As a picturesque design component, crabapple enriches the balcony with lavish abundance of flowers and decorative fruits. Read here which varieties are particularly suitable for this function. There are also useful tips about professional cultivation.
What tips are there for crabapples in the bucket?
Crabapples in a pot thrive best in a container of at least 20 liters with drainage, a mixture of pot plant soil, gravel, stone dust and compost. Regular fertilizing, watering, repotting and pruning in late winter promote he althy growth.
Dwarf varieties are ahead in the pot
While majestic characters take center stage in the bed, such as the mighty Malus 'Rudolph', the focus is on the dwarf varieties for the balcony. The two hybrids 'Tina' and 'Pomzai' particularly stood out in the pot. Not only do they impress with their opulent flowers and delicate fruits, but they also impress with their ideal growth height of 150 cm.
Important information about plants and care – short and compact
For a crabapple to show its best side in the bucket, the container should have a volume of at least 20 liters. An opening in the floor as a water outlet with a few pieces of pottery above it as drainage is essential. As a substrate, we recommend a mix of 80 percent pot plant soil (€18.00 on Amazon) and 20 percent gravel, supplemented with stone dust and compost. As part of your care, pay attention to these measures:
- Provide with a complete nutrient fertilizer every spring in the dosage of 4 grams per liter of substrate
- Alternatively, fertilize every 4 weeks from April to August with compost, stone dust, horn shavings or guano granules
- Orient the water supply to a medium-moist substrate
- Repot the crabapple into a larger pot with fresh soil every 2 to 3 years
- In late winter, thin out the crown or bush thoroughly and cut it into shape
If your garden is in a harsh winter location, a crabapple will move to the bright, frost-free winter quarters in the fall. Alternatively, cover the bucket with bubble wrap and place it on a block of wood. To prevent late frosts from destroying the tender buds, a breathable hood made of fleece or jute protects the branches.
Tip
The emphasis on the ornamental value of crabapples does not imply that the fruits are unfit for consumption. In fact, some of the most beautiful varieties also produce large, juicy apples. Classics like 'Golden Hornet' or new products like 'Butterball' even taste fresh from the tree. Most of the edible fruits can be processed into fruity compote and bitter-sweet jelly.