Dwarf apple tree (Malus domestica 'Vitalstar') – 5-litre pot

Vitalstar is a special apple variety that stands out for its deep red skin and red flesh, a rarity among apples. The flavor is pleasantly sweet-sour and aromatic. An added bonus: the flesh does not turn brown when sliced or grated, making it particularly suitable for the kitchen, from salads to desserts and compotes.

The tree is also disease-resistant, making it an excellent choice for those who want low maintenance yet a rich harvest every year. The dwarf variety grows compactly (approx. 2-3 m) and is therefore also suitable for smaller gardens or pots.

What is a dwarf tree?
Dwarf means that the tree is grafted onto a slow-growing rootstock, which causes the trees to bear fruit sooner and grow less tall. The advantages of this are that they are suitable for smaller gardens or allotments, allowing you to grow more varieties in the same space. It is also convenient that you can harvest easily, safely, and without a long ladder.

Key features:

• Harvest period: September - October
• Taste: sweet-sour, aromatic
• Fruit color: deep red (skin and flesh)
• Usage: eating fresh, salads, desserts, cooking
• Location: full sun to partial shade
• Height: 2-3 m
• Planting distance: 2-2.5 m
• Disease-resistant: yes
• Self-pollinating: partially (suitable pollinators: ‘Elstar’, 'Cox's Orange Pippin' or 'Jonagold')
• Height at delivery: 70-80 cm (excluding pot)

Tips and care:

• Planting: because the trees are delivered in pots, they can be planted all year round. Preferably plant in autumn; the soil is still warm and moist, which helps the trees root well. Plants put in the ground in autumn have a better-developed root system than those planted in the spring.
• Pruning: prune in late winter or early spring to promote growth and keep the tree open and airy. Thanks to its disease resistance, Vitalstar requires less maintenance than most other apple varieties.
• Open ground or pots: you can also grow all dwarf fruit trees in pots; the larger the pot, the better they will do. They will always grow better and produce more fruit in open ground.
• Support: provide support with a stake for the first year. Dwarf trees are easy to pick and remain compact and well-manageable.
• Watering: water regularly during dry periods, especially in the summer months. Avoid waterlogging the roots.

TIP: The red flesh of Vitalstar makes it not only delicious but also visually spectacular in salads and desserts, a real eye-catcher on the table!