One of the better-known varieties of apple are the Fuji. These apples are known for their crisp texture and long storage life. Fresh, crunchy, sweet/tart apples are one of life’s simple pleasures. Fuji apple trees produce perfectly balanced fruits that remain fresh tasting for a long time. Fujis are warm climate apples.
Depending on rain, your new tree may not need much irrigation until the weather is warm and new growth is several inches long. In a moderate summer, your first-year apple is likely to need 5 to 10 gallons a week, applied every 1 to 2 weeks. As the tree grows, move the watering to the outer portion of the canopy.
Young apple trees should be fertilized with a nitrogen fertilizer three times, in March, May and July. Water the fertilizer in immediately. Mature trees should be fertilized with a fertilizer intended for fruit trees, according to the package directions.
Fuji apples grow, if well tended, in several types of soil ranging from clay to sand, although tightly packed clay soil may starve the plant of water and nutrients. Like many other plants, the Fuji apple tree thrives best in a nutrient-rich blend of sandy, clay and silty soils called loam.
Right after planting the tree, cut it off to a short stick 24 to 30 inches high (1/4 inch above a bud or branch) and cut any side shoots remaining below that to one bud. This encourages low branching and equalizes the top and root system. Generally, prune when the leaves are off (when the tree is dormant).
Depending on the cultivar, they need anywhere from 100 to 600 hours where temperatures are 32 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. A heavy-cropping tree, Fuji grows well in coastal climates with long growing seasons.
Fill the container halfway with potting soil. Lower the Fuji apple tree into the container until the graft union sits level with the top of the container.
