Russell Stafford
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
MALUS domestica 'Domine'
Plant Common Name
Antique Apple, Apple
General Description
Originating in Maryland in the early nineteenth century, 'Domine' is still prized for its tasty apples. Ripening in mid-autumn, the medium to large, somewhat flattened fruits have thick, tough, greenish yellow skin heavily blushed and streaked with red and carmine. The fragrant, pale yellow flesh of this dessert apple is firm, coarse, tender, juicy, and delightfully flavored. The fruits keep well in storage. This cultivar bears light to heavy crops on spreading branches that are prone to splitting. Plant another apple variety nearby for cross-pollination.
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, the trees offer sweet, fragrant flowers of light pink, white or rose and in fall reward us with crisp, juicy apples.
These fruits come in 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 summer, fall or winter.
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.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
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Plant Type
Fruit
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
15'-25' / 4.6m - 7.6m
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Width
15'-25' / 4.6m - 7.6m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring
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Native To
Eastern Europe, Southern Europe, Russia/Siberia, Southern Asia, Western 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
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Pink
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Fruit Color
Yellow, Red, Yellow Green, Rose
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Fruit Color Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Light Yellow, Brown
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Bark Color
Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
Yes
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
