Robert’s Purple Crabapple Apple Tree
One of the most deeply pigmented red flesh apples you will ever find, Robert’s Purple crabapple is so rich with anthocyanins that the skin takes on a deep purple color and the flesh is a dark velvety red. Apples are quite large for a crabapple and very prolific. Flavor is tart and astringent and most will not enjoy it as a fresh eating apple, but it makes an excellent cider as well as jams, preserves, or bright red baked treats!
Enjoy these unique, red-fleshed apples in your yard or landscape. They bear abundant crops of fruit, which makes a tasty and attractive addition to salads, are good for baking and make delicious pink applesauce and juice. Of course, they are also great for fresh eating too. Fine ornamentals as well, they are prized for their beautiful pink flowers.
Help your bare roots grow with the Transplanting Bundle found here.
Latin Name: Malus pumila
Site and Soil: Redfield apple likes 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Rootstock Description:
M-7 is considered a semi-dwarf rootstock growing 12-16 ft. in height. M-7 is very hardy and adapted to most soils. Vigorous, drought tolerant, and well anchored, trees on M-7 should not require staking.
Pollination Requirements: Apples need another variety nearby for pollination. Neighboring trees often offer sufficient pollen for good fruit set. Consider Mason Bees to help pollinate and increase fruit production.
Hardiness: Hardy to minus 30° F or below.
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: Dwarf 8-12ft. / Semi-dwarf 12-16 ft.
Taste: Sweet-tart
Fruit Skin: Bright red
Fruit Flesh: a range of pink to crimson and white towards the core
Bloom Time: April
Ripening Time: Early September
Yield: 30-50 lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Apples can be affected by Apple Scab. Apple Scab is especially a problem in regions with wet springs, like we have in the Pacific Northwest. While it doesn’t seriously affect the eating quality of the fruit, it can cause black spots on the apples and foliage. Apple Scab can be controlled by sulfur and other sprays. Codling Moth can create wormy apples and aphids can damage the foliage of apple trees.
USDA Zone: 4