Early Harvest Apple: Turning a New Leaf

(Malus X Domestica)

The turn of a new season brings new fall favorites with it like crackling candles and sweet ciders, and let’s not forget tart, juicy apples like the early harvest apple.

As the name suggests this high-yielding apple tree is among the first to be ready for harvest. These apples are ready to be picked as early as July in some locations, with the latest harvest in September. What’s more exciting is the number of recipes you can get out of your apples. Speaking of recipes, check out From the Lied Lodge Cookbook: Apple Pie Egg Rolls for a delicious jumpstart!

Here are a few things to note if you don’t have an apple tree but want to reap the benefits down the road.

Environmental Factors

• Grows well in moist, well-drained soil, it is not drought tolerant. (Hardiness zones 3-8).
• Fast growing tree, growing more than 2 feet a year and reaching 20-25 feet at maturity.
• Prefers full sun, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Physical Attributes

• Blooms white/pinkish flowers early to midseason.
• Is available in standard, semi-dwarf and dwarf sizes. Standard size bears fruit in 6-10 years.
• Needs a second tree to cross-pollinate with to produce apples. Can be pollinated with Lodi, red Jonathan, red delicious or a variety from a different apple family.

Do you have an awesome apple recipe? We’d love to hear it!