How long is the growth cycle of an apple tree?

Introduction to Apple Tree Growth

Apple trees are suitable for growing in places with warm climate, fertile soil, sufficient sunlight and moderate precipitation. When cultivating, they can be planted in loose, fertile places with good lighting conditions, which is conducive to their growth and fruiting.

Apple trees are widely grown in China, mainly in Liaoning, Hebei, Shanxi, Shandong, Shaanxi, Gansu, Sichuan, Yunnan, Tibet and other places, and are also grown in temperate regions around the world.

Apple tree growth cycle

Apple trees are adaptable to a wide range of environments. They require 1000-1600 units of heat and 120-180 days of frost-free weather during their growth period. They prefer warm, sunny environments. They are cold-resistant and can tolerate temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is below zero during the flowering and fruiting periods, the yield will be affected. They are suitable for planting in well-drained neutral soil.

Different apple varieties have different growth cycles. It usually takes 3-4 years from planting to fruiting.

Apple tree growth rate

After planting, apple trees will go through several stages: seedling growth, flower bud differentiation, flowering period, physiological fruit drop period, fruit enlargement period, and maturity period.

Apple trees grow slowly.

Apple tree growth cycle management

Temperature management: The suitable growth temperature for apple trees is 13 to 25 degrees. They are not resistant to low temperatures and need to be above 5 degrees in winter. The maximum temperature in summer cannot exceed 40 degrees. The flowering period is more sensitive to temperature. When the daily average temperature is 7 to 8 degrees, most varieties take about 50 days, about 40 days at 10 degrees, and only 30 days at 12-13 degrees. The suitable temperature during the flowering period is 17 to 18 degrees.

Fertilization management: When planting apple trees, you can apply enough base fertilizer. During the growth period, you also need to apply bud fertilizer and post-flowering fertilizer to promote flowering and increase fruit setting rate. Mainly use ternary compound fertilizer plus humic acid. In the early stage of flowering, in order to promote flower bud differentiation, mainly apply fertilizers containing phosphorus and potassium.