Even if you’re short on backyard space—or don’t have a garden at all—you don’t have to miss out on the joy of picking your own homegrown apples. Columnar apple trees are a total game-changer for small spaces! Because of their super-slim, upright growth habit, they can thrive right on your balcony or patio.
Finding the Perfect Spot: Sun and Soil
Most fruit trees are sun-worshippers, and columnar apples are no exception. While they can handle partial shade, they really thrive in full sun. If your tree is stuck in the dark, it’ll likely struggle to bloom. And as every gardener knows, no blossoms means no fruit—which definitely defeats the purpose of planting an apple tree! To get a great harvest, make sure your tree gets plenty of sunshine.
Since these trees are perfect for containers, you’ll want to mimic high-quality garden soil in your pots. Ideally, the soil should be:
- Loose and airy
- Rich in nutrients
- Neutral to slightly acidic
If you’re planting in the ground and your soil is heavy, compacted clay (common in newer housing developments), you’ll need to loosen it up significantly. For container growing, I recommend mixing in some expanded clay pebbles or perlite to keep the soil from getting too packed down.
How to Plant Your Columnar Apple Tree
The best time to get your tree in the ground is early spring. Start by digging a hole that’s about twice as wide as the root ball. To give your tree a healthy head start, mix a generous amount of compost and a handful of horn meal (or a similar organic slow-release fertilizer) into the soil.
When you place your tree in the hole, you’ll want to provide some support right away. It’s best to drive a support stake into the ground at the same time you plant the tree. Don’t wait until later to do this—hammering a stake in after the fact can easily damage those delicate roots.
Once the tree is in and the hole is filled, give it a thorough soaking. If you’re planning a mini-orchard and planting several trees in a row, space them at least two feet (60 cm) apart. Even though they stay narrow and won’t grow a wide, spreading canopy, they still need a little breathing room. Aside from keeping it well-watered while it gets established, your new tree won’t need much extra maintenance to start thriving!
