How to cultivate apples commercially

How to Cultivate Apples for Profit

Growing apple trees commercially can be a good source of income, provided is done rationally and at a medium to large scale. As is the case for most fruit trees, you must achieve economies of scale.
Apple trees are deciduous trees belonging to the Rosaceae family. Most apple varieties need a temperate climate, where they experience cold winters and warm summers. For optimal growth, apple trees prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soils and a sunny location. Apple trees usually take 2 to 10 years to start bearing fruit (usually 3-6 years), depending on whether the tree was grown from seed or grafted, and can continue until the 35th-50th year of its age.

Some of the most important apple varieties that have shaped the apple industry and are the most popular and preferred by consumers are Red Delicious, Gala, Braeburn, Pink Lady, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Golden Delicious.
Apple trees require specific growing conditions to produce healthy fruits and good production. These trees prefer deep, well-drained, loamy soil, ideally with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Although apple trees adapt to various soil types, poor drainage can lead to root rot, stunted growth, or disease susceptibility. To ensure successful fruit production, adequate sunlight (at least 6 hours per day) and sufficient water availability (rainfall or irrigation) are essential.

Although apple trees can be grown from seeds, this method is rarely used in commercial apple farming. Grafting is the most reliable propagation method in commercial apple orchards, especially whip and tongue grafting.
Apple trees can be planted in the spring or fall. The layout of an apple orchard depends on several factors, including the rootstock, variety, available space, and training system that will be applied. Modern orchard systems use high-density planting to maximize yields in smaller areas.

Planting schemes for apple trees vary widely, ranging from 22 x 16 feet (7m x 5m) with 124 trees per acre (310 per hectare), to 6 x 6 feet (1.8m x 1.8m) with 1210 trees per acre (3000 per hectare) for dwarf varieties, while an average spacing of 20 x 20 feet (6m x 6m) results in 109 trees per acre (250 per hectare), though modern dwarf rootstocks allow for denser planting of up to 800 trees per acre (2000 per hectare) with faster production within 6-7 years instead of 20 years.
Properly distributing pollenizer trees is essential for ensuring bees can transfer pollen efficiently. Many growers choose to plant one compatible pollenizer for every six to eight fruit-bearing trees.

Training apple trees is essential during the early years of tree development to establish a strong structure that will support future fruit loads. Training in commercial orchards helps maximize light exposure, air circulation, and fruit quality. Two primary training systems are used extensively in modern apple orchards: the central leader and tall spindle systems.

Pruning is an important practice in the growing process. It shapes the tree, improves air circulation inside the tree canopy, and maximizes sunlight exposure. Regular pruning helps manage the tree's size and balances fruit production and vegetative growth.
To have vigorous, healthy, and productive apple trees with high-quality fruits, the grower needs to carefully create a suitable fertilization program to cover the nutrient needs of his/her trees in the different developmental/growth stages and moments. A common fertilization scheme used by many apple growers is adding once a year 1- 4 lbs. (0,5-2 kg) N-P-K 12-12-12 or 11-15-15 per young tree and 6,5 to 11 lbs. (3-5 kg) N-P-K 12-12-12 or 11-15-15 per mature tree.

Furthermore, understanding the water needs at each developmental stage and selecting the best irrigation method is vital for orchard health. As a rule of thumb, in regions with no frequent rainfalls, it is beneficial to irrigate apple trees (especially the younger ones) about once a week from late spring to fall (May to October for the northern hemisphere). Additionally, it is important to know that most apple trees need almost half of the annual water supply during summer (July and August for the northern hemisphere). Drip irrigation is one of the most water-efficient methods for apple orchards (up to 90% efficiency).
Plant protection is also important to protect the health, vigor, and productivity of apple trees. They are susceptible to several pests and diseases that can significantly reduce fruit quality and yield. Knowing the key pests and diseases is essential for orchard management and prevention.

Apple tree yields vary significantly depending on the variety, the tree age, and the management practices applied in the orchard. Applying modern techniques can enhance yields, reaching 40-70 tons per hectare (32375-56656 lbs/acre). The timing of apple harvest is vital for achieving optimal taste and texture. Generally, apples are ready for harvest in late summer to early fall, depending on the variety and local climate. Post-harvest treatments are crucial to help extend the shelf life and preserve the quality of apples. After harvesting, apples are usually washed to remove dirt, debris, and potential pathogens. They are then sorted by size, color, and quality to remove any damaged or diseased fruits.