Probably the most "not GFY style" thread - anyone of you are experts on fruit tree growing?
 

So this spring I planted an apple tree, rootstock M26, something like that:

http://www.blackmoor.co.uk/images/images_big/MMsq.JPG

It was +- 0,8-1m in height, just normal selling size.

During the summer (5 months or so) it did not grow much upwards, it did only develop 2 main branches to the sides, maybe 15-20cm in length each.

Is this a normal growth rate? Dudes that sold it (reputable company) said it should bare first fruit within 2 years, but I am seriously doubting this looking at how little it had grown.

Any pros in orchard field? :pimp:1orglaugh

hahahaha still a stick in the ground?

You may get fruit next year. You're at year2 stage now.

Stages of Apple Tree Growth: What to Expect After Planting - Stark Bro's

It will be a long time before that bears fruit. you were conned.

You need to go poo on it. Good fertilizer :2 cents:

Makes sense now. Although it looks like a yuuuuuuge leap from:
Year 2: Development of Top Growth (Leafed Out)
to
Years 3-4: Limb, Leaf, & Root Growth

Stick with 2 new branches (+- 15cm each):

http://oi66.tinypic.com/259lwuu.jpg

Take care of it, wait, and you'll have free fruit for life.

Yep, its putting down roots the first year after planting and come spring bam!

you need a second one!

I have apple trees, planted them when I bought my house 12 years ago, they are about 14'-15' high now. I get about 500 apples a year off them.

you need more than 1, spaced 10'-15' apart.

from Google:

"Do I need to plant two apple trees?
Most apple varieties do not pollinate themselves or any flowers of the same apple vareity; this requires planting at least two different apple tree varieties close to one another so that the bees can pollinate. (There are actually some self-pollinating apple tree varieties if you are really short on space."

yeah a second one is a good idea. but even if you put up a pear tree close by it seems to work just the same for me.

I have two apple trees in my yard that we planted, but it took a few years for them to grow to normal size and make apples. I thought they were going to die the first year.

I have been wanting to plant some fruit trees or some grape vines but haven't done it yet. I was told though that I had to plant at least 2 as PR Phil said. Good luck with yours!

Do I need second one if my tree is self pollinating? That is what I was looking for knowing I am planting only one :)

I planted dwarf apple trees, they took about 4 years before they produced the first crop of apples, now they produce every year.

It depends on rootstock. Dwarf or semi dwarfs bare apples faster than mid sized ones.


A bit long for a dwarf, from what I read. Usually says you should be able to pick fruit second or (very latest) 3d year of planting.

I am not an expert but a few years ago one of our trees died and I decided to plant a peach tree.... Three years later and we have little peach trees. I guess in a few years we'll have real peaches.

growing weed, I know about this...

you need more light, good soil, not under or over watering and you need to check the ph in your water, if there's too little of some nutrients, you need to buzz it with a feed :2 cents:

:1orglaugh :thumbsup