Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
MALUS domestica 'Crimson King'
Plant Common Name
Apple, Cooking Apple, Crimson King Apple, Red Cider Apple, Red Eating Apple
General Description
The tart, late-season apple, 'Crimson King' (sometimes called 'King's Favourite), is a yellowish green apple flushed with red stripes. The conical fruits have a strong, tart, fruity flavor and are favored for cider making. The large, spreading trees are resistant to canker and mildew but susceptible to apple scab. Flowering occurs in mid- to late spring and the apples ripen in late fall. More than one apple is needed to cross-pollinate this triploid tree. Please note, there is another apple called 'Crimson King', which is an English antique variety of similar color that's a dessert apple.
There is nothing more satisfying than growing your own apple trees. The domestic apple is most commonly a medium-sized tree with a rounded to oval canopy. It originates from southeastern Europe, Siberia, and southwestern Asia and has been in cultivation for thousands of years. In spring, these trees offer sweet, fragrant flowers of light pink, white or rose, and in fall reward us with crisp, juicy apples.
These fruits have a wide variety of colors, textures and flavors and may be eaten out-of-hand, pressed for cider, frozen, canned or baked in a variety of ways. There are thousands of cultivars available, including many interesting heirlooms as well as fresh new varieties. Different selections vary in height and may bear fruit in late summer or fall.
While the domestic apple prefers full sun and well-drained soil, it will tolerate light shade and bouts of drought. For best fruit production, trees must be vigorously pruned and maintained. Apples are susceptible to many pests and diseases, but resistant varieties are available.
Most apples are grafted onto rootstock that provides a wide range of benefits such as vigor, pest and disease resistance and dwarf stature, depending on the stock.
