How to grow Apple in Australia
Plant apples in full sun in deep, well-drained soil, and check whether your variety needs a second tree nearby for pollination. Water deeply through dry spells, especially while fruit is swelling.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 15 litres a week, watered every 3 days
- Spacing: 400 cm
- Time to harvest: 1460 days (about 4 years)
- Time to germinate: 1 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7
- Frost tolerance: Frost hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | June to August | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | June to August | Low chill varieties only: Anna, Dorsett Golden and Tropic Sweet, planted together for pollination. Pink Lady, Fuji and other southern apples will not crop here. |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | June to August | Plant bare root Jun to Aug. On the coast choose low chill types (Anna, Dorsett Golden, Tropic Sweet); western Sydney has enough chill for Granny Smith, Gala and Pink Lady. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | June to August | |
| Adelaide & SA | June to August | |
| Perth & WA | June to August | Plant bare root trees Jun to Aug. The Hills orchards grow most varieties; on the coastal plain choose low chill apples and a second variety for pollination. |
| Tasmania | June to August | Plant bare-root Jun to Aug. The Apple Isle earned its name - full chill, clean fruit, every variety thrives. |
| Canberra & ACT | June to August | Outstanding in Canberra. Full chill means any variety works; no need for low chill types. Plant bare root Jun to Aug. |
| North Queensland | Not suited | Not viable. No winter chill on the tropical coast; even low chill varieties need more cold than NQ provides. |
| Darwin & Top End | Not suited | Not viable. Needs hundreds of winter chill hours. Darwin has none. |
Varieties
- Pink Lady (Cripps Pink)
- Granny Smith
- Gala
- Fuji
Companion planting
Good companions
Avoid planting near
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Ripe fruit shows full colour, parts easily from the spur and the seeds inside are brown. Cup the apple and twist upward so the stalk stays attached.
Storage
Cool dark place for 2 to 4 weeks. Fridge for 1 to 2 months. Late varieties store longest.