Fruit Snacks® Blushing Delight™ Columnar Apple Tree

Malus 'Blushing Delight'

Nature Hills Nursery

Hardy in zones 4-8, this columnar apple tree fits patios, balconies, and narrow spaces where standard fruit trees cannot grow
Produces sweet, blushed-pink apples with crisp texture perfect for fresh eating straight from the tree
Narrow 2-3 ft spread and upright 8-10 ft height makes it ideal for urban gardens, containers, and edible hedgerows
Fragrant spring blooms attract pollinators while providing ornamental interest before the fall fruit harvest

$133⁶⁰

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Plant Size

#2 Container | 3-4 ft

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for the best fruit production. Trees grown in less light will produce fewer blooms and smaller harvests.

Soil: Plant in well-drained, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Amend heavy clay with compost and coarse sand to improve drainage. Avoid low-lying areas where cold air and water collect.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply once or twice weekly during the first two growing seasons to establish a strong root system. Mature trees need about 1 inch of water per week during the growing season, with increased frequency during fruit development and hot, dry spells. Consistent moisture prevents fruit drop and cracking.

Pruning Tips

Prune in late winter while the tree is dormant, removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. The columnar habit requires minimal shaping, but you can remove water sprouts and maintain the central leader for the tidiest form. Light annual pruning keeps the canopy open for good air circulation and sunlight penetration.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced fruit tree fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) in early spring before new growth begins, following package rates based on tree size. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers after midsummer as they encourage soft, late-season growth susceptible to winter damage. A layer of compost around the base each spring provides slow-release nutrients and improves soil structure.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Flowering, Attracts pollinators, Low Maintenance, Edible
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	8-10 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Pink
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Malus 'A 68-173'
Species	hybrid
Cultivar	A 68-173
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, CA, HI, ID, MT, OR, PR, WA

Fruit Snacks® Blushing Delight™ (Malus 'Blushing Delight') brings the homegrown apple experience to spaces where traditional fruit trees simply will not fit. This columnar apple tree reaches just 8 to 10 feet tall with an incredibly narrow 2 to 3 foot spread, making it a game-changer for urban gardeners, patio growers, and anyone working with limited square footage.

Fresh Apples from a Slender Tree

The magic of Blushing Delight lies in its ability to produce full-sized, flavorful apples on such a compact frame. The fruit develops a beautiful rosy blush over a golden-yellow background, with crisp, juicy flesh that balances sweetness with a refreshing hint of tartness. Pick them straight from the branch for the freshest snack imaginable.

Spring Blooms, Fall Harvest

In mid to late spring, clusters of fragrant white to pale pink blossoms cover the branches, drawing bees and other pollinators to your garden. These flowers give way to developing fruit that matures in early to mid fall, depending on your climate. The tight, upright branching habit means you can reach every apple without a ladder.

Perfect for Small Space Orchards

Plant Blushing Delight as a specimen in a large container on your deck, line several along a fence for an edible privacy screen, or tuck one into a sunny corner of your front yard. The columnar form casts minimal shade, so you can plant vegetables, herbs, or flowers nearby without sacrificing their sunlight.

A Fruit Snacks® Series Standout

The Fruit Snacks® collection was developed specifically for gardeners who want homegrown fruit without the sprawling footprint of standard trees. Blushing Delight delivers on that promise with reliable harvests, disease resistance, and the kind of compact growth that makes fruit growing accessible to everyone.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is the Fruit Snacks® Blushing Delight™ Columnar Apple Tree suitable for?

The Fruit Snacks® Blushing Delight™ Columnar Apple Tree thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. This range covers most temperate regions where apples traditionally grow well. Check your specific zone to ensure reliable fruit production and winter survival in your area.

Does the Blushing Delight™ apple tree require a specific pollinator, or will any apple tree work for cross-pollination?

Blushing Delight will cross-pollinate with most apple varieties that bloom at the same time in mid to late spring. Standard apple trees, crabapples, or other columnar varieties all work well as pollinators. Plant another apple tree within 50 feet for best fruit production.

How much space does the Blushing Delight™ Columnar Apple Tree need for planting?

The Blushing Delight Columnar Apple Tree needs just 2 to 3 feet of width and reaches 8 to 10 feet tall. This compact footprint makes it perfect for containers, tight spaces, or planting close to other crops. Allow at least 3 feet between trees if planting multiples.

How should I care for the Blushing Delight™ apple tree after planting, including watering?

Water deeply once or twice weekly, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base and fertilize in early spring with balanced fruit tree fertilizer. Prune lightly in late winter to maintain the natural columnar shape.

What is the growth rate of the Blushing Delight™ Columnar Apple Tree?

The Blushing Delight™ Columnar Apple Tree has a moderate growth rate, reaching its mature size of 8-10 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide over several years. Its compact, upright habit means steady vertical growth with minimal lateral spread. Shop at Nature Hills for this space-saving fruit tree.

Is the tree shipped bare root or in a pot, and how is it packaged?

Trees are shipped bare root during dormant season (late fall through early spring) and potted during the growing season. The packaging protects roots and ensures the tree arrives ready to plant. Plant immediately upon arrival or keep potted trees watered until planting.