Home / Red Delicious Apple Tree
Red Delicious Apple Tree
Red Delicious Apple Tree
Red Delicious Apple Tree
Red Delicious Apple Tree
Red Delicious Apple Tree
Red Delicious Apple Tree
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Fruit Tree

Red Delicious Apple Tree

5.0/5 2 reviews
Will it grow where you live?

Zones 5-8

Can't ship to California or Georgia.

Size: 5-6 ft
$136 $170

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1-year guaranteeShips in 1–5 daysReal plant experts

From our farm to your front door

  • Shipped in its nursery pot, so the roots stay undisturbed
  • Soil secured so it stays put in transit
  • Packed so the plant stays steady on the way to you

At a glance

Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
When the top 2–3" of soil is dry
Growth & size
Moderate growth rate; typically reaches 12–18 feet tall and 10-15 feet wide at maturity.
Botanical name
Malus domestica 'Red Delicious'
Hardiness
Zones 5-8
Tolerates
Heat tolerantCold hardyHumidity tolerantWind tolerant
USDA zone map for Red Delicious Apple Tree

Where it grows in the groundShaded areas are the zones where it can be planted outdoors.

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What customers are saying

5.0
out of 5 · 2 verified reviews

Why customers love it

Healthy, well-rooted plants

Hand-selected and shipped in its nursery pot.

Delivered to your door

Skip the nursery trip. Very little car Tetris required.

Real plant experts

Ask us anything before or after planting.

1-year guarantee

If something goes wrong, we'll help make it right.

Care made simple

Plant it right once and it does the rest.

Sun
Full Sun

Pick the spot before you dig.

Water
When the top 2–3" of soil is dry

Water slowly and deeply. Check more often in its first summer.

Grows in
Zones 5-8

Enter your ZIP above to check your zone.

Your first year together

  1. 1Day 1

    Plant it, then water slowly until the whole root ball is soaked.

  2. 2First few weeks

    Keep the soil evenly moist while new roots settle in.

  3. 3First summer

    Water deeply during hot, dry spells.

  4. 4Next spring

    New growth starts. Feed as it wakes up.

Planting instructions
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and about the same depth. Place the tree so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle the roots. Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, keeping mulch several inches away from the trunk.
Watering & sunlight
Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all. Weather, soil type, drainage, plant size, and planting time all affect how quickly a plant dries out.

Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering.

Before watering again, check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather.

Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.

Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.

Red Delicious Apple Trees require full sun for best fruit production. At least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day helps support healthy growth and strong harvests.
Care guide

PRUNING:
Prune annually during late winter while the tree is dormant. Proper pruning improves airflow, encourages fruit production, and helps maintain a strong branch structure.

FERTILIZING:
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins to support healthy foliage and fruit development. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish.

WINTER PROTECTION:
Red Delicious Apple Trees are cold hardy within their recommended zones and typically require no winter protection once established.

Shipping & what's inside

Your plant ships in its nursery pot with the soil secured, packed so it stays steady on the way to you.

1-year guarantee

Every plant is covered by our 1-year guarantee. If something goes wrong, contact our team and we'll walk you through it.

Answered by Simply Trees plant experts
How big does the Red Delicious Apple Tree get?
Red Delicious Apple Trees typically grow 12-18 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide at maturity.
How fast does the Red Delicious Apple Tree grow?
Red Delicious Apple Trees grow at a moderate rate and can grow about 1–2 feet per year under ideal conditions.
Where is the best place to plant a Red Delicious Apple Tree?
Plant Red Delicious Apple Trees in full sun in well-draining soil with good air circulation to support healthy growth and fruit production.
When do Red Delicious Apple Trees produce fruit?
Red Delicious apples typically ripen in late summer to early fall, depending on the growing region.
Does the Red Delicious Apple Tree need another apple tree for pollination?
Yes, Red Delicious Apple Trees benefit from cross-pollination with another compatible apple variety to produce the best fruit harvest.
How long does it take for a Red Delicious Apple Tree to produce fruit?
Most Red Delicious Apple Trees begin producing fruit within 3–5 years after planting, depending on growing conditions and tree maturity.
How many chill hours does the Red Delicious Apple Tree need?
Red Delicious Apple Trees typically require approximately 700–900 chill hours each winter to produce a reliable fruit crop. Chill hours are the number of hours the tree experiences temperatures between about 32°F and 45°F during dormancy.
What apple varieties pollinate Red Delicious Apple Trees?
Red Delicious Apple Trees can be pollinated by many other apple varieties that bloom at a similar time, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith. Planting another compatible apple tree nearby helps improve fruit production.
How many apples can a Red Delicious Apple Tree produce?
A mature Red Delicious Apple Tree can produce several bushels of apples per season under ideal growing conditions, depending on tree size, age, and overall care.
When should Red Delicious apples be harvested?
Red Delicious apples are typically ready to harvest in late summer to early fall, when the fruit develops its deep red color and the apples easily detach from the branch.
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