Apples Crop Guide

Estimated CostUp to $8,000 per acre establishment; $1,000 per acre annual operating; 3 to 4 years to first harvest; harvest season June to August
Market OutletsLocal sales, farmers markets, roadside, pick-your-own
Market PotentialPoor, due to low color and soft fruit
Profit PotentialUnknown
Adapted AreasMainly areas north of I-10 and mountains of West Texas
Labor RequirementsLow to high depending on production system used
Equipment RequirementsTractor, air blast sprayer, herbicide applicatior
Soil RequirementsAcid to neutral, sandy loam soil
Water Requirements4 gallons per minute per acre
Minimum Size1/2 to 5 acres
Risk FactorHigh
Other Limiting FactorsHigh temperatures prevents good color development and generally leadsto soft fruit. Cotton root rot limits commercial production in most of Texas. Hail is a limitation in West and Centeral Texas.
CommentsConsider apples only as a specialty crop for local sales because color and quality do not ususally meet standards from northern states; however, flavor is good because tree-ripened fruit is better.