How to Grow Arkansas Red Apple
Wikimedia Commons
Arkansas Red Apple
Malus domestica 'Arkansas Red'
treeArkansas Red is a medium to large red apple cultivar prized for its deep crimson color and excellent storage qualities. Developed in Arkansas, this variety produces firm, crisp apples with good keeping ability and is moderately disease-resistant. It's a reliable producer that performs well in mid-South and upper South regions.
When should you plant Arkansas Red Apple in your zone?
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Example Arkansas Red Apple timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Arkansas Red Apple
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Arkansas Red Apple
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Arkansas Red Apple dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 5-8, with best performance in zones 6-7
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Establishment (Year 1-2)
1-2 yearsYoung tree develops root system and branch structure; minimal flowering occurs
Stake and support young tree; prune to establish strong central leader; remove any flower buds to encourage vegetative growth; consistent watering critical
Juvenile to Productive (Year 3-4)
1-2 yearsTree begins flowering and initial fruit set; canopy fills in
Begin annual pruning in late winter; thin fruit if excessive; apply pest/disease controls; continue regular watering and feeding
Flowering (Spring)
2-3 weeksWhite to pale pink blossoms appear in clusters on branches; requires cross-pollination
Ensure compatible pollinator variety nearby; protect from late frost if possible; avoid pesticide sprays during bloom to protect pollinators
Fruit Development (Late Spring to Late Summer)
12-16 weeksFruit enlarges from golf-ball size through summer; skin develops characteristic deep red color with striping
Thin fruit to 1 per 6 inches of branch for larger apples; maintain consistent watering; monitor for pests and diseases; apply thinning oils or fungicides as needed
Harvest and Storage (Fall)
6-10 weeksApples reach full size and color; firm texture and good keeping quality develop
Harvest when apples separate easily from branch; store in cool location (32-40°F) with high humidity; Arkansas Red stores 4-6 months when properly handled
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Bagging fruit in early summer; pheromone traps; organic sprays (spinosad) applied post-bloom; encourage parasitic wasps
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Yellow sticky sphere traps hung in tree; remove fallen fruit; prune infected branches; organic insecticide sprays in summer
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Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Pruning for air circulation; sulfur or potassium bicarbonate sprays; resistant rootstocks; avoid excess nitrogen
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Remove nearby juniper/cedar hosts; fungicide sprays in spring; prune out infected branches; resistant varieties helpful
Uses
Fresh eating and storage
CulinaryArkansas Red apples are excellent for eating fresh due to their firm, crisp texture and good flavor balance. Their exceptional storage capability makes them ideal for winter consumption when stored properly. [source]
Baking and cooking
CulinaryThe firm flesh holds shape well during baking, making Arkansas Red suitable for pies, tarts, and cobblers. Their mild-to-moderate tartness provides good flavor in cooked applications. [source]
Applesauce and juice
CulinaryArkansas Red apples produce good-quality applesauce and cider with excellent color. Their natural sugars and acidity balance make them suitable for processing. [source]
Wildlife food source
WildlifeApple trees provide food for birds and mammals in fall and winter months. Fallen fruit feeds deer, raccoons, and other wildlife. [source]
Ornamental landscape value
HouseholdApple trees provide spring blossoms and attractive fall fruit display. They serve as focal points in home landscapes and orchards. [source]
Harvest Tips
Arkansas Red apples typically mature in mid to late fall (September-October depending on location). Harvest when apples are full-sized, fully colored, and separate easily from the branch with a gentle twist. Store in a cool location at 32-40°F with 90% humidity for optimal keeping; can store 4-6 months. Ideal for fresh eating, baking, and sauce.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Arkansas Red was developed in Arkansas and is known for its exceptional storage life—properly stored apples can last 4-6 months, making it an excellent variety for homeowners without root cellars
- 🌱 The variety was specifically bred for the climate and conditions of the mid-South and upper South regions, making it particularly well-suited to areas with hot summers and moderate winters
- 🌱 Arkansas Red apples develop their characteristic deep crimson color through the growing season and continue to deepen and become more attractively striped as they mature on the tree
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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