The Summerred Apple is a highly attractive and early-ripening variety prized for its bright red skin, juicy flesh, and mild sweet-tart flavor. Developed in British Columbia in 1964 from a cross between ‘McIntosh’ and ‘Golden Delicious,’ Summerred combines the aromatic tang of McIntosh with the smooth sweetness and excellent storage quality of Golden Delicious. This variety is perfect for gardeners seeking an early harvest of flavorful apples that excel for fresh eating and light cooking.

Key Features

• Early Ripening: One of the earliest apples to mature, typically ready for harvest in mid to late summer.
• Sweet-Tart Flavor: Balanced, refreshing taste — mildly tangy like McIntosh with a hint of honeyed sweetness.
• Attractive Skin: Deep red with subtle striping over a pale yellow base, giving it exceptional visual appeal.
• Fine, Crisp Flesh: Tender yet firm, with juicy, aromatic white flesh that holds up well for snacking and desserts.
• Good Keeper: Keeps for several weeks under refrigeration — impressive for an early-season variety.

Mature Size

• Height: 12–15 feet (standard); 8–10 feet (semi-dwarf)
• Spread: 10–15 feet
• Growth Rate: Moderate

USDA Hardiness Zones

• Zones 4–8

Chill Hours

• Requires approximately 800–1,000 chill hours for optimal fruit set and quality.

Care Instructions

• Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hours daily) promotes the best fruit color and sugar development.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic loam (pH 6.0–6.8); adaptable to most soils with good drainage.
• Watering: Provide consistent moisture during fruit development; avoid prolonged dry periods.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape, improve air flow, and encourage strong fruiting wood.
• Pollination: Requires cross-pollination with compatible mid-season varieties such as ‘Gala,’ ‘McIntosh,’ or ‘Honeycrisp.’

Landscape Uses

• Ideal for home orchards and edible landscapes.
• Excellent for fresh eating, fruit salads, and light cooking such as tarts or applesauce.
• Adds beauty to the garden with its spring blossoms and striking red fruit in late summer.

With its crisp texture, beautiful red color, and perfectly balanced flavor, the Summerred Apple offers a refreshing start to the apple season. A reliable and handsome tree, it brings early harvests of orchard-fresh sweetness to both new and experienced growers alike.

More Information: Apple Growing Guide

apple-trees-red-delicious,apple-trees-fuji,apple-trees-granny-smith