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When to Plant Apple Tree in Ohio

🌱

Direct Sow Outdoors

Friday, February 27, 2026

State

Ohio

USDA Zones

5b, 6a, 6b, 7a

Avg Last Frost

Friday, April 10, 2026

Cities Covered

1059

Ohio Planting Schedule by Zone

Ohio spans 4 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.

Zone Last Frost Direct Sow
5b Saturday, April 25, 2026 Saturday, March 14, 2026
6a Monday, April 20, 2026 Monday, March 9, 2026
6b Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Wednesday, March 4, 2026
7a Friday, April 10, 2026 Friday, February 27, 2026

Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.

🌿 About Apple Tree

Scientific Name Malus domestica
Days to Maturity 1460 days
Plant Type Deciduous Tree
Sun Full Sun (6-8 hours)
Water Moderate (1 inch/week)
Spacing 240" apart

🤝 Companion Plants for Apple Tree

Good Companions

ChiveNasturtiumMarigoldComfrey

Avoid Planting Near

WalnutFennel
See the full companion planting guide for Apple Tree →

Growing Apple Tree in Ohio: Complete Guide

Apple Tree (Malus domestica) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. In Ohio, the right time to direct sow is around Friday, February 27, 2026, once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.

Because Ohio stretches across 4 USDA hardiness zones (5b, 6a, 6b, 7a), planting windows can shift by as much as two to four weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.

With 1460 days to maturity, Apple Tree fits comfortably within Ohio's growing season in most zones. In the warmest parts of the state, a second planting later in the season may be possible.

Apple Tree requires full sun (6-8 hours) and moderate (1 inch/week) moisture. Most of Ohio receives adequate sunlight during the growing season, though gardeners in humid eastern regions should watch for fungal issues and ensure good air circulation.

For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Ohio.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Apple Tree in Ohio?

In Ohio, direct sow Apple Tree outdoors around Friday, February 27, 2026. Ohio spans zones 5b–7a, so gardeners in warmer zones can plant earlier.

What is the last frost date in Ohio?

Ohio spans 4 USDA zones (5b, 6a, 6b, 7a), so last frost dates vary by region. Sparta (5b) sees frost until around Saturday, April 25, 2026, while Cleveland, Lakewood, Rocky River (7a) is frost-free much earlier.

How long does Apple Tree take to grow in Ohio?

Apple Tree takes about 1460 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. In Ohio's longer-season zones, a second planting in late summer may be possible.

What USDA zones does Ohio cover for Apple Tree?

Ohio includes zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. Apple Tree grows well across all of these zones with adjusted timing — use the zone table above to find the right dates for your part of the state.

Find Precise Dates for Your City

Select a city for exact planting dates based on local frost records.

Aberdeen 6b Ada 6a Adamsville 6b Addyston 6b Adelphi 6b Adena 6b Akron 6b Albany 6b Alexandria 6a Alger 6a Alledonia 6b Alliance 6a Alpha 6a Alvada 6b Alvordton 6a Amanda 6b Amelia 6b Amesville 6b Amherst 6b Amlin 6b Amsterdam 6b Andover 6a Anna 6a Ansonia 6a Antwerp 6a Apple Creek 6a Arcadia 6b Arcanum 6a Archbold 6a Arlington 6a Ashland 6a Ashley 6a Ashtabula 6b Ashville 6b Athens 6b Attica 6a Atwater 6a Augusta 6a Aurora 6a Austinburg 6a Ava 6b Avon 6b Avon Lake 7a Bainbridge 6b Bakersville 6b Baltic 6a Baltimore 6b Bannock 6b Barberton 6b Barlow 6b Barnesville 6b Bartlett 6b Barton 6b Bascom 6b Batavia 6b Bath 6b Bay Village 7a Beach City 6b Beachwood 6b Beallsville 6b +999 more cities

Other Plants for Ohio

Blackberry Blueberry Raspberry Strawberry Basil Chamomile Chives Cilantro Dill Lavender Lemon Balm Marjoram Mint Oregano Parsley Rosemary Sage Tarragon Thyme Acorn Squash Artichoke Arugula Asparagus Beefsteak Tomato Beet Bell Pepper Bok Choy Broccoli Brussels Sprout Butternut Squash Cabbage Cantaloupe Carrot Cauliflower Cayenne Pepper Celery Cherry Tomato Chili Pepper Collard Green Common Bean Cucumber Eggplant Endive Fennel Garlic Grape Tomato Green Bean Habanero Pepper Head Lettuce Heirloom Tomato Honeydew Melon Jalapeño Pepper Kale Kohlrabi Leaf Lettuce Leek Lima Bean Mustard Okra Onion Parsnip Pea Poblano Pepper Pole Pea Potato Pumpkin Radicchio Radish Rhubarb Roma Tomato Rutabaga Serrano Pepper Shallot Snap Pea Snow Pea Spaghetti Squash Spinach Squash Sweet Corn Sweet Potato Swiss Chard Tomato Turnip Watermelon Zucchini Sunflower Marigold Zinnia Nasturtium Cosmos Echinacea (Coneflower) Petunia Black-eyed Susan Pear Tree Peach Tree Plum Tree Sweet Cherry Tree Lemon Tree Borage Lemongrass Ginger Stevia Tomatillo Edamame Fava Bean Mâche Mizuna Sorrel Shishito Pepper Banana Pepper Watermelon Radish Napa Cabbage Popcorn Broccoli Raab Catnip Valerian Lemon Verbena Bee Balm Anise Lovage Chervil Summer Savory Dahlia Snapdragon Pansy Sweet Pea Morning Glory Hollyhock Larkspur Bachelor Button Columbine Impatiens Salvia (Annual) Sweet Alyssum Celosia Lupine Verbena Elderberry Grape Vine Red Currant Gooseberry Serviceberry Fig Tree Avocado Tree Persimmon Tree Olive Tree

When to Plant Apple Tree in Other States

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