A fruit tree in your landscape is an investment that will pay dividends for years to come. Once you allow a fruit tree to become established, it will provide a bountiful harvest of your favorite fruits that are fresher and so much sweeter than anything you can find in your local supermarket. This series of posts will showcase just some of the varieties we carry in our stores.

Apples

Growing apple trees in the home garden can be a fun and rewarding experience. Several factors are important to consider before planting for successful apple production. Apple variety and rootstock, site selection, proper planting, training, pruning, adequate fertility, and pest control all contribute to healthy and productive trees.

Most apple trees are not self-fruiting except multiple graft trees, which do not need a pollinator. Otherwise, plant two varieties. Standard apple trees bear in two to seven years after planting. Dwarf trees bear in approximately two years after planting.

Plant standard apple trees 35 feet apart and semi-dwarf trees 10 to 15 feet apart. Dwarf apple trees should be planted 8 to 10 feet apart.

Remember, the fruit varieties listed below are just a selection of the varieties that Meadows Farms carries. Please call your local Meadows Farms for other varieties or special requests.

FUJI

This variety produces super sweet, crisp, and juicy apples that are yellow-green to mostly red. Fuji needs a second pollinator. They are the perfect combination of accent and fruit tree, and are ideal for home landscapes. Needs well-drained soil and full sun.

GOLDEN DELICIOUS

Probably the most popular yellowish-green apple, Golden Delicious are crunchy with a sweet flavor. These are late harvesting apples that are high maintenance and need a second pollinator to fruit successfully. Well-drained soils and full sun are ideal conditions.

GRANNY SMITH

Granny Smith are a tart apple with bright green skin, considered among the best apples for cooking. They need a second pollinator, well-drained soil, and full sun for best results. Granny Smith apples are ready for picking from early to mid fall.

HONEYCRISP

Honeycrisp are an exceedingly crisp and hardy red apple with a sweet and juicy flavor that keep extremely well. They need a second pollinator, well-drained soil, and full sun for best results. Honeycrisps are ready for picking from early to mid fall.

RED DELICIOUS

Red Delicious are possibly the most popular and famous dark red apple, with a very crisp and sweet flavor. They need a second pollinator, well-drained soil, and full sun for best results. Red Delicious are ready for picking from late summer to early fall.