Summerred Apple Tree

You’ve probably heard the rave reviews about Summerred Apple Tree (Malus 'Summerred'). This reliable producer is a wonderful variety for climates with cool summers. Backyard orchards in the Pacific Northwest should include this hot variety!

Hybridized in British Columbia from Mcintosh and Golden Delicious parents, Summerred produces dark red, oval fruits. The flavor is reminiscent of Golden Delicious, but a bit more robust and full-flavored.

These early ripening apples are great for fresh eating and baking. The fruit also stores well!

Summerred is a hardy selection that shows some resistance to apple scab in many areas. You’ll need to plant a partner tree for pollination.

People have been snapping up our Summerred Apple trees like hotcakes. Order this tremendous Apple variety for your home garden today!

How to Use Summerred Apple Tree in the Landscape

Developed in the Pacific Northwest, Summerred is a hardy and productive hybrid. The red fruits have a fine eating quality. They are excellent for fresh eating, but are firm enough to hold up to baking.

The juicy fruit is well-balanced and features hints of strawberry. Use these special apples as part of a dessert tray with an assortment of artisan cheeses.

Summerred is also an attractive tree in its own right. With snowy white spring blooms and highly ornamental red fruit, you’ll be tempted to use it as a focal point in an Edible Landscape.

Fruit trees can be allowed to grow to their full size and spread. Or, keep them as small as you would like with summer pruning for size control.

Backyard orchardists have successfully pruned Summerred to as small as 6 feet tall and wide. That yearly task makes harvest much easier!

Ensure pollination by planting several Apple trees in a group. You’ll be delighted with their good looks, and great-tasting fruit.

#ProPlantTips for Care

Give Apple trees full sun, where they will get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. For best results, we also recommend a somewhat protected spot that has plenty of air circulation.

Soils that drain quickly after a rain event are a must. If needed, create a mounded heap of soil 18 inches high and 3 feet wide. Plant directly in that mound.

Water carefully to establish new plants during their first season. Apply supplemental water during summer, when the fruit is developing.

Prune to correct shape and establish the structure in late winter. Prune while your tree is dormant, before new growth appears.

You’ll love the snappy, sweet crunch of these popular dessert apples. Order Summerred Apple from the expert growers at Nature Hills today!

Summerred Apple Tree Frequently Asked Questions

When to Plant Summerred 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 Summerred 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.

When to Prune Summerred Apple Trees

Trim off any broken branches from delivery as soon as you take them out of the box. Prune and trim apple trees while dormant, in late winter or early spring, before you see new growth.

How to Prune Summerred Apple Trees

Dormant prune to:

• Remove any double leaders or narrow crotch angles
• Eliminate any crossing branches
• Thin interior branching and leave the fruiting spurs and strong branches in place opening up the canopy
• Branching at least 24-36 inches above the ground

Prune Apple trees in the summer to:

• Control size and shape by reducing the length of longer new growth on vigorous trees
• Remove water sprouts on the main trunk or older branches in the crown
• Remove suckers at the base of the trunk
• Thin fruit during heavy years on established trees

How to Care for Summerred Apple Trees

Growing an apple tree is easy when proper soil, good drainage, attention to moisture, and regular fertility are maintained. Once you've chosen an apple tree that works for your climate, in the size you need for your landscape, and its pollinator (if needed), then you've accomplished half the battle!

• Apple trees do best in full sun and well-drained soil
• Water your apple trees when it gets dry - especially during the fruit production stage, and drought periods to keep it stress-free
• Use arborists' wood chips to mulch over the roots of your apples and have your soil tested to see what your soil may be lacking before adding fertilizers
• Maintenance pruning and shaping

Apple trees will tolerate a wide range of soils, so long as water and nutrients are not limited and the pH level is adequate.

How to Fertilize Summerred Apple Trees

For the first year, water alone is most important. It is always best to get a soil test to see what your soil is lacking before adding more fertilizers. Once established, a fertilizer routine may be beneficial. We do offer some excellent slow-release organic options, applied according to the package directions.

Fruit trees need more phosphate and it's possible to apply too much nitrogen which affects the soil's pH. Test soil acidity or alkalinity using a pH Tester.

Fertilize in spring when you first see new growth emerging.

• Don't overdo it
• Phosphates are your friends
• Pay attention to pH in areas with extremely high or low soil pH
• Follow the directions

Summerred Apple Tree Pollinating Info

Summerred is not self-fruiting and needs a pollinating partner. Pair with one of these varieties:

• Braeburn Apple Tree
• Gala Apple Tree
• Arkansas Black Apple Tree
• Snowsweet® Apple Tree
• GoldRush Apple Tree

Harvest Times for Summerred Apple Trees

Summerred’s are typically ready to harvest in August.

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.