Description
Why Grow a Pink Lady® Apple Tree?
Pink Lady® apples are prized for both fresh eating and cooking. These trees, also known as Cripps or Cripps Pink, produce apples late in the growing season, making them an excellent choice for warmer climates. Pink Lady® is a low-chill-hour apple tree, requiring only 500-600 chill hours annually.
The fruit was developed in Australia and released for commercial production in 1989. Pink Lady® apple trees are a cross between Lady Williams and Golden Delicious, giving the fruit good storage characteristics and a sweet, crisp flavor. The Pink Lady Apple tree is characterized as a spur-bearing variety, producing fruit on short, compact branches known as spurs
The tree has beautiful white blossoms that develop mid-season. The apples ripen to a pretty, reddish pink with small, white dots.
Using Pink Lady® Apples
The fruit has a unique, balanced flavor—the first bite is tart, followed by just the right amount of sweet. It is delicious to eat fresh, but it is equally as good to use for cooking.
Chefs and home cooks enjoy the firm quality of this apple variety, using it for baking desserts where the apple retains its shape, like pies, tarts, and cakes. This apple variety is also an excellent choice for apple sauces and apple butters.
Apples are an excellent source of soluble fiber and are high in vitamin C. Additionally, they contain some vitamin A, calcium, iron, and boron. Apples are also a natural source of pectin.
How to Grow a Pink Lady® Apple Tree
Because the apples ripen late in the season in October, it is not a cultivar that does as well in far northern climates as many other apple varieties. However, it is cold-hardy and does require chill hours. Be sure to check the zone compatibility to determine if it is a good choice for your orchard.
Pink Lady® apple trees require full sun and neutral soil pH. See below for more tree characteristics and recommendations for cross-pollination. They also make excellent pollinators for Honeycrisp apple trees.
Buy a Pink Lady® apple tree to enjoy the fresh fruit and bake delicious desserts, with a cultivar known for storing well.
Survival Guaranteed!
Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will send you a free one-time replacement, with a nominal shipping fee of $9.99. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time credit to your account equaling the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Read more about our warranty policy.
Characteristics
| Bloom Color | White |
| Bloom Time | Mid |
| Chill Hours | 500 - 600 |
| Fruit Color | Red |
| Fruit Size | Medium |
| Ripens/Harvest | Late October |
| Shade/Sun | Full Sun |
| Soil Composition | Loamy |
| Soil Moisture | Well Drained |
| Soil pH Level | 6.0 - 7.0 |
| Taste | Sweet, Tart |
| Texture | Crunchy |
| Years to Bear | 2 - 5 |
| Zone Range | 5 - 8 |
Size & Spacing
Mature Size
| Semi-Dwarf | 12 - 15' tall x 12 - 15' wide |
| Dwarf | 8 - 10' tall x 8 - 10' wide |
Recommended Spacing
| Semi-Dwarf | 12 - 15' |
| Dwarf | 8 - 10' |
Zone Compatibility
Pollination
This variety requires another one for adequate pollination.
Tools & Supplies
Planting & Care
Learn all about how to grow apple trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.
