Red Delicious Apple

The Red Delicious apple tree (Malus domestica 'Red Delicious') is a well-known cultivar prized for its distinctive appearance and sweet flavor. Here's a description of the Red Delicious apple tree:

1. Tree Size and Shape: 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.

2. Leaves: 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.

3. Flowers: 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.

4. Fruit: 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.

5. Harvest Time: 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.

6. Storage: These apples have good storage qualities, often keeping well for several months when stored properly in cool, humid conditions.

7. Cultural Significance: 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.

8. Growth Requirements: Red Delicious apple trees thrive in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. They are adaptable to a range of climates but generally prefer areas with cold winters and moderate summers.

9. 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.

Overall, the Red Delicious apple tree is valued for its large, sweet fruit and attractive appearance, making it a popular choice among both home gardeners and commercial growers.