Knowledgebase

Picking apple trees for garden #874864

Asked June 26, 2024, 6:34 PM EDT

So, I am looking into planting two apple trees that can come as dwarf, disease resistant, good taste fresh, and pollinate each other. I don't like to use sprays or chemicals. Could you recommend some varieties? Our zip code is 48081 in St. Clair Shores. We have clay soil, but well drained, and full sun for both. Thanks.

Macomb County Michigan

Expert Response


Hello,

For your location in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan, with USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, clay soil, and full sun, here are some dwarf apple tree varieties that are disease-resistant, have good taste, and can cross-pollinate each other:

Honeycrisp: Known for its juicy, sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture. It’s a popular choice and has good disease resistance. More information at this link:

Apple Cultivars and Their Uses | MU Extension (missouri.edu)

Liberty: This variety is highly resistant to apple scab and other diseases. It produces fruit with a tart flavor similar to McIntosh. More information at this link:

Apple Cultivars and Their Uses | MU Extension (missouri.edu)

Enterprise: Another disease-resistant variety that produces spicy and juicy apples. It’s also known for its long storage life. More information at this link:

Apple Cultivars and Their Uses | MU Extension (missouri.edu)

Goldrush: Offers a good balance of tart and sweet flavors and is known for its excellent storage qualities. It’s resistant to many common apple diseases. More information at this link:

Apple Cultivars and Their Uses | MU Extension (missouri.edu)

When selecting trees, ensure that their bloom times overlap to facilitate cross-pollination. More information at this link:

Fruit tree pollination is complicated | Over the Garden Fence | Illinois Extension | UIUC

When purchasing your trees, it’s also important to consider rootstocks specifically bred for dwarf growth. This will ensure that the trees maintain a manageable size and are well-suited for your space.

Before planting, I recommend conducting a soil test to ensure the soil has the right pH and nutrient levels for optimal growth. Amending the soil based on the test results can provide a better start for your apple trees. Details on soil testing at this link: Get Started | MSU Soil Test

Some handy resources are at these links:

Selecting apple varieties and rootstocks for your new orchard - Apples (msu.edu)

Smart Gardening: Growing Backyard Fruit Trees - Gardening in Michigan (msu.edu)

Smart Gardening: Pruning and Training Backyard Apple and Pear Trees - Gardening in Michigan (msu.edu)

Planting Apple Trees – Apples (extension.org)

I hope this helps!



An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 26, 2024, 10:26 PM EDT

Loading ...