Apple

Rosaceae · Malus domestica

Native to: Central Asia

Characteristics

Perennial

The basics

Position: Full sun

Position

Care

To avoid potential disease and insect problems, it’s helpful to thin after the natural fruit drop (about 4 to 6 weeks after bloom) to one fruit per cluster, or about 6 to 8 inches between fruit.

Feed

In the early spring, spread two inches of compost or one inch of well-rotted manure spread around the roots of the tree. Make sure the mulch reaches out to the edge of your apple tree’s canopy. Do not allow any mulch to touch your tree’s trunk, as this can be an entry point for pests, and can rot the wood on the trunk. Your mulch circle will look like a donut: the hole in the middle is for the trunk and about six inches of empty space before the mulch begins.

Pruning

When to prune: Winter

Harvest

The stem should part readily from the branch when the fruit is cupped in the palm of your hand and given a slight twist around, then up (do not yank on the apple).

Storage:

Store apples by wrapping up individual fruits in newspaper or tissue paper. Place the wrapped apples onto trays that allow air to circulate. You can also store them unwrapped, but the fruits should not touch. Different varieties store for different lengths of time, so keep them separate and eat those that won’t store as long first.

The ideal store is somewhere cool, dark, and well-ventilated. Most garages and sheds are ideal, while attics and basements should be avoided due to either excessive heat, lack of ventilation, or low humidity. Check stored apples regularly and remove any that are going soft, brown, or rotting.

Journal

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