Red delicious apples, with more than 2,500 cultivated varieties in North America, are heart shaped with bright red striped skin. This apple variety was so named after the commercial nursery owner tasted and exclaimed, “Delicious” in 1892.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Apples ‘Red Delicious’ is one of the most widely grown apple cultivars in the US and worldwide, known for its red color, distinct shape, and sweetness. It originated from Peru, Iowa. In 1872, a farmer named Jesse Hiatt found a rouge apple with an interesting fruit. He took the fruit to a competition at Stark Brothers’s nursery, where reportedly the owner exclaimed “My, that’s delicious,” earning apples ‘Red Delicious’ its name.
The Red Delicious apple tree is medium to large in size, typically reaching heights of 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters) when mature. It has a spreading, somewhat upright growth habit with dense branching that forms a rounded crown.
The leaves of the Red Delicious apple tree are deciduous, alternate, and elliptical in shape with finely serrated edges. They are dark green in color during the growing season, turning yellow to golden in the fall before dropping.
In early to mid-spring, the Red Delicious apple tree produces clusters of fragrant, white to pinkish-white flowers. These flowers are borne on short spurs along the branches and are attractive to pollinating insects such as bees.
The fruit of the Red Delicious apple tree is its most distinctive feature. The apples are large, conical or oblong in shape, with smooth and shiny bright red skin. They have a firm texture and sweet flavor, often described as mildly aromatic. The flesh is creamy white to pale yellow, sometimes tinged with pink.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Apples ‘Red Delicious’ prefers sunlight and grows well in full sun. Sufficient sunlight for about 8 hours a day is recommended. Sunlight will have a great impact on flower colors, while insufficient sunlight will lead to lighter colors. If there is strong light in summer, apples ‘Red Delicious’ needs proper shady conditions to avoid high-temperature injuries. Too much light may cause leaf curling or spots on stems and leaves.
Temperature
Widely distributed in the northern temperate zone, apples ‘Red Delicious’ is generally very adaptable to the distinct seasons, including hot summers and cold winters. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -30 ℃. Apples ‘Red Delicious’ can’t tolerate extremely high temperatures in summer; temperatures above 32 ℃ will affect its growth. The tree is drought-tolerant and doesn’t require much water, hence, avoid over-watering it.
Watering
Originating from temperate regions, apples ‘Red Delicious’ thrives with consistent moisture akin to its natural setting. This species exhibits a preference for regular hydration without being waterlogged, striking a balance that supports its health and vigor. Accordingly, it should be watered twice a week to maintain optimal soil moisture levels. As an outdoor deciduous plant, apples ‘Red Delicious”s watering needs are closely tied to seasonal changes; during the growing season, ensuring adequate water is crucial for its lush foliage and bountiful fruit production.
Soil
Apples ‘Red Delicious’ can adapt to various soils. The most suitable soil for growth is slightly acidic or neutral, humus-rich, loose, well-drained, and sandy. The best pH range for the soil is 6-8. During cultivation, the soil can be mixed with garden soil, peat soil, and organic fertilizer in a proportion of 6:3:1.
Fertilizing
For apples ‘Red Delicious’, use balanced nutrition fertilizers in spring and high nitrogen formulations pre-bloom for robust growth and fruit development. Quarterly applications are optimal, with a reduced rate in winter. Benefits include increased yield and tree vigor; adjust quantities for tree age and soil tests. Use care to avoid root burn, particularly with young trees. Practical tip: apply during moist soil conditions to enhance nutrient uptake.
Planting Instructions
Before planting your Red Delicious tree, make your soil is free from weeds. Dig a hole about 2-3 feet (.60-.91 m.) deep and add some organic manure or compost in the hole. Make sure that your plant is healthy and free from any disease or injury. Loosen the soil around the root ball, as it will help the roots to penetrate into the soil. If you are interested in planting a grafted Red Delicious apple tree, then make sure that the graft union is at least 2 inches (5 cm.) above the soil surface.
Before growing Red Delicious apple trees, select pollinating varieties that are compatible, like Gala, Fuji and Granny Smith, and suitable in your area. Red Delicious do not pollinate by themselves but are cross pollinated, mostly with Golden Delicious and Gala. For maximum production, the planting distance must be considered – 12-15 feet (4-5 m.) apart for semi dwarf Red Delicious trees and 10 feet (3 m.) apart for dwarf varieties.
Pruning
Pruning is very important for apples ‘Red Delicious’ and is usually performed between late fall after its leaves drop and early spring before it sprouts. Pruning not only keeps branches scattered and maintains the tree’s shape, but also ensures ventilation and sunlight transmission, which is conducive to its growth. Promptly cut off dense, overlapping, thin, and infected branches, or prune out a suitable and aesthetic shape based on the viewing environment. When blooming, you can also cut off some branches and cut away withered flowers to promote budding and the blossoming of new branches.
When pruning and cutting longer branches, leave enough new buds for branches to grow better afterward.
Pollination
Like most apple varieties, Red Delicious apple trees are self-unfruitful, meaning they require cross-pollination with another compatible apple variety to set fruit. Suitable pollinators include other apple trees that bloom around the same time.
Propagation
Apples ‘Red Delicious’ is typically propagated through cuttings. This method ensures the offspring retain the exact characteristics of the parent, an important aspect considering the specific qualities of this cultivar. Gardeners need to select healthy, disease-free shoots from a mature apples ‘Red Delicious’ to make cuttings, ideally with several leaf nodes. Cuttings should be planted in a well-draining, nutrient-rich growing medium and maintained in a humid environment to encourage root development. Providing consistent moisture and warmth will support successful propagation of apples ‘Red Delicious’.
Transplanting
Transplant apples ‘Red Delicious’ when the air and soil herald spring’s mild kiss, typically from the dewy mornings of early spring till the balmy cusp of summer. Select a sun-drenched locale with well-drained soil to promise thriving growth. Gentle guidance during relocation nurtures apples ‘Red Delicious”s transition.
III. Uses and Benefits
The Red Delicious apple is one of the most widely recognized and commercially successful apple cultivars globally. It has been a popular choice in orchards and home gardens for its attractive appearance, flavor, and versatility in culinary uses.
IV. Harvesting and Storage
- Harvesting
Red Delicious apples are typically ready for harvest in late summer to early fall, depending on the climate and growing conditions. They are commonly used for fresh eating due to their sweet taste and crisp texture.
- Storage
These apples have good storage qualities, often keeping well for several months when stored properly in cool, humid conditions.
