4 

Apple 'Idared'

7-Gallon, Semi-Dwarf

Height: 12-15 feet tall.
Spread: 10-12 feet.
Sunlight: Full sun.
Hardiness Zone: 4a.
Other Names: Malus domestica 'Idared'

Description:
A versatile late-season apple variety known for its bright red skin, crisp texture, and mildly tart yet well-balanced flavor. 'Idared' apples are excellent for fresh eating, baking, and long-term storage, making them a favorite among home growers. This semi-dwarf tree is highly productive and thrives in colder climates.

Edible Qualities:
Apple 'Idared' is prized for its firm, juicy flesh and tangy yet slightly sweet flavor. It retains its texture and taste well in storage, making it a great choice for multiple culinary uses.

The fruit is most often used in the following ways:
- Fresh Eating
- Baking
- Cider Making
- Sauces
- Long-Term Storage

Features & Attributes:
Apple 'Idared' features lush green foliage throughout the growing season, followed by fragrant white blossoms in spring that attract pollinators. Its medium to large apples develop a striking red hue and ripen in late fall, providing an extended harvest season.

This is a deciduous tree with an upright, spreading growth habit. It is highly productive and well-adapted to colder regions, making it an excellent option for home orchards.

Aside from its primary use as an edible, Apple 'Idared' is suitable for the following landscape applications:
- Orchard/Edible Landscaping
- Home Gardens

Planting & Growing:
Apple 'Idared' will grow to be about 12-15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10-12 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3-4 feet from the ground. It grows at a medium rate and, under ideal conditions, can be expected to live for 50 years or more.

This tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It requires cross-pollination with another apple variety for optimal fruit production. Regular watering during dry periods and annual pruning help maintain shape and encourage better fruiting. A layer of mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Additional Characteristics:
- Late Season Ripening
- Pollination Required
- Cold Hardy
- High-Yielding
- Long Storage Life