Germination care
A 6-inch diameter pot with drainage holes is sufficient for growing the crabapple seeds. Fill the pot up to 3/4 inch from the top with moist seed-starting mix and tamp it down so it's firm in the container. After evenly spreading the seeds on the soil surface, cover them with a 1/2-inch layer of seed-starting mix. Lightly tamp down the soil and moisten it with a water-filled spray bottle. To promote soil moisture retention, stretch plastic wrap over the pot and periodically spray the soil with water.
After germination sets in, remove the plastic wrap and place the pot near a sunny window. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them to the upper compartment of the urn after the last frost date in your area. Outside, the crabapple seedlings require an area that has well-drained soil and about eight to 12 hours of direct sunlight exposure.
Planting care
The Brandywine Flowering Crabapple will perform best if you plant it in well-drained soil in a spot that receives full sun.
As soon as you plant your tree, saturate it with water. If you live in a hot or dry area, water your Brandywine twice a week until it is established. Other climates can water once a week, achieving 1 inch of water each week. Once established, only water as needed during long periods of drought. Add a 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring each year if desired. No pruning is needed, but if done, choose winter or dry summer weather, to avoid the risk of disease. Some pests or diseases are possible, but they rarely cause serious problems, and this tree needs very little attention to be a centerpiece in your garden.
Where to plant + Ideal climate
Grow the Brandywine Crabapple Tree anywhere from zone 4 to zone 8 and even in zone 9. It thrives in any moist garden soil, and established trees have some drought resistance too. Avoid very wet places, and very alkaline soil.
When to plant
You can plant crabapples most any time the soil is workable. Bare-root trees need to be planted in early spring, but balled and burlapped or container grown trees can be planted in spring, summer, or fall.
Main benefits
Enchanting spring flowers: Fragrant, rose-colored double blossoms cover the branches in April and May. Summer foliage: Summer's green leaves are tipped with brick-red, adding captivating contrast. Stunning fall show: Foliage turns reddish-orange and deep purple creating show-stopping value as the weather cools. Delightful crabapples: Appearing as early as late summer, these chartreuse-red crabapples are mesmerizing next to the warm leaves. Dazzling dormant winter interest: Silvery twigs create sculptural interest in the coldest months.
