How to Plant Zestar Apple Trees

Zestar is a variety of apple that is popular among gardeners for its crisp texture and sweet, tangy flavor. If you have decided to grow Zestar apples in your garden, then here are some tips on how to plant and care for them:

Choosing and Preparing the Planting Site

Before you start planting, you need to choose the right spot for your Zestar apple trees. The ideal location would be an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day and has well-draining soil.

To prepare the soil, you need to dig a hole that is at least twice as wide and deep as the tree's root ball. Then, fill the hole with a mixture of compost and topsoil to give your apple trees the nutrients they need to grow.

Planting Your Zestar Apple Trees

After you have chosen and prepared the planting site, it is time to plant your Zestar apple trees. To do this, you need to follow these steps:

Place the root ball of the tree in the center of the hole.

Spread the roots out in all directions to ensure they get enough oxygen and nutrients.

Fill the hole with soil, making sure to tamp it down gently to avoid air pockets.

Water the tree to help settle the soil and ensure the roots are moist.

Caring for Your Zestar Apple Trees

Once you have planted your Zestar apple trees, you need to take care of them properly to ensure they grow healthy and strong. Here are some tips on how to care for your trees:

Water your trees regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil moist.

Fertilize your trees with a balanced fertilizer every spring to provide them with the nutrients they need to grow.

Prune your trees during the winter to remove any dead or diseased branches and to thin out the canopy to allow more sunlight to reach the fruit.

Protect your trees from pests and diseases by keeping the area around them free from debris and by spraying them with insecticides and fungicides as needed.

Harvesting Your Zestar Apples

Your Zestar apple trees will typically start producing fruit in their third or fourth year. When the apples are ready for harvest, they will be firm, crisp, and tangy with a yellow-green skin. To harvest your apples, you need to:

Pick the apples when they are fully ripe but before they start to fall from the tree.

Twist the apples gently to remove them from the branch.

Place the apples in a basket or container to avoid bruising and damage.

By following these tips on how to plant and care for your Zestar apple trees, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of sweet, tangy apples each year. Happy planting!