Apple seedling
Malus domestica
A young woody tree seedling featuring alternate, serrated green leaves on a slender stem, growing in a small container with organic mulch.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Water
- Moderate watering needs. Water deeply when the surrounding soil is dry to the touch, allowing excess to drain freely.
- Growth
- Perennial deciduous tree with an upright, branching habit, eventually reaching mature heights of 15 to 30 feet depending on rootstock
Care instructions
Provide full sun exposure, water when the top inch of soil becomes dry, plant in well-draining loamy soil, and apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily
Watering
Moderate watering needs. Water deeply when the surrounding soil is dry to the touch, allowing excess to drain freely.
Soil
Well-draining loamy or sandy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9, depending on the specific cultivar
Growth habit
Perennial deciduous tree with an upright, branching habit, eventually reaching mature heights of 15 to 30 feet depending on rootstock
Bloom season
Spring, producing clusters of five-petaled white to pink-tinted flowers with a pleasant fragrance
Propagation
Propagated primarily through seed for rootstock purposes, or via grafting and budding onto established rootstocks for named cultivars
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to fungal leaf spots, powdery mildew, and aphid infestations; preventative measures include maintaining good air circulation and inspecting foliage regularly
Similar species
Other members of the Rosaceae family such as crabapples (Malus spp.), which can be distinguished by smaller fruit size and distinct floral characteristics