How to grow apples

Apple

The apple tree belongs to the Rosaceae family and has significant nutritional value. Apples can be eaten fresh or processed and have a high capacity to withstand long storage periods. There are multiple varieties of apples cultivated depending on the environment, and the economic value of this fruit varies by type. Apples come in different colors, such as red, yellow, and green, and they also vary in size, shape, and acidity levels.

An apple is a fruit in which the ovary matures, becomes fleshy, and edible during growth. It is rich in vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin C, contains carbohydrates, and is a significant source of fiber. Apples are used in many ways, including making desserts, being cooked in various European regions, and served fried with sausages or meat. They can also be prepared as juice.

Apples have been known for more than 2,000 years, with hundreds of varieties popular among Europeans, who exported them before migrating to America. One of the notable local figures who cultivated apples was John Chapman, who planted large areas of apple trees in Ohio and Indiana.

How to Plant Apples

The steps to planting apples are as follows:

1. Remove all branches at a height below 45 cm and above 75 cm from the ground. Remove narrow branches with angles less than 45 degrees.
2. Eliminate wounded or broken roots and trim secondary roots to match the size of the branches.
3. Coat the roots with mud before planting to help them connect to the soil.
4. Place the seedling in the center of a hole 20-45 cm deep, ensuring the graft is 5-10 cm above the soil surface and opposite to the wind direction.
5. Fill the hole with soil, ensuring the roots are not compressed.
6. Add supports to stabilize the seedling, positioning them 5 cm in the direction of the wind and 1.5 meters tall. Tie them loosely.
7. Water the seedling immediately after planting with 5-10 liters of water per tree.
8. Avoid fertilization during the first six months of planting.

Pruning Apple Trees

Pruning involves cutting, removing, or shortening certain parts of the tree, either living or dead, to stimulate its biological and functional growth. After pruning, the tree’s productivity improves in terms of quantity and quality.

There are two types of pruning:

1. Winter Pruning: Done during the dormancy period after leaf fall (2-3 weeks later) and before bud emergence.
2. Summer Pruning: Usually done in May or early June to remove branches aged 1-3 years to improve light penetration and control growth.

Thinning Apple Fruits

Thinning is the process of reducing the number of fruits on a tree before they ripen to increase the size and quality of the remaining fruits in terms of taste and color. Thinning also reduces the weight on branches, preventing breakage and enhancing resistance to pests.

Thinning is recommended for trees with weak growth, insufficient nitrogen fertilizer, inadequate irrigation, heavy flowering, and apple varieties that bear fruits in clusters. It can be done manually (which is costly) or using chemicals.

Harvesting Apples

Handpicking is the most common method of harvesting apples. It involves holding the apple and twisting it right and left, then pulling it downwards to pick it intact with its stem. The apples are placed in plastic or wooden containers and transported for grading and sorting. Damaged or defective fruits are removed either manually on small farms or using modern grading machines on larger farms. The apples are then washed, packed, and stored in refrigerated facilities.

Immediately after harvesting, apples should be cooled to a temperature between 0-1°C with high humidity to preserve them for 3-6 months.

Environmental Factors for Growing Apples

Key factors to consider when growing apples include:

1. Environmental Factors: Climate and soil type greatly influence the success or failure of apple cultivation and its yield. Moderate and cold climates are best for growing apples.
2. Choosing an Orchard Location: Selecting a suitable location is crucial, as it cannot be changed after planting. Key considerations include:
   • Temperature: Affects bud growth, fruit development, and flowering. Apples require specific temperatures:
     • Below 1.7°C can kill buds and flowers.
     • Frost during late spring, at temperatures below 2°C, can harm the tree.
     • Roots need 4-5°C, while flowers freeze below 0°C.
     • The ideal temperature for apple fruit growth is 17.7-20.5°C.
   • Light: Enhances photosynthesis, increases carbohydrate levels in leaves, and promotes bud formation and red coloration of fruits. Adequate light can be ensured through pruning to allow sunlight to reach all branches.
   • Humidity: Excessive humidity encourages disease spread and prevents pollen distribution during flowering. Conversely, low humidity dries the stigmas and affects pollination.
   • Soil: Deep, fertile soil with medium texture, like sandy clay, is ideal for apple trees. Factors to consider include fertility, pH (6-7), drainage capability, and soil depth (at least 50 cm). A soil sample can be tested before planting to make necessary improvements.