
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Tree
Height
180 inches
Width
180 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
30-50 years on semi-dwarf stock
Native To
Cultivated origin
Toxicity
Seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides; toxic if many are chewed and swallowed.
The Story
Plant Bio
The domestic apple is a deciduous tree widely cultivated for its delicious fruit. It offers beautiful spring blossoms and a rewarding autumn harvest. 'Liberty' is a modern cultivar renowned for its exceptional, genetically-based resistance to the four major apple diseases: apple scab, cedar-apple rust, fire blight, and powdery mildew, making it ideal for organic or low-spray orchards.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with full sun and fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root system
- Plant the tree so the graft union is 2-3 inches above the final soil level
- Backfill with native soil, eliminating air pockets
- Water thoroughly and apply a 3-foot wide circle of mulch
- Install a trunk guard to protect against rodents and sunscald
Pro Tip
Plant at least one other different, compatible apple or crabapple variety within 50 feet for successful cross-pollination and fruit set.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Prune annually in late winter to maintain an open, productive structure.
- Thin fruit in early summer to one apple per cluster to improve size and quality.
- Provide consistent water, especially during fruit development.
Don't
- Do not allow the graft union to be buried.
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leafy growth over fruit.
- Do not plant a single apple tree and expect fruit; most require a pollinator.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spray |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Apple questions
What zones can Apple grow in?
Apple is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Apple deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Apple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Apple bloom?
Apple typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Apple need full sun?
Apple does best in full sun (6+ hours).
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