What is the price of crabapple seedlings? Detailed guide to growing methods

Crabapple is the general and common name for various plants of the genus Malus and several plants of the genus Chaenomeles. The representative plants, the crabapple flower and the Chinese quince, are both shrubs or small trees of the rose family (Rosaceae), and are famous ornamental trees in China, commonly cultivated in various places, mostly as ornamental flowering trees used for urban greening and landscaping. Moreover, some crabapple fruits can be eaten or used medicinally. Let us take a look below at crabapple seedling prices and growing methods!

How much does a crabapple seedling cost?

Note: The market price of crabapple seedlings varies with variety, specification, and so on. They are mostly ornamental flowering trees used for urban greening and landscaping (although among them there is no lack of varieties whose fruit has high edible value), and many of them are famous ornamental plants, such as Xifu crabapple, Hall crabapple, dwarf flowering quince, Chinese quince crabapple, North American crabapple, and so on.

What propagation methods does crabapple have?

1. Division: Division of crabapple is a simple and easy method. Cut the sprouted tubers lengthwise, with each piece having 1 to 2 buds. After the cut surface dries, they can be potted. But note that maintaining relatively high environmental humidity and a temperature of 20-25°C is needed to achieve a better result.

2. Cuttage: Crabapple cuttage can be carried out in all four seasons, but spring and autumn are best. For cuttings, it is advisable to choose the tender top shoots of robust branches growing from the base. During cuttage, remove most of the leaves, insert into a clean sand pot, keep moist, and pay attention to shading; roots will form in 15-20 days.

3. Sowing: Crabapple sowing is generally carried out in early spring or autumn when the temperature is not too high. Before sowing, first sterilize the potting soil at high temperature, then evenly scatter in the seeds and press flat, then immerse the pot in water so that water seeps up from the bottom of the pot to moisten the potting soil. At a temperature of 20°C, germination takes about 7-10 days.

What common species of crabapple are there?

1. Xifu crabapple: Xifu crabapple is a plant of the genus Malus in the rose family (Rosaceae), a small tree up to 2.5-5 m tall, with strong upright branches, and is a plant endemic to China. Xifu crabapple grows well in the dry zones of northern China and is a relatively popular product in greening projects.

2. Hall crabapple: Hall crabapple is a deciduous small tree up to 5 m tall, with a spreading crown and leaves ovate or elliptic to oblong-ovate, in corymbose inflorescences, flowering from March to April and fruiting from September to October. It is distributed in China in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, and other places.

3. Dwarf flowering quince: Dwarf flowering quince generally refers to Chaenomeles speciosa (wrinkled-skinned Chinese quince). Its fruit can be used as medicine, having the functions of relaxing muscles and activating collaterals and harmonizing the stomach and removing dampness. It is also a unique specimen ornamental tree, produced in Shaanxi, Gansu, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Guangdong, and other places, and is also distributed in Myanmar.

4. Chinese quince crabapple: Chinese quince crabapple is a deciduous shrub to small tree, growing on hillsides, forest edges, and roadsides, cultivated or wild, produced in Shaanxi, Gansu, Jiangxi, Hubei, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and other places. Its fruit is used as medicine and can serve as a substitute for Chinese quince, and it is commonly cultivated in various places.

5. North American crabapple: The plant height of North American crabapple is generally 5-7 m, with very high ornamental value. The flower color, leaf color, fruit color, and branch color are rich, and in addition the landscape highlighted by its flowers, leaves, fruits, branches, and varied forms in different seasons makes the ornamental period last throughout the year.

Crabapple cultivation and management methods

1. Temperature: Crabapple is extremely cold-hardy and can withstand cold climates, but there is also a limit. Generally speaking, it can grow very well even at minus 15 degrees, and can be placed outdoors entirely. However, if it is especially cold, attention must be paid to taking protective measures.

2. Sunlight: Plant growth cannot be separated from sunlight, and crabapple is even more of a representative in this regard. It is suitable for growing in an environment with sufficient sunlight. If placed in a shady place for a long time, it will grow poorly, so it is essential to maintain sufficient sunlight for it.

3. Watering: Crabapple is relatively cold-hardy, but this does not mean it does not need water. However, do not water too much. The most important thing is to ensure the soil does not become waterlogged, otherwise excessive moisture will lead to root rot, and the leaves will turn yellow.

4. Fertilizing: Attention must be paid to fertilizing crabapple. It sheds its leaves in autumn, and after leaf fall a heavy fertilizer must be applied to make up for the nutrients lost because of this. When it sprouts in spring, apply an organic fertilizer once more, and water thoroughly once.

5. Pruning: Crabapple should be pruned after leaf fall and before spring buds. Cut off dead branches, weak branches, and diseased and pest-damaged branches. At the same time, to ensure vigorous flowering, long branches should be shortened to ensure nutrition, and during the crabapple growing period, pinching should also be carried out in time.