Apple (Espalier) Growing Guide

Malus domestica

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Prepare a large hole by breaking up the soil and adding plenty of compost or other organic matter.

Position

Sun or partial shade.

Frost tolerant

Yes.

Feeding

Not required, unless closely spaced or just planted.

Spacing

Single Plants: 3.50m (11' 5") each way (minimum)
Rows: 3.50m (11' 5") with 3.50m (11' 5") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Plant in winter when dormant to help them establish better. Should be planted with at least one other apple tree which flowers at a similar time to aid pollination.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Prune towards the end of the season to remove any dead or overcrowded branches and to shape if required.

Harvesting

Harvest when apples are ripe.

Troubleshooting

In Australia fruit fly are a pest of apples, make sure to take appropriate control measures in areas where they are present. It is important to dispose of any infected fruit and fruit has fallen to the ground by placing them in a sealed plastic bag in the sun for at least 7 days to kill the eggs and larvae. Do not compost fruit as this will lead to the fruit fly completing their life cycle and lead to the problem recurring.