Apple Pink Lady

• Developed in Western Australia in the 1970s through cross-breeding Lady Williams and Golden Delicious varieties. Takes 200 frost-free days to properly ripen and develop characteristic pink blush.
• Requires specific climate conditions with warm days and cool nights during ripening season. Best suited to temperate regions of Australia with distinct seasonal temperature variations.
• Late-season variety typically harvested in May, with fruit improving in storage for several months. Known for exceptional keeping qualities when properly stored in cool conditions.
• Self-sterile variety requiring cross-pollination from compatible apple varieties like Granny Smith or Gala. Professional orchards often interplant with suitable pollinators.

• Water deeply once or twice weekly during growing season, ensuring soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering frequency during winter dormancy period.
• Plant in full sun position with minimum 6-8 hours direct sunlight daily. Adequate light is essential for fruit development and the characteristic pink colouring.
• Grow in well-draining, fertile soil with pH between 6.0-7.0. Add compost annually and ensure good air circulation around the tree.
• Feed with balanced fruit tree fertiliser in early spring, followed by potassium-rich fertiliser during fruit development. Apply organic mulch around base but keep away from trunk.
• Prune during winter to maintain open vase shape and remove dead, diseased or crossing branches. Light summer pruning helps improve air circulation and light penetration.
• Thin fruit clusters in early summer to prevent branch breakage and improve fruit size and quality.

• Plant in full sun location with at least 6-8 hours daily sunlight for optimal fruit development and colour. Morning sun is particularly important for drying dew and preventing fungal issues.
• Water deeply but infrequently, maintaining consistent soil moisture during fruit development. Reduce watering in winter when tree is dormant.
• Requires cross-pollination with another apple variety that flowers at the same time. Plant compatible varieties within 100 metres or graft multiple varieties onto one tree.
• Prune during winter dormancy to maintain open centre structure and remove crossing branches. Summer pruning can help control vigour and improve light penetration.

• Aphids can cluster on new growth - spray with horticultural oil or introduce beneficial insects like ladybirds. Check undersides of leaves regularly during spring growth.
• Codling moth larvae tunnel into fruit - use pheromone traps and apply organic sprays during flowering. Remove fallen fruit promptly to break the lifecycle.
• Fire blight causes blackened shoots and leaves - prune affected areas 30cm below infection and sterilise tools between cuts. Avoid overhead watering during humid conditions.
• Scale insects appear as small bumps on branches - treat with white oil spray during winter dormancy. Severe infestations may require systemic treatments.