Starkspur® DixieRed® Delicious Apple Tree

Starkspur® DixieRed® Delicious is the Red Delicious for Southern orchards — a spur-type apple specifically selected for warm-climate performance where standard Red Delicious varieties struggle to accumulate adequate chill hours for reliable annual fruiting. The large, deep red fruit with firm, fine, crisp flesh and sweet-tart flavor delivers the classic Red Delicious experience in early-to-mid September, from a compact spur-bearing tree that produces fruit earlier and more consistently than standard tree forms. A Stark Bro’s exclusive selection for the home orchardist who wants dependable Red Delicious quality in a warm-climate adapted, space-efficient package. A pollinator is required.

Southern-Bred Red Delicious — Built for Warmer Climates

The chill-hour requirement that limits most Red Delicious varieties in the South is what DixieRed® was specifically selected to address. With 700–800 chill hours and proven adaptation to Zones 5–8 including the warmer end of that range, it delivers large, deep red, classic Red Delicious fruit in climates where standard varieties produce erratically or not at all. For southern home orchardists who have wanted a classic Red Delicious variety that actually performs where they live, DixieRed® fills that gap directly.

Spur-Type — Compact, Earlier Bearing, More Consistent

The spur-bearing habit concentrates fruit production on short, sturdy fruiting spurs along every branch rather than at extended outer tips — producing a more compact, easier-to-manage tree that bears earlier after planting and delivers more consistent annual harvests than standard-form trees. The 8–10 foot mature size fits smaller home orchards comfortably, and the spur-type fruiting pattern means easier picking and more fruit per square foot of canopy.

Large, Deep Red, Firm, and Crisp — September Harvest

DixieRed®'s large, fully red fruit with firm, fine, crisp flesh and sweet-tart flavor is outstanding for fresh eating in early-to-mid September — and the long storage life that Red Delicious varieties are known for extends the harvest window well beyond picking day. The deep red coloring at full September ripeness is visually striking at harvest and in the fruit bowl.

Why Growers Choose Starkspur® DixieRed® Delicious

• Southern-bred Red Delicious — selected specifically for warmer climate performance
• Spur-type compact habit — earlier bearing, more consistent production in less space
• Large, deep red, firm, crisp fruit — classic Red Delicious quality in September
• Long storage life — extended post-harvest window
• 8–10 foot mature size — fits smaller home orchards comfortably
• A Stark Bro’s selection — proven warm-climate adapted Red Delicious