Pink Lady Apple
Malus domestica ‘Cripps Pink’The Pink Lady Apple, botanically known as ‘Cripps Pink,’ is a premium late-season apple variety prized for its exceptional crunch, balanced sweet-tart flavor, and striking pink-red blush over green skin. Developed in Australia, this cultivar has become a favorite worldwide for both fresh eating and culinary use. Its dependable productivity, excellent storage life, and ornamental spring bloom make it a standout choice for home orchards and edible landscapes.
In spring, Pink Lady Apple trees are covered in abundant white blossoms with soft pink undertones, creating a showy floral display that attracts pollinators and enhances seasonal interest. As foliage emerges, the tree develops a dense canopy of clean, glossy green leaves that remain attractive throughout summer, providing structure and visual appeal even before fruit ripens.
Its fruit matures very late in the season, typically in mid to late fall, requiring a long growing period to develop full color and flavor. Apples are medium to large with firm, dense flesh and a crisp bite. The flavor is complex, combining bright acidity with a refined sweetness that intensifies in storage. Pink Lady Apples excel for fresh eating, salads, baking, and sauces, and are especially valued for their ability to retain texture and flavor over long storage periods.
Care Instructions:
Planting: Choose a full sun location with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily to support flowering and late-season fruit ripening.
Soil: Plant in well-drained soil. Amend heavy soils to improve drainage and root development.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment and provide consistent moisture during dry periods and fruit development.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins.
Pruning: Prune annually in late winter to early spring to maintain structure, improve airflow, and encourage productive growth.
Thinning: Thin fruit after set to improve apple size and reduce stress on branches.
Spacing: Space trees 12–15 ft apart to allow for mature growth and airflow.
Maintenance: Mulch annually, monitor for pests and disease, and prune consistently.
Pollinator Required: Yes, the variety requires cross-pollination with compatible apple varieties such as Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala.
Pink Lady Apple trees typically reach 12–15 feet tall and wide, making them well suited to backyard orchards and mixed edible plantings. They perform best in full sun with well-drained soil and consistent moisture during fruit development. This variety is not self-fertile and requires cross-pollination from another apple variety with overlapping bloom time. When paired with compatible pollinators and given routine care, Pink Lady delivers reliable harvests and moderate maintenance while producing fruit of exceptional quality.
