Quick facts
| Arabic name | التفاح |
|---|---|
| English name | Apple |
| Scientific name | Malus domestica |
| Family | Rose family (Rosaceae) |
| Plant type | Deciduous fruit tree |
| Height | Usually 3 to 6 m |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
January to February
During rest in late winterJuly to September
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A medium tree with a round crown and oval toothed leaves. It has white-pink flowers in spring and round red, yellow or green fruits.
Where it grows
Grown in cool upland farms, mainly in Tabuk and Al-Jouf, and also in the highlands of Taif, Al-Baha and Asir.
Soil
Deep, well-drained loamy soil rich in organic matter. It does not like high salt or standing water.
Water and irrigation
Needs regular watering, mainly in spring and summer when fruits grow. Drip irrigation is best.
Climate and light
Needs a cold winter with enough chill hours to flower well, and full sun. Not good for hot coastal areas.
Propagation
Grown mainly by grafting on rootstocks. Seeds are rarely used because the new trees differ from the parent.
Benefits and uses
- Fruits rich in fiber and vitamin C
- Eaten fresh, as juice or dried
- An important income crop for Tabuk and Al-Jouf farms
- Its spring flowers are pretty and attract bees
Drawbacks
- Needs winter cold that hot areas do not have
- Pests like codling moth and aphids attack it
- Needs pruning and care every year
Important notes
Apple seeds contain small amounts of toxic compounds, so do not crush or eat many of them.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Malus domestica
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Malus domestica
- Wikipedia: Apple
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)