Ultimate Apple Tree Planting Guide
Find the perfect apple variety for your region and growing conditions
Welcome to our interactive apple tree planting guide! Whether you’re a novice gardener or an experienced orchardist, planting apple trees can be a rewarding experience that provides delicious fruit for years to come. However, choosing the right variety for your climate and location is crucial for success.
Our guide helps you identify the best apple varieties for your specific growing conditions in North America. Simply use the filters below to find apple trees that will thrive in your region.
Find Your Perfect Apple Tree
Recommended Apple Varieties For Your Conditions
Based on your selections, here are the apple varieties that should thrive in your location:
Honeycrisp
Known for exceptional crispness and sweet-tart flavor. Excellent for fresh eating and good storage life. Moderate disease resistance but susceptible to bitter pit.
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Gala
Sweet, aromatic flavor with crisp texture. Versatile for fresh eating, salads, and cooking. Earlier harvest makes it good for regions with shorter growing seasons.
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Fuji
Very sweet and crisp with excellent storage life. Good for warmer regions due to lower chill requirements. Excellent for fresh eating and good keeper.
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Liberty
Excellent disease resistance to apple scab, fire blight, cedar apple rust, and powdery mildew. Good for organic growing. Sweet-tart flavor good for fresh eating and cooking.
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Pink Lady (Cripps Pink)
Sweet-tart flavor with hints of raspberry and lemon. Excellent for warm winter regions. Needs long growing season but low chill requirements. Great for fresh eating.
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Granny Smith
Bright green, very tart flavor. Excellent for baking and cooking. Good storage life and adaptable to many climates. Lower chill requirement makes it good for warmer regions.
Read MoreStep-by-Step Apple Tree Planting Guide
When to Plant
For best results, plant apple trees in early spring (as soon as the ground can be worked) or in late fall (after leaf drop but before ground freezes) in most regions. In the southernmost parts of the U.S., winter planting is often successful.
Site Selection
Choose a location with:
- Full sun – At least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Good air circulation – Helps prevent disease
- Well-drained soil – Apple trees don’t tolerate standing water
- Avoid frost pockets – Low-lying areas where cold air settles
- Protection from strong winds – Especially in colder regions
Soil Preparation
Before planting:
- Test your soil pH – apples prefer 6.0-7.0
- Amend soil with compost if needed to improve drainage
- Add lime if soil is too acidic or sulfur if too alkaline
- Clear the area of weeds and grass
Planting Process
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root spread and about 2 feet deep
- Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole
- Position the tree with the graft union 2-3 inches above soil level
- Spread the roots evenly over the mound
- Backfill with soil, tamping gently to remove air pockets
- Water thoroughly to settle the soil
- Add mulch in a 3-foot circle around the tree (keeping it 6 inches away from the trunk)
- Stake if necessary in windy locations
Spacing Requirements
Proper spacing depends on rootstock and ultimate tree size:
- Dwarf trees: 8-10 feet apart
- Semi-dwarf trees: 12-15 feet apart
- Standard trees: 20-30 feet apart
Pollination Planning
Most apple varieties require cross-pollination from a compatible variety that blooms at the same time. For best results:
- Plant at least two different compatible varieties
- Ensure bloom times overlap
- Plant varieties within 50 feet of each other
- Consider crabapples as pollinators if space is limited
First Year Care
- Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy (about 1 inch per week)
- Pruning: Remove broken branches and head back the central leader
- Fertilizing: Wait until spring growth begins, then apply balanced fertilizer
- Pest management: Monitor for pests and diseases
- Remove fruit: Don’t allow trees to bear fruit in first year
Regional Planting Calendar
USDA Hardiness Zone Map for North America
| Region | Fall Planting Window | Spring Planting Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast (Zones 3-6) | Late October – Early November | April – Early May | Spring planting often preferred due to harsh winters |
| Southeast (Zones 6-9) | November – December | February – March | Fall/winter planting recommended for hot summers |
| Midwest (Zones 3-6) | Late October – Early November | April – May | Spring planting preferred in coldest areas |
| Northwest (Zones 5-9) | October – November | March – April | Fall planting often successful due to mild winters |
| Southwest (Zones 5-9) | October – December | February – March | Earlier spring planting to establish before summer heat |
| Southern Canada (Zones 3-6) | Late September – October | Late April – May | Spring planting strongly recommended |
Chill Hours by Region
Chill hours are the number of hours between 32-45°F during winter dormancy that apple trees need to break dormancy properly in spring.
| Region | Typical Chill Hours | Recommended Varieties |
|---|---|---|
| Northern States & Canada (Zones 3-5) | 1000-1500+ | Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Cortland, Northern Spy |
| Central States (Zones 5-7) | 700-1000 | Gala, Fuji, Jonathan, Enterprise, Liberty |
| Southern States (Zones 7-8) | 400- |