Dwarf apple trees are an excellent choice for those looking to grow fruit in small spaces, such as a backyard or container. Maturing at 8-10 feet tall, these compact trees produce abundant full-sized fruit without requiring much room to grow.
Dwarf apple trees are particularly popular among urban gardeners and those with limited space for traditional, larger fruit trees.
If you thought growing your own apples was out of the question because you don’t have room for an orchard or even one standard-sized tree, keep reading! We’ll tell you what to know to select, plant, and grow a dwarf apple tree in your small yard or garden space.
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What Are Dwarf Apple Trees
Dwarf apple trees are small-sized fruit trees that have been grafted onto specialized, dwarfing rootstocks that control the tree’s overall size. The rootstock may vary, but common dwarfing rootstocks include M9 and M.26. These rootstocks restrict the tree’s overall growth, resulting in a compact, manageable size.
Typically, dwarf apple trees can range in height from 6 to 10 feet, which is considerably smaller compared to standard-sized apple trees, which can grow up to 30 feet tall.
This makes them ideal for growing in limited spaces like small yards, balconies, or even containers. Even though they’re proportionally smaller, they have a growth habit similar to standard apple trees. A dwarf apple tree is an excellent choice for urban gardening or small backyards.
For those fortunate not to have to worry about space limitations, dwarf apples are still a good choice. Spacing for dwarf apple trees can range from 20 feet x 14 feet (173 trees per acre) to 14 feet x 4 feet (778 trees per acre), making them suitable for various planting schemes.
When choosing a dwarf apple tree for your garden space, consider factors like climate, soil conditions, pollination requirements, and desired fruit characteristics, as these vary between varieties.
Benefits of Growing Dwarf Apple Trees
Dwarf apple trees offer several advantages for home gardeners and commercial growers alike. One major benefit is the ease of maintenance. Due to their smaller size, these trees are much simpler to prune, spray, and harvest compared to their standard-sized counterparts – all tasks can be safely completed from the ground.
Dwarf apple trees are known for their earlier fruit production when compared to standard-sized trees. They tend to reach fruit-bearing maturity sooner than standard-sized trees, often producing fruit within 2-3 years of planting. This quicker maturity allows gardeners to enjoy the fruits of their labor in a shorter time frame.
Despite their smaller size, dwarf apple trees still produce the same quality and size of fruit as standard trees. The yields may be smaller due to less-dense branches, but the fruit remains just as delicious and versatile in various culinary applications.
Lastly, dwarf apple trees can serve a dual purpose as an attractive hedge, providing fresh fruit and a natural barrier or division between garden areas. This type of landscaping can help to maximize the use of small spaces in a visually appealing way.
Types of Dwarf Apple Trees
Several varieties of dwarf apples are available, each offering unique characteristics and fruit flavors. Some popular dwarf apple tree varieties include:
- Cameron Select
- Stayman Winesap
- Blondee
- Idared
- Gravenstein
- Anna
- Dorsett Golden
- Ein Shemer
- Lodi
- Liberty
- McIntosh
- Arkansas Black
- Cox’s Orange Pippin
- Fuji
- Granny Smith
- Jazz
- Macoun
- Pink Lady
- Sweet Sixteen
- Braeburn
- Empire
- Gala
- Golden Delicious
- Honeycrisp
- Jonafree
As well as being versatile in terms of taste, these trees are also known for their hardiness and vigor, making them a low-maintenance option for enthusiastic gardeners. If you have the space, planting multiple varieties can also help improve the overall fruit set and harvest time.
Planting Dwarf Apple Trees
Site Selection
Dwarf apple trees thrive in locations that receive full sun exposure for at least 6 to 8 hours each day. When choosing a site for planting, consider areas that have sufficient sunlight and minimal obstructions, such as buildings or large trees, that could reduce sun exposure.
Proper support is essential for dwarf apple trees on dwarfing rootstocks to ensure they do not lean or fall over as they begin to fruit. So bear this in mind as you create your garden plan.
Soil Preparation
Proper soil preparation is essential for promoting dwarf apple tree growth. The ideal soil for these trees is well-draining with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.5. You may perform a soil test to determine your soil’s pH level and amend it with lime or sulfur as necessary to achieve the optimal range.
It’s also recommended to till the soil at the planting location to a depth of 1-1.5 feet. This helps to break up any compacted soil, enabling better root penetration and overall tree growth.
Planting Method
When planting a dwarf apple tree, begin by digging a hole that is at least twice the width of the tree’s root ball and deep enough to accommodate the roots without bending or crowding them. Inspect the tree’s roots before planting, and if they appear dried out, soak the plant in water for about 24 hours.
Remove any broken or damaged roots using sterilized clippers. Position the tree in the hole, ensuring that the graft union (where the fruiting part, or scion, is grafted onto the rootstock) is 2-3 inches above the soil level. This helps prevent the scion from developing its own root system, which could negate the desired dwarfing effect.
Replace the soil around the tree, tamping it down gently to eliminate air pockets, then water thoroughly.
Caring for Your Dwarf Apple Tree
It’s essential to keep in mind that dwarf apple trees can take several years to bear fruit, especially after pruning. Overall, dwarf apple trees are an attractive option for small-scale fruit cultivation, offering a manageable size and plentiful fruit production.
Watering
Proper watering is crucial for the healthy growth of a dwarf apple tree. In general, dwarf apple trees require at least 8 hours of sunlight per day during the growing season. It is important to water deeply just after planting and maintain a consistent watering schedule thereafter. The soil should be properly drained to prevent root rot and encourage healthy root growth.
Fertilizing
To ensure proper growth and a healthy yield of fruit, dwarf apple trees require appropriate fertilizing. Appropriate nutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, play a key role in the overall health of the tree. Regular soil testing can reveal any nutrient deficiencies, allowing you to amend the soil as needed.
Use a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer, and apply it around the base of the tree during early spring as the tree begins its new growth cycle.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining a healthy dwarf apple tree and encouraging fruit production. When the fruit starts to grow, thinning is necessary to encourage the healthy growth of ripe apples. Maintaining only one or two fruit on a branch while removing the rest by hand leads to a more successful harvest.
Aim to prune your trees during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring. Focus on removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, as well as branches that cross or rub against each other.
Also, remove any vertical branches, as they do not produce fruit, and encourage the growth of horizontal branches to form a T-shape with the central trunk.
Disease and Pest Management
Dwarf apple trees, like all fruit trees, can be susceptible to various diseases and pests. Inspect your trees regularly for any signs of disease, such as discolored leaves or unexplained branch dieback. Pests like insects and rodents can often be deterred by using barriers or traps.
Regularly perform preventative measures, such as removing weeds, maintaining proper hygiene around the tree base, and pruning to promote air circulation. Integrated pest management strategies, such as using natural predators, can also help limit pest populations and disease spread.
Harvesting Apples from Dwarf Trees
Dwarf apple trees are known for their manageable size, making the harvesting process easier and more convenient when compared to standard-sized apple trees. Although smaller in stature, these trees still produce a plentiful harvest. The following information will guide you on the proper methods of harvesting apples from dwarf trees.
First and foremost, it is crucial to recognize when apples are ready for harvesting. Depending on the specific variety, apples can be ready for harvesting between July and November, providing a fresh, delicious treat right from the garden.
As the fruit ripens, its color will change, and it may start showing a deeper or more vibrant hue. For example, red apples may turn from a pale pink to a bright red. Additionally, when the apples are ready to be picked, they should easily separate from the branches with a gentle twist.
When harvesting apples, it is best to use a methodical approach:
- Begin by working on one section of the tree at a time.
- Hold the apple firmly in your hand and twist gently until it comes free.
- Place the harvested apples in a basket or a sturdy container to avoid bruising.
- Take care not to damage the branches, buds, or other fruits while picking apples.
Another helpful tip is to pick apples from the outer branches first before moving inward. This allows sunlight to reach the remaining fruit, encouraging further ripening. Harvesting in a timely manner is essential to avoid overripe or damaged fruit. It is recommended to check your dwarf apple tree frequently to ensure optimal harvesting conditions.
Storing Your Apple Bounty
Once you have harvested your apples, they should be stored in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Proper storage will help to extend the life of the apples and enable you to enjoy them for an extended period.
Keep in mind that apple varieties have different optimal storage lengths; pay attention to the specific storage requirements of the variety you have grown to ensure maximum freshness and taste.
Where to Buy Dwarf Apple Trees
If you’ve decided to add a dwarf apple to your garden or yard, we’re happy to point you in the right direction!
We highly recommend the dwarf apple selection sold online by one of our favorite retailers, Stark Bros. They’ve been in the garden business for over 200 years, so they know a thing or two about apples!
Visit them today and order your dwarf apple in time for planting season.
Plant a Dwarf Apple Tree!
Dwarf apple trees are a practical and attractive solution for growing apple trees in small spaces. They yield an abundance of fruit while only reaching about 30% to 60% of the size of standard apple trees, typically 6 to 12 feet in height.
Choosing to grow dwarf fruit trees in your garden saves space and allows for easier maintenance and harvest. With proper care and attention, these small yet bountiful trees can provide a bounty of fresh, delicious apples for years.
Do you want to know even more about apples? Visit the Apple Trees page on our website for all sorts of apple-related resources!