How to Grow Pink Lady Apples
The pink lady apple tree is ideal for growing in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. The dwarf tree produces a tasty, crisp apple all on its own—it doesn't need a pollinator to produce fruit. This variety (also called Cripps pink apple) comes from Western Australia, and can handle heat. The fruit has a color that is a mixture of blue, red and pink, with some yellow undertones. The taste resembles that of a Granny Smith, except it is not as tart. It is perfect for baking but can also be enjoyed right off the tree.
Choose a location in the full sun to plant pink lady apples. Sunlight will help them have the best fruit production and blooming. The tree will grow to 10 feet tall, so make sure there is nothing overhead that would interfere with the growth.
- The pink lady apple tree is ideal for growing in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9.
- The tree will grow to 10 feet tall, so make sure there is nothing overhead that would interfere with the growth.
Test the soil pH with a test kit from a nursery or planting center. The trees prefer neutral soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7. They do well in many types ranging from clay loam to sandy loam.
Space the trees at least 5 to 8 feet apart. That is the width of mature pink lady apple trees.
Dig a hole that is three or four times as wide as the rootball or container the tree came in. Make the hole the same depth. Scrape the sides of the hole to loosen the soil.
- Test the soil pH with a test kit from a nursery or planting center.
- Scrape the sides of the hole to loosen the soil.
Remove the plant pot and loosen the root mass by hand. Loosen up the roots on the outside without disrupting them too much.
Place the tree in the center of the hole. Put the best looking side facing outward.
Fill the hole with the removed soil. There is no need to add nutrients to the soil if yours is loose. If it's clay soil, add some compost to help loosen it up.
- Remove the plant pot and loosen the root mass by hand.
- Place the tree in the center of the hole.
Water the tree thoroughly. Slow, deep watering is better than quick watering.
Put 3 inches of mulch down around the perimeter of apple tree. Don't let it touch the tree; leave a few inches free. Compost, pinestraw or pulverized bark work just fine.
Expect blooms to appear on the pink lady apple tree in the middle of spring to early summer. The apples will be ripe and ready to harvest in October.
- Water the tree thoroughly.
- Put 3 inches of mulch down around the perimeter of apple tree.
Warning
Never plant pink lady apples trees in low spots that are in danger of frost.
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References
Warnings
- Never plant pink lady apples trees in low spots that are in danger of frost.
Writer Bio
Based in New York State, Kelly Shetsky started writing in 1999. She is a broadcast journalist-turned Director of Marketing and Public Relations and has experience researching, writing, producing and reporting. She writes for several websites, specializing in gardening, medical, health and fitness, entertainment and travel. Shetsky has a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Marist College.
