Melrose Apple Information
According to Melrose apple information, Melrose apples were developed as part of Ohio’s apple breeding program. They are a delicious cross between Jonathan and Red Delicious. If you want to start growing Melrose apples, don’t hesitate. Sweet and sugary in taste, these apples are also visually attractive, medium-sized, round, and robust in appearance. The base skin color is red, but it is over-blushed with ruby red. Best of all is the rich taste of the juicy flesh. It’s wonderful eaten right off the tree, but even better after a time in storage, since it keeps on ripening. In fact, one of the joys of growing Melrose apples is that the taste holds for up to four months in refrigerated storage. Plus, you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck, as one tree can yield up to 50 pounds (23 kg.) of fruit.
How to Grow Melrose Apples
If you have decided to start growing Melrose apples, you’ll have the easiest time in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. That’s where Melrose apple tree care will be a snap. The trees are hardy to minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-34 C.). Find a site that gets at least a half day of direct sun. Like most fruit trees, Melrose apple trees require well-drained soil to thrive. Regular irrigation after transplant is an important part of Melrose apple tree care. You can mulch around the tree to keep the moisture in the soil, but don’t bring the mulch up so close that it touches the trunk. Melrose apple trees grow to 16 feet (5 m.) tall, so be sure there’s enough room where you want to plant. Most apple trees require an apple neighbor of another variety for pollination, and Melrose is no exception. Lots of varieties will work with Melrose.
