how far apart should fuji apples planted be planted in southern california?
Answers:
Depends. Any named variety of an apple tree is formed by a graft. This means that two separate pieces of wood have grown together.
The bottom piece is called the rootstock, and it tends to govern the overall size and vigor of the tree,while the top wood, called the scion will actually be what produces the fruit. The vigor of the scion has some influence over the ultimate size of the tree.
Some rootstocks are chosen for other characteristics such as tolerance for wet conditions.
This mean that you ought to know what the other half of your tree is.
Also, the size of the tree can be controlled by pruning. This reaches it's ultimate form in the art of espalier.
I recommend that you contact an amateur fruit grower in your area or your local county Cooperative Extension Office.
There are other considerations to keep in mind when choosing fruit trees. Different varieties are appropriate in different climate areas. Some varieties, even if they ripen may not produce the flavor you expect.
Also, some varieties are less susceptible to disease than others. Commercial growers apply sprays regimens based on the current season's pattern of the bud growth. Do you have the discipline and patience to follow a separate spray regimen to get good quality of apples? If not, then disease resistance should be a consideration in your choice. Learn what diseases are common for your area.
I know this sounds like a lot, and it would never be possible to learn all of this by reading, because your conditions are unique to your area. But is it better for you to plant an unsuitable tree, wait years for it to produce, only to find that you will not receive the fruit you expected? This is why local knowledge is so critical for your success and enjoyment. The initial investment in time, effort and space is larger for fruit trees than for , say a cabbage.
By doing your research upfront, you can plan a successful orchard and add valuable trees to your landscape.
There are HUNDREDS of apples to choose from in the U.S.A. for the amateur fruit grower. Look for the current version of the Fruit nut and Berry inventory for commercial sources of more apple varieties than you can imagine.
Other answers:
10 ft.
10 ft.
8 feet