Apple Malus domestica 'Pixie' (D)
ABOUT
Apple 'Pixie' is a cultivar known for its attractive characteristics. Its branches are adorned with a profusion of pinkish-white blossoms during the spring, which later develop into fruit. The leaves of the apple tree are a lush green color, often with an oval shape and a slightly serrated edge. As the season progresses, these flowers give way to small, appealing apples. The skin of the apples is predominantly red with some green and yellow hues, while the flesh inside is crisp and juicy, offering a sweet flavor with a hint of tartness that makes it quite refreshing. Once mature, these apples are firm and can be used in a variety of culinary applications, from fresh eating to baking. The overall appearance of the 'Pixie' apple tree is that of a classic apple tree with a dense canopy of leaves and fruit, creating a picturesque scene, especially when the fruit is ripe and ready for harvest.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Pixie Apple, Dwarf Pixie Apple
Common names
Malus domestica 'Pixie'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question is commonly known as the apple tree. Apples and their tree parts, including the 'Pixie' variety, are generally safe for human consumption. However, seeds from apples do contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when chewed and degraded in the digestive system. Ingesting a small number of apple seeds is usually not harmful due to the low concentration of these compounds, but consuming a large number of seeds may lead to symptoms like headache, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and in severe cases, respiratory failure or even death. It is important to discard the seeds and not consume them in significant quantities.
To pets
Similar to humans, for pets, particularly dogs and cats, the apple tree (including the 'Pixie' variety) poses some risks primarily due to the seeds. Apple seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested. While eating a few seeds is unlikely to cause harm considering the small quantities of these compounds, consuming a large number of seeds can be toxic to pets. Poisoning symptoms may include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. In severe cases, ingestion of a significant amount of apple seeds can be fatal for pets. It is recommended to keep apple seeds and cores away from pets to avoid any risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
8 feet (2.44 meters)
Spread
6 feet (1.83 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its attractive blossoms and fruits.
- Fresh Fruit: Provides home-grown apples for eating, baking, and cooking.
- Pollinator Attraction: Blossoms attract bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Shade Provider: Can offer shade in garden spaces once mature.
- Space Efficient: Suitable for smaller gardens due to its relatively compact size.
- Educational: Can be used to teach children about plant growth and fruit production.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Props: The small size and attractive appearance of the apple can be used by photographers for still-life images or as a natural prop in portrait sessions.
- Miniature Gardens: Its smaller fruit size makes Pixie apples ideal for fairy or miniature garden setups where regular-sized apples would look out of scale.
- Floral Arrangements: The branches with fruit can be trimmed and incorporated into floral arrangements for a rustic or autumnal touch.
- Home Brewing: Enthusiasts of home-brewed cider may use the fruits from Pixie apple trees to create unique, small-batch apple ciders.
- Educational Tools: These apple trees can be used in schools or educational programs to teach children about plant growth, fruit development, and gardening.
- Natural Dyes: The skin and flesh of the apples can be used to make natural dyes for fabrics or crafting projects.
- Bonsai: Due to its size and growth habit, Pixie apple trees can be trained as bonsai trees for enthusiasts of the art.
- Winter Bird Feed: Leftover apples on the tree can provide food for birds during the winter months when other food sources are scarce.
- Woodworking: Small branches pruned from the tree can be used in woodworking projects, such as crafting handles for tools or kitchenware.
- Tree Grafting Education: The tree can serve as an education tool for horticulture students learning the technique of grafting.
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- Love and Temptation: Apples have long been associated with the story of Adam and Eve, symbolizing temptation and the fall from innocence. The Pixie apple, with its sweet nature, might represent a more innocent and pure aspect of love.
- Knowledge and Wisdom: In various mythologies, apples are considered fruit that bestows knowledge and wisdom upon those who consume them. They are often linked to stories of enlightenment and discovery.
- Youthfulness: The name 'Pixie' implies a sense of youthfulness and vibrancy. This could be reflected in the symbolic meaning of the apple, suggesting a spirit that remains young at heart.
- Abundance and Fertility: Apples in general are seen as a symbol of abundance, growth, and fertility, as apple trees tend to bear fruit in large quantities.
- Health and Well-being: With the saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," apples represent health and are often used symbolically to suggest a healthy lifestyle and well-being.
- Beauty and Perfection: The apple, with its round shape and often perfect-looking fruits, has been a symbol of beauty and perfection in various cultures.
WaterApple trees, including the 'Pixie' variety, should be watered deeply and thoroughly to encourage deep root growth. During the growing season, water young trees weekly with about 5 gallons, gradually increasing the amount as the tree matures. Established apple trees typically need watering once every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on weather conditions, with an increase during dry spells to maintain soil moisture. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. During the winter months, reduce watering, but ensure the roots do not completely dry out.
LightThe 'Pixie' apple tree thrives best in full sunlight, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to produce high-quality fruit. An ideally placed tree will be in a location with unobstructed sunlight, away from larger trees or buildings that could cast shade. The more sun the tree receives, the better the fruit production and overall health of the tree.
Temperature'Pixie' apple trees are hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures; however, they grow best in areas where the temperature stays between 60°F and 75°F during the growing season. They can survive winter temperatures as low as -20°F, but young trees are more susceptible to cold damage. The ideal conditions for fruit production typically include warm days and cooler nights.
PruningPruning 'Pixie' apple trees is essential to maintain their shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and promote better air circulation and sunlight penetration, which are critical for fruit quality. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any suckers, water sprouts, and crossing branches. Annual pruning helps to encourage higher fruit yields and a healthier tree.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPixie apple trees prefer a well-draining loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite can provide a healthy growing medium, keeping the roots aerated and avoiding waterlogging, which is essential for proper growth and fruit production.
RepottingPixie apple trees, being a dwarf variety, may be grown in large containers and should be repotted every 3-5 years to prevent root-bound conditions and to replenish the soil nutrients. Use a container slightly larger than the previous one to allow for growth.
Humidity & MistingPixie apple trees are adaptable to a wide range of outdoor humidity conditions and do not have specific humidity requirements, as these trees thrive in the natural outdoor environment. Regular outdoor humidity levels are generally adequate for these apple trees.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Pixie apple trees indoors with bright light and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant Pixie apples in full sun with well-drained soil and space.
Hardiness zone
Pixie apple trees are suitable for USDA zones 5-8.
Life cycleThe 'Pixie' apple tree (D), a cultivar of Malus domestica, begins its life cycle with seed germination, although commercially, it is often propagated through grafting onto rootstocks. After successful germination or rooting of the graft, it enters a juvenile phase where it develops a root system and vegetative growth including leaves, stems, and branches. As it matures, usually around 2 to 5 years after planting, the apple tree enters the flowering stage, producing blossoms that, with pollination, will develop into fruits. Following pollination, the flowers transform into apples which grow through the summer until they reach maturity and are harvested in late summer to fall. At the end of the growing season, the tree enters a period of dormancy during winter to conserve energy. The cycle repeats annually as the tree emerges from dormancy in spring, ready to flower and produce a new crop of apples.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the apple tree variety known as 'Pixie' is by grafting. This process involves taking a scion, which is a young shoot or twig from the 'Pixie' apple tree, and physically joining it to the rootstock of another compatible apple variety. Grafting is typically performed during the dormant season, which is late winter or early spring. The scion should be about 4 to 6 inches long (approximately 10 to 15 cm) with several buds on it. It's joined to a similarly sized cut on the rootstock, bound with grafting tape, and sealed with grafting wax to prevent dehydration and infection. The graft needs to be kept moist until the scion has successfully united with the rootstock, a process which can take several weeks. Once the graft has taken and new growth is evident, the tree can eventually be planted out in its permanent location.
