When is the best time to plant apple trees?

Apple trees are best planted in autumn or spring. Spring planting is done in March or April after the soil thaws and the buds begin to sprout. Autumn planting can be done around September or October.

When is the best time to plant apple trees?

Apple trees can be planted in autumn or spring. Spring planting is done in March or April after the soil thaws, when the seedlings are sprouting. Although spring-planted apple trees sprout later and have a longer recovery period, they can reduce the winter damage caused by autumn planting, resulting in a relatively higher survival rate.

If you choose to plant apple trees in the fall, it can be done around September or October. Apple trees generally have a higher survival rate when planted in the fall, and the seedlings develop well. However, the sowing time for autumn apple trees should be as early as possible, ideally in early October. After transplanting apple trees, to prevent frost damage, the roots can be buried deeper, and the trunk can be wrapped with cloth strips for winter insulation.

Apple tree growing conditions

1. Soil

Regarding soil, apples thrive in deep, well-drained, and organic-rich sandy loam, ideally with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Poor soil aeration hinders root growth, and soils with a pH above 7.8 are prone to nutrient deficiencies and chlorosis.

2. Temperature

Apples thrive in cool, dry climates with plenty of sunshine. Regions with an average temperature of 12-18 degrees Celsius during their growing season (April to October) are ideal for apple growth. If summer temperatures are too high, with an average temperature above 26 degrees Celsius, it can lead to poor flower bud differentiation, rapid fruit development, and poor storage quality.

3. Light

Apples are a light-loving tree species. Sufficient sunlight is beneficial for their normal growth and fruiting, and also helps improve the quality of the fruit. Different varieties have different light requirements, but generally, more than 2,000 hours of sunshine per year is sufficient to meet the needs of apple growth and development.