Red Prairie Spy Apple Tree
Malus 'Red Prairie Spy'
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Red Prairie Spy Apple Tree - 4-5 Feet Bareroot Semi-Dwarf Height is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
| From | To | S&H |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
| $20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
| $50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
| $70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
| $100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
| $130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
| $150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Red Prairie Spy Apple Tree highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Sun
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Fall Color
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Pollinator Friendly
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Pollinator Required
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Fragrant
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Pruning Time
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Bloom PeriodEarly Spring, Late Spring
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Harvest Time
Growing Zones 4-8
The Red Prairie Spy Apple Tree (Malus 'Red Prairie Spy') not only looks beautiful but also produces juicy and sweet Apples for you to enjoy! Whether you love baking with Apples or packing them for lunch by themselves, this one's for you! You'll never want a different kind of Apple after trying this one!
The gorgeous white blossoms in the spring attract loads of pollinators and bees that are drawn in by the fragrance! All growing season, the lush green foliage fills out the rounded form of this lovely tree for the rest of the growing season.
You can harvest these fruits in late October! What a perfect time to make caramel Apples or a fresh Apple pie for Thanksgiving. These Apples also store very well for long periods! Red Prairie Spy grows from 10 - 15 feet in height, being a great height for a small yard or abundant orchard! The Red Prairie Spy Apple Tree thrives in zones 4-8. Need to find your hardiness zone? Use our Plant Hardiness Zone map to locate yours!
This late-harvesting tree is truly one of a kind! You'll be grateful you chose the Red Prairie Spy Apple Tree as one of your orchard's Apple trees. Especially because this tree provides abundant harvests when planted near a pollinating partner! All fruit trees are happier with the company.
Planting and Application:
You will want to get a pollination partner for this tree so you can have a great harvest! This is very common with all fruit trees and Red Prairie Spy isn't fully self-pollinating. Pair it up with a pollinator partner tree, create groves of multiple trees, or go linear with your orchard and create a double-duty hedgerow that acts as hedging, privacy, and property division!
More fruit means more juicy, sweet, and slightly tart Apples for pie and other baked treats! Fantastic cooking Apples, but they're ideal for about any use you'd need! Growing to a mid-sized 10-15 feet in height and slightly smaller width, these are easy to reach for harvest and ideal for smaller properties and grouping with its pollinators in high-density planting techniques!
The lovely spring blooms and green foliage make Red Prairie Spy Apples an ornamental edible landscaping specimen, small shade tree, and great curb appeal! Plant with other Apples that ripen early in the season and mid-season, extending your enjoyment of Apple fruit while you wait for this late-season tree to ripen!
- Yellow Apple Streaked With Red
- Creamy White Firm Flesh - Sweet & Tart
- Pollinator-Friendly Fragrant White Flowers
- Late-Season (October) Harvest
- Lovely Curb Appeal, Smaller Size, Easier Harvest & Versatile Edible Landscaping
#ProPlantTips for Care:
This Fruit Tree isn't too needy! All you have to do is give it basic needs and a friend for pollination! Provide your Red Prairie Spy Apple Tree with a full sun location. All fruit trees love to bask in the sun for nourishment. Well-drained soil is also recommended when choosing where to plant your Apple! This ensures that the soil doesn't get bogged down with too much water - leading to root rot or drowning!
Use the Finger Test. Simply stick your finger into the soil near the base of the tree. If it feels moist, then your tree is happy and fine! However, if it is dry, give it a good soak! Topped off with a 3-4 inch thick layer of arborist mulch. Once established, a fertilizer routine may be beneficial. You can get all your Pruning tips and tricks here to keep your Apple tree growing best.
- Full Sun Trees
- Well-Drained Enriched Soil
- Regular Moisture Needs
- Thin Fruit During Heavy Crops
- 800 Chill Hours
Sweet tart and petite, the easy-going Red Prairie Spy Apple Tree will light up your spring, shade your summer, and feed you all fall! Order quality fruit trees today at Nature Hills Nursery!
Red Prairie Spy Apple Tree Frequently Asked Questions
When to Plant Red Prairie Spy Apple Trees
Planting Bareroot trees as soon as you can dig a hole in spring and until hot weather, the earlier the better. Plant container Apple trees throughout the growing season with complete success - that is the benefit of container plants - to extend the planting season. Your County Agricultural Extension Office is a great resource for first and last frost dates in your area.
How to Plant Red Prairie Spy Apple Trees
Dig a large hole only as deep as needed to accommodate the bareroot or container root ball, and twice as wide. Add Nature Hills Root Booster to speed root establishment. Remove the pot or bag and situate it into the hole so the top of the soil (soil line if bareroot), is level with the new location's soil being careful not to plant too deep. Water in again very well and backfill with the same soil you dug up, tamping down gently to ensure there are no air pockets.
Top off with a 3-4 inch thick layer of Arborist mulch. Consider staking your tree to keep its trunk growing straight for the first year to ensure it stands tall against strong winds and drifting snow.
Red Prairie Spy Apple Tree Pollinating Info
Red Prairie Spy is not self-fruiting and needs a pollinating partner. Pair with one of these varieties:
- Cortland Apple Tree
- Pink Lady Apple Tree
- Fuji Apple Tree
- Golden Delicious Apple Tree
- Granny Smith Apple Tree
- Honeycrisp Apple Tree
- Red Jonathan Apple Tree
- Pixie Crunch Apple Tree
- McIntosh Apple Tree
Harvest Times for Red Prairie Spy Apple Trees
Red Prairie Spy's are typically ready to harvest in late September through early October.
Early-Season? Mid-Season? Late-Season? The terminology can be confusing for new Apple tree growers. Weather, climate, and your tree determine when it's ripe.
For Apples:
- Early-season is usually June-July
- Mid-season can be August-September
- Late-season can be from late September-November
The growing season consists of spring, summer, and fall, and varies with climate and weather. Areas with longer growing seasons in the warmer hardiness zones can greatly affect the harvest times for each particular Apple variety grown in your area.
