Pink Lady® Apple Tree

Why Grow a Pink Lady® Apple Tree?

Pink Lady® apples are enjoyed both for eating fresh and cooking. These trees, also known as Cripps or Cripps Pink, produce apples late in the growing season, making it a good choice for growing in warmer climates. It requires only 500-600 chill hours per year.

The fruit was developed in Australia and released for commercial production in 1989. Pink Lady® apple trees are a cross between Lady Williams and Golden Delicious, giving the fruit good storage characteristics and a sweet, crisp flavor.

The tree has beautiful white blossoms that develop mid-season. The apples ripen to a pretty, reddish pink with small, white dots.

Using Pink Lady® Apples

The fruit has a unique, balanced flavor—the first bite is tart, followed by just the right amount of sweet. It is delicious to eat fresh, but it is equally as good to use for cooking.

Chefs and home cooks enjoy the firm quality of this apple variety, using it for baking desserts where the apple retains its shape, like pies, tarts, and cakes. This apple variety is also an excellent choice for apple sauces and apple butters.

Apples are an excellent source of soluble fiber and are high in vitamin C. Additionally, they contain some vitamin A, calcium, iron, and boron. Apples are also a natural source of pectin.

How to Grow a Pink Lady® Apple Tree

Because the apples ripen late in the season in October, it is not a cultivar that does as well in far northern climates as many other apple varieties. However, it is cold-hardy and does require chill hours. Be sure to check the zone compatibility to determine if it is a good choice for your orchard.

Pink Lady® apple trees require full sun and neutral soil pH. See below for more tree characteristics and recommendations for cross-pollination.

Buy a Pink Lady® apple tree to enjoy the fresh fruit and bake delicious desserts, with a cultivar known for storing well.