How to Grow Apple

A cool-season fruit for the home garden across the warmer US.

Apple is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Apple is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the apple page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Anna, Low-chill, productive in the warm South (Southern nurseries)
• Dorsett Golden, Low-chill pollinizer for Anna (Southern nurseries)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 400 cm (157 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 30 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 15 L per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Codling moth, Woolly aphid, Scale and Light brown apple moth. In humid regions, Apple scab, Powdery mildew, Fire blight and Black spot can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Apple is usually ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant apple where you garden.

See also: Apple in the plant library →

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