What hardiness zones is Malus domestica suitable for?

Malus domestica is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

What are the sun requirements for Malus domestica?

Malus domestica requires Full Sun.

How much water does Malus domestica need?

Malus domestica has Medium water needs.

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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Malus domestica

apple

RosaceaeCentral Asia (hybrid origin)

At a Glance

TypeTree

HabitSpreading

FoliageDeciduous

Height15-30 feet (4.6-9 m)

Width15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 m)

Maturity10 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Fragrant (light)

Container Friendly

Maintenancehigh

Overview

Malus domestica is a deciduous fruit tree reaching 15-30 feet (4.6-9 m) tall with a spread of 15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 m) on standard rootstock, though size varies widely with rootstock selection — dwarf forms reach 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) and semi-dwarf forms 12-18 feet (3.7-5.5 m). Crown shape is rounded to spreading, developing an irregular branching pattern with age. Bark is grayish-brown, scaly and fissured on mature trunks. Leaves are alternate, simple, oval to elliptic, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, with serrated margins and a finely pubescent underside. Flowers are five-petaled, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across, white to pink, borne in clusters of 4-6 on short spur branches in April to May. Flowers are lightly fragrant and require cross-pollination from a compatible cultivar for fruit set; most cultivars are not self-fertile. Fruit is a pome, highly variable in size (2-4 inches / 5-10 cm diameter), color (green, yellow, red, or bicolored), and maturity timing (July through November depending on cultivar). Apple scab (Venturia inaequalis), powdery mildew, fire blight (Erwinia amylovora), and codling moth are the primary pest and disease concerns. In the Pacific Northwest, scab pressure is high in areas with wet springs, making disease-resistant cultivar selection critical west of the Cascades. Trees require 500-1,200 chill hours (below 45°F / 7°C) depending on cultivar, which most Pacific Northwest locations provide. Trees are long-lived, commonly producing fruit for 50-100+ years.

Native Range

Malus domestica is of hybrid origin, descended primarily from Malus sieversii of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan) with introgression from Malus sylvestris (European crab apple) and other species. Wild ancestor populations occur in the Tian Shan mountains at elevations of 3,900-5,900 feet (1,200-1,800 m). Cultivated for at least 4,000 years; naturalized worldwide in temperate regions.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted in home orchards, kitchen gardens, and agricultural settings. Dwarf and semi-dwarf rootstocks allow cultivation in small spaces and containers of at least 15 gallons (57 L). Espalier training against walls and fences is effective for space-limited sites. Most cultivars require a compatible pollination partner within 50-100 feet (15-30 m). Regional cultivar selection should consider chill hours, disease resistance (particularly scab resistance west of the Cascades), and harvest timing.

How to Identify

Identified by alternate, simple, oval leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long with serrated margins and pubescent undersides. White to pink five-petaled flowers in clusters of 4-6 on spur branches in spring. Fruit is a pome, variable in size and color by cultivar. Distinguished from ornamental crabapples (Malus spp.) by fruit diameter generally exceeding 2 inches (5 cm). Bark is grayish-brown with scaly fissures on mature trees.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height15' - 30'

Width/Spread15' - 25'

Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

pink

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks

Spring

Flowers appear in April to May, lasting 1-2 weeks. In the Pacific Northwest, bloom typically occurs in mid- to late April. Cross-pollination from a compatible cultivar (blooming within the same period) is required for fruit set in most cultivars. Honeybees, mason bees, and bumblebees are the primary pollinators. Late spring frosts during bloom can reduce or eliminate fruit set for the season.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to pink

Foliage Description

Medium green, pubescent beneath

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamclaysand

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years to first fruit

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water deeply once per week during the first two growing seasons. Established trees require 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of water per week during the growing season, particularly during fruit development from June through harvest. Plant in full sun with at least 6-8 hours of direct light for best fruit production and disease reduction. Space standard trees 20-25 feet (6-7.6 m) apart, semi-dwarf 12-15 feet (3.7-4.6 m), and dwarf 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m). Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before bud break. Thin fruit in June to 1 fruit per cluster, spaced 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) apart on the branch, to improve fruit size and reduce biennial bearing. Apple scab requires preventive fungicide applications in wet springs west of the Cascades; disease-resistant cultivars reduce this need. Codling moth management requires monitoring and timed interventions from May through August.

Pruning

Prune in late winter (January through February) while fully dormant. Establish a central leader or modified central leader training system in young trees during the first 3-5 years. Remove water sprouts, crossing branches, and inward-growing wood annually. Maintain an open canopy center to improve air circulation and light penetration, which reduces disease pressure and improves fruit color. Thin spur systems on older trees to prevent overcropping. Summer pruning in July to August can reduce vigor and improve fruit quality on overly vigorous trees.

Pruning Schedule

winter

Maintenance Level

high

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 15 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic