The “fastest growing” apple tree results from a combination of genetic potential and attentive care. Success is measured by the rapid establishment of the tree’s structure and overall increase in size. Achieving this speed requires a deliberate choice in the tree’s components and a commitment to specific cultivation practices that maximize vegetative growth.
How Rootstock Determines Vigor and Size
The rootstock is the most significant factor controlling an apple tree’s growth rate and ultimate size. It is the lower portion of the tree that includes the root system. Apple trees are almost always grafted, meaning the desired apple variety (the scion) is physically joined to a separate root system that dictates the tree’s overall vigor. This process allows growers to control the mature size of the tree, which is typically expressed as a percentage of a full-sized, standard tree.
The fastest-growing trees are grafted onto the most vigorous rootstocks, resulting in a standard or full-sized tree. Rootstocks like M.25 or seedling rootstocks, such as Antonovka, produce the largest trees, often reaching heights of 20 feet or more. These trees grow approximately 18 to 24 inches per year during the establishment phase. Semi-vigorous rootstocks, such as MM.111 or MM.106, are also fast-growing options, yielding trees that are 65% to 85% the size of a standard tree.
The trade-off is that these high-vigor rootstocks generally take longer to begin producing fruit, often requiring six to ten years for a significant harvest. In contrast, dwarf rootstocks, such as M.9 or G.41, produce smaller trees that begin bearing fruit much earlier, sometimes within two to three years. For the goal of maximum vegetative growth and size, selecting a non-dwarfing, high-vigor rootstock is the definitive first step.
Specific High-Growth Apple Cultivars
While the rootstock dictates the tree’s size class, the specific apple cultivar, or scion, contributes its own inherent vigor. Some varieties are genetically programmed to be more aggressive growers, producing longer shoots and a denser canopy than others, even when grafted onto the same rootstock. Pairing a naturally vigorous cultivar with a high-vigor rootstock maximizes the tree’s potential for rapid growth.
Cultivars known for their inherent vegetative vigor include certain heirloom and multi-purpose types, such as ‘Jupiter’ or ‘Blenheim Orange.’ ‘Jupiter’ creates a vigorous tree structure capable of yielding heavily. ‘Blenheim Orange’ is a historically vigorous variety that grows well in various conditions. These varieties are ideal for establishing a large, rapidly expanding tree structure.
Even many common commercial varieties, such as ‘Fuji’ and ‘Gala,’ are considered moderately vigorous growers that perform well when given the right conditions. For the fastest possible growth, selecting a cultivar with known aggressive growth habits and grafting it onto a standard or semi-vigorous rootstock is the most effective approach. This combination ensures that both the root system and the scion push for maximum wood production and size.
Essential Practices for Accelerated Growth
Once a high-vigor tree is selected, cultural practices translate genetic potential into accelerated growth. A young apple tree requires a location that receives full sunlight for at least six to eight hours daily, which fuels the photosynthesis required for rapid vegetative growth. The soil should be well-drained loamy material with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0, to ensure optimal nutrient uptake.
Consistent water management is the most important care component during the first two to three years of establishment. Young trees must receive deep, regular watering, often amounting to around two inches of water per week. This is necessary because their shallow root systems are not yet developed enough to handle dry periods. Applying a layer of organic mulch, kept a few inches away from the trunk, helps conserve soil moisture and maintain a stable root temperature.
Fertilization should be strategic, focusing on nitrogen during the early years to encourage the production of leaves and wood necessary for the fastest growth. Nitrogen-rich applications are typically made in the early spring before new growth begins and again in mid-summer to sustain the growth flush. Maintaining a weed-free zone around the trunk is paramount, as weeds and grass compete directly with the young tree for water and nutrients, severely stunting its growth.
Pruning practices must be modified to prioritize growth over early fruit production. Minimal pruning is recommended in the first few years to maximize the leaf surface area, which is the tree’s engine for manufacturing energy. While initial training to establish a central leader is beneficial, heavy removal of branches should be avoided. This action slows down the tree’s overall establishment and diverts energy away from the goal of rapid size increase.