How to Grow Idared Apple
Idared Apple
Malus domestica 'Idared'
treeIdared is a cold-hardy apple cultivar developed in Idaho, prized for its deep red color and balanced sweet-tart flavor. It's a medium-sized tree that produces heavily and stores exceptionally well, making it popular for both home orchards and commercial growers. The apples are crisp, firm, and excellent for fresh eating, cooking, and cider.
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Example Idared Apple timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Idared 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 Idared Apple
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-7; exceptionally cold-hardy, surviving -40°F or lower
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Get my Idared Apple timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy & Early Spring
November-AprilTree is leafless and dormant throughout winter; buds swell and break in early spring as temperatures warm
Prune during dormancy (late winter); remove crossing branches and shape for open center or central leader; apply dormant oil spray for pest management
Flowering & Pollination
April-May (2-3 weeks)Pink-white blossoms appear in clusters; flowers are self-fertile but benefit from cross-pollination with other apple varieties
Ensure adequate bee activity; avoid pesticide sprays during flowering; thin flower clusters if extremely dense; provide compatible pollinizers like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp
Fruit Set & Development
May-JulyTiny fruit develops from pollinated flowers; June drop occurs naturally as tree abscises excess fruit
Thin fruit to 1 apple per 6 inches of branch for larger, higher-quality fruit; water consistently; apply liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks
Maturation & Color Development
July-SeptemberFruit grows larger and develops characteristic deep red color with some striping; sugar content increases; skin hardens
Monitor for pests and diseases; provide consistent watering during dry periods; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer which delays ripening
Harvest & Storage
Late September-OctoberApples develop full color and firmness; ready to pick when they separate easily from the branch with a gentle twist
Harvest when fully mature for best flavor and storage; store at 32-36°F with high humidity; Idared stores exceptionally well for 3-4 months
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Pheromone traps for monitoring; spinosad spray when larvae are active; kaolin clay applications; bagging individual fruit with paper bags
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Yellow sticky traps; early harvest of windfall fruit; spinosad spray; remove trap after September 1st to avoid trapping beneficial insects
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Sulfur dust or spray; neem oil; improve air circulation through pruning; avoid overhead watering at dusk
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Copper fungicide in early spring; sulfur sprays; thin canopy for air flow; mulch to prevent spore splash from soil
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Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps away from tree; spinosad spray; neem oil; avoid trap lights which attract more beetles
Uses
Fresh eating and cooking
CulinaryIdared apples have a balanced sweet-tart flavor (11-13° Brix) and crisp, firm texture that holds up well in storage and cooking. They're excellent sliced fresh, in pies, crisps, and baked goods. [source]
Cider and juice production
CulinaryThe balanced acid and tannin profile makes Idared outstanding for cider production, contributing both sweetness and complexity. It's also used in commercial juice blends. [source]
Long-term storage
HouseholdIdared apples are renowned for exceptional storage longevity, keeping for 3-4 months (or longer) in cool, humid conditions without significant quality loss. This makes them ideal for winter use. [source]
Dietary fiber and antioxidants
MedicinalApples are rich in soluble fiber (pectin) and contain polyphenol antioxidants, particularly in the skin, supporting digestive health and cardiovascular function. [source]
Pollinator and wildlife support
WildlifeApple blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators essential for fruit set. The foliage and fruit provide food for birds and wildlife throughout the season. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Idared apples typically ripen in late September through early October. Pick when fruit is fully red and separates easily from the branch with a gentle upward twist. Handle carefully to avoid bruising. Store in cool conditions (32-36°F) for exceptional longevity—Idared can keep 3-4 months or longer under ideal cold storage. They are excellent for fresh eating, applesauce, baking, and cider.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Idared was developed at the University of Idaho in 1942 by crossing Wagener and Jonathan apples; the name combines 'Idaho' and 'red' to reflect its origin and deep color.
- 🌱 Despite being developed in the 1940s, Idared remains commercially significant in cold climates and was the #1 apple variety in Russia and Eastern Europe for decades due to its extreme cold-hardiness.
- 🌱 Idared apples can stay on the tree and improve in flavor for weeks after maturing if weather permits, unlike many other varieties that decline in quality once ripe.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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