Apple

Malus domestica

Apples (shown above) are a cool-climate fruit. They flower in spring but may fruit from midsummer to midwinter depending on the variety.

Size
From 1-10m.

Climate
Temperate, cool temperate, and semi-arid zones are best. Possible in the cooler parts of humid subtropical and Mediterranean zones. Some tropical varieties.

Frost tolerance
Depends on variety. The hardiest to -40C.

Flowering season
Spring.

Fruiting season
Varies with type from midsummer to midwinter.

Chilling requirement
1000 hours below 10C, but there are low-chill varieties for warmer areas.

Cross-pollination
Not necessary, but fruit set is increased with cross-pollination. Check for self-fertile varieties.

Watering
Keep soil evenly moist throughout the growing season. In warm areas with dry winters, water even when the tree is leafless.

Feeding
In autumn mulch with rotted manure and apply high-potassium fertiliser in spring.

Problems
Codling moth, aphids, fruit fly, thrips, mites, apple scab and mildew.

Peaches and nectarines

Prunus persica

Peaches and nectarines may fruit from spring to autumn depending on the variety.

Size
Reaches 3-5m tall.

Climate
Humid subtropical, Mediterranean, temperate, cool temperate, and semi-arid zones.

Frost tolerance
Dormant trees take -20C but frost at flowering or fruiting time is very damaging.

Flowering season
Early spring.

Fruiting season
Late spring to early autumn, depending on variety.

Chilling requirement
Varies with variety. Choose low-chill types if you live in a frost-free area.

Cross-pollination
Not usually necessary; most self-fertile.

Watering
Keep soil moist throughout the growing season. Peaches do not like to go dry.

Feeding
Apply a fertiliser, high in nitrogen, in autumn and mulch beneath and beyond the foliage canopy with compost or rotted manure or straw.

Problems
Brown rot, peach leaf curl, rust, bacterial canker, aphids, fruit fly, bugs and pear and cherry slugs.

Plum
Prunus domestica, P. salicina

Plums fruit in late spring and summer.

Size
Reaches 5-6m tall and develops a broad crown with age.

Climate
Temperate and cool temperate are the most suitable; cooler parts of humid subtropical, Mediterranean and semi-arid zones.

Where winters are mild, grow Japanese plums or low-chill varieties. European plums and especially gages are high-chill trees for cold areas only.

Frost tolerance
To -20C at least.

Flowering season
Early spring but varies with type. They are very ornamental in bloom.

Fruiting season
Late spring and summer, depending on the variety.

Chilling requirement
At least 800 hours below 10C are necessary for Japanese plums and at least 1100 hours of cold for the European varieties.

Cross-pollination
Some plums are self-fertile enough for the home garden, but with other varieties, fruit set and size will be improved with cross-pollination. Check when buying.

Watering
Water regularly from the time flowers appear until harvest. Don't completely neglect watering at other times, especially if your winters are fairly dry.

Feeding
Apply complete plant food and mulch beneath and beyond the foliage canopy, and well-rotted manure in autumn - but keep it away from the trunk.

Problems
Brown rot, fruit fly, scale, bugs and borers.

Source:Gardening: A Commonsense Guide (Murdoch Books)