Q. I planted a Pink Lady Apple and a Fuji apple together
as pollination partners last March. My Fuji died over the summer. I like Fuji
apples from the store but I’m wondering if I should try again with another Fuji
tree or choose another variety?
A. Whoever told you Pink
Lady apple tree needed a “pollination partner” in our climate is wrong. Pink
Lady does not need one and neither does a Fuji apple. They are both
self-fruitful here.
Lady apple tree needed a “pollination partner” in our climate is wrong. Pink
Lady does not need one and neither does a Fuji apple. They are both
self-fruitful here.
 |
| Fuji apples grown in North Las Vegas |
Stay with the Pink Lady apple. Pick a peach, apricot,
plum or pluot to replace the dead Fuji apple. Don’t plant in the same hole but
plant it a couple of feet away from the old hole. Amend the soil with compost
at planting time.
plum or pluot to replace the dead Fuji apple. Don’t plant in the same hole but
plant it a couple of feet away from the old hole. Amend the soil with compost
at planting time.
 |
| Pink Lady apples grown in North Las Vegas |
Make sure apples are semi-dwarf. Don’t expect the same
apple fruit attributes you have experienced before when fruit is grown in the
desert. Different climates, soils and even rootstocks can change the flavor and
texture attributes of fruit.
apple fruit attributes you have experienced before when fruit is grown in the
desert. Different climates, soils and even rootstocks can change the flavor and
texture attributes of fruit.
Depending on the time of year, that Fuji apple you bought
in the store was most likely a storage apple and not fresh. I like to smell
fruit before buying it. When I walk past apples in the store, I want to be able
to smell them as I pass by. I want to pick up a fruit, feel it and smell it
before buying. Aroma is one indicator of freshness and not a storage apple.
There are others.
in the store was most likely a storage apple and not fresh. I like to smell
fruit before buying it. When I walk past apples in the store, I want to be able
to smell them as I pass by. I want to pick up a fruit, feel it and smell it
before buying. Aroma is one indicator of freshness and not a storage apple.
There are others.