Apple trees

Apple trees are believed to have been cultivated since the third century BC, especially in Asia. Today, the apple is perhaps the most popular fruit. Its widespread distribution is partly because the apple tree is adaptable and resilient. It can bear fruit even in temperatures below -22 °F (-30 °C). Nowadays, apple trees are cultivated in diverse climatic conditions, ranging from the cold of Canada to the tropical regions of Africa.

The apple tree (Malus pumila) is a member of the Rosaceae family. It is a deciduous tree (it loses its leaves seasonally). It reaches an average height of 16 feet (5 meters). Standard apple trees can reach a height of 25 to 35 feet (7.5 to 10 m) or more. Semi-dwarf and dwarf trees reach a height of 6 to 20 feet (2 to 6 m). Blossoms are produced in spring. The fruit matures on shoots that are two or more years old and ripens in late summer or autumn, depending on the variety. There are more than 7,000 known cultivars.

The average apple tree can produce a notable quantity of fruit from its third to sixth year and can continue to do so until its 35th to 50th year.

Most apple trees are not self-pollinating. This means that if there is no other apple tree nearby (within 80 feet or 25 m), you may need to plant at least two trees of different varieties to harvest fruit.

Some products made from apples

• Apple butter
• Apple-head dolls
• Apple sauce
• Apple cider
• Dried apple slices
• Apple juice

More information on the history of apples and their cultivation can be found at Wikifarmer [1](https://wikifarmer.com/apple-tree-information/)]

[[Category:Food crops]