The flowering crab apple is a deciduous ornamental tree which flowers in spring and produces tiny fruits which are sometimes called ‘schoolboy apples’. The blossoms are delicate shades of white, pink and purple while the edible fruits are deep orange or red in colour. The tree fruits in autumn and can carry its apples into the winter.

Not an apple pie kind of tree

If you’re looking for an apple tree to harvest fruit for pies, jams, sources, baking etc., you’re in the wrong place. The flowering crab apple is an ornamental tree as opposed to a fruit tree. That being said, and as we mentioned above, the tree does produce apples.

Can I eat crab apples?

Yes, you absolutely can eat them straight from the tree. But, don’t expect Granny Smith taste or Pink Lady crunch. Crab apples are very tart. Or, sour if you prefer. And, as they are so small, you’d have to eat a lot of them for a decent snack. Not recommended.

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However, you can use the fruits to make very nice jam. Or try roasting them and serve as an accompaniment to meat. There will be loads of way inventive cooks can use crab apples. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous crab apples make excellent cider. What better way to spend a summer evening in the garden than sitting on the patio sipping your homemade cider?

What does the crab apple tree look like?

The main reason for planting crab apples is that they look so nice in the garden. They typically have deep green leaves and produce masses of very fragrant flowers in late spring. The apples will appear late. As an ornamental tree the crab apple will be a wonderful addition to your garden. It can also be used for cross pollination with other apple trees.

Are they easy to grow?

The good news is that these trees are quite straightforward to grow and as they are hardy they will do well in the British climate. They prefer full sun and will flourish in most soil types. Height wise a crab apple will grow to around 15 feet and, as they do need lots of light, make sure they have plenty of room around them.

The best time to plant is in spring but wait until the frosts have cleared. Though when that is, isn't always easy to judge in the UK. Apart from that just follow the usual rules:

• Choose a position which gets plenty of sun.
• Plant away from other trees, fences, buildings etc.
• Water the root ball well before planting.
• Dig a whole roughly twice the size of the root ball.
• Firm the soil around the tree when planted.
• Water well for at least the first fortnight after planting.

If you enjoy wildlife in your garden a crab apple tree will attract plenty. The scented blossom is very attractive to bees and birds will love the fruit. And if you have a badger set anywhere near by (unlikely I know) they will make a beeline for the apples. Even the green leaves will attract caterpillars.

Crab apple trees at Direct Plants

We usually have a nice selection of crab apples in the nursery. They’ll come to you already established and in the best of health. Depending on the variety the tree will be between five and ten feet tall and will be supplied in a seven or ten litre pot ready for planting.

You can see the full range of crab apples we have ready for despatch to you by clicking here.

For advice on how to plant fruit trees consult our Ask the Expert pages.