It is a deciduous fruit tree that produces medium, round to conical apples with a distinctive bright pink blush over a pale green-yellow base. The fruit is highly valued for its crisp, juicy flesh and wonderful sweet-tart flavour. It is a late-season variety, usually one of the last to be harvested, and is a great option for eating fresh, baking, and storing due to its long shelf life.
Care Tips:
- Position: Plant in a position that receives full sun (at least 6 hours a day). Full sun is necessary for the best fruit colour development and flavour.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter. Ensure the planting site is large enough for the tree’s mature size (or choose a dwarf variety for a pot).
- Watering: Water regularly during the first year to establish roots. Once established, water deeply during extended dry periods, especially when fruit is developing.
- Pollination: The ‘Pink Lady’ (Cripps Pink) is self-sterile and requires a compatible pollination partner planted nearby, such as ‘Gala’, ‘Granny Smith’, or ‘Red Fuji’, for a successful harvest.
- Pruning: Prune during the dormant season (winter) to remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches and to thin the canopy. This promotes good air circulation and allows sunlight to reach the developing fruit, which is essential for that perfect pink colour.
- Fruiting: It can take 2–4 years for a young tree to begin bearing fruit. The fruit must stay on the tree for a very long growing season to achieve full sweetness and colour.
