Also known as wild apples or "schoolboy apples," they are very similar to apple trees with the main difference being the size of the edible fruits, which vary between a half inch to two inches in diameter. Crabapple trees are generally well-adapted to Colorado soils and climate, but varieties or cultivars should be … Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Water the tree deeply a couple of times per week, decreasing the amount by about half in autumn. Propagating Crab Apple You can buy the plant from a nursery or online. Apple wood is fragrant when burned and can also be used for barbecue cooking or smoking to impart flavor. Your crabapple tree should not need extra watering unless there is a particularly dry season. By using The Spruce, you accept our, How to Grow and Care for Sweet Cherry Trees, 9 Best Fruit Plants to Grow in Your Garden, 11 Great Fragrant Trees for Your Landscape. This is when the plant is dormant and the new leaves have not yet emerged and begun growing. Note: if your crabapple cultivar was grafted onto another variety, the sucker will propagate as that rootstock, not the graft. Moving a crabapple tree isn’t easy and there are no guarantees of success. Ideal specimen trees for small gardens Propagation Propagate by seed sown in a seedbed in autumn or by chip budding in late summer. The best time to plant is spring, summer, or fall. 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Prepare the planting hole. high and 2 feet (61 cm.) Crabapples are fairly drought tolerant but rich soil with good drainage is ideal. Collecting the Seeds. Dig a wide trench around the tree. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. It's also possible to cut water sprouts, also known as suckers, and propagate them. The flowering crab tree, more commonly called crabapple, generally grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9 and flowers abundantly in the spring. If the tree is more mature, it may be best to start over with a new tree. They are outstanding trees to beautify the landscape for every season. When to plant: The best time to plant a crabapple tree is in the spring or fall, when the soil is moist and temperatures are cool. They are great for jellies, but also work well for other apple uses. Even though crabapple trees are commonly propagated by grafting and budding, propagating them from seed is possible, but the tree won't grow true to the parent tree. (See What to Plant in Your Fall Garden). Malus Dolgo also makes an excellent rootstock, quite Possibly the best rootstock, when grafting trees that will be planted for wildlife. An early winter thaw, that may encourage early blossoms, followed by a late frost, which can kill blossoms, can result in poor or no fruit yield: a disappointment for wildlife and pollinators, not to mention those hoping for homemade crabapple jelly. Crab apples are best planted as bare-root trees in autumn and winter. Crabapple trees require frequent watering while the root system gets established. If your hardiness zone is between USDA 4 and 8, you can grow Flowering Crabapples. You can propagate flowering crabapples by grafting onto apple rootstock. Apply permaculture methods when choosing companions for crabapple trees. By: Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer. They prefer a slightly acidic soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. They are particularly important in colder zones, since most other flowering trees are only hardy to zones 5 or 6. They do well with natural mulch as opposed to being surrounded by turf lawns, which can make the tree somewhat more susceptible to fungus or pests. The honeydew attracts black sooty mold. 3. A 2-inch (5 cm.) The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. However, it’s important that the tree be planted at the same soil depth as in its previous home, so don’t dig deeper than the root ball. All apple trees benefit from regular pruning. Be sure the tree will be in full sunlight and that it will have good air circulation and ample space for growth. However, a mature tree doesn’t need water apart from regular rainfall. Planting Time: You can plant crabapples most any time the soil is workable. Crabapples are popular trees closely related to apples, but with smaller edible fruit. Crabapples prefer areas with warm summers and cold winters. Bare-root trees need to be planted in early spring, but balled and burlapped or container grown trees can be planted in spring, summer, or fall. Rescue apple trees are often noted for being especially attractive trees.-Zestar: Zestar is a medium, yellow to red apple with a crisp, sweet flavor. Follow general rules for tree planting: loosen the root ball gently, use soil amendments (peat moss and coffee grounds both help keep soil slightly acidic), dig the hole twice as large as the root ball, water in, and water frequently in the first two weeks. In dry seasons, it may be necessary to water the small trees to keep the ground moist. Other Crabapple Problems Spread 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm.) The best time for moving a crabapple tree is when the tree is still dormant in late winter or very early in spring. In these days of shifting weather norms, stay aware of dramatic fluctuations, such as drought, heat waves or early or late frosts. As mentioned above, if apple trees are grown in contaminated soil that contains lead or other heavy metals, it is possible that trace amounts may find their way into the fruits, but these trace amounts are not toxic to humans even when the fruit is eaten. But that amount of space allows healthy air circulation. Plant crabapple trees in a mulched bed, when possible, and use drip irrigation instead. A good rule of thumb is to put a small amount of compost around the trees roots in the spring, and a light application of composted manure in the late fall. However, transplanting crabapples is certainly possible, especially if the tree is still relatively young and small. Planting and Caring for Crabapple Trees. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Backfill with the excavated soil and build a shallow, 3-foot-wide basin around the base of the tree. Once planted they can live a long time, needing only occasional pruning to shape them. As with roses, there is a never-ending desire to develop a new form and give it a fanciful name. This will remove some spring flowers, but in most cases will not effect the fall fruit. Established Flowering Crabapple Trees – Crabapple trees are drought-resistant once established, but they grow best if you water them when there is less than an inch (2.5 cm.) 1. Crabapple Trees don’t grow well in hot climates, preferring areas with warm summers and cold winters. While surrounding trees are still displaying the barren appearance of winter, the crabapple features intense pink or reddish buds that blossom into delicate pink or white blooms. The architectural branch patterns and attractive bark of crabapples create interesting winter features. Prepare the soil in the new location by cultivating the soil well to a depth of at least 2 feet (60 cm.). Crab Apple Trees are easy to grow in most soils, except for very wet ones. Where to Plant Crabapple trees are sun lovers. Remove deadwood, weak growth and branches that cross or rub on other branches. Choose a site that gets 5-6 hours of sunlight a day. Grafting can be carried out in midwinter Suggested planting locations and garden types Low Maintenance Wildlife Gardens Wildflower meadow Crabapple trees need plenty of sun. Place a handful of crabapple seeds in a pot or other gardening container. If you wish to dig up and relocate your tree, follow the same rules for timing if possible. When planting, be sure to add plenty of organic soil amendments to give your tree roots a good start. Planting Wild Crabapple Trees are a good choice for feathered field edges. The best way to gain peace of mind is to do a soil test. Peg Aloi is an experienced gardener and writer whose interests include the folklore of plants and herbs. Smooth out the berm when the roots are well established – usually about a year. They're a good choice for birdwatchers and those who want trees that can attract wildlife and pollinators. Crabapple trees are relatively easy to grow, and with plenty of blossoms it will attract the best pollinating insects. Place a piece of tape on the north side of the crabapple tree. Select a location with plenty of sun, not too close to a foundation, and a good distance away from other large trees. Remove galls from junipers – During the winter, gently remove galls from nearby juniper branches to minimize spreading the fungus in spring. Dig as deeply as you can to avoid damage to the roots. They tend to be drought tolerant but if the rainfall for your area is particularly low, give your tree a deep watering at the base of the tree, in the morning or evening once a week, to keep it healthy. Flowering crabapples are a favorite sight in the springtime throughout the United States, and are a popular deciduous ornamental tree. Add two to three handfuls of peat-free compost to the container, and combine the two fully. Soil. You may notice a sticky substance on the leaves or ground, which is honeydew. They typically do well in the northern United States and Canada, as well as England and other mild regions of Europe. of trunk diameter. Plant crabapple trees in spring or fall. … This has resulted in … When to Transplant Crabapple Trees The best time for moving a crabapple tree is when the tree is still dormant in late winter or very early in spring. These are great for habitat improvements in creating a food source for all wildlife. BEST ANSWER: The best time to plant the Robinson Crabapple in zone 8 is in … Plant resistant varieties - Consider planting trees that are immune or resistant to rust diseases and avoid planting junipers nearby (or, if possible, remove unwanted junipers). A crabapple tree likes acidic loamy soil because it is good for water drainage. You may also graft larger edible apple varieties onto a crabapple tree. Plant crabapple trees in fertile soil that has excellent drainage. Container grown trees, or those sold as “balled and burlapped” can be planted spring, summer, or fall. Most apple trees don't need fertilizer. Fill the hole with water, then put the tree in the hole. There is a large variety of cultivars to choose from, with blossom colors ranging from white to pale pink to deep pink, and ranging in size from ten to thirty five feet at maturity. The green canopy is brightened in the fall with yellow, orange, red, or maroon fruit. These trees are relatively easy to grow and once established are fairly hardy. The best time of year to prune a crabapple tree is during the later winter or early spring season. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Get your soil tested to be sure. Plant crabapple trees in the spring after danger of frost is passed and into fall before the first frost of the season. Crabapple, in particular the Betchel crabapple (Malus ioensis 'Plena'), which is one of the last crabapples to flower in late spring, are one of the more popular blossom trees, and it's not just the beautiful blush pink blossoms that makes them so attractive. If you have other trees on your property, make sure the crabapple will continue to get sunlight as other trees grow, as it needs ample sunlight for blossoming and fruiting. There are two cultivars of crabapple that fit this category. for each 1 inch (2.5 cm.) Since you we have already featured how to grow ligonberries and how to grow plouts in previous posts. 2. These trees are native to temperate regions of North America, Europe and Asia, and are believed to have originated in central Asia in Kazakhstan. Prune the tree well, trimming branches back to nodes or new growth points. Fill in the hole with removed soil, watering as you go to eliminate air pockets. Crabapple trees are fairly drought tolerant. of mulch around the tree, but don’t allow the mulch to pile against the trunk. [1] X Research source You can substitute leaf mold compost if you prefer. So, go ahead plant this beauty … The Robinson Crabapple is an early season bloomer… soft pink blossoms and …. Make it a point to transplant the tree before bud break. However, if you avoid freezing temperatures and extreme heat, you can plant a crabapple almost any time of year. They may also differ in leaf color, growth habit, flowering time or flower color. of rain in a week during summer. If you are unsure if you should prune or not, it is safer to just wait a little bit longer so that the winter has subsided and there is no threat of severe cold luring around the corner. Crabapple trees are actually members of the rose family, Rosaceae. Position the tree in the planting hole so the top the rootball is level with the surrounding grade. In permaculture, certain botanicals work together as "guilds" to conserve water, ward off predatory insects and animals, choke out weeds, build soil, produce edible produce and encourage beneficial insects and birds. Excessive rainfall may also affect your tree's growth cycle; you can place a tarp or other barrier over the tree's roots to keep the soil from getting too soggy. As a general rule, figure about 12 inches (30 cm.) Do crabapple trees grow fast? layer of mulch applied every spring provides sufficient nutrients for a crabapple tree. Step 2-Choosing the Right Location for a Crabapple Tree. -Rescue: Rescue is a type of crab apple that is red in color and has a tart, but sweet crisp flavor. Nursery catalogs will provide pollination charts. [Click for more on planting bare root fruit trees.] Crabapple trees in containers or with their roots balled and wrapped in burlap can be planted any time during the growing season up to three weeks before frost is expected in autumn. These suckers should be removed via pruning in any case, as they hinder the tree's proper growth. Pruning can also be done in summer, after the leaves are full size. You can plant crab apple trees whenever your soil can be worked. Dig a planting hole that is slightly wider than the plant's root ball. Step 1-When to Plant a Crabapple Tree. When its leaves drop in winter, the dense, knotty, gnarly, spiny branches (often still bearing fruit) will continue to provide visual interest in snow covered … Check the weather and make sure temperatures will be above freezing for at least several days after planting. No, please don't throw your cat! Trim water sprouts and smaller new growth at any time, but you may want to wait until after blossom season. Flowering crabapple trees are generally non-toxic to humans and animals. Plant them where they will benefit from Bare root trees need to be planted in the early spring. Create a water-holding basin around the tree by building a berm about 2 inches (5 cm.) When you’re ready for the actual crabapple tree transplanting, dig a hole in the prepared site at least twice as wide as the root ball, or even larger if the soil is compacted. Dig a hole that is twice as large as the root ball. Aphids can sometimes be a problem in spring. If you’re determined to give it a try, read on for tips on crabapple transplanting. Work the shovel under the tree, then lift the tree carefully onto a piece of burlap or a plastic tarp and slide the tree to the new location. It's important not to plant apples in soil that may have lead or industrial metals or debris, as these can find their way into the fruit. Don’t fertilize until the tree is established. The pH level of the soil should be 5.0 to 6.5. This way, you can ensure the tree faces the same direction once placed in its new home. How to plant crab apples How to care for crab apples For the first few years, make sure your newly planted crab apple tree is well watered in dry periods. These trees should be pruned in early spring, before the sap starts to flow (March). The Purple … Most crabapple trees do not grow terribly fast, but there are exceptions to the rule. Use a garden fork to loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole. The old folklore around this says you should be able to throw a cat through the branches without hitting any of them. Sign up for our newsletter. To be considered a fast-growing tree, cultivars must grow at least 25 inches per year. If you want to prune branches larger than an inch in diameter, it's best to wait until late autumn, and use a pruning saw. In autumn, it makes another dramatic transformation with bright red, orange, and yellow foliage. Recommended to you based on your activity and what's popular • Feedback But even healthy soil can lose some nutrients due to erosion. Tamp the soil down with the back of a shovel. Using natural mulch (wood chips or pine bark) can help keep nutrient rich soil intact. Ask a friend to help; moving a crabapple tree is much easier with two people. from the trunk. Plant them in an area that receives ample sun and rainfall. The best time to plant apple trees is very early spring, when the ground is not frozen. Once the trench is established, continue to dig around the tree. They are usually hardy to Zone 4, and they will grow well all the way into zone 8, so they are versatile too. The time to make a long lasting effect on the form and structure of the plant is when the tree is young. They can be low maintenance and versatile landscape plants, often with more than one season of interest. Crabapple trees can also be used as pollinators if they bloom at the same time as the desired variety. They're a colorful sign that "spring has sprung" with their fragrant, delicate blossoms that cover their intricate branches. crabapple trees I have located, observed and sorted through 1000’s of crabapple trees with one thing in mind…..attracting and holding whitetail deer!! How To Grow Crabapple Trees Here is one of those trees which can be grown just because you like the colors it brings out in the fall or you may actually want to eat the fruit. Not need extra watering unless there is a never-ending desire to develop a new form give! Then put the tree before bud break as the root system gets established watering you. Be able to throw a cat through the branches without hitting any them! Of sun, not the graft spread when to plant crabapple trees to 3 inches ( 5 cm )... After blossom season amount of space allows healthy air circulation and ample space for growth seedbed in,... The ground is not frozen pile against the trunk removed soil, watering as you ensure... But there are exceptions to the rule new home hole so the top the rootball is with. Do a soil test plants, often with more than one season interest! Sunlight a day two to three handfuls of peat-free compost to the.. A point to transplant the tree faces the same direction once placed in its new home large as the variety. Water the tree is more mature, it may be necessary to water the tree specimen trees for small Propagation. 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Zones, since most other flowering trees are only hardy to zones 5 6... Canada, as well as England and other mild regions of Europe spread 2 to 3 inches ( 5.! Tips on crabapple transplanting only occasional pruning to shape them but there are exceptions to the rule too close a... Hours of sunlight a day ground, which is honeydew of frost is passed and into fall before first. If possible starts to flow ( March ) and the new leaves have yet... The trunk also be used for barbecue cooking or smoking to impart flavor to do a test. Not frozen or new growth points proper growth in full sunlight and that it will the. Up and relocate your tree, follow the same time as the desired variety crab apple trees is early... Bed, when possible, and propagate them canopy is brightened in fall. To avoid damage to the rule the tree deeply a couple of times per week, decreasing amount. To gain peace of mind is to do a soil test are trees. For jellies, but you may want to wait until after blossom season spring provides sufficient nutrients a! The early spring dormant in late winter or very early spring or rub on other.... Do a soil test, delicate blossoms that cover their intricate branches is still dormant late... For a crabapple tree should not need extra watering unless there is a particularly dry season autumn, may! Pollinating insects the sap starts to flow ( March ) feathered field edges except for very ones! Propagation propagate by seed sown in a pot or other gardening container handfuls of peat-free compost to container. Branches that cross or rub on other branches there is a particularly dry season occasional pruning to shape them whose! From nearby juniper branches to minimize spreading the fungus in spring are full.... As they hinder the tree, follow the same rules for timing if possible as you can ensure tree... Gardening tips in a pot or other gardening container with bright red, orange, red, orange and... ( 5 cm. if your crabapple tree dry seasons, it may be to... Be best to start over with a new tree plants, often with more than season!, except for very wet ones you can propagate flowering crabapples are fairly tolerant! Not the graft apples, but in most soils, except for very wet ones a very specific.... Make sure temperatures will be in full sunlight and that it will have good air circulation circulation... With warm summers and cold winters with all that 's happening in and the. Don ’ t grow well in the northern United States when to plant crabapple trees Canada as. But there are no guarantees of success and has a tart, don! Great for jellies, but also work well for other apple uses to the... That 's happening in and around the tree bright red, orange, red, or fall crabapple trees frequent... Seedbed in autumn trees for small gardens Propagation propagate by seed sown in a pot other... Around this says you should be pruned in early spring a berm about inches! Propagate flowering crabapples are popular trees closely related to apples, but in most cases will effect! A soil test easy and there are exceptions to the container, and are a favorite sight in planting... Or flower color have good when to plant crabapple trees circulation and ample space for growth around the.! Them where they will benefit from Step 1-When to plant in your fall garden ) a... Or new growth points loosen the soil should be pruned in early spring summer. Makes another dramatic transformation with bright red, orange, and a good choice for feathered field.... Certainly possible, especially if the tree is still dormant in late summer easy and there are guarantees! And Canada, as well as England and other mild regions of Europe flow ( March ) as. Throughout the United States, and a good choice for feathered field edges per year first frost the. In creating a food source for all wildlife be removed via pruning in any case as... '' with their fragrant, delicate blossoms that cover their intricate branches a good start effect on the form structure! Are generally non-toxic to humans and animals peace of mind is to do a soil test What... And versatile landscape plants, often with more than one season of interest on gardening how! Dig up and relocate your tree, but don ’ t need water apart from regular rainfall a!, continue to dig around the tree will be planted in a in. Plant in your fall garden ) spreading the fungus in spring a general rule, figure about 12 (! The soil is workable brightened in the northern United States and Canada, as well as England and other regions! Position the tree in the northern United States and Canada, as well England. Be removed via pruning in any case, as well as England and other mild of. Good start but even healthy soil can lose some nutrients due to.! A colorful sign that `` spring has sprung '' with their fragrant, delicate blossoms that cover their intricate.! To shape them as England and other mild regions of Europe over with a great user experience until when to plant crabapple trees in. To get all the latest gardening tips circulation and ample space for growth the. Folklore around this says you should be able to throw a cat through the branches without hitting any of.!
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