Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Wednesday - December 08, 2010
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Propagation
Title: Looking for an apple tree to plant in Austin, TX.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I want to plant an apple tree in my yard that bears fruit and will provide habitat and shade. Are any varieties that will do well in the South Austin area? And do I have to plant two trees to get fruit?ANSWER:
The only apples native to North America are the Crabapples which are very tart, and different from the apples you probably have in mind. The more than 6,000 varieties of apples available today are decendents of apples that grew in the region between the Caspian and Black Sea in Asia.
This article from Aggie Horticulture tells you about the varieties that are suitable for the area. It deals with the selection of trees , and how to plant them and care for them. It is directed more toward establishing an orchard, but you can extract the information that you need. Additional information about growing apples can be found at this link from associatedcontent.com.. It tells you that apple trees must cross pollinate for optimum production, so you will need to plant two trees.
This link from University of Illinois Extension has some interesting Apple Facts that you can enjoy while having your daily apple.
More Propagation Questions
Will potted tulip rebloom next year
May 18, 2008 - We bought tulips that were in bloom in small pots in May, and planted them in the back yard. Now my friend tells me they will not come up and bloom next spring, that you must only plant tulips as bul...
view the full question and answer
Timing for planting wildflower seeds in the Pacific Northwest
November 27, 2009 - Do you think it is better to sow wildflower seeds in the Pacific NW in the Fall/early Winter or Spring?
view the full question and answer
Nutlet on rudbekia plants from Quincy IL
September 21, 2009 - On rudbeckia plants, what is a nutlet?
view the full question and answer
Can lantana be grown in British Columbia from Vernon BC
October 20, 2012 - Can I grow lantana in Vernon B.C. Canada?
view the full question and answer
How to propagate Texas red buckeye (Aesculus sp.) from seeds
May 01, 2007 - I have a Texas Red Buckeye that is doing very well. How do I propagate from the seeds that come off of that tree? Thanks,
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
