How to Grow Apple in Australia
A cool-season fruit for the long-term patch
Growing Apple rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. It is rated intermediate to grow. Saves ~$4-8/week at peak, one mature tree produces 30-70 kg of fruit per season.
This guide covers when to plant Apple in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Apple is a cool-season crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in June, July and August. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Pink Lady (Cripps Pink)
Australian-bred. Sweet-tart, crisp, excellent keeper. Needs 400-500 chill hours. The Aussie backyard favourite.
Try: Daleys Fruit, Flemings, Bunnings
Granny Smith
Another Aussie original from Sydney. Tart green cooking and eating apple. Moderate chill. Pollinates well with Pink Lady.
Try: Daleys Fruit, Flemings, Bunnings
Gala
Sweet, mild, early season. Lower chill requirement. Good for warmer areas. Kid-friendly.
Try: Daleys Fruit, Flemings, Bunnings
Fuji
Japanese variety, very sweet and crisp. Good keeper. Moderate chill hours. Late season.
Try: Daleys Fruit, Flemings, Bunnings
Position and Soil
Give Apple full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It can be container-grown in 50cm+ (dwarf varieties), though it is happier in the ground.
Planting
Plant Apple into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 400 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
Plant bare-root trees in winter (June-August). Apples need chill hours (300-1000+ depending on variety) so they perform best in Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra, Adelaide and highland regions. Low-chill varieties exist for warmer zones but results are variable. Most varieties need a pollination partner (plant two different varieties). Prune to an open vase shape. Thin fruit in spring for larger apples. Net against codling moth and birds.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 15 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Codling moth, Woolly aphid, Scale, Fruit fly and Light brown apple moth. The main diseases to watch are Apple scab, Powdery mildew, Fire blight and Black spot. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Apple is typically ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Cool dark place for 2-4 weeks. Fridge for 1-2 months. Late varieties store longest.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, apple is good eaten fresh as a snack, baked into pies and crumbles, made into apple sauce and butter and pressed for fresh juice or cider. Nutritionally: good source of fibre and vitamin C and contains quercetin antioxidant.
Companion Planting
Apple grows well alongside Nasturtium, Chives, Garlic, Comfrey and Marigold. Keep it away from Walnut. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Apple Growing
Add apple to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Apple in Australia?
Apple is a cool-season crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in June, July and August. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Apple take to grow?
Apple is generally ready to harvest within roughly 12 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
How much sun does Apple need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Apple in the Plant Library
