Go Back
A glass of crisp apple cider, perfect for autumn.

Proven way to grow 3 Apple Cider trees

This guide outlines a proven method to successfully grow three apple cider trees, from selecting the right rootstock to ongoing care and harvesting. Follow these steps to establish a thriving mini-orchard for delicious homegrown cider.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 3 trees
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Materials
  • 3 Apple rootstock (e.g., M7, M111, or Budagovsky 9)
  • 3 Apple scion wood of cider varieties (e.g., Dabinett, Kingston Black, Yarlington Mill)
  • 1 roll Grafting wax or tape
Soil Amendments
  • 3 cubic feet Compost (approx. 1 cubic foot per tree)
  • 1 cup Bone meal (optional, for phosphorus)
Support and Protection
  • 3 Tree stakes
  • 3 Tree guards
  • 1 roll Fencing (if deer or other animals are a concern)

Equipment

  • Shovel
  • Soil pH test kit
  • Grafting knife
  • Pruning shears
  • Watering can
  • Gloves

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Choose a sunny, well-drained site for your trees and test the soil pH, aiming for a range of 6.0-7.0.
  2. Prepare the planting holes, making them twice as wide as the root system and deep enough so the graft union will be above ground.
Grafting (if starting from rootstock and scion)
  1. Perform whip-and-tongue or cleft grafts in late winter or early spring when both rootstock and scion are dormant.
  2. Carefully match the cambium layers and secure the graft with grafting wax or tape to ensure a strong union and prevent dehydration.
Planting
  1. Place each tree in its prepared hole, ensuring the graft union remains several inches above the soil line.
  2. Backfill with soil mixed with compost, gently tamping down to remove air pockets, then water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Initial Care
  1. Install tree stakes for support and tree guards to protect against pests, then apply a layer of mulch around the base of each tree to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  2. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to ensure proper establishment of the young trees.
Ongoing Maintenance
  1. Prune your trees annually in late winter to maintain an open structure, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage fruit production.
  2. Monitor for pests and diseases, applying organic or chemical controls as needed, and fertilize in early spring with a balanced fruit tree fertilizer if soil tests indicate nutrient deficiencies.
Harvesting
  1. Harvest apples when they are ripe, typically in late summer to fall, checking for color, firmness, and ease of separation from the branch.
  2. Gently pick the apples to avoid bruising, which can affect cider quality, and store them in a cool, dark place until ready for pressing.

Notes

It typically takes 3-5 years for newly planted or grafted apple trees to begin producing a significant harvest. The yield will increase as the trees mature. Consider planting multiple cider varieties that ripen at different times to extend your pressing season and achieve a more complex flavor profile in your cider. Cross-pollination is often necessary for good fruit set; ensure you have compatible varieties planted within proximity or that wild apple trees are nearby.