What is the best fertilizer for apple trees?

Apple trees require nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium — the three numbers on fertilizer bags — as well as various trace minerals. For home growers, fertilizers should have a higher nitrogen ratio to fuel healthy growth. Common granular 20-10-10 fertilizer is suitable for apples.

What should I feed my apple tree?

Apples and young pear trees. Apples and young pear trees need nitrogen fertiliser annually, with culinary apples requiring more nitrogen than dessert varieties.

What is the best fertilizer for fruit trees in pots?

So when choosing a fertilizer, don’t choose one with too much nitrogen. A water soluble fertilizer is the best. Fertilizer spikes are not recommended for fruit trees in containers unless written otherwise on the product. Never fertilize in late fall or winter months.

Do apple trees need feeding?

Although established apple trees can thrive without additional fertiliser, old growers say that you’ll get better performance from green fruit varieties, such as ‘Granny Smith’, if you annually apply a fertiliser that has higher levels of nitrogen (that’s the N in the NPK), or by adding a little extra nitrogen.

Can you grow an apple tree in a pot?

Cut the newly planted apple back by 1/3 and water the tree well until water runs from the holes in the pot. Feed the plant during its growing season, especially since some nutrients run out of the drainage holes. Water is very important when growing apple trees in pots, or anything in pots for that matter.

How often to fertilize an apple tree in a pot?

For growing an apple tree in a container use a potting mix that is rich in organic matter with slightly acidic to neutral pH (6-6.8). Fertilize your apple tree with half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer when the tree is young in every 2 weeks during the growing season. Apply any fruit fertilizer once the tree gets older.

What kind of soil do you need for a potted apple tree?

Soil requirements for pot-grown fruit trees. It is best to use normal soil, or a mix of compost and ordinary soil – do not use all compost as it dries out too easily. Put some large pebbles or broken clay pot pieces in the bottom to allow drainage. A decorative mulch on top of the soil will help keep moisture in.

How often should I water my apple tree?

Feed the plant during its growing season, especially since some nutrients run out of the drainage holes. Water is very important when growing apple trees in pots, or anything in pots for that matter. Pots tend to dry out much faster than things grown in the garden proper. Water the tree at least twice a week, daily during hot months.