When it comes to trees, most people think that you need a large yard or plot of land to grow one. However, that’s not always the case. Take apple trees for example—with the right care, they can grow in pots. Whether you have a small yard or simply want to add a tree to your patio or balcony, growing an apple tree in a pot is possible.
Yes, an apple tree can grow in a pot.
How big of a pot do you need for an apple tree?
Apple trees on dwarf rootstocks can go in a pot of between 18″ – 22″ / 45cm-60cm diameter. Alternatively look for containers with a volume of 40-60 litres. For other new fruit trees the most suitable size pots or patio containers will be those which have a top diameter of at least 60cm / 2ft.
If you are growing apples in a container, it is important to pay attention to watering and feeding. A larger pot will be more stable when the tree is in leaf and laden with fruit.
How long can fruit trees stay in pots
If you have a potted tree, it’s important to remove it from its container every two or three years to give the roots a chance to spread out. Prune the roots, so they don’t circle around inside the container, and replace the soil with new potting mix. Then replant the tree in it.
Potted apple trees can survive winter, but they are more exposed to the dangers of frost than those rooted in the ground. So, there are some extra steps to take to protect them: Place a chicken wire around your potted tree, but leave a 6-inch space between them. This will help to protect the roots from the cold.
Can you grow an apple tree in a 5 gallon bucket?
When you first start growing your tree in a container, you will want to use a 5- or 7-gallon container. As the tree grows, it will eventually become root-bound within its current container. Before this happens, you can re-pot the tree into a larger container. You will be able to tell that your tree has become root-bound to its current container by its lack of vertical growth.
Before planting, choose a sunny, sheltered spot for the container to sit in, as it will probably be too heavy to move once planted. Keep the tree well watered and feed regularly with a liquid seaweed throughout the growing season. This will help the tree to grow strong and healthy.
Can I plant just one apple tree?
Apples are self-unfruitful, which means that they need to be cross-pollinated by another apple variety in order to produce fruit. Plant at least two different apple tree varieties within 50 feet of one another for a good fruit set. Some apple varieties, such as Golden Delicious, will produce a crop without cross-pollination from a second variety.
The ideal position for an apple tree is in a sunny, sheltered spot that is well away from any frost pockets. Avoid poorly-drained or shallow soils.
Does apple trees need sun or shade
Choose a spot for your apple tree that gets plenty of direct sunlight. The tree will need at least 8 hours of sun each day.
It is important to feed container grown apple trees only once a year with a long lasting fertiliser for the best results. A feed in April and July using blood, fish and bone is ideal.
What is the best container for fruit trees?
Fruit trees generally do best when started in pots that are at least 10 to 16 inches in diameter. Glazed ceramic pots or good quality polyurethane are good choices.
Picking fruit from a pot is a lot easier than having to climb a tree, and you can move the pots around if you need to. They’re also lower growing, so it’s easier to prune and maintain them. This can be of great benefit – it means you can have the convenience of picking fresh fruit and not the hard work.
How do I keep my apple tree small
Pruning is the most important factor in keeping a tree small. Without proper pruning, a tree can become too large for the space it is in. Pruning also helps to promote new growth, which can keep a tree from getting too big.
One way to prepare fruit trees for winter is by mulching your tree with straw or wood chips. This extra layer of organic matter helps insulate your fruit tree’s roots, protecting them from freezing during the winter. Frozen roots die and can no longer supply water and nutrients to the tree.
How do you winterize fruit trees in pots?
Make sure to monitor the temperature near your trees during the winter months! You can place a thermometer near them, and make sure the temperature stays warm enough for them to survive. Another option is to bury the containers in soil or bark mulch and wrap the tops of the trees in burlap to help them survive the winter in a protected spot.
As a general rule, young apple trees need lots of water. They should be watered frequently and deeply in order to promote healthy growth. In our orchard park, we water our newly planted trees up to three times a week, with three large buckets of water each time. That’s about 15 gallons of water.
Final Words
No, an apple tree cannot grow in a pot.
Yes, an apple tree can grow in a pot.
