Melrose apple tree

Malus domestica 'Melrose'

• Check pollinators >

• Picking season: Late
• Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
• Pollination group: 3

Melrose is a well-regarded American apple, with an attractive red-flushed skin. 

Melrose is very similar to Jonathan, one of the best-flavored American apples - and one of its parents. The other parent is Red Delicious, and its sweet flavor complements the sharper flavors of Jonathan well. 

The apples store well - they can be kept for 3 months in a fridge, and the flavor is arguably at its best after a month or so of storage.

Melrose apple trees for sale

You can pre-order now for spring 2025

• Semi-dwarf 1-year bare-root tree $37.95
  Mature height: 8ft-12ft after 10 years
  G.969 rootstock
  

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How to grow

Its Red Delicious parentage ensures Melrose grows vigorously and productively. Melrose has a tendency to over-crop so it is a good idea to thin the fruitlets in late May.

Advice on fruit tree pollination.

History

Melrose was developed in the late 1930s at the Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station, Wooster, Ohio. 

It is grown commercially on a small scale in the USA and Europe, and a number of sports exist, usually featuring better skin coloration.

Melrose characteristics

• Gardening skillBeginner
• Self-fertilityNot self-fertile
• Pollination group3
• Pollinating othersAverage
• Picking seasonLate
• UsesEating fresh
• Keeping (of fruit)3 months or more
• General resistanceAverage
• FireblightSome susceptibility
• CankerSome susceptibility
• ScabSome susceptibility
• Cedar apple rustSome resistance
• MildewSome susceptibility
• Cold hardiness (USDA)Zone 4 (-34C)
• Summer maximum temperaturesCool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)
• Chill requirementHigh-chill - 1000 hours
• Country of originUnited States
• Period of origin1900 - 1949
• Flesh colourCream
• Fruit colorRed - dark