The Red Delicious apple is the most widely planted apple tree in North America. The size of the tree depends on the variety chosen, with standard, semi-dwarf and dwarf varieties. It grows at a fast speed of more than 24'' per year. Plant with another tree of similar size that blooms at the same time for improved production This tree grows well in slightly acidic, moist, and well-drained soil. This apple tree does not tolerate a long drought period. Soil type needed is average to loamy but responds to enriched soil with better production. Most apple trees do best with a slightly acidic soil pH in the range of 5.0 to 6.8. Fruit production will respond best to full sun and air movement around the tree and through its branches. It is not recommended to place the tree near taller trees or structures that would shade it for a few hours each day. Air movement, sunlight, and good soil and drainage all lead to a healthy, productive tree. Its mature height and width vary from 10 feet (dwarf), 12-15 feet (semi-dwarf), or 20-25 feet (standard). Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: See NC disease and pest management to the left. The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common apple and crab apple diseases and other plant problems. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for " Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants " a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Malus domestica .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheMalus domestica 'Empire'Malus domestica 'Fuji'Malus domestica 'Stayman'
Full plant profile
Growing Conditions
Plant type
Edible; Tree
Life cycle
Perennial
USDA zones
5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Light
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt)
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
6-feet-12 feet; 12-24 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in. | Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Rapid
Maintenance
High
Canopy layer
2 - Understory (15-40 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Ovate
Leaf margin
Serrate
Leaf size
1-3 inches long
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Alternate simple gree leaves
Flower color
White
Flower value
Fragrant
Flower shape
Cup
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
The white flowers bloom in clusters in mid-season. It may have a slight blush in the beginning.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Red/Burgundy
Fruit type
Pome
Fruit value
Edible
Fruit detail
Apple is mid season, ripening from mid September into October.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
USA
Wildlife value
Pollinators during bloom time. Bees, hummingbirds, butterflies
Attracts
Bees; Butterflies
Food & Medicine
Edible parts
Fruit
Harvest time
Fall
Fruit type
Pome
Edibility
The medium to large-sized, oval-shaped fruit has red skin, with juicy and crisp flesh inside. It tastes sweet and mild. It is great for fresh eating and making desserts. It can also be stored for quite long in 40F degrees or below. It lasts a couple of months in the 50s.
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Meadow; Naturalized Area
Landscape theme
Edible Garden
Design feature
Small groups
Garden tags
#deciduous #white flowers #full sun tolerant #fast growing #bee friendly #frequent insect problems #frequent disease problems #edible fruit #fruit tree #high maintenance