How to Grow Redlove Apple
Wikimedia Commons
Redlove Apple
Malus domestica 'Redlove'
treeRedlove is a modern apple variety developed in Switzerland with distinctive deep red flesh throughout the fruit, offering both ornamental appeal and culinary uses. The tree produces clusters of pink blossoms in spring and medium-sized apples with red skin and crimson interior flesh. Rich in anthocyanins, these apples are prized for their striking appearance and potential health benefits.
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Example Redlove Apple timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Redlove 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 Redlove 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 4-7, tolerates zones 3b-8a with proper care
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Establishment (Year 1)
12 monthsYoung tree focuses on root development and establishing main scaffold branches. Limited flowering may occur but should be removed.
Remove flower buds in first 1-2 years to direct energy to growth. Water deeply 1-2 times weekly. Provide tree guards against animal damage. Prune to establish open-center or central-leader form.
Vegetative Growth (Years 2-3)
12-24 monthsTree rapidly increases in height and branch structure. Pink blossoms appear more abundantly but may still need thinning for tree strength.
Continue structural pruning to create sturdy framework. Thin excess flowers if tree is weak. Maintain consistent watering and fertilization. Install support stakes if needed.
Flowering (Spring, April-May in Northern Hemisphere)
2-3 weeksTree produces abundant clusters of pink flowers with white centers. Flowers are self-compatible but cross-pollination increases fruit set.
Ensure bees have access for pollination. Avoid pesticide sprays during bloom. Protect blossoms from late frosts with frost cloths if necessary in marginal zones.
Fruit Development & Growth (June-August)
8-12 weeksSmall green fruits develop and gradually enlarge. Red coloring begins to appear mid-summer. Flesh develops characteristic deep red pigmentation.
Thin fruits to 1 every 6 inches of branch for larger apples and better color. Maintain consistent watering (crucial stage). Apply mulch to regulate soil temperature. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Ripening & Harvest (August-October)
4-8 weeksFruits reach full size with deep red external color and crimson interior flesh (visible when cut). Sugar content increases, flavor matures.
Stop heavy nitrogen fertilization to prevent soft fruit. Harvest when fruits have good color and slight give to gentle pressure. Some varieties benefit from 1-2 weeks post-harvest conditioning in cool storage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Pheromone traps, insecticidal soap, spinosad in spring/early summer; bagging fruits with mesh; sanitation of fallen fruit
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Red sticky sphere traps, reflective mulch, netting, spinosad application
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Water spray to dislodge, horticultural oil, miticides, encourage predatory insects
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Dormant oil spray in late winter, insecticidal soap, manual removal
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Remove infested fruit clusters, insecticidal soap, kaolin clay spray
Uses
Fresh eating and juicing
CulinaryRedlove apples have a crisp, sweet-tart flavor with moderate acidity, making them excellent for fresh eating straight from the tree. Their striking red flesh provides visual appeal in fruit salads, and they produce strikingly colorful juices and ciders. [source]
Anthocyanin-rich health benefits
MedicinalThe deep red pigmentation in both skin and flesh indicates high anthocyanin content, powerful antioxidants linked to cardiovascular health and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies suggest red-fleshed apples may have enhanced health benefits compared to traditional varieties. [source]
Ornamental landscape feature
HouseholdBeyond fruit production, Redlove trees offer ornamental value with attractive pink spring blossoms and glossy foliage. The novelty of red-fleshed apples makes them conversation pieces in home gardens and edible landscapes. [source]
Baking and preserves
CulinaryThe firm flesh holds well in baked goods like pies and crisps, where the red color creates dramatic visual effects. Jams, sauces, and compotes made from Redlove apples retain their deep color and offer unique presentation. [source]
Natural food coloring
CraftThe intense red pigmentation can be extracted to create natural, anthocyanin-based food coloring for baking and culinary applications, avoiding synthetic dyes. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Redlove apples typically ripen August-September in warm climates, September-October in cooler zones. Harvest when fruit has good red color and background yellow (under the red) visible. Gently twist and lift fruit while supporting the branch—apples should detach with slight pressure. The red flesh is more visible when cut open. Apples continue ripening slightly after harvest and store well in cool conditions (32-40°F) for several months.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Redlove apples were developed by Swiss breeder Markus Kobelt in the 1990s through selective breeding of red-fleshed apple varieties, combining ornamental appeal with functional nutrition.
- 🌱 The red flesh color comes from high anthocyanin concentrations (also found in blueberries and red wine), making these apples one of the most antioxidant-rich apple varieties available.
- 🌱 Redlove apples remain relatively novel in North America; they're more established in European markets and have gained popularity among specialty orchardists and high-end farmers markets.
Gardening Terms
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