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Flowering Crabapple : PRAIRIFIRE Standard (Antonovka) (Orchard Grade)
$39.95
An 'orchard grade' is a tree that may be somewhat shorter, slightly crooked, or a bit scratched, or for some other reason is not a perfect front lawn specimen. These trees will work just as well in an orchard as a first or number one would, since they still produce the very same fruit.
In addition to having the deepest crimson-pink bloom of any flowering crab, Prairifire is also noted as one of the most disease resistant, rarely showing any problems from scab or other issues. The exquisite flower extravaganza arrives a little later and stays a little longer than most, turning into ½" dark red fruits that do not drop. Maroon colour foliage fades out into deep green during the summer. Upright, spreading, rounded tree generally matures at 5-6 m (15-20') high and 6m (20') wide.
SELF-FERTILE | ZONE 4
Growing Tips
Besides selecting the most disease resistant varieties, there are
a few simple things to do to have better apples.
- Fertilize under the outer edges of your trees. There are no feeder roots next to the trunk. A well fed tree stays healthier. (Adequate calcium in the soil also helps so that apples keep longer.)
- Pick up fallen fruit and compost, dispose of, or feed to livestock (where possible).
- Rake up leaves in the fall and compost them away from the orchard.
- Prune trees to encourage light and air to reach the inside of the tree.
- Provide bird nesting sites near your orchard. A variety of orchard companion type plants will attract native pollinator insects and also encourage birds to come and eat insect pests.
