Dwarf Apple Trees
Top Picked Dwarf Apple Trees
There seems to be a bit of confusion over what exactly dwarf apple trees are. How small is a dwarf and why would someone want one? What makes an apple tree a dwarf compared to others? Is the fruit of these trees also smaller?
To understand dwarf apple trees, it is easiest to start with tree basics. The apple varieties need to be cross-pollinated in order to set fruit. Therefore, apple flowers have to receive pollen from another apple or crab apple type of tree in order to grow fruit. This is why it is required that you plant two different types of apple varieties unless there is a crab apple tree nearby.
Standard apple trees are rarely used anymore except in very cold areas of the United States because they grow slow and do not even begin to bear fruit until they are around five to eight years old. For this reason dwarf apple trees are chosen that bear fruit in three years. The size of the tree has absolutely no influence over the fruit size which is fabulous for the backyard enthusiast.
Gala
These are among the most popular dwarf apple trees in the country. It is low maintenance and grows organically. Gala apples are delicious because they are firm, crisp and sweet. They are resistant to softening and bruising and can be easily stored for periods of six months. Approximately 6 to 12 bushes can be picked from one tree per year from the end of August through the fall. Gala trees are easy to grow without chemicals and will rapidly mature to around 15 feet with an attractive oval shape. Ideal cross pollination choices are Granny Smith, Red Delicious, Jonathon apple trees and Yellow Delicious.
McIntosh
McIntosh dwarf apple trees are famous for producing tangy, light, vibrant red fruit. They ripen early and produce an abundance of apples that are ideal to be eaten fresh or used in baking for making sauces, pies and even fresh apple cider. Your McIntosh tree will grow quickly and organically without the need for any harsh chemicals so you can eat your fruit right off the branch. They pair with virtually any other tree for cross pollination purposes.
Yellow Delicious
Yellow Delicious dwarf apple trees produce fruit in record time that are disease resistant and can be grown organically. The apples are crisp, sweet and extra juicy and they are great for delicious desserts. These trees are perfect for the impatient gardener because they mature at 10 to 15 feet and are often already producing fruit in the nursery. Ideal trees to pair up with this one are Gala, Granny Smith or the Red Fuji for the best pollination.
Granny Smith
These dwarf apple trees are adaptable to various soils and ripen in record time. They are usually ready to be picked around November and will maintain their tart flavor until spring. Granny Smith trees can be grown organically and produce crisp, firm, tart fruit that can be eaten alone or cooked in virtually anything. Popular pollinators are the Gala, Red Fuji or Yellow Delicious.
Red Fuji
Red Fuji apples are American supermarket's top picked apples and you can easily grow them in your backyard. Their ultra sweet taste is perfect for snacking, baking or even tossing on a salad. Fruit from these dwarf apple trees ripen in the beginning of October and maintain a long shelf life to get you through to the spring. For pollination purposes it is recommended to plant the Red Fuji along with a Gala, Yellow Delicious or Granny Smith.