SCIENTIFIC NAME: Malus domestica 'Fuji', Malus domestica 'Gala', Malus domestica 'Honeycrisp'

COMMON NAME: 3-tier espalier apple tree including Fuji, Gala, and Honeycrisp apples

GARDEN SIZE: Espalier size varies with culture

USDA ZONE: 5-8

EXPOSURE: Full Sun

WATER & SOIL: Loamy & well drained soil

HABIT (FORM): Multi-variety espalier

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; Green

POLLENIZATION: The three apple varietes grafted in this tree pollenize one another. It will produce fruit even without an additional companion tree.

CARE: Prune while the tree is dormant. Remove water sprouts in June or July. Options for controlling pests, bacterial infections, and fungal disease include dormant oils applied early in the season before blooming, scented insect traps, and copper-based fungicides. DO NOT apply insecticides during blooming. This risks harming bees, which are crucial for pollination and fruit production. If necessary, fireblight can be treated with a streptomycin antibiotic spray during blooming. Apple trees need about an inch of water every 7-10 days, though young trees need a little more during their first growing season as they establish roots. If not enough rain has fallen, give the tree extra water by running a hose at a trickle around the base of the tree until the ground is fully soaked (but not for so long that there is standing water). Waterlogged roots can harm apple trees, so don't overdo it!

TOXICITY: Stems, leaves, and seeds contain cyanide and are therefore toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The fruit is non-toxic.

FUJI APPLE INFORMATION:

BLOOM TIME: Midseason - Flowering Group 3

HARVEST TIME: Late season, ripens October to early November

FRUIT: Sweet, mild apples with speckled pink and yellow skin. Fuji apples keep well in storage.

USES: Eating fresh, cooking, juice, cider

DISEASE RESISTANCE: Resistant to powdery mildew, susceptible to scab, very susceptible to fireblight

GALA APPLE INFORMATION:

BLOOM TIME: Late-midseason - Flowering Group 4

HARVEST TIME: Midseason, ripens mid-September

FRUIT: Gala apples have a sweet, mild flavor and crisp, fine-grained texture. They have vibrantly colored skin with a base hue of yellow-orange, a blush of red-pink, and deeper red striping on top. The red color deepens the longer the apple matures on the tree. Gala apples keep well in storage.

USES: Fresh eating, juice, salads. Adds a mild, slightly floral sweetness when combined with stronger apple flavors.

DISEASE RESISTANCE: Fairly susceptible to diseases, so plan to keep an eye on your tree’s health. Very susceptible to scab and fireblight, moderately susceptible to powdery mildew and cedar apple rust. They prefer a dry climate to minimize disease.

HONEYCRISP APPLE INFORMATION:

BLOOM TIME: Late-midseason - Flowering Group 4

HARVEST TIME: Midseason - ripens September

FRUIT: Medium to large apples. The skin has a yellow-green base color covered by red-orange mottling, sometimes with a hint of pink. The flesh is crisp and light with a straightforwardly sweet, balanced flavor. The juicy, pleasant texture and balanced taste make Honeycrisp a favorite supermarket variety, despite its tendency to bruise easily.

USES: Eating fresh, cooking, sauces and butters

DISEASE RESISTANCE: Can be challenging to grow due to susceptibility to disease. Resistant to scab and fireblight, somewhat susceptible to rust and powdery mildew, susceptible to bitter rot and bitter pit.