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Red Delicious Apple Tree
Red Delicious Apple Tree
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Malus domestica ‘Red Delicious’
Red Delicious Apple Tree –
The Red Delicious Apple Tree is a classic American favorite, celebrated for its deep red color, mildly sweet flavor, and iconic conical shape. Known for its crisp skin and long storage life, this variety has been a staple in orchards for over a century and remains one of the most recognizable apples in the world.
Ideal for home growers, orchard collections, and edible landscapes, the Red Delicious Apple Tree thrives in sunny climates and consistently produces heavy crops of market-ready fruit.
Red Delicious Apple Tree Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Malus domestica ‘Red Delicious’ |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Red Delicious Apple |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 12–18 feet (semi-dwarf); 8–12 feet (dwarf) |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 10–15 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Moderate (1–2 feet per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 30–50 years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 5–8 |
| ❄️ Chill Hours | 700–800 hours |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun (required for optimal fruit size and color) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Well-drained loam, sandy, or clay soils |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Moderate; prefers consistent moisture |
| 🍎 Fruit Type | Deep red, mildly sweet, crisp skin, long-storing apple |
| 🌸 Flower Color | Pale pink to white; blooms in mid-spring |
| 🐝 Pollination | Requires a pollinator (pair with Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith) |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Upright, rounded canopy |
| ↔️ Spacing | 12–15 ft (semi-dwarf); 8–10 ft (dwarf) |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Edible landscapes, backyard orchards, pollinator gardens |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Moderate |
Environmental Benefits
🌸 Attracts bees and pollinators with fragrant spring blossoms
🍎 Supports local food production and backyard harvests
🌿 Adds seasonal beauty, structure, and edible value to any garden
🪶 Provides fall fruit for wildlife and supports beneficial insects
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🍎 Consistent producer of attractive, long-storing apples | 🐝 Requires a second apple tree nearby for pollination |
| 🧺 Great for fresh eating and fruit displays | 💧 Needs regular watering in dry seasons |
| 🌞 Thrives in full sun with good air circulation | 🐛 Prone to apple-specific pests and disease without proper care |
| 🌿 Upright growth habit suits home orchards and borders | ✂️ Requires pruning to maintain airflow and fruit quality |
| 🌸 Adds spring beauty with fragrant blooms | ❄️ Not ideal for low-chill regions or mild winters |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Water thoroughly before and after planting; maintain consistent soil moisture
🕳️ Dig a hole twice as wide as the root zone; plant with graft union 2 inches above soil
🌾 Apply mulch 2–3 inches deep to reduce weeds and retain soil moisture
💦 Water weekly, especially during fruit development and dry spells
✂️ Prune in late winter to shape canopy and increase fruit production
🧪 Fertilize in early spring with a balanced apple or fruit tree blend
The Red Delicious Apple Tree delivers classic flavor, timeless beauty, and orchard-ready performance in a compact, manageable package. Whether you're creating a home orchard or expanding a heritage apple collection, this tree brings historic charm and delicious rewards to any edible landscape.
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