Want to grow apples but have room for only a single tree? Many varieties of apples are self-fruiting and do just great solo.
Before making your choices, find out the number of chill hours (the number of hours when temperatures are less than 45 degrees) you receive. A number of resources can be found on the Internet for calculating yours. Most varieties will set fruit in low-chill and coastal areas. Fruit color may be affected.
Knowing the root stock also is important.
Phil Pursel, of Dave Wilson Nursery, says the root stock that a particular variety is grafted on should be a primary factor when selecting your tree. M-111 is highly recommended here in the Bay Area due to the heavy clay soil and continuing drought conditions. It is a semi-dwarfing rootstock that produces trees in the 15-foot range and is resistant to woolly aphids and collar rot.
Geneva 935, a true-dwarf rootstock, will keep trees in the 8- to 10-foot range. It resists crown rot and root rot. M-27, a newer option, is great for container planting as well as heavy clay soils, producing trees in the 4- to 6-foot range. And although slow growing, it tends to produce lots of fruit so will need to be staked and supported. It also requires more water.
To keep trees at their optimum height, however, you will need to practice good pruning.
The most important factor in selecting your apple tree will be your taste buds. Apples range from tart to sweet, soft to crisp, and tidy to extremely juicy. You also should consider harvest times. If you travel during the summer, a tree that produces in June and July probably isn’t your best bet.
Being an avid gardener, born and raised in Indiana, I feel incredible blessed to live in sunny California & be able to grow my own food all year-round! I write a monthly garden column for the San Jose Mercury News & am constantly striving for tips & ideas on how to live a little more gently in regards to ourselves, our planet & each other – basically sustainability we can live with! As a 
