Why "redder" isn't always "better".
Grandpa often bucks this trend seen in the produce department.
Idared Apple

Idared Apple

Malus domestica 'Idared'

Idared is an excellent apple that is quite like Jonathan in flavor, but its flesh is crisp and white. It has a sweet-tart flavor and is very juicy and flavorful. It has a pinkish red color with a little striping. It can be used for all purposes and is commonly used in the commercial pie industry. It stores well and is one of the most dependable producers of large fruit.


Height

12-15 Feet

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Spread

10-15 Feet


USDA Hardiness Zone 4-8

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Malus domestica 'Idared'
Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips

Idared is one of the easiest apples for the backyard orchardist to grow and have consistent, productive crops every year. Even though it is an early prolific bloomer, it always seems to set just the right amount of crop. Idared is quite susceptible to fire blight in young, vigorous trees.

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A Little History about Idared Apple

Grandpa used to say that Idared was one of the few apples that was related to the potato, because it was bred and introduced by the Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station in 1942. It is a Jonathan X Wagener cross. Guess Grandpa was wrong--- no Burbank potato blood at all! Grandpa got an interesting mail from a customer in Yellville, Arkansas who told us his uncle Benton Brown, who must have been a scientist at the Idaho Experiment Station was the developer of the Idared apple, and named it for Donnie's great-great-grandmother, Ida Post Cooper. She must have been a wonderful lady to have been immortalized in this fashion! Thanks for the info, Donnie!

Malus domestica 'Idared' Characteristics & Attributes

Bloom Character
Pollinizer needed
Early blooming
Fruit Characteristics
Large fruit
Growth Rate/Habit
Average vigor
Early to bear
Very productive
Spreading habit
Harvest Period
Early fall
Other Attributes
Long-term keeper
Complex flavor
Sweet-tart
Very crisp
Very juicy
Site Requirements
Full Sun
Very hardy
Skill Required
Easy to grow
Uses
Juice or Cider
High dessert quality
Cooking or baking
Good for pies
Good for sauce
Canning or freezing