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PlantSnap
Plant Care
Red delicious apple
(Malus domestica Red Delicious)
Also Known As
Red delicious apple, Red delicious
About This Plant
Malus domestica 'Red Delicious' is a deciduous tree that produces medium to large-sized fruit with a bright red and yellow skin. The fruit is sweet and juicy with a crisp texture. The tree has a spreading growth habit and can reach a height of up to 20 feet (6 meters) and a width of up to 15 feet (4.5 meters). The leaves are green and oval-shaped.
Plant Care Instructions
Outdoor Size Range
Height: 12-20 feet (3.6-6 meters), Width: 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)
Light Requirements
Red Delicious apple trees require full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) to produce fruit. They can tolerate some shade, but this may result in reduced fruit production.
Humidity Needs
Red Delicious apple trees prefer moderate humidity levels, around 50-60%. Low humidity can lead to leaf drop and poor fruit quality.
Fertilizing Schedule
The tree should be fertilized in early spring with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10). Additional applications can be made in late spring and early summer if needed. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced fruit production.
Pruning Guidelines
Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before the tree begins to bud. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Thin out any crossing or crowded branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. Prune to maintain the desired shape and size of the tree.
Common Pests and Diseases
Common pests of Red Delicious apple trees include aphids, mites, codling moths, and apple maggots. Diseases that can affect the tree include apple scab, powdery mildew, and fire blight.
Indoor Size Range
Not suitable for indoor growing
Watering Schedule
The tree should be watered deeply once a week, especially during hot and dry weather. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Temperature Range
The tree can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but prefers a cool to moderate climate. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C) and as high as 90°F (32°C).
Growing Season
Red Delicious apple trees bloom in mid to late spring and the fruit ripens in late summer to early fall.
Growing Difficulty Level
Red Delicious apple trees are moderately difficult to grow. They require regular maintenance and attention to produce high-quality fruit.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Red Delicious apple trees are hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Did You Know?
The Red Delicious apple is one of the most widely recognized apple varieties in the world and was once the most commonly grown apple in the United States. However, its popularity has declined in recent years due to its relatively bland taste compared to newer apple varieties.
