The humble apple tree has long been a staple of American culture, its rich history and versatility earning it a special place in our hearts. From the iconic tale of Johnny Appleseed to the timeless adage ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away,’ it’s no wonder why we Americans have a deep affection for these deciduous wonders. And rightly so – with over 7,500 known varieties to choose from, there’s an apple tree out there perfect for every yard.
We’re not here to overwhelm you with options, though; instead, we’ll highlight eight crowd-pleasing favorites that are sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
Why Grow Apples
Apples offer numerous benefits when it comes to growing your own. Not only do they thrive in small spaces and mature quickly, producing fruit within two years or less, but many varieties are also low-maintenance and prolific producers. This means you can enjoy a bountiful harvest without dedicating hours of daily care. Beyond their practical appeal, apples are incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer sweet, tart, crunchy, or soft, there’s an apple variety to suit your taste buds.
Enjoy them raw, baked, blended into butter, dried for on-the-go snacking, or even use the blossoms as a unique edible treat. Additionally, apple trees put on a stunning display when they’re in bloom, offering ornamental interest and beauty to your yard. And, with some varieties producing from July to November, you can enjoy fresh apples for a significant portion of the year.
Planning Your Apple Tree Orchard
When setting up an apple orchard, the size of the property is just one factor to consider. Regardless of whether you have two trees or twenty, planning is essential for maximizing their potential. Start by thinking about your property’s characteristics, including the amount of sunlight it receives, drainage, and soil quality. Apple trees thrive in locations with full sun, good drainage, and rich, loamy soil.
If your soil isn’t ideal, don’t worry – you can always add amendments when planting time arrives.
Young apple trees also require consistent moisture. You can install an irrigation system or plant them near a water source for easy watering. The amount of space you have will dictate the number and types of trees you can plant. Measure where you want to place your apple trees and compare that to the mature size of the variety you’re considering.
Dwarf varieties typically need 10 feet between trees, semi-dwarf trees require 15 feet, while standard trees need around 20 feet.
Once you’ve determined how many trees can fit in your space, it’s time to think about the apple varieties themselves. Some types do better in warmer climates, while others struggle with too much humidity. Variety selection will also influence pollination requirements – apples require cross-pollination, and there’s an art to pairing compatible varieties.
For instance, a tree that blooms early, like Liberty, may not be the best match for a late-blooming variety like Northern Spy. Apple pollination charts can help you make informed decisions about which trees to plant. It’s also essential to consider the role of pollinating insects like honey bees, bumble bees, hoverflies, and butterflies – without them, there will be no fruit.
Planting Your Apple Trees
When planting apple trees, timing is crucial – it can be done either in the spring or fall. Before I begin, I clear the area by removing the top layer of soil, which often contains grass and weed roots that can regrow. This sod gets added to my compost pile, where it’ll eventually break down. If grubs are present among the thatch, I collect them and give them to my chickens as a tasty treat.
As I dig, I transfer the dirt into a wheelbarrow or wagon, removing any rocks and depositing them into a designated rock pile. Next, I mix in peat moss and soil amendments with the existing soil. The approach varies depending on the season – during spring, I focus on adding more nitrogen to give my tree an early growth boost. However, since excess nitrogen can lead to excessive leaf growth, which isn’t ideal for fall planting, I opt for a different strategy.
In autumn, I incorporate well-aged compost and bone meal into the soil mix. Although growth may not be immediately visible during the dormant seasons, my tree is still actively growing underground. By promoting sturdy root development through these amendments, I’m preparing it to thrive come springtime.
My Formula
When it comes to planting apple trees, I’ve developed a tried-and-true formula that yields impressive results. The key lies in combining the right ingredients in the right proportions. To start, gather the following: soil from the hole where the tree will be planted, a gallon tub of peat moss, a gallon tub of well-aged compost, two cups of bonemeal, and – if planting in the spring – two cups of fish meal.
While this approach may require more effort than simply digging a hole and placing the tree, the benefits far outweigh the extra time invested. The peat moss adds essential texture and helps regulate soil moisture levels, while the compost provides vital micronutrients that support the tree’s early growth. Bonemeal, rich in phosphorus, promotes robust root development.
By taking the time to carefully combine these ingredients, you’ll be rewarded with a thriving apple tree that will flourish for years to come.
Get It In the Ground
When planting a tree, it’s essential to create a suitable environment by digging a hole that accommodates its root system comfortably. Aim to make the hole several inches deeper than the expected root depth and add three to four inches of your prepared soil mix to the bottom. This will enable the roots to spread out and absorb necessary nutrients as they grow.
The size of the hole has a direct impact on the tree’s overall health, so take the time to dig one that is proportionate to the tree’s mature size. A well-planned root system sets the stage for a thriving tree.
Next, use a stake or a helper (human or animal) to hold the tree upright while you fill in the hole with your prepared soil mix. Gently pat down the soil to ensure it’s firmly packed around the trunk and won’t wobble or shift over time.
You may have some excess soil left over, which can be used to top-dress the surrounding area and water it thoroughly.
/nMulching around the tree is crucial for retaining moisture, suppressing weeds, and creating an inhospitable environment for rodents and insects that might otherwise target the trunk. A 4-foot circumference of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, will keep these unwanted visitors at bay.
I’ve also had success experimenting with recycled rubber mulches specifically designed for trees.
/nRemember to maintain a 4-inch buffer zone between the mulch and the tree trunk to prevent rodents and insects from seeking shelter near the base of your newly planted tree.
My Top 8 Varieties of Apple Trees
When it comes to apples, there’s no shortage of options. With hundreds of varieties to choose from, some newer commercial types and others that have been around for generations, the decision can be overwhelming. As someone who tends a personal orchard, I’ve opted for heirloom varieties, as they offer a flavor profile that’s hard to beat. While commercial apples are bred with shipping and marketing considerations in mind, home gardeners don’t need to worry about those factors.
When selecting an apple tree from a nursery or catalog, it’s essential to read the descriptions carefully and consider seeking advice from your county horticulturist. Alternatively, take a look at the list below, which features my top picks for easy-to-find, versatile varieties that are known for their exceptional taste.
Cox Orange Pippin
The Cox Orange Pippin holds a special place in my heart as it’s not only a delicious and hardy apple variety but also has a unique connection to my favorite author, Roald Dahl. This heirloom tree’s sweet and crunchy fruit with hints of orange and mango makes it perfect for snacking fresh. The fact that it’s pest-resistant and a mainstay in many breeding programs in Great Britain adds to its allure.
As an added bonus, the Cox Orange Pippin is ideal for cooking and baking, much like Dahl himself who was known for his love of gardening and cooking. The fruit typically ripens in mid-to-late September, making it perfect for using in ciders, juices, and drying. While they don’t store well, that’s not a concern since they’re usually devoured before they have the chance to go bad.
One of the tree’s hidden talents is its ability to thrive with espalier training, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their orchard.
Gala
Gala apples are a beloved fixture of Southern orchards, boasting a natural resistance to disease and thriving in USDA zones 5-8. These trees are known for their bountiful yields, making them a popular choice among apple enthusiasts.
When it comes to flavor, Gala apples deliver a sweet and pleasant taste profile that’s perfect for baking, drying, or crafting applesauce.
While they don’t store as well as some other varieties, their mid-season bloom and early production schedule make them a great addition to any orchard. In my experience, my own Gala tree is one of the first to ripen in mid-August, making it a highlight of the harvest season.
Granny Smith
For those who crave the perfect balance of sweet and tanginess, Granny Smith apples are a beloved favorite. Whether enjoyed fresh from the tree, dried to perfection, used in ciders, or baked into pies, this variety never fails to impress. As a parent, I recall my children eagerly anticipating the ripening of Granny Smiths for after-school treats. These trees thrive in warm climates and exhibit natural resistance to cedar apple rust and fire blight.
With hardiness spanning zones 5-8, they’re an excellent choice for gardeners. The fruit typically ripens between September and October, allowing for extended storage of up to three months or more. Moreover, Granny Smith trees are known for their reliability as producers, consistently yielding a moderate harvest.
Honeycrisp
While Honeycrisp apples are notoriously popular, their limitations in warmer climates make them less suitable for some growers. In colder zones 3-6, however, they thrive and can be stored for optimal flavor. The key to success lies in providing dedicated care, including pruning, as they are more finicky than other varieties. Despite being susceptible to fungus diseases and fire blight, Honeycrisps remain a standout choice for those willing to invest time and effort into their cultivation.
In cooler or drier environments, the reward is well worth the challenge. When it comes to fresh eating, few apples can match the Honeycrisp’s unparalleled taste.
Liberty
Liberty, a low-maintenance variety, was specifically bred to withstand numerous pests and diseases, including scab, rust, and fireblight. Its early blooming nature makes it an ideal choice for zones 4-9. This hardy tree produces abundant fruit in late summer and into the fall, making it a great mid-season crop. While storage may not be its strong suit, Liberty apples are perfect for snacking fresh or cooking up nicely.
They’re also a popular choice for desserts or drying, thanks to their reliable annual yields. The fruits themselves boast a delightful sweet-tart flavor, accompanied by an impressive juiciness.
Northern Spy
The Northern Spy apple variety is an American classic that thrives in northern climates, making it a great choice for gardeners in zones 4-9. Not only does it excel as a fresh-eating apple, but it’s also well-suited for pies, sauces, and even cider production. Its long storage life of three months or more makes it a convenient option for many home cooks.
One of its most notable characteristics is its exceptional hardiness, which allows it to resist many pests and diseases – although it does have some susceptibility to fireblight. The fruit itself has a sweet, honeyed flavor that ripens in October. While they do have a reputation for being slow to produce fruit, my personal experience has been consistent with this, as mine took five years to start bearing and only recently at seven years old is becoming more productive.
It’s also worth noting that Northern Spy apples can be biennial producers, meaning some years they’ll bear heavily while others will be lighter.
Red Delicious Apple
The iconic Red Delicious apple has been a mainstay of commercial orchards and home gardens alike, earning its reputation as America’s favorite variety. Its adaptability to various growing conditions makes it an excellent choice for cultivating in one’s own backyard. Not only do they thrive in well-managed home orchards, but they are also naturally resistant to numerous pests and diseases, allowing you to enjoy a bountiful harvest with minimal maintenance.
As the Red Delicious tree begins to bloom mid-season, homeowners in zones 5-8 can expect a fruitful harvest from late September to mid-October. The variety’s many sub-varieties cater to different climates and preferences, ensuring that there’s a perfect match for every region. The fruits themselves are nothing short of remarkable: tender, crispy, and juicy, with a taste that’s as delightful as their appearance.
With proper storage in a cool area, these apples remain fresh and ready to enjoy for up to six months. Whether you prefer them fresh from the tree or used in delectable desserts, Red Delicious apples are sure to please even the most discerning palate. As an added bonus, this biennial bearer ensures that your harvest will be consistent and abundant.
Winesap
The Winesap apple boasts an extraordinary flavor profile, characterized by a spicy, wine-like taste that sets it apart from other varieties. What’s more, both the fruit and blossoms possess a captivating aroma that draws you in. I’ve found myself instinctively sniffing the blossoms, much to the surprise of my honeybees, who haven’t yet seen fit to give me a warning buzz!
This heirloom variety originated in New Jersey and, despite being lesser known, has gained popularity among growers from both northern and southern regions. With its hardiness in zones 5-9, it’s an excellent choice for crafting ciders, sauces, and preserves. Fresh eating is also an option if you’re looking to add some excitement to your snacking routine. The fruit typically ripens in mid-October, with trees being reliable producers once they get going – albeit a tad slow to start bearing.
What Are You Waiting For?
Now is the perfect time to plant an apple tree in your yard, even if you don’t have one already. With proper care, a fast-growing variety can produce a bountiful harvest of crisp, juicy apples within just a few years. If you’re looking for inspiration, be sure to share your favorite recipes using apples in the comments below – and let us know if we’ve missed any of your go-to varieties!
