Questions tagged [apples]

Apples are widely cultivated edible fruits in the genus Malus. Use this tag for questions on both the fruit and the tree.

Apples are widely cultivated edible fruits in the genus Malus. Apple trees are short and deciduous, and blossom in the spring. Autumn (Fall) is typically when the fruit matures, and is traditionally the "apple picking" season. There are several cultivars of apples, with the fruits ranging in color from deep red to green and golden yellow to pinkish red, all with varying tastes.

Use this tag for questions on both the fruit and the plant. If it's about the fruit, also tag it with and if it's about the tree, use . In addition,

  • If your question is on the health of the plant, also use and (if applicable).
  • If it's about proper care for the plant, use , along with the specific care, such as , , etc.
  • Identifying diseases and causes of symptoms should be tagged . In this case, please include a picture or two of the plant and provide adequate details and description.
  • To identify the type of apple, use . However, be warned that it is not easy to identify apple varieties. See this question for an idea and see if the resources there help. If they don't, you're welcome to try your luck. As always, photos and location where the fruit was grown will help greatly in making a positive identification.

enter image description here enter image description here Source: Wikimedia Commons

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How can I stop mold from growing on the surface of the soil around my potted plants?

I've been growing some apples from seed. I had four growing in one pot, then transplanted them into four separate pots. They have survived the transplant I believe, but one of the pots has a light-blue mold growing on the surface of the soil. I'm…
Throsby
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What is causing the bark on my crabapple to crack and peel off?

I have a flowering crabapple in my yard whose bark has several large areas where it cracks and curls away from the wood underneath: Hover over any image for description / click for full size I don't know what variety it is (the previous owners…
Niall C.
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Fruit thinning - is that really required?

I have some multi-varietal fruit trees (primarily apples and pears) that are starting to fruit in bunches of 3-4 per cluster. I am debating whether I should thin these clusters to 1-2 fruits (breaks my heart to lose 2 fruits per cluster) or let…
JStorage
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What is this Apple disease?

Close up of lesions Close up stem side I've had this Apple tree for a couple of decades which I had always assumed it was wild since it had always produced sour small apples. For some years the skin has had these blemishes which extend a little…
Graham Chiu
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Dwarf Apple tree in heavy clay

Today I planted an apple tree grown on dwarfing rootstock (M27). The soil at my allotment is very heavy yellow clay. But it's on a decent slope. I dug a hole the depth of the container in which it came. The bottom of the hole was practically hard…
usumdelphini
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Propagate an apple tree

What is the best way to propagate an apple tree? I'm thinking the best way might be to cut off a small twig and splice into another tree, but what kind of tree would be good for this?
Tim
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How and when should I prune my 5 in one dwarf apple tree, including the suckers?

We have one of those 5 in one apple trees and actually got a couple of apples off of it last year. It seems like we have more trees growing off of it. There are some branch like things sprouting from the bottom of the tree or out of the dirt. From…
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Apple trees for an urban backyard

I live in an urban area, but have some space in the back for an apple tree. Last fall I picked up two trees on sale at the end of the season on a whim. They've been completely destroyed by rabbits and it's time to start thinking about another…
Brian
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Fertilizing Over Mulch (Specifically Apple Trees)

I had a question and couldn't find the answer on here. I have apple trees I've been struggling with for a few years now, between deer, caterpillars, and other things. I've got recommended fertilizer rates and times of the year, depending on their…
Dalton
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How do I treat a wound where a branch broke off my apple tree?

One of the secondary branches on my apple tree broke just where it joins the main branch: The branch is now hanging by just a little strip of wood and bark: Click any photo for full size I understand that the wound can't be repaired and that I…
Niall C.
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Source for apple variety information

I'm learning more about apples. Here's my dilemma: I can get about a dozen varieties from my usual supplier. Generally prairie hardy apples are not commercially viable due to their size. Now in the garden catalog they use words like 'crisp'…
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When should I prune espalier apple trees?

I have a row of 5 beautiful espalier apple trees (Jonagold, Granny Smith and Gravenstein) that are about 4 years old, and they put out huge amounts of growth over the summer. I've been pruning the first growth back in late June, but when should I…
KMerkens
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Is there a limit how many branches I can graft onto a mature apple tree?

I have 5 mature Bramley apple trees - I think at least 10-15 years old, I do not know the rootstock but they are easily 6m high so I assume something large; they are also in great soil and get a decent amount of sun and little wind. However these…
Mr. Boy
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How to manage fruit-trees blooming for the second time in autumn?

A friend of mine has an apple tree and a walnut tree that have bloomed for the second time this year. The trees grow in a 6b hardiness zone in the Northern hemisphere where it is already autumn. Night temperatures are 7-9°C (44-48°F). A sour cherry…
Alina
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How do I stop woodpeckers from killing my beloved apple tree?

I have a really old Apple tree in the yard that seems to only produce every other year. (Anybody know what's up with that?) The woodpeckers have done such a number on the trunk's bark, that it looks like a sieve. Questions: How do I keep the…
Snix
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