Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
On a diFFerent Scale
Fruit trees are available in different sizes based on the type of rootstock they are grafted to. Here are the
size breakdowns and some of the common rootstocks you might see in each size category:
•
Miniature.
Grafted onto M27 rootstock; the full size is 2 to 3 feet.
•
dwarf.
Grafted onto M9 or M26 rootstock; the full size is 5 to 8 feet.
•
Semi-dwarf.
Grafted onto M7 or G30 rootstock; the full size is between 8 and 15 feet.
•
Standard.
These rootstocks produce full-sized trees that vary according to the fruit type.
Apples (
Malus
)
Were apples the original fruit? No one knows, but there are so many apple cultivars (varieties)
available it's no wonder that people sometimes think so. With so many selections available, there
are apples grown in every state in the United States and some that will tolerate from zone 3 to zone
9. Not every cultivar will perform well where you live, however, so get advice from friends and
neighbors around you, or your local county extension office.
Apples are an interesting challenge in the landscape because you need a second cultivar that will
cross-pollinate your trees. Sometimes you can buy specially grafted trees that have branches from
more than one variety grafted into a single tree, and where room is at a premium this might be
the best choice. Otherwise plant two or three different types of apples within 25 to 75 feet (closer
together for the smallest dwarf types) to ensure good pollination of your apples.
thOrny MatterS
Some apple trees produce sterile pollen. Jonagold, Mutsu, and Baldwin are three popular cultivars that
will not pollinate other apple trees. If you plant one of these cultivars, you'll need at least two other trees
within pollination range. Check labels or cultivar descriptions and look for any that state “infertile pollina-
tor” for your clue!
Apples, like many fruit trees, appreciate woody mulch underneath the trees. In fact, some holistic
gardeners use the growing tips of the branches that are pruned throughout the year, chip them in
a wood chipper, and spread them back with compost under the fruit trees. Apple trees also need a
good amount of water and plenty of sunshine to develop those large, succulent fruits!
With apples especially, backyard farmers should try heritage cultivars or those cultivars that aren't
necessarily popular in the grocery store. Often the commercially popular types are those that are
not disease resistant and require lots of spraying and chemical applications. Different cultivars need
differing amounts of “chill hours” or time under 45°F where the cool temperatures ripen the apples
and enhance the flavor. In warmer climates you should choose cultivars that are considered “low-
chill” that don't need as many cool-weather days.
