Growing Information
Everything you need to know about our grafting process and how to care for your new trees.
About Whips
Whips are freshly grafted trees. We take specialized roots from a nursery and combine them with a stick of an existing apple variety. This gives you a clone of your tree. Because of the specialized rootstock, your tree will only grow to a manageable size and set early fruit.
We do not grow apples from seeds. Apples do not grow true from seed and will almost always be lower quality.
This is the least costly way to get the type of tree you want but it does require a bit more time. Most whips arrive in the one to two foot length range. The tape should not be removed from the graft until about July. It keeps the graft healed. It may even crack away with the tree's growth. Pinch off any growth below the graft union. Plant the graft union about 4-6 inches above ground.
Growing Tip
Many whips will grow rapidly (depends on variety, as some have higher vigour). A 45 to 60 degree angle of your side branches down from the trunk is ideal for fruit bearing. Too high and the bark gets trapped in the crotch; too low encourages "water sprouts" (secondary branches that grow vertically with low fruit production).
About Potted Trees
Potted trees are simply trees that have been planted and maintained for you. They are further along in growth and will produce fruit sooner than whips.
Our potted trees come in various sizes, differentiated by age, height, and branching. See our catalog for full pricing details.
Our Rootstock
We graft apples primarily on Geneva and B118 (semi-dwarf) rootstock. These are cold-hardy and will allow you to keep trees smaller and easier to pick.
Ready to Grow Something Special?
Check out our full selection of unique apple varieties.
View Catalog