Plant Type: deciduous fruit tree
Plant Height: 12–15 feet (semi-dwarf); up to 20 feet (standard)
Spread: 10–15 feet
Flower Color: pink to white
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Pink Lady Apple (Malus spp. ‘Pink Lady’): Crisp, Sweet-Tart Flavor with a Long Storage Life
Pink Lady Apple, also known as Malus domestica ‘Cripps Pink,’ is a late-season apple variety prized for its crisp texture, sweet-tart flavor, and excellent storage qualities. Developed in Australia, it thrives in sunny, warm climates and offers beautiful spring blooms followed by attractive pink-blushed fruit.
Key Features of Pink Lady Apple
- Beautiful Spring Blossoms: Pink buds open to fragrant white blooms, attracting pollinators.
- Late Harvest: Fruit ripens in late fall, often holding on the tree for several weeks.
- Sweet-Tart Flavor: Firm, crisp flesh with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Excellent Storage: Keeps for months under proper refrigeration.
Growing and Care Tips
Pink Lady performs best in regions with warm summers and mild winters, making it suitable for certain low-chill parts of Arizona.
Soil: Prefers well-draining loamy soil, rich in organic matter.
Water: Requires consistent moisture during the growing season, especially during fruit development.
Fertilizer: Feed in early spring and again after fruit set with a balanced fruit tree fertilizer.
Pruning: Prune in winter to maintain shape, improve air circulation, and encourage fruiting wood.
Landscaping Uses
- Edible Landscapes: Offers both ornamental spring flowers and delicious fruit.
- Backyard Orchards: Can be grown alone or alongside other apple varieties for cross-pollination.
- Pollinator Gardens: Spring blossoms attract bees and beneficial insects.
Summary
Pink Lady Apple is a showy, productive fruit tree with a long harvest window, delicious fruit, and ornamental beauty. It’s an excellent choice for home gardeners who want a tree that’s as attractive as it is useful.
Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Pink Lady Apple
Planting Guide:
Location: Full sun with good air circulation.
Soil: Well-draining, fertile loam.
Spacing: Space 10–15 feet apart for semi-dwarf; 15–20 feet for standard.
Planting Depth: Plant with the graft union 2–3 inches above soil level.
Support: Young trees may benefit from staking during the first year.
Watering Guide:
Watering After Planting:
- Initial Watering: Water deeply after planting to settle soil.
- Frequency: Every 5–7 days for the first 2–3 months.
- Watering Amount: Enough to soak root zone 12–18 inches deep.
When is the Plant Established?
- Typically after 1–2 years with consistent watering and strong seasonal growth.
Watering Once Established:
- Summer: Deep water every 7–10 days, especially during fruit development.
- Winter: Water monthly if dry.
Drip Irrigation Setup:
Placement of Emitters: Place 2–3 emitters evenly spaced around the drip line.
Flow Rate: 2 gallons per hour.
Number of Emitters: Two for young trees; three to four for mature trees.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase during heat waves or heavy fruit set; reduce in cooler weather.
General Watering Tips for Pink Lady Apple:
- Soil Check: Keep soil evenly moist during bloom and fruiting, but avoid waterlogging.
- Mulch: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds—keep it away from the trunk.
- Avoid Drought Stress: Consistent watering leads to better fruit size and quality.
