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
Phytophthora crown and collar rot in Apple causes delayed spring growth, yellowing, wilting, and dark sunken bark at the lower trunk.
White rot on Apple starts as small sunken tan to brown fruit spots, then the flesh turns soft and watery as decay spreads to the core.
Sooty blotch on Apple leaves dark olive to black smudges on the fruit surface, dulling appearance without causing deep rot.
Flyspeck on Apple creates clusters of tiny black dots on the fruit skin, reducing clean appearance while the flesh stays sound.
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
