How to Grow Fuji Apples

Fuji apples are crisp and juicy.

Fuji apples are a common eating apple, grown for their sweet flavor and crisp qualities. They are not considered an attractive apple but store well and aren't too challenging to grow. Fuji apple trees should be planted in a location that gets full sun, particular in the morning. Purchase 1-year-old trees that are 2 or 3 feet tall and look healthy. These nursery trees will transplant easier than older trees. Fuji apples bloom in late spring and are ready for harvest in late fall.

Things You'll Need

• Spade
• Water bucket
• Sand (optional)
• Nitrogen fertilizer
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Dig a hole for the tree that is at least 2 feet deep and 3 feet wide. Break up any clumps in the soil and ensure that the soil is well-draining. Add sand to the soil if it is too claylike. The soil should feel like a wrung-out sponge when wet. Ensure that the hole is large enough for the root ball of the tree.

2. Soak the roots of the tree in water for one hour before planting to prepare the tree for the transition.

3. Set the tree in the hole so that the bud union, which looks like a knot, is no more than 1 inch above the ground. Backfill the hole with dirt and tamp it to help keep the tree in place. Use stakes to keep the tree upright if necessary.

4. Water the Fuji apple tree with enough water to soak through to the roots. Water the tree with 1 inch of water weekly until it has a well-established root system -- at least four years.

5. Prune the tree after planting to a height of 24 to 30 inches. This will help the tree form as it grows. In the winter, prune away any new branches except four or five main branches that are spaced evenly around the tree.

6. Fertilize the tree with a nitrogen fertilizer by sprinkling 2 cups around the base of the tree after it has been planted for one month. The following spring, again sprinkle 1 cup around the tree. When the tree is mature, use 4 lbs. of nitrogen fertilizer when buds appear and repeat again in May.

7. Thin out apple clusters when they first start appearing by hand-removing one apple from each cluster.

8. Harvest Fuji apples when they are large and red. This is usually in mid-October. Pluck the apples from the tree by hand.

References

• Agrilife Extension: Home Fruit Productions -- Apples; Larry Stein et al.; April 2003
• North Carolina University; Growing Apple Trees in the Home Garden; Michael Parker; May 1997
• University of Missouri Extension; Apple Cultivars and Their Uses; Michele Warmund

Resources

• Washington State University: Welcome to the Fuji Apple Page