Crab apples are an absolutely wonderful fruit to grow, adding year-round value to any garden or orchard. In spring they’re clothed in bright blossom which feeds pollinating insects and also provides useful cross-pollination potential for a wide range of domestic apples. In the Autumn their fruits shine out in shades of gold, crimson or purple and whilst they might not be the tastiest straight off the tree – unless you’re a fan of incredibly tart, sour flavours – they do make a superb jelly, add a sharp note to a savoury apple sauce, and can of course be used to make verjuice.
In the past couple of months I’ve carried out two very different winter pruning jobs on two very different crab apple trees. Here’s how they went.
Hey there, folks! If you’ve ever wandered past a gnarly little tree with small, colorful fruits and wondered, “Do crab apple trees grow apples?”—well, I’m here to clear that up right quick. The answer is a big ol’ yes, crab apple trees do grow apples, but they ain’t the kind you’re likely snaggin’ at the grocery store. These are smaller, often tart lil’ buggers, and there’s a whole lot more to ‘em than meets the eye. Stick with me at [Your Blog Name], and let’s dig into what makes these trees and their fruits so darn interesting!
I’ve got a soft spot for these underdog apples, and trust me, by the end of this, you’ll see why they’re worth a second glance. We’re gonna cover what crab apples are, how they’re different from regular apples, what you can do with ‘em, and even how to grow your own if you’re feeling adventurous. Let’s get started!
What Are Crab Apples, Anyway?
First things first, crab apples are legit apples. They come from trees in the same family—called Malus, if ya wanna get fancy—as the big, juicy apples we all know and love. The main kicker? Crab apples are tiny. We’re talkin’ usually under 2 inches in diameter, sometimes even smaller. They look like mini versions of regular apples, often sportin’ bright reds, yellows, or even purplish hues that make ‘em pop in a garden.
Now I ain’t gonna lie—taste-wise, they can be a mixed bag. Some crab apples are sweet enough to munch right off the branch while others are so tart they’ll make your face pucker faster than a lemon. I’ve bitten into a few in my day, and lemme tell ya, it’s a gamble! But that’s part of their charm. They’re wilder, less predictable than the polished apples at the market.
How Do Crab Apples Differ from Regular Apples?
Alright, let’s break this down real simple Crab apple trees and regular apple trees might be cousins, but they got some clear differences. I’ve seen both in yards and orchards, and here’s the deal
- Size of the Fruit: Crab apples are small—think golf ball size or less, maxin’ out at about 2 inches. Regular apples? They’re the big boys, often 3 inches or more across, perfect for a hearty snack.
- Taste Profile: Regular apples are bred for sweetness and crispness—think Honeycrisp or Gala. Crab apples vary wildly; some are sweet-ish, but many are sour or downright astringent, better for cookin’ than eatin’ raw.
- Tree Size: Crab apple trees are usually smaller, often stayin’ between 8 to 25 feet tall, sometimes up to 40 feet for certain types. Regular apple trees can tower higher and need more space to stretch out.
- Purpose: Here’s where it gets fun. Regular apple trees are mostly grown for their fruit—straight-up eating or baking. Crab apple trees, though? Lots are planted for looks. Their spring blossoms are stunnin’, and the fruit adds color in fall. Some varieties are just ornamental, meanin’ the fruit ain’t even worth eatin’.
Here’s a quick table to lay it out clear as day:
| Feature | Crab Apple Trees | Regular Apple Trees |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit Size | Under 2 inches, tiny lil’ things | 3 inches or bigger, hefty snacks |
| Taste | Varies, often tart or sour | Usually sweet and crisp |
| Tree Height | 8-25 feet, sometimes up to 40 feet | Often taller, needs more room |
| Main Use | Ornamental, some edible fruit | Primarily for edible fruit |
| Care Needs | Hardier, less fussy | Needier, specific conditions |
So, if you’re picturin’ a crab apple tree in your yard, don’t expect a bushel of Granny Smiths. You’re gettin’ somethin’ unique, and that’s pretty cool in my book.
Do All Crab Apple Trees Produce Edible Apples?
Now, here’s where folks get tripped up. Yeah, crab apple trees grow apples, and technically, all of ‘em are edible. But—and this is a big but—some taste like absolute garbage if you try ‘em raw. I’ve had a few that were sweet enough to enjoy on the spot, but others? Dang, they needed to be cooked down into somethin’ else to be worth it.
There are heaps of crab apple varieties out there, and they ain’t all created equal. Some, like the Centennial or Whitney Flowering Crabapple, got fruit that’s decent for eatin’ fresh. Others, especially the ones bred for their pretty flowers, might churn out sour, tiny apples that ain’t worth the hassle. If you’re plantin’ one for food, do a lil’ research on the variety first. Me? I’d pick one known for tastier fruit if I’m gonna put in the effort.
Oh, and a quick heads up—watch out for the seeds. They got a tiny bit of a compound that ain’t great in big doses, so don’t go chowin’ down on a bucket of ‘em. Just spit ‘em out like you would with regular apples.
What Can You Do with Crab Apples?
Alright, so let’s say your crab apple tree is pumpin’ out fruit. What the heck do ya do with these little guys? I’ve messed around with a few ideas over the years, and trust me, there’s some gold here:
- Jams and Jellies: This is the big one. Crab apples got a ton of pectin, which is a natural thickener. Cook ‘em down with some sugar, and you got yourself a jelly that’ll knock your socks off. I’ve made batches that were a hit at family potlucks.
- Sauces and Chutneys: Mix ‘em with spices or other fruits for a tangy sauce. Perfect with pork or cheese. I ain’t no chef, but even I pulled off a decent chutney once.
- Cider or Wine: If you’re feelin’ fancy, ferment those bad boys. Crab apple cider got a sharp kick that’s mighty refreshin’. Takes patience, though.
- Baking: Toss ‘em into pies or tarts, especially if they’re on the sour side. The tartness balances sweet stuff real nice.
- Decor: Not edible, but still cool—use the colorful fruits in fall wreaths or centerpieces. I’ve seen ‘em lookin’ real pretty on a table.
One thing I love about crab apples is they ain’t just for us humans. Birds, deer, and all sorta critters go nuts for ‘em in fall and winter when food’s scarce. So even if you don’t use ‘em, you’re helpin’ out the local wildlife. How sweet is that?
Growing Your Own Crab Apple Tree: What You Need to Know
Thinkin’ about plantin’ a crab apple tree? I’m all for it! They’re a heckuva lot easier to care for than regular apple trees, and they bring a lotta charm to a yard. Here’s the lowdown on gettin’ started, based on my own trial and error:
- Space Matters: Crab apple trees come in different sizes. Dwarf ones stay small, like 8-10 feet, perfect for tight spots. Standard ones can hit 15-25 feet, or more. Check the variety and make sure you got room.
- Sunlight: These babies need full sun to crank out the best flowers and fruit. Pick a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct light a day.
- Soil and Water: They ain’t too picky, but well-drained soil is key. Water ‘em regular when they’re young, especially in dry spells. Once established, they’re pretty tough.
- Pollination: Good news—they can self-pollinate, meanin’ one tree can produce fruit on its own. But if you plant two different varieties that bloom at the same time, you might get more and better fruit. Bonus points if they cross-pollinate with nearby apple trees!
- Pruning: Best done in late winter or early spring before new growth kicks in. I’ve learned the hard way not to overdo it—crab apples bloom on old wood, so heavy cuts can mean less flowers next year. Just thin out crowded branches and snip dead stuff.
- Varieties to Try: If you want edible fruit, look for somethin’ like Centennial or Whitney. For pure looks, Pink Spires or Hopa Flowering Crabapple got gorgeous blooms.
I’ve got a buddy who planted a crab apple tree in a pot—yep, dwarf varieties can work in containers if you got limited space. Just make sure the pot’s big enough, and don’t skimp on waterin’ or feedin’. They rely on you more in a pot than in the ground.
Why Crab Apple Trees Are a Win for Any Yard
Beyond the fruit, crab apple trees got a lotta goin’ for ‘em. I’ve seen ‘em transform dull yards into somethin’ magical. In spring, they burst with white, pink, or red blossoms that smell amazing and pull in bees like nobody’s business. Come fall, the fruit adds pops of color, even if some varieties drop ‘em and make a bit of a mess. (Pro tip: pick a “persistent fruit” type if you don’t wanna sweep all day.)
They’re also champs for the environment. They suck up carbon dioxide, spit out oxygen, and their roots help keep soil from erodin’. Plus, they give shade, which can cut down on your AC bill in summer. I’ve sat under one durin’ a hot day, and it’s a game-changer.
One thing to watch, though—deer love ‘em. If you got deer in your area, might need a fence or some repellent. And if you got a pup, keep ‘em from eatin’ too many crab apples, especially the seeds. Ain’t toxic in small bits, but better safe than sorry.
Common Hiccups and How to Fix ‘Em
I ain’t gonna sugarcoat it—crab apple trees got their quirks. Here’s a few issues I’ve run into or heard about, and how to handle ‘em:
- No Flowers or Fruit: If your tree ain’t bloomin’ after a few years, might be too young (takes 2-5 years usually). Or it’s not gettin’ enough sun. Move it if you can, or trim nearby stuff blockin’ light. Stress from drought or pests can mess things up too—check for bugs or give it a good water.
- Too Much Fruit Droppin’: Some trees drop fruit like crazy in fall, makin’ a mess. I’ve shaken branches in autumn to get ripe ones down early—wear a helmet, though, them things can hurt! Or plant it somewhere the mess won’t bug ya.
- Overgrowth: Older trees can get wild and crowded. I’ve spent hours thinnin’ out branches on a big one, focusin’ on the center to let light and air in. Keeps it healthy and lookin’ good.
My Personal Take: Why I’m Team Crab Apple
Look, I know crab apple trees ain’t gonna replace your regular apple orchard. But there’s somethin’ special about ‘em. I remember the first time I cooked up a batch of crab apple jelly—tart, sweet, and just a lil’ wild. Spread it on toast, and I felt like a dang pioneer. Plus, watchin’ birds flock to the tree in winter? Makes ya feel like you’re doin’ somethin’ good for the world.
They’re also just easier to deal with. Regular apple trees can be fussy, needin’ specific conditions and a lotta babyin’. Crab apples? They’re the tough cookies of the apple world, often thrivin’ with minimal help. If you’re like me and ain’t got all day to fuss over plants, that’s a huge win.
Wrappin’ It Up: Should You Plant a Crab Apple Tree?
So, back to the big question—do crab apple trees grow apples? Heck yeah, they do! They’re small, sometimes tart, sometimes sweet, but always interestin’. Whether you’re after a pretty yard, some unique fruit for jams, or just wanna help out local critters, these trees got ya covered.
If you’ve got space and a hankerin’ for somethin’ different, I say go for it. Pick a variety that matches your vibe—edible or ornamental—and give it a shot. Me and the gang at [Your Blog Name] are rootin’ for ya! Got a crab apple story or recipe to share? Drop it in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you’re makin’ the most of these quirky lil’ fruits.
Keep diggin’ in the dirt, friends!
Crab Apple #1 – ‘Big Job’
The first, back in February, was for my parents. They have a mature crab apple at the end of their drive that was already in-situ when we all moved into the house back in the mid 1990s, so it could be anywhere from 30 to 50 years old by now. As you can see, it’s quite the specimen:
I’m pretty sure, based on my memory of the fruit from previous years, that the variety is ‘John Downie’. And if it’s not a J.D. then it’s something very similar. My Dad likes it because he enjoys making up the occasional batch of crab apple jelly. My Mum isn’t so keen because in Autumn the fruits drop all over the end of the drive and the pavement outside, and she always feels obliged to go out and sweep them up before they’re crushed and trampled up and down the street.
When I called round to take a look at the tree and see what I could do with it for them, it became clear that we had a few options:
- Remove the tree completely, solving my Mum’s mushy crab apple problem for good.
- Pollard the tree, reducing it to the main trunk and the stubs of a few side-branches. This would prevent it from fruiting for another three or four years, but would encourage a lot of vigorous, vertical re-growth, assuming there were enough viable dormant buds to re-grow.
- Cut back the ends of the branches and leave it to re-grow, a.k.a. the jobbing “tree surgeon”.
Mum was still leaning towards option #1 and Dad was more in favour of option #3, but once I’d explained that #1 would involve digging up half the drive to kill off the root system, and in the case of #3, taking the ends of the branches off would just lead to each one growing back three, four or five new stems; thickening the canopy even more and leaving the tree in a much worse mess in a year or two’s time, we agreed to give option #4 a go.
I set to with a will – actually, with a set of pruning saws and an invaluable telescopic lopper – and concentrated on thinning out the centre of the tree, taking out one or two duplicate vertical branch systems, and made sure that any crossing branches or stems that were likely to grow back into the middle were either removed completely or taken back to mature, fruiting wood.
Here’s a close-up of the centre of the tree, to give you an idea of quite how crowded it was in there before I started:
After three hours’ hard pruning, I think I managed to achieve a good result. Here’s the newly-thinned tree at the end of my labours:
As you can see, there’s a lot more space for light an air throughout the canopy, and I think the overall shape is rather pleasing. And this is the thinned-out canopy in a bit more detail (do bear in mind that what might look like crossing branches in the centre are actually growing outwards at an angle that fools the eye):
It’s still a very large tree, of course, and there’s likely to be some re-growth of water-shoots, particularly from around the cut ends of some of the larger branches. But I’ve promised to come back next year and re-prune where necessary and it ought to be a far more manageable job next time around. I’ve also promised to turn up in the autumn, give the tree a good shake, then pick up as much of the fallen fruit as I can in one go, saving my Mum a few sweeping jobs, and providing enough crab apples for my Dad – and me, and probably the entire neighbourhood – to cook up a few batches of crab apple jelly for the store cupboard. Yum.
Crabapple Trees
FAQ
Can you eat apples from a crabapple tree?
Yes, you can eat apples from a crabapple tree, but they are too tart to eat raw and are best used in cooking for jelly, jams, or cider. You should avoid eating the seeds, which contain a toxic compound.
Do crab apple trees produce fruit?
Yes, crab apple trees produce fruit; most varieties yield small, edible, but typically tart fruits that can be used for jelly, sauce, cider, or as a food source for wildlife. Some cultivars are specifically bred as “fruitless” varieties, but the vast majority of crab apple trees are known for their fruit.
Should you remove crab apples from a tree?
Crab apples, like most garden trees, are extremely tough, and nothing bad will happen if you prune during the growing season and cut off flowers or decorative fruit, or during winter and expose the tree to a little frost damage: you can prune that off later.
What are the drawbacks to crabapple trees?
Common problems with crabapple trees include the fungal diseases apple scab, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust; bacterial diseases like fire blight; and canker diseases such as Botryosphaeria canker. Pests like aphids and spider mites can also cause issues, while environmental factors like drought stress can weaken trees and make them more susceptible to diseases. To address these problems, practice sanitation, use resistant cultivars, provide proper watering and care, and prune infected branches.