A classic American dessert apple with deep crimson skin, a tall five-lobed shape and mild, sweet, soft flesh. Best eaten fresh and needs a pollinator such as Golden Delicious or Granny Smith.
At a glance
- Plant type: Fruiting tree
- Mature size: 4 m H × 3.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Red Delicious Apple
Botanically, Malus domestica 'Red Delicious' is a moderate-growing fruiting tree in the Rosaceae family. It reaches around 4 m tall and 3.5 m wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. White and pink flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Red Delicious Apple
Red Delicious Apple suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Red Delicious Apple does best in free-draining and loamy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Red Delicious Apple is regular, moderate watering. Feed regularly through the growing season for the best crop. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Red Delicious Apple after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Red Delicious Apple in the garden
Red Delicious Apple earns its place for edible harvests and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Red Delicious Apple with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Buying Red Delicious Apple
Plant Sale lists Red Delicious Apple as bare-root stock, advanced specimens and potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.