How to Grow Splendour Apple
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Splendour Apple
Malus domestica 'Splendour'
treeSplendour is a hardy, early-season apple cultivar known for its deep red color and excellent disease resistance. It produces crisp, juicy apples with a balanced sweet-tart flavor, making it popular for fresh eating and cooking. This tree is vigorous and reliable, performing well in northern climates.
When should you plant Splendour Apple in your zone?
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Example Splendour Apple timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Splendour 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 Splendour Apple
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Splendour Apple dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Ideal for zones 3-6; extremely cold-hardy
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Get my Splendour Apple timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Year 1)
First growing seasonYoung tree focuses on root and branch development; minimal flowering
Water regularly, stake for support, remove any flowers to encourage root growth, mulch around base, prune for strong scaffold branches
Early Growth (Years 2-3)
2-3 yearsTree develops framework; small amounts of flowering and fruit may appear
Continue structural pruning, thin developing fruits, maintain consistent moisture, monitor for pests, apply dormant oil spray in late winter
Flowering
2-3 weeks in springWhite to pink blossoms appear in spring; requires pollinator activity for fruit set
Ensure compatible pollinator variety is nearby (Gala, Granny Smith, or other mid-season bloomers), avoid fungicide sprays during bloom, support bees
Fruit Development & Growth
8-10 weeksSmall green apples develop and enlarge; fruits reach full size by mid-summer
Thin fruits to one every 6 inches for larger apples, water consistently, fertilize if needed, monitor for pests and disease, support heavy branches
Harvest Maturity
Late August to early SeptemberApples develop deep red color and reach full sweetness; skin yields slightly to pressure
Pick apples when fully colored and slightly soft, harvest from top branches first, handle carefully to avoid bruising, store in cool location
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use pheromone traps, thin fruits to prevent hiding spots, apply spinosad or kaolin clay sprays in early summer, remove fallen fruit
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Hang red sticky traps in June, apply spinosad after first fly appearance, harvest and destroy infested fruit, practice orchard sanitation
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Ensure good air circulation through pruning, apply sulfur spray at bud break and during growing season, remove infected leaves and shoots
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Splendour has good resistance; rake and dispose of fallen leaves, apply sulfur or copper fungicides in early season if needed, prune for airflow
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Handpick beetles in early morning, use pheromone traps away from tree, apply neem oil if severe, encourage beneficial insects
Uses
Fresh eating and baking
CulinarySplendour apples have excellent flavor for fresh eating with a crisp texture and balanced sweet-tart taste. They also hold their shape well during cooking, making them ideal for pies, sauce, and other baked goods. [source]
Cider production
CulinaryThe fruit's moderate acidity and tannin content make Splendour a suitable choice for craft cider production. Many home cider makers blend this variety with other cultivars for complexity. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe white-pink spring blossoms attract honeybees and native pollinators, providing an early-season nectar source. Splendour serves as an excellent pollinator variety for other apple cultivars. [source]
Ornamental landscape value
HouseholdBeyond fruit production, Splendour apples add aesthetic value with spring blossoms and colorful autumn foliage. The vigorous branching habit creates a natural, attractive form in the landscape. [source]
Nutritional and digestive benefits
MedicinalApples are rich in soluble fiber (pectin) and antioxidants, supporting digestive health and providing sustained energy. The skin contains most of the beneficial compounds. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Splendour apples mature in late August to early September. Harvest when skin is deep red and apples detach easily from the branch with a gentle twist. Pick apples from the top of the tree first as they ripen before lower fruits. Store in a cool location (32-40°F) or refrigerator for 2-3 months. Handle carefully to avoid bruising.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Splendour was developed in the 1970s at the University of Minnesota and is part of the 'Minnesota hardy' apple breeding program, making it exceptionally cold-tolerant
- 🌱 Despite its name suggesting beauty, 'Splendour' was chosen to reflect the striking deep red color of the fruit, which can be almost burgundy at full maturity
- 🌱 This variety is considered a superior pollinator because it blooms reliably and profusely, making it valuable in multi-variety orchards even when grown primarily for its own fruit
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