Species

6 other cultivars

tree

Red Delicious Apple

Malus xdomestica 'Red Delicious'

$60.02

The Story

Plant Bio

The domestic apple, Malus x domestica, is a widely cultivated tree grown for its fruit. It requires cross-pollination from a different apple variety and regular care to produce a healthy crop.

'Red Delicious' is one of the most famous American apple varieties, known for its iconic heart shape, deep crimson color, and prominent lobes. While visually appealing, modern strains are often criticized for a mild flavor and mealy texture.

Uses & Benefits:

The tree offers a classic spring display of pink and white blossoms. The sight of a tree laden with bright red apples in the fall is a quintessential image of harvest and abundance.

The primary use is for its fruit, which can be eaten fresh, though it is not favored for cooking or baking. Growing your own provides access to fruit free from commercial waxes and pesticides.

Apple blossoms are a significant nectar and pollen source for honeybees and native pollinators, which are essential for fruit production. Fallen fruit provides food for deer and other wildlife.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

180 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

30-50 years

Native To

Cultivated origin (Iowa, USA)

Toxicity

Fruit is edible; seeds are toxic in large quantities.

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with at least 8 hours of direct sun and fertile, well-drained loam.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root system.
Plant bare-root trees on a small mound of soil in the hole.
Position the tree so the graft union is 2-3 inches above the final soil line.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and mulch.
Stake young trees on dwarf rootstocks for support.

Pro Tip

Plant a compatible pollinator variety like 'Golden Delicious' or 'Gala' within 50 feet for successful fruit set.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune annually to maintain an open structure for light and air penetration.
Thin fruit clusters to one or two apples to improve size and quality.
Follow a consistent pest and disease management program.
Water deeply during dry spells, especially when fruit is developing.

Don't

Do not plant in a low-lying frost pocket.
Avoid planting near cedar or juniper trees to reduce cedar-apple rust risk.
Don't allow grass and weeds to compete with the tree's root zone.
Refrain from using 'weed and feed' lawn fertilizers near the tree.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Harvest
Plant
Prune
Spray

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Staple of the home orchardEdible landscape specimenEspalier against a sunny wall

Companion Plants

Malus 'Golden Delicious'Allium schoenoprasum (Chives)Trifolium repens (White Clover)Tanacetum vulgare (Tansy)Monarda didyma (Bee Balm)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red Delicious Apple questions

What zones can Red Delicious Apple grow in?

Red Delicious Apple is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Red Delicious Apple deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Red Delicious Apple, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Red Delicious Apple bloom?

Red Delicious Apple typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Red Delicious Apple need full sun?

Red Delicious Apple does best in full sun (6+ hours).