Sargent crabapple

Sargent Crabapple plants should be watered deeply, once per week, from spring through fall. During the hottest months of the year, or times of drought, it may be necessary to water twice per week. After watering, the soil should be allowed to partially dry before watering again. Be sure to water in the early morning and never late in the day to prevent crown and root rot. In winter, water the plant once every 1-2 months, depending on precipitation levels.

Sargent crabapple (Malus sargentii 'Candymint') prefers full sun or partial shade exposure. As a general rule, it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. It may be able to tolerate light shade in the summer months, however it will be most successful in full sun during spring and autumn. The optimal sunlight exposure for Sargent crabapple is mid-morning to mid-afternoon sun, with protection from the hot afternoon sun. When planted in a location that does not get enough light, the tree may struggle to produce an abundant number of flowers and fruit.

Sargent crabapple trees should be pruned annually in late winter or early spring. During the first few years after planting, only light pruning should be done to shape the tree, remove dead wood, and reduce the size of the tree if necessary. Once the tree is established, more extensive pruning may be needed to manage the size and shape of the tree, as well as to open up the canopy and promote air circulation. Prune out weak wood and crossing branches to promote strong, upright new growth. The amount and type of pruning can range from light shaping and thinning of branch tips, to more substantial removal of larger branches.