Apple tree

The apple tree is a very old fruit tree originating from Asia, belonging to the Rosaceae family. Nowadays, it is cultivated all over the world and a multitude of varieties have been created. Its easy maintenance makes it a very popular fruit tree in the orchard. Moreover, its fruit offers many variations in cooking. The apple can be eaten raw or cooked in savory or sweet preparations. Among the most famous varieties are the Royal Gala, the Golden Delicious, the Belchard or the Granny Smith.

It is not necessarily necessary to have a large garden to plant an apple tree. However, it is advisable to anticipate by digging a hole about 50 to 60 cm deep, three weeks before planting and to make sure that it is sufficiently spaced from other trees. This fruit tree is more adapted to cool climates, so it is best to plant it between November and March, avoiding frosts.
For its development, the apple tree needs a sunny exposure and prefers a clay-limestone soil, although it adapts easily to any type of sufficiently drained soil.

The apple tree grows freely during the first year following its plantation. The first training pruning can therefore wait until the following winter. To protect the tree from diseases, a treatment can be applied at the end of winter. On average, four to six years are necessary to harvest the fruit. For dwarf varieties, apples mature earlier, about two to three years after planting.