Also known as Apel · Apppeeeell · Common Apple
Malus domestica, commonly known as the apple, is a deciduous tree cultivated worldwide for its sweet, edible fruit, a versatile ingredient and popular snack.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and fruit production.
Regular watering
75% intensity
Maintain consistent moisture, especially during establishment and fruit set. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Well-drained, fertile loam
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperate climates with distinct seasons. Requires a chilling period for fruit set, typically between 0°C and 7°C for a certain number of hours.
Moderate feeding
50% intensity
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Compost is also beneficial. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when ingested. However, the flesh of the apple is not toxic.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry spells and when the tree is establishing. Aim for consistently moist soil, but avoid waterlogging. Deep watering encourages a strong root system.
Reduce watering frequency once the tree is mature, but ensure adequate moisture during fruit development.
Prune annually in late winter or early spring while the tree is dormant. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Aim to create an open canopy for good light penetration and air circulation.
Summer pruning can be used to control vigorous growth and improve fruit size.
Apple trees are typically propagated by grafting onto rootstock. This allows for control over tree size and disease resistance.
Seeds can be collected from mature fruits, but the resulting trees may not be true to the parent variety and often take many years to fruit.
Repotting is generally not applicable to established apple trees in the ground. For young apple trees in containers, repot every 2-3 years into a slightly larger pot with fresh potting mix, preferably in late winter or early spring before new growth commences.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Apple (Malus domestica)
Where Apple (Malus domestica) is found
Density
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10 known issues from plant disease data
Apple scab on Apple causes olive-green velvety leaf and fruit spots that darken, crack, and can lead to yellowing and early leaf drop.
Fire blight on Apple blackens blossoms and shoots, bends young tips into a shepherd’s crook, and leaves twigs looking scorched.
Cedar apple rust on Apple causes bright yellow to orange leaf spots and can also mark fruit, leading to distortion and early drop.
Powdery mildew on Apple coats young leaves and shoots with white patches, causing curling, stunting, and russeted or undersized fruit.
Bitter rot on Apple starts as small sunken brown fruit spots that enlarge quickly, form ring patterns, and rot deeply toward the core.
Black rot on Apple causes frog-eye leaf spots, dark fruit rot with ringed lesions, and cankers on twigs or limbs that roughen bark.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Malus |
| Species | Malus domestica |
Similar in genus Malus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
