Tea Crabapple, Malus hupehensis, 120 Tree Seeds (Fast, Showy, Edible, Fall Color)

Tea Crabapple is composed of strong, spreading branches which form a broad, vase-shaped silhouette, 15 to 20 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Abundant 1.5 inch, fragrant, light pink to white blooms appear in spring. Flowers are followed by small, half-inch edible fruits with greenish-yellow faces endowed with blushing red cheeks. Fruits need cooking to be palatable for humans and are very attractive to birds. The dark grey/brown, flaking bark is quite attractive and is shown off to its best advantage when the trees are grown in containers or as an espalier. Malus hupehensis usually comes true from seed, though in general Malus species often hybridise.


The origin of its synonym Malus theifera refers to the use of the leaves by the peasants of Central China who prepare a drink from them which they call 'red tea'.




Leaf: 2 to 4" leaves; purplish when young; yellow and copper fall color.

Flower, Fruit: Deep pink buds fading to fragrant white flowers; abundant .4" greenish yellow to red fruit in fall.

Bark: Scaly, dark grey/brown.


Other Names: Tea Crab Apple, Flowering Tea Crab Apple

Zone: 4 to 8

Growth Rate: Fast to Moderate

Plant Type: Deciduous Fruiting Tree

Family: Rosaceae

Native Range: China and Japan

Height: 20 to 25 feet
Spread: 20 to 25 feet

Shape: Broadly vase shaped; arching; picturesque

Bloom Time: Spring

Bloom Color: Pink buds fading to White

Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade
Fall Color: Yellow

Drought Tolerance: Moderate

Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low

Site Requirements /Soil Tolerances: Grow in moderately fertile moist but well-drained soil.

Culture: Minimal pruning is needed in late winter or early spring, when the tree is dormant. Remove damaged, wayward or crossing shoots.

Uses: Container or planter, espalier, specimen, parking lot, lawn tree lawn, street tree, highway median, Bonsai





Sowing Malus hupehensis Seeds:

For best results, please follow the instructions in the order provided.

Scarify: Soak in water for 24 hours

Stratify: Cold 30-75 days, 40 Degrees F in a Moist Medium (Not Wet).

Germination: Sow 1/4” Deep, Keep Moist, (Not wet).

Germination:

Seeds Packets are labeled with seed name and sowing details.
Seeds have not been pretreated unless specified in the listing.
Seed is not a specific Cultivar (Variety) unless specified in the listing.
Due to the many factors involved in successful germination, Seller cannot be responsible for buyers growing methods or mistakes.
I have provided what I believe to be a good overview on this page (which you are free to print for further reference), however, it is still recommended to check specialist literature for more details and practices specific to your climate and soil conditions to avoid mistakes in the germination and growing process.