Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
Malus domestica 'Anna'
Plant Common Name
Anna Apple, Apple, Yellow Eating Apple
General Description
Bred in Israel, 'Anna' yields heavy crops of big sweet apples in a wide range of climates, notably climates too warm for most apples. Apples are descended from a species of deciduous tree native to southwestern Asia, a heritage that means they need the cold of winter to flower and fruit abundantly. Most need several hundred hours below 7 degrees C (45 degrees F), but 'Anna' needs fewer than 200 hours. All the same, the tree grows and fruits well in climates as cold as USDA Zone 5.
The tree is vigorous and medium-sized, with a rounded to oval canopy. In spring, 'Anna' blooms with fragrant white flowers. When the fruits are the size of marbles, thin them. Removing about one-third allows the remaining fruits to grow larger and sweeter. Thinning also prevents burdening the tree with such a large crop that the next year's flowering is less prolific.
The apples of 'Anna' are large and green overlain with red. The flesh is crisp and sweet. They are good for eating fresh and for cooking. Stored in cold conditions, such as a refrigerator, the apples remain fresh for two months.
This tree prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but will tolerate light shade and bouts of drought. For best fruit production, it must be vigorously pruned and maintained. It must also have a companion apple tree, such as Liberty, that flowers at the same time, for pollination. It is available grafted onto rootstocks that keep the tree smaller, a boon for yards with limited space.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 9
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Sunset Zone
H1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Fruit
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
0'-15' / 0.0m - 4.6m
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Width
0'-15' / 0.0m - 4.6m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring
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Native To
Russia/Siberia, Southeastern Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Fall
