Apple news: Can we grow apples in Nigeria?

Day 2,638, 09:01 • Published in Nigeria Serbia • by J C O
With my first article i will start with the cultivation notes about the apples



Quick facts
Common name Apple
Latin name Malus domestica
Group Top fruit, tree
Fruiting time Late summer to early autumn
Planting time Late autumn to early spring
Height and spread Variable, depends on training system used
Aspect Sun or shade depending on the variety
Hardiness Fully hardy
Difficulty Easy





Cultivation notes
Apples thrive in a well-drained loam, at least 60cm (2ft) deep. Add well rotted organic matter before planting and mulch and water well through the growing season until the tree is growing well.

Shallow soils over chalk are unsuitable for growing all but a very few apples. Dessert apples need good drainage, but culinary apples are more tolerant.

Apples prefer a sheltered, frost-free position in full sun. You can still grow apples in frost prone areas, just choose later-flowering varieties or provide temporary protection in spring when apples are in blossom. Provide artificial or living windbreaks on exposed sites.

Apples tolerate shade providing they receive half a day’s sunshine in the growing season. Culinary varieties need less sunshine than dessert varieties.