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too much potassium #871565

Asked June 04, 2024, 3:59 PM EDT

I have apple trees and other fruit trees. They barely fruit. I have a 6 year old crabapple tree that has never flowered. I just got my soil sample completed (Report number 90679) and it says 191ppm for potassium. The trees are on a hill in the yard, no rocks, and all grass. Is there a good way to lower the Potassium?

Wright County Minnesota

Expert Response

Apple trees need comparable trees to cross pollinate and produce fruit. Compatible generally means that they flower at the same time. 

They also need plenty of sun in order to flower and fruit. You can’t do anything to lower your potassium levels but choose not to add more. Check your fertilizer numbers. Potassium is the middle number. 

I can’t see your soil report but if you asked them to test for fruit trees, they should have given you a recommendation. it’s best for you to follow the recommendations.  

Can you attached a copy of the soil test result?

https://fruit.umn.edu/content/before-start-apple-orchard

https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-apples

Deb Reierson Replied June 06, 2024, 8:34 PM EDT
I worked with your team a little last year.  The recommendation last year was to not prune this winter and to water twice per week deeply.  I did those things.
I have a crab apple in the front yard that is about 14 feet tall and has never flowered.  One Honeycrisp apple tree did get about 10 flowers on it this spring.  I have two Honeycrisp and one Zestar.  Should I get a different brand planted?
My trees are in a spot where they get most of the day sun.  I have attached my soil test for your review.  I fertilized this spring for the first time with the Jobe Spikes specifically for fruit trees.  I made sure I stayed away from those areas for my soil sample.  

Thanks in advance for your help,
Todd

On Thu, Jun 6, 2024 at 7:34 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2024, 9:47 AM EDT

Why apple trees aren’t flowering is a multi-layered question. First, they can take up to 8 years to flower and fruit. 

Honey crisp apple trees only bear fruit every 2 to 3 years. In those years they usually bear a good crop. 

You say your tree is 6 years old. Does that mean you planted it 6 years ago? Is it a dwarf variety? Is the root graft 2-3 inches above the soil line? 

Do they get more than 8 hours of sun each day? They need that. Are the trees that do flower, flower at the same time? That is necessary. Zestar is a very early flowered so if it is done flowering when the Honeycrisp flower - no pollination. 

Forget the Jobe fertilizer spikes.Look for a granular or liquid fertilizer.Follow the recommendations on your soil test result.  As per your soil test - look for a 2-3-0 ratio or as close as you can get to that. Make sure that’s number is 0.

Do not apply any weed and feed to your lawn.

When watering, water slow and deep. If you can drag a hose out to it, let it trickle for a long time. 

And do not prune this year unless it’s necessary because of a broken limb or crossing branches. 

https://polk.extension.wisc.edu/files/2014/02/Why-some-apple-trees-dont-flower.pdf

Deb Reierson Replied June 12, 2024, 5:35 PM EDT

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