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Knowledge/Crops/Crab Apple
Fruits

Crab Apple

Malus sylvestris

Crab Apple is a deciduous tree known for its small, tart apples and beautiful spring blossoms. It typically grows to a height of 4-10 meters and has a rounded crown. The fruit is often used for making jellies, cider, and ornamental purposes. Crab Apples are important for biodiversity, providing food for wildlife and serving as a rootstock for cultivated apple varieties.

Calculate System for Crab Apple
400.00–600.00mm
Water Need
120 days
Season
30.00–60.00cm
Root Depth
25,000 kg/ha
Yield
20,000
Plants/ha

Growth Stages

Season: Mar – Aug (120 days)

Initial
Kc 0.400
30 days
Development
Kc 0.700
40 days
Mid-Season
Kc 1.000
60 days
Late
Kc 0.800
30 days

Crab Apples can be grown in a variety of soil types but prefer well-drained conditions. They are often used in landscaping for their ornamental value and can also be used in permaculture systems.

Water Requirements

Season Total: 400.00600.00 mm
Water Stress Sensitivity: High
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Water Productivity: 15.500 kg/m³

Recommended Methods

Drip Irrigation90.00%Fixed Sprinkler70.00%

Soil Compatibility

Optimal pH range: 6.0 – 7.5

Sandy Loam
AWC100.00mm/m
Drainagegood
Drainage: Well-drained soils preferred
Organic Matter: 2.00%
Soil testing is recommended to determine pH and nutrient levels. Amend soil with organic matter to improve fertility and structure.

Climate Compatibility

Temperature range: 15.0°C – 30.0°C

Temperate Continental
ETo: 1.006.00 mm/day
Temp: -20.0°C – 30.0°C
Frost: high
Mediterranean
ETo: 3.007.00 mm/day
Temp: 5.0°C – 35.0°C
Frost: low
Frost Tolerance: Low frost tolerance
Heat Tolerance: Moderate heat tolerance
Protect young trees from late spring frosts. Consider planting in a location that receives full sun for optimal growth.

Planting Layout

100.00cm
Row Spacing
50.00cm
Plant Spacing
20,000
Plants per ha

Nutrient Requirements (kg/ha)

Nitrogen (N)150 kg/ha
Phosphorus (P)60 kg/ha
Potassium (K)180 kg/ha
40
Calcium (Ca) kg/ha
25
Magnesium (Mg) kg/ha
20
Sulfur (S) kg/ha
Schedule: Apply nitrogen in 3 splits during growing season
Organic Matter: 2-3% organic matter recommended

Yield Information

25,000
kg/ha
2.500
kg/plant
0.450
Harvest Index
Quality Factors: Size, color, sugar content

Design Your Crab Apple Irrigation System

Use our free calculators to plan water requirements, spacing, and system costs for your Crab Apple field.

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Related Guides

Growing and Irrigating Crab Apple: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris) is a versatile and hardy fruit tree that is well-suited for growing in a wide range of climates. It is not only valued for its beautiful spring blossoms but also for its small, tart apples that can be used in a variety of culinary applications. In this guide, we will explore…

Read Guide
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