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Apples, including our native Pacific crabapple
Apple trees are some of the loveliest in the world, as are their close relatives, the crabapples. Their blossoms in spring are intoxicating, and no wonder—they belong to the Rosaceae family, which includes roses and strawberries.
Pollinators like bees and bumblebees are drawn to the fragrant blooms. If a blossom is pollinated, a small apple will begin to form in late spring.
Since most apple trees require cross-pollination, a crabapple tree, being botanically similar, can pollinate an apple tree—and vice versa—if they are planted within 100 feet of each other.
You might be surprised to learn, as I was a few years ago, that Northern California is home to a beautiful native crabapple.
The Pacific Crabapple
The Pacific crabapple (Malus fusca), native to the Bay Area up to Alaska, is particularly easy to grow. It is more resistant to disease and tolerant of heavy clay soil. In my garden, I've found it can even thrive in standing water during winter and endure dry conditions in the summer. This shrub can grow up to 30 feet high and 20 feet wide, but can be pruned to a smaller size. Deer might nibble the leaves, and birds enjoy the small fruit, which is about the size of a cherry. Though crabapples are sour, they are edible straight off the tree. With their high pectin content, they make a delicious jelly. Like apples, they are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Apple Varieties for Marin
Choosing the best apple trees to grow requires some planning. The climate and microclimate must be considered. Apple trees need at least six to eight hours of sunlight, but they also require "chill hours"—a period when temperatures range from 32°F to 45°F. Trees that need a low to medium number of chill hours grow best in Marin.
A good starting apple to grow here is the Gravenstein. This heirloom variety was once the most popular fruit grown in California before grapes took over. Still widely grown in Sonoma, it's known for its satisfying crunch and flavor and makes excellent pies.
Other varieties that thrive in Marin include Anna, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, and Jonagold. Be sure to check your local nursery for information on chill hours and whether the variety is suitable for your specific microclimate.
You might want to consider a multi-graft variety if you have a small space. One tree in my garden has three different types of apples. This tree, now over 30 years old, is incredibly productive. Multi-graft trees are more expensive but work well for cross-pollination in smaller gardens.
Growing a Little Apple Tree
Emily Dickinson once said that heaven was an apple just out of reach. Nowadays, it's possible to grow apples within easy reach. Pruning techniques help keep trees small, and you can buy trees grafted onto dwarf rootstock (8–10 feet tall) or semi-dwarf rootstock (10–20 feet tall). A dwarf tree typically takes only two to three years to bear fruit.
Planting an apple tree
In our Mediterranean climate, an apple tree can be planted in the fall, winter, or early spring. Fall planting gets the roots established early. Winter planting means the tree is dormant, and you can find deciduous, bare-root trees that are less expensive and easy to plant. Just remember not to plant in soggy soil. If planting in spring, make sure to plant before the last frost.
Apples are easy to grow, but there are some diseases and pests. Many of these can be avoided by pruning the tree so that it gets good airflow. Another tip is to thin your apples on the branch to one every six inches. This will lessen the chance of coddling moths and give you fewer but larger apples to enjoy.
Visit the UC Marin Master Gardener website for more information on planting, pruning, and maintaining apple trees.
By Pamela Noensie, June 7, 2025
