Apple 'Pink Lady'
Malus domestica 'Cripps Pink'The Apple ‘Pink Lady’ (Malus domestica ‘Cripps Pink’) is a stunning late-season variety known for its vibrant pink-blushed skin, dense crispness, and sweet-tart flavor. Developed in Australia, this premium apple is ideal for fresh eating, salads, baking, and cider. Its excellent shelf life and resistance to bruising make it a top choice for home growers and markets alike.
Pink Lady trees are vigorous and upright, producing medium to large apples that ripen in late fall—typically one of the last apple varieties to harvest. The apples require a long, hot growing season to fully develop their flavor and signature blush. Suitable for USDA Zones 6–9, they need about 300–600 chill hours and a compatible pollinator such as ‘Granny Smith’, ‘Gala’, or ‘Fuji’ to ensure a good crop.
This variety is not just productive but also ornamental, with springtime white blossoms and attractive green foliage. With proper care and patience, Pink Lady apples reward growers with fruit of exceptional quality and beauty.
Care Instruction:
Planting:
Choose full sun and well-drained soil. Space trees 15–20 feet apart. Plant in early spring or late winter for best root establishment.
Watering:
Water deeply once per week. Keep soil moist during flowering and fruit set, especially in dry conditions.
Pruning:
Prune in winter to remove dead or crowded branches. Thin fruits in summer to improve size, quality, and prevent branch breakage.
Pest Control:
Watch for apple scab, codling moths, and aphids. Use neem oil or organic sprays. Keep ground clean of fallen fruit.
Soil Tips:
Prefers slightly acidic, fertile soil (pH 6.0–6.8). Enrich with compost annually. Apply mulch to retain moisture and reduce weed growth.
