Description
The fruit has a red skin with crisp, firm, and juicy crisp flesh, with a tasty, sweet flavor. Fruit ripens from late February to early March.
Early red will be ready to harvest towards the end of February.
It is a medium chill variety, requiring cold during winter to go dormant. Temperatures below 7° in winter are required.
Apple trees are not self-fertile, requiring a second variety to cross-pollinate them and enable fruit production. Golden Delicious or Granny Smith will do the job. The Early red apple tree can grow to a height of 3.5m. Plant them at least 3.5m apart.
Position
Early red apples love sunshine and need at least 6 hours of unfiltered sunlight every day.
Soil Type
Before planting your tree, make sure that the soil is completely free of weeds. The tree needs looser soil (such as sand or loam) so that its roots can extend easily through it and water can drain out. This prevents it from becoming flooded. An acidic soil (a pH of less than 7) is necessary for a healthy apple tree.
To ensure good growth, add half a bag of our Volcanic Rock Dust and a bag of Superfrass.
Volcanic Rock Dust contains more than 72 minerals and trace elements that nourish the soil, returning it to a healthy, rich state.
Obviously, healthy soil will produce healthy plants. It is very easy to use and will never ‘burn’ a flower or plant. A little goes a long way.
Superfrass is a natural, high-quality organic growth enhancer and pesticide. Packed with macro-elements (N, P, K) and micro-nutrients (Zn, Cu, etc.), which enable your plants to grow robustly. Use Superfrass when planting your apple tree.
Watering
Keep the soil moist without drowning your tree by giving it regular, light watering (as opposed to heavy watering less often).
Mulching
These trees thrive with pine bark mulch, which protects the roots and retains moisture.
Leave a space of about 5cm around the tree trunk and add mulch to the roots. Mulch against the stem may cause the tree to rot.
Fertilising
Healthy soil means fertilising regularly. Nitrogen is essential. Use our slow-release, nitrogen-rich, Berry/All-plant Fertiliser. For young trees, apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months.
Pruning
Autumn is the best time to prune your top red apple trees. Cut off any branches that are crossed with or rubbing against another branch, as well as those that are dead, diseased or damaged. Create some space in the tree’s canopy to allow the tree to grow freely.
Pests and Diseases
Apple trees are prone to Powdery Mildew. Spraying regularly with Agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM) Control will assist in either prevention or after-the-fact treatment. If you already have aphids, mites, or mildew, wash the tree with a strong hose. When dry, spray with Neem oil or EM Control. Consistency is key.
Harvesting
Usually, the fruits are ready for harvesting about 4.5 to 5 months after the tree has flowered. To know that they’re prepared to be picked, apply pressure to the flesh while it is growing.
