Understanding how long it will take to grow an apple tree will give you a strong sense of the patience and care needed when growing this type of tree. So how long does it really take to grow an apple tree?
How Long Does It Take To Grow An Apple Tree?
The amount of time it takes for an apple tree to grow can vary depending on multiple factors including the tree variety, climate, and the amount of grow the tree is to start.
To answer your question in the most general terms, between 2 and 10 years.
The Stages Of Apple Tree Growth
Similar to all plants, there are different stages of development in each apple tree as they transition from being a seed to a grown-up, pomiferous tree.
Each stage forms a vital benchmark during which the tree has a measurable alteration in appearance in form and structure.
Seed Growth (Germination)
This phase starts when the apple seed starts to germinate. Germination is inhibited until the seed receives the proper conditions of temperature, moisture, and oxygen.
When these conditions are met, the apple seed will begin to absorb moisture and expand. When the apple seed expands, the embryo, which has been dormant, will begin to grow.
First, the root (known as a radicle) will grow into the soil. A shoot that grows upwards for light will come shortly after, called the plumule.
Seedling Stage
At this stage in the process, the plant will emerge from the soil above the ground. You will notice the first leaves starting to grow, which is an important step necessary for photosynthesis (where a plant uses the sun to turn carbon dioxide and water into glucose which is an energy source).
As a seedling your apple tree will begin to develop strong roots. It will be especially vulnerable at this stage, so make sure to care for it properly.
Sapling Stage
In this phase, you should notice more mature characteristics in your apple tree. For example, it should be taller, with a stable trunk. The branches will be thicker as well as more leaves developing.
Your apple tree has started to establish itself structurally at this stage, which means you will need to provide appropriate support for it while it strengthens its shape to best support its bearing capability.
Mature Stage
At this stage of development, your apples will be considered full grown and will begin to flower and produce fruit. You will of course still need to provide the proper care, but this is when all of your hard work and patience pays off!
Apple Tree Growth Rates
The apple tree lifecycle can be accepted as occurring in three major stages and a time-frame is typical although it can vary given various considerations that we will discuss shortly thereafter.
In general, germination occurs over a span of 2 to 4 weeks after the seed is planted. How long it takes seed to germinate is highly affected by temperature, moisture, and quality of the seed.
For a period of 2 to 3 years your apple tree will grow as a seedling. Be patient if you are starting from seed.
The sapling stage also typically lasts for several years, again depending on factors. In short, it may take 4 to 6 years before the tree can go from a young seedling state to a mature sapling state.
When To Expect Fruit
When an apple tree produces fruit depends on its age, variety and growing conditions. For example, dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees produce fruit considerably sooner than standard-sized trees, usually within 2 to 4 years of planting.
Standard trees can take up to 8 years or longer before producing fruit.
Factors Affecting Apple Tree Growth Rate
Several factors affect how quickly apple trees grow, including variety, climate, and more.
Let’s start with variety.
Apple Tree Variety
Certain apple tree types (or dwarf apple trees) grow faster and produce apples earlier than other varieties. In general, dwarf and semi-dwarf apple tree varieties tend to grow faster, and would produce fruit earlier than a normal size apple tree.
Climate And Geography
Where you live will affect the growth of your apple tree. Generally, colder climates where the growing season is on the shorter side will slow the growth of your tree. On the other hand, a warmer climate will accelerate growth on the apple tree.
In addition, apple trees need a certain number of “chill hours.” Chill hours represent the number of hours of cold weather that a tree experiences over the winter season.
There is a “sweet spot” range for chill hours, where it is mildly cold enough, but not too cold or too warm (generally, this is between 500 and 1,000 hours).
Placement
In addition to your growing climate and geography, where you plant your apple tree helps with growth. Apple trees grow well in the sun, the best practice is to plant them in full sunlight with plenty of space for each plant.
Apple trees also prefer room for air circulation. Circulation reduces the risk of the tree developing any kind of fungal disease. Exposing your tree to many winds may slow its growth as well.
Soil
Soil quality also has a bearing on apple tree growth. A rich, well-drained soil will mean your tree has easy access to nutrients and water.
If you have poor quality or compact, dry soil, apple tree root development may not be as strong, which affects the growth of the tree.
Apple Tree Care For The Best Growth
With their relatively low care requirements, apple trees are easy to care for. However, there are ways you can take care of them to maximize growth and fruit production.
First let’s discuss watering and feeding.
Watering And Feeding
A young apple tree’s watering requirements will vary at different stages of growth. It will also have different watering needs when you move it from a pot to your garden.
How often and how much you water your tree will be dependent on climate, the season, and how much it rains. You want to water regularly with apple trees especially when they are growing.
Deep soaking less often is better than light, daily watering. Meaning your roots will have the moisture they need. However, you do not want the soil waterlogged.
Fertilize your apple trees once a year if you want them to grow rapidly. It is best done before new growth, in early spring. Use a fertilizer designed for fruit trees. It will have nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that are needed nutrients for trees.
Pruning
Annually pruning your apple tree will help shape the tree, as well as improve airflow. Pruning should take place mostly in late winter or early spring while your tree is dormant.
You can also thin out fruit clusters once the fruit sets. This will energize your tree to grow larger apples, and produce apples of uniform fruit size.
Mulching And Weeding
Don’t forget about the tree’s base. It’s easy to focus all your energy on the fruit-bearing branches but mulching and weeding is just as important for your apple tree.
Make sure to weed regularly around the tree’s base. Weeds are bad for two main reasons. One they compete for water and nutrients and two they can harbor pests and diseases.
Adding an organic layer of mulch, like wood chips, can help suppress weeds. For best results, add the mulch around the base of the tree to the drip line (which is the area on the ground below the tree’s canopy that is a circular zone), but make sure to keep the mulch 2-3 inches away from the trunk.
Mulch helps keep moisture in the soil and regulates the temperature around the roots, as well.
Pests And Diseases
Lastly, monitoring your apple tree for insects and diseases is another key aspect of maintaining a healthy tree. Regular monitoring means you can catch problems before they get bad.
Unusual spots, discolored leaves, or chewed leaves are all indicators of insects and diseases. Like everything else we have covered, it’s best to maintain your tree so these things do not ever happen.
Activities that help prevent insect and disease problems, like better air-exposure, removing fallen leaves, preventing weeds, or mulching can all help prevent undesired issues.
If your apple tree does have insect and/or disease issues, where possible, find out exactly what insects, disease, or issue you are dealing with so you can treat it appropriately. Or, contact a professional.
Common pests on apple trees include:
- Aphids
- Caterpillars
- Mites
- Apple maggots
The three most common diseases affecting apple trees are:
- Apple Scab: This will make the fruit misshapen and cause premature drop of the fruit. It appears as green to black spots on the fruit and leaves.
- Cedar Apple Rust: This affects apple fruit trees in the presence of cedar or juniper trees. As the name suggests, this disease has rust-colored spots on the fruit and leaves. Like apple scab, it causes similar problems.
- Powdery Mildew: This is the most common of fungal diseases. It has the appearance of white substance on the fruit, leaves, and shoots, and causes poor quality fruit and distorted growth.