Kenyan apple farming is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Farmers have discovered a technique that triples their harvests and boosts profits to Sh1 million per acre. The secret is manually defoliating apple trees to trigger dormancy.

This technique allows farmers to produce up to three harvests per year. Kenya’s apple production has increased 660 percent over three years, according to the FAO. This guide covers everything you need. You will learn how the ‘fake winter’ technique works, the best varieties to plant, and how to maximize your profits. With the right approach, apple farming can transform your agribusiness and significantly boost your income.

The Apple Revolution in Kenya

Kenya’s apple production has surged by an incredible 660% over the past three years, a transformation driven by farmers who have mastered a game-changing technique. This method allows them to achieve three harvests per year using manual defoliation, a stark contrast to the single annual harvest of traditional growers. The financial potential is enormous: an acre of land planted with 950 trees can generate between Sh800,000 and Sh1,000,000 in its very first season alone.

A mature apple tree, with proper care, can produce up to 500 fruits per year, and grafted seedlings from Farmers Trend are available at KSh 600 each. Despite these strides, Kenya is still ranked 88th among global apple exporters, producing just over 779 tonnes annually, highlighting a vast opportunity for growth. The government is supporting this expansion with initiatives like the Sh26 million apple farming program in Nyandarua County. Even internationally, there is keen interest in Kenyan apples, with Jamaica, for example, importing over 1.4 million kilogrammes of apples last year, signaling a ready market that Kenyan farmers can tap into.

What Is the ‘Fake Winter’ Technique?

Apple trees require a period of winter dormancy to break bud dormancy and flower. In Kenya’s equatorial climate, it never gets cold enough for trees to drop their leaves naturally . The ‘fake winter’ technique mimics this dormancy artificially.

Martin Wambugu, the farmer behind Kenya’s climate-adapted Wambugu apple variety, explained the technique. “Manually remove all leaves and sprouting shoots. Two to three weeks later, apply a lot of water to the plants. They automatically start flowering and fruiting”.

This manual defoliation disrupts the tree’s energy production and growth. It encourages the tree to allocate resources towards flower and fruit development instead. The technique is a game-changer for Kenyan farmers.

How the Technique Works

Remove all leaves and sprouting shoots from the tree. Wait two to three weeks. Apply plenty of water to the plants. The trees automatically start flowering and fruiting . This process tricks the tree into thinking it has gone through winter dormancy.

The Science Behind Defoliation

Defoliation creates an artificial resting period, which is later broken with chemical sprays or water application . The proper timing of leaf stripping can be determined from climatic conditions, leaf orientation and appearance. For Kenya, it is recommended that this is done approximately during the first week of September for apples and pears .

Twenty to 30 days after defoliation, pruning, and training of shoots, mature trees will start flowering. After a further 5 months, the fruits will start maturing . This allows farmers to harvest twice a year.

Chemical Alternatives

For large orchards where hand defoliation is not feasible, chemical defoliation may be appropriate. Preparations that have been applied with varying success include:

• Combination of 5% urea + 5% zinc sulphate
• 3-4% urea
• 1% Copper chelate
• 0.75% Magnesium chlorate 

Overcoming Prolonged Dormancy

Inadequate chilling causes plants to have prolonged dormancy leading to poor flowering and consequently low yield . For cultivars with high chilling requirements, there is need to apply artificial techniques to enhance bud break. Chemicals like potassium nitrate (KNO3), mineral oil and thiourea have been found to be effective in breaking bud dormancy in Kenya .

Spraying of trees causes flowers and leaf buds to open more evenly and at the right time . The timing of application is critical. Trees will not respond if sprayed too early in the dormant season, whilst late spraying may damage any buds that have already broken .

The Financial Impact: Sh1 Million Per Acre

The financial returns from this technique are impressive. In an acre, one can plant 950 trees at a spacing of 1 by 3 metres. One can comfortably pocket around Sh800,000 to a million in the first season . This rises as the trees mature.

With year-round harvests, Kenyan apples can reach regional and international markets during off-peak periods. These are the times when prices are highest. Traditional producers in Europe, the US, and China cannot match this counter-seasonal supply . If scaled to 10,000 hectares with triple-yielding trees, Kenya could be producing over 100,000 tonnes a year .

Income Per Tree

A farmer in Nyeri earns Sh50,000 per apple tree per harvesting season. A mature Johnson Keeper apple tree can produce 300-500 fruits per year. Each fruit sells for Sh50-Sh100, depending on the season. This represents significant income potential.

A mature Wambugu apple tree can yield 300-400 fruits yearly . With proper care, it can produce as much as 30 to 40 tons per acre annually.

Global Advantage

China, the world’s largest apple producer, yields over 40 million tonnes a year. The United States and Poland follow the same single-harvest pattern. No country in the top 20 has commercially scaled triple-season production. Kenyan farmers are now pioneering it on smallholder plots countrywide. This positions Kenya as a potential global exporter with a unique advantage.

Kenya’s Apple Production Surge

Kenya’s apple production has increased 660 percent over three years, according to the FAO . This surge is due to farmers learning how to ‘fake’ the winter dormancy of apple trees . The move to removing all the trees’ leaves in Kenya’s equatorial climate is resetting and accelerating the trees’ fruiting cycles.

Kenya’s Position in Global Apple Exports

Kenya is ranked 88th of 93 apple exporters worldwide, with just over 779 tonnes of the fruit produced each year . China, the leading exporter, sells 35 million tonnes of apples annually . This highlights the massive growth potential for Kenyan apple farmers.

Market Opportunity

Kenya relies heavily on imported apples to meet the demand, especially during off-peak seasons when local production is limited . With year-round harvests, Kenyan apples can reach regional and international markets during off-peak periods when prices are highest . One apple costs between Sh20 and Sh30 in Nairobi .

Best Apple Varieties for Kenya

Choosing the right variety is essential for success. Grafted seedlings produce fruit faster and are more disease-resistant.

Grafted Anna Apple

Anna is a low-chill variety that does well in Kenyan conditions. It starts bearing fruits at 9 months and has high yielding of up to 100 fruits per plant. Anna enjoys two harvesting periods per year. At a spacing of 3m by 3m, an acre accommodates 400 trees. At farm gate price, a piece retails at Sh30. A tree can earn up to Sh3,000 per season.

Anna is one of the low chilling requiring cultivars that have been grown successfully in Kenya.

Grafted Johnson Keeper Apple

Johnson Keeper does well in highland conditions. It starts blossoming eight months after planting. It can produce 30-50 fruits per tree initially, and 300-500 fruits per year with proper agronomic practices. Each fruit can go for Sh50-Sh100, depending on the season.

The variety which is slightly flattened is a good producer and has excellent storing qualities meaning it can sell for long without going bad and it normally ripens in late October or early November. Marchlyn Green Forest Farm in Nyeri sells Johnson Keeper seedlings at Sh1,000 each.

Wambugu Apple

Wambugu Apple is a climate-adapted variety developed in Kenya. It tolerates black cotton, red, and loam soils. It is widely adaptable across Kenyan regions, with its only baseline being enough water access. A mature Wambugu apple tree can yield 300 fruits per tree.

Wambugu apples are crisp, sweet, and juicy, with red and yellow specks. A key advantage is that they can start producing fruit as early as nine months after planting. With proper care, it can produce as much as 30 to 40 tons per acre annually.

Grafted Apple Seedlings from Farmers Trend

Farmers Trend offers several grafted apple varieties at KSh 600 per seedling. The varieties include Anna, Pink Lady, Winter Banana, Golden Dorset, Granny Smith, Crimson Red, and Wambugu Apple. Grafted seedlings are superior to seed-grown trees. They are disease-free, uniform, and produce fruit much earlier.

Our seedlings are grafted from the best rootstock of M9. This rootstock is a sure bet when it comes to apple farming in Kenya. The M9 rootstock induces a dwarfing effect, making the apple trees smaller and more manageable. This is ideal for high-density planting and ensures ease of maintenance, pruning, and harvesting. Trees grafted onto M9 rootstock tend to bear fruit earlier than those on other rootstocks.

Visit our online store to place your order.

Growing Conditions for Apples

Altitude

Apples grow best in high altitudes of 1,500m to 2,700m above sea level. High altitudes allow for cold temperatures that are necessary for breaking bud dormancy. Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kiambu, Nakuru, and Uasin Gishu counties are suitable.

Temperature

Apples require temperatures of 21°C to 24°C . They need 400-800 chilling hours below 7°C for dormancy. Low-chill varieties like Anna and Golden Dorset require only 150-400 hours. Temperate zone fruit crops undergo bud dormancy which can be described as a mechanism for avoiding the exposure of tender flowers and leaves to low winter temperatures.

Rainfall

Apples need 800mm to 1,200mm of rainfall per year . In areas with less rainfall, irrigation is necessary.

Soil

Apples do well in well-drained, loamy to sandy soils. Soil pH should be 5.5 to 6.5. Sandy loam is preferred for better drainage.

Sunlight

Apples require full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours per day. Shading can reduce growth and yield significantly.

Planting Guidelines

Land Preparation

Choose a site with full sunlight and good air circulation. Clear the land of all vegetation and debris. Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels. Amend the soil based on test results.

Hole Preparation

Dig holes measuring 2ft by 2ft by 2ft (60cm x 60cm x 60cm). Mix topsoil with one bucket of well-decomposed compost manure. Allow the holes to sit for two weeks before planting.

Planting

Plant during the rainy season (March to May or October to November). Place the seedling in the centre of the hole. Ensure the graft union remains above the soil level. Cover the seedling firmly with the mixture of topsoil and manure. Water immediately after planting.

Spacing

The spacing depends on the variety and planting density. For high-density planting, use 1m by 3m, accommodating 950 trees per acre. For Anna apples, use 3m by 3m, accommodating 400 trees per acre.

Recommended spacing for Wambugu apples is 7ft by 7ft (approximately 2.1m by 2.1m). One acre can hold up to 500 Wambugu trees.

Mulching

Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the tree. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and adds organic matter to the soil.

Orchard Management

Watering

Water young trees regularly during the first 2 years. Apply 20 litres of water per week during the dry season. Water the fruit twice a week for root establishment. Drip irrigation is recommended for efficient water use.

Fertilization

Apply fertilizers based on soil test results. For young trees, apply balanced fertilizer in early spring and late summer. Supplement with manure or compost annually.

Pruning

Remove dead or diseased branches, as well as crossing branches that can cause damage or obstruct light . Thinning cuts, which remove entire branches at the point of origin, help improve air circulation. At 4ft, heading cuts, which trim the ends of branches, encourage branching and fruiting.

Pollination

Most apples require cross-pollination. Plant two compatible varieties within 15 metres to ensure fruit set. Bees are essential for pollination.

Pest and Disease Control

Monitor plants regularly. Use integrated pest management practices. Apply neem oil for pest control. Use copper-based fungicides for scab if needed.

Harvesting

When to Harvest

The first harvest is expected within 9 to 24 months, depending on the variety and care provided. Grafted trees can start flowering while in the nursery. With the ‘fake winter’ technique, farmers can harvest three times per year.

Yields

A mature Wambugu apple tree can yield 300-400 fruits yearly . A mature Johnson Keeper tree can produce 300-500 fruits per year. With proper care, an acre can generate Sh800,000 to Sh1,000,000 in the first season.

Market Prices

A single apple can fetch between Sh30 and Sh100, depending on the season and quality. In Nyandarua, a 10 by 10 metre plot can yield Sh200,000 annually.

Market Opportunities

Local Market

Kenya relies heavily on imported apples to meet the demand, especially during off-peak seasons when local production is limited. One apple costs between Sh20 and Sh30 in Nairobi. The local market is huge and growing. Supermarkets and fruit markets across Kenya stock apples.

Export Market

With year-round harvests, Kenyan apples can reach international markets. Traditional producers cannot match counter-seasonal supply. If scaled, Kenya could vault into the ranks of global exporters.

International Interest

Jamaica imported over 1.4 million kilogrammes of apples last year, costing more than $260 million . Executive Director of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, Peter Thomas, said “There is no apple that you can get in the market for under $100. So, this is an excellent opportunity for us to develop our own industry”. Jamaica is now producing the Wambugu apple variety developed in Kenya.

Value Addition

Wambugu Apples has invested in freeze-drying technology. They produce freeze-dried apples, mangoes, strawberries, dragon fruits, and bananas. The freeze-dried fruits are as nutritious as fresh fruit. They contain no added sugar, preservatives, or chemicals.

Bringing It All Together

Apple farming in Kenya is experiencing a revolution. The ‘fake winter’ technique has tripled harvests and boosted profits to Sh1 million per acre. Kenya’s apple production has increased 660 percent over three years. Farmers can now get three harvests per year, compared to just one from traditional growers.

The financial returns are compelling. An acre with 950 trees can generate Sh800,000 to Sh1,000,000 in the first season. A mature Johnson Keeper tree can produce 300-500 fruits per year, each selling for Sh50-Sh100. The local market is huge, and export markets are opening up.

The technique hinges not on high-cost technologies, but on low-tech practices tailored to tropical realities. With apples storing well and enjoying a long shelf life, the volume potential is huge, turning a fruit of the north into a tropical economic engine.

Farmers Trend offers grafted apple seedlings at KSh 600 per seedling. Varieties include Anna, Pink Lady, Winter Banana, Golden Dorset, Granny Smith, Crimson Red, and Wambugu Apple. Grafted seedlings are disease-free, uniform, and produce fruit much earlier. The market is ready. The demand is growing. The opportunity exists for Kenyan farmers to capture more of the value in the apple value chain.

To place your order for grafted apple seedlings from Farmers Trend, call or WhatsApp us on 0724 559 286 or 0790 509 684. You can also visit our website at farmerstrend.co.ke or email us at info@farmerstrend.co.ke.

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