Ask Extension Database, NDSU Extension Service Ask Extension for answers to commonly asked questions. NDSU Extension Service Horticulturist Growing apples can be fascinating and fun. Selecting a variety suited to the climate, and planting where it is protected from wind, is important in North Dakota. The short growing season places a limit on planting late-season varieties.
Most apple trees do well on any good garden soil.
Early spring planting is recommended. Buy fruit trees from your area nursery. Normally they handle trees propagated on hardy rootstocks. To date none of the dwarfing rootstocks have proved reliably hardy under North Dakota conditions. Therefore, we do not recommend planting dwarf apple trees.