Apple, Red Delicious #5
Red Delicious Apple
Malus 'Red Delicious'
Height: 10–15 feet (dwarf), 15–20 feet (standard)
Spread: 12–15 feet
Spacing: 15–20 feet (standard), 8–10 feet (dwarf)
Red Delicious apple trees are an iconic choice for home orchards, producing vibrant, deep-red apples with a mildly sweet flavor and crisp texture. Known for their classic conical shape and long storage life, Red Delicious apples are excellent for fresh eating and an attractive addition to any fruit basket. This variety is especially well-suited to regions with cold winters and performs reliably year after year.
Bloom Time: Mid to late spring
Fruit Maturity: Late September to early October
Pollination: Red Delicious is not self-fertile and requires a compatible pollinator such as Golden Delicious, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. Planting near another apple variety with overlapping bloom times ensures a robust harvest.
Care Tips:
- Light: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil with good fertility.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods, to support healthy growth and fruit development.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this may result in excessive leafy growth at the expense of fruit production.
- Pruning: Prune annually in late winter or early spring to maintain a balanced shape, remove dead or damaged branches, and encourage better airflow and light penetration.
Red Delicious apple trees produce a stunning display of pink and white blossoms in spring, making them both a productive and ornamental choice for your landscape. The apples are ready to harvest in the fall, offering a generous crop of large, glossy fruit. Known for their long shelf life, Red Delicious apples remain a staple in households and orchards alike, making this variety a classic, low-maintenance favorite for growers.