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t1_j6ewyo4 wrote

With respect to apples the biggest influence would be the type of rootstock used. As another poster mentioned, commercial apple trees are propogated from small segments of branches (scions) from the desired cultivar which are then grafted onto the roots of another apple tree cultivar (the rootstock). The rootstock of the tree influences the mature size of the tree, and rootstocks selected for dwarfing characteristics generally produce a tree that fruits earlier than a full-size, "standard" tree.

In the plant kingdom in general plants usually don't flower until they start approaching their mature size. In that respect it makes sense that a dwarf tree will fruit earlier in its life than a taller tree.

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t1_j6gqzzg wrote

Apples are done this way because they are not true to seed, meaning you won't get the same type of apple as the parents were. Doesn't really answer the question, but growing an apple by seed could get you one of something like 40,000 different apples, most of which are not good to eat. If not familiar, look up Johnny Appleseed for an interesting story.

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