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Crab Apple Tree, Malus sylvestris seeds

Deodar Seeds
$
2.90
Crab Apple Tree Seeds (Malus sylvestris)

Description:
The Crab Apple Tree (Malus sylvestris), also known as the European Crab Apple, is a small deciduous tree admired for its ornamental beauty, hardiness, and small, tangy fruits. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, this tree is considered the wild ancestor of cultivated apple varieties. Known for its stunning spring blossoms and vibrant autumn fruits, the Crab Apple Tree is an excellent choice for wildlife gardens, hedgerows, and ornamental landscapes.

Key Features:
Tree Characteristics:
• Small to medium-sized deciduous tree, typically reaching 5–10 meters in height.
• Features a rounded crown with dense, spreading branches.
• Ovate green leaves provide a lush canopy, turning yellow in autumn.
Flowers:
• Produces clusters of fragrant, white to pale pink blossoms in spring, attracting pollinators.
• Adds significant ornamental value to gardens and landscapes.
Fruits:
• Small, round fruits (2–4 cm in diameter) with yellow, green, or red skin, depending on the variety.
• The flesh is tart and aromatic, ideal for cooking, preserving, or wildlife feeding.
• Ripens in late summer to autumn, often persisting into winter.
Hardiness:
• Extremely hardy, thriving in temperate climates and tolerating cold winters.
• Adapted to a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils.

Cultivation Instructions:
Climate Requirements:
• Thrives in temperate regions with cool winters and warm summers.
• Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Soil Preference:
• Grows well in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5–7.5.
• Tolerates less fertile soils but benefits from organic amendments for optimal growth.
Planting Instructions:
• Stratify seeds by placing them in moist sand or peat and refrigerating at 4°C for 8–12 weeks before planting.
• Sow seeds in spring, 2–3 cm deep, in nutrient-rich soil, and ensure proper spacing for mature tree development (4–6 meters apart).
Watering:
• Requires regular watering during the first few years of growth.
• Mature trees are moderately drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional watering during dry spells.
Pruning:
• Prune annually in late winter or early spring to shape the tree, remove dead branches, and promote air circulation.

Uses and Benefits:
Culinary:
• Fruits are used to make jellies, jams, ciders, and sauces due to their tart flavor.
• Ideal for blending with sweeter fruits in recipes.
Gardening:
• Perfect for ornamental landscapes, hedgerows, or wildlife gardens.
• Attracts pollinators with its blossoms and birds with its fruits.
Environmental Benefits:
• Provides food and habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds, bees, and small mammals.
Historical Significance:
• Known as the ancestor of modern apples, Malus sylvestris holds a significant place in horticultural history.

Historical Note:
The Crab Apple Tree has been valued for centuries across Europe and Asia for its versatility and resilience. Its fruits were historically used in traditional medicine and as a food source for both humans and wildlife.

Shipping Information:
Deodar Seeds ensures that all seeds are carefully selected and packaged to maintain their freshness and viability. Seeds are shipped within India and internationally, with delivery typically within 1–2 weeks.

From Deodar Seeds Company.
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