Apple 'Greensleeves' Malus domestica 'Greensleeves' (PBR) (D)
ABOUT
'Greensleeves' is a dessert cultivar in pollination group 3. It is a very precocious cultivar with heavy, regular crops of pale green, turning pale yellow, skinned apples with a crisp flesh that becomes sweeter. Suitable for container cultivation. The blossom has some frost resistance and fruit needs thinning to become a good size. It has a short season of use from late September to October; once picked the flavour can deteriorate in storage
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Greensleeves Apple
Common names
Malus domestica 'Greensleeves'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12-15 feet (3.6-4.6 meters)
Spread
12-15 feet (3.6-4.6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to grow – Malus domestica 'Greensleeves' is known for being a hardy and resilient fruit tree, suitable for a variety of climates and soil types.
- Produces fruit – It bears apples which can be eaten fresh, cooked, or used in cider production.
- Aesthetic appeal – The tree offers ornamental value through its blossoms in spring and fruit in late summer and autumn.
- Pollination partner – It can act as a pollination partner for other apple varieties that require cross-pollination.
- Wildlife habitat – The tree provides habitat and food for a range of wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects.
- Shade provider – When mature, it offers a significant amount of shade, making it a good choice for gardens and recreational areas.
- Seasonal interest – With its spring flowers and autumn fruits, it offers visual interest across multiple seasons.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant effects: Apples, like Malus domestica 'Greensleeves', contain a variety of phytochemicals, including quercetin, catechin, phloridzin, and chlorogenic acid, which have potential antioxidant properties.
- Dietary fiber: Apples provide dietary fiber, which can aid in digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and possibly reducing the risk of colon cancer.
- Cardiovascular health: The fiber in apples, particularly pectin, may help to lower levels of LDL cholesterol, which is beneficial for heart health.
- Weight management: Apples can be a component of a healthy diet, as they are low in calories and high in fiber, which can contribute to satiety and help in weight control.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Malus domestica 'Greensleeves' can be used in educational settings such as schools or science classes to teach students about plant biology, genetics, and the life cycle of fruit trees.
- The wood from pruned or removed apple tree branches can be repurposed for woodcraft projects or as material for smoking meats to add a distinct applewood flavor.
- During the blooming period, the flowers can serve as an attractive option for temporary floral arrangements and decorations.
- The tree can be cultivated as a natural privacy screen in backyard gardens, due to its dense foliage and potential for substantial growth.
- Apple trees can be used in agroforestry systems, interplanted with other crops to improve biodiversity and land utilization.
- Young apple trees can be shaped through the art of espalier, creating living sculptures for ornamental gardening purposes.
- The tree can be included in permaculture designs to contribute to self-sustaining ecosystems by providing food for pollinators and potentially other wildlife.
- Harvested fruit that is not prime for eating can be donated to local farms or zoos as feed for various animals.
- When engaging in the practice of companion planting, apple trees can be paired with certain plants that help to ward off pests or improve pollination rates.
- The fallen leaves in autumn can be gathered and composted, providing rich organic matter for garden beds and soil amendment.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Apple Tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Apple Tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Knowledge and Wisdom: As a cultivar of the apple tree, Malus domestica 'Greensleeves' often symbolizes knowledge and wisdom. This association traces back to the Biblical story of Adam and Eve, where the apple represents the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge.
- Fertility and Abundance: Apple trees are also symbols of fertility and abundance due to their prolific nature and the abundant fruit they bear, suggesting prosperity and plenty.
- Youth and Beauty: The apple is often associated with youthfulness and beauty, possibly because of its fresh appearance and the longstanding mythological idea that apples can grant or symbolize immortality and eternal youth.
- Love and Desire: Often linked to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, apples can represent love, desire, and attraction, playing a role in various myths and stories as a fruit of affection.
- Peace and Reconciliation: In some cultures, an apple can be a token of peace or an offering to signify a desire to reconcile, as indicated in the story of Eris in Greek mythology, where an apple marked "to the fairest" was a catalyst for events leading to the Trojan War, but in other contexts can represent peace.
WaterThe Greensleeves apple tree should be watered deeply to ensure moisture reaches the roots, typically once a week during dry spells. During the growing season, around 10-15 gallons per week for young trees and 15-20 gallons for mature ones is necessary. Decrease watering in the fall before the tree goes dormant, and minimal watering, if any, should be provided during winter depending on rainfall. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil drains well and doesn't remain soggy.
LightThe Greensleeves apple tree thrives in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sun each day. The best spot for this tree is in an open area away from large structures or trees that may cast shade. Full sun exposure is crucial for the health and productivity of the tree.
TemperatureGreensleeves apple trees perform best when the temperature ranges between 35°F and 90°F. They need a period of winter chill with temperatures between 32°F and 45°F to break dormancy and promote spring flowering. These trees can generally endure winter temperatures as low as -20°F once established, but young trees are more sensitive to extreme cold.
PruningPruning a Greensleeves apple tree encourages better air circulation, sunlight penetration, and can improve fruit production. The best time for pruning is late winter when the tree is dormant, but before the spring growth starts. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and thin out crowded areas. Lightly prune during the summer if necessary to maintain shape or remove water sprouts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the Apple Tree 'Greensleeves', a well-draining loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal. The best soil mix can be made by combining garden soil, compost, and sand in equal parts to ensure good fertility and drainage, vital for healthy growth and fruit production.
RepottingApple Tree 'Greensleeves' is typically not repotted as it is grown as a full-sized fruit tree outdoors. Instead, it is transplanted to a permanent location where it can mature without the need for repotting.
Humidity & MistingApple Trees 'Greensleeves' do not have strict humidity requirements and thrive in the natural outdoor humidity levels found in most temperate regions. They are adaptable to various humidity conditions as long as they are grown outside.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Apple 'Greensleeves' cannot grow indoors; requires outdoor planting.
Outdoor
Plant apple 'Greensleeves' in full sun, well-drained soil, and space for growth.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Malus domestica 'Greensleeves' is Greensleeves Apple. The life of this apple variety begins with seed germination, although for cultivars like 'Greensleeves,' propagation is usually done by grafting to ensure the fruit characteristics remain true to variety. Following germination or graft establishment, the young sapling enters a vegetative growth phase where it develops its root system and foliage. Once mature enough, the apple tree enters the flowering stage in spring, characterized by blossoms that are pollinated by bees or other insects; after pollination, the flowers develop into fruit. The fruit matures through the summer and is typically ready for harvest in late summer to early autumn. After the bearing age, the tree can remain productive for several decades if properly cared for, eventually reaching a point of decline where fruit production decreases until the tree dies.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Malus domestica 'Greensleeves', more commonly known as the Greensleeves apple tree, is through grafting. Grafting is typically done in late winter or early spring before the sap starts flowing. This technique involves taking a scion, which is a shoot or twig with buds from a desired variety, and joining it onto a rootstock that is from a hardy, disease-resistant apple tree. The scion is carefully cut at an angle to expose the cambium layer, which is then matched to a similarly cut surface on the rootstock. The two pieces are bound tightly together with grafting tape, ensuring that the cambium layers are in contact, and subsequently sealed with grafting wax to prevent drying out. Over time, the graft union heals, joining the scion to the rootstock permanently and allowing the scion to grow and bear fruit typical of its variety on the hardy rootstock.
