range of colors, sizes, and flavors, determined by their genetic makeup and growing conditions.
• Fruits are a valuable source of food for humans and animals, and they also play a role in seed dispersal and propagation.

7. Adaptability:

• Apple trees have adapted to diverse environments through natural selection and human cultivation.
• They can tolerate various climates, soil types, and levels of sunlight and water availability.
• This adaptability has allowed them to thrive in different regions around the world.

8. Symbiotic Relationships:

• Apple trees depend on various beneficial organisms for their survival and reproduction.
• Pollinators like bees transfer pollen between flowers, facilitating fertilization and fruit set.
• Soil microbes help break down organic matter and release essential nutrients for the tree's growth.
• Predators help control pest populations that can damage the tree and its fruits.

These are just some of the key elements that make an apple tree. Each component plays a crucial role in its growth, development, and survival. By understanding these elements and their interactions, we can appreciate the complex and fascinating nature of apple trees.