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Redfree apple tree

Redfree
Redfree is listed in the RHS Plants for Pollinators
  • Picking season: Early
  • Self-fertility: Not self-fertile
  • Pollination group: 3

Redfree is an attractive modern summer apple, with a high level of disease resistance. As well as excellent resistance to scab it also has good resistance to fire blight and cedar apple rust.

The apples have a crisper texture than is normally found in summer apples, and can be kept in a fridge for several weeks after picking.

Redfree apple trees for sale

  • 1Dwarf 1-year bare-root tree $38.95
    Mature height: 6ft-9ft after 10 years
    Dwarf rootstock
    Out of stock
    Sorry we have sold out for this season
  • 2Semi-dwarf 1-year bare-root tree $38.95
    Mature height: 8ft-12ft after 10 years
    G.969 rootstock
    Out of stock
    Sorry we have sold out for this season

How to grow

Redfree is easy to grow and adapted to both cold and warm climates, but flavor is generally better in cooler areas.

Thanks to its unusual parentage, which includes a scab-resistant crab apple, Redfree is a good pollinator of many other apple varieties.

Redfree is one of the most resistant varieties to cedar-apple rust, and is therefore a good choice if you live in an area where CAR is present.

Advice on fruit tree pollination.

History

Redfree was developed by the co-operative breeding program at Purdue, Rutgers, and Illinois universities. It was known during development as Co-op 13 and was released in the 1980s.

Redfree characteristics

  • Gardening skillBeginner
  • Self-fertilityNot self-fertile
  • Pollination group3
  • Pollinating othersGood
  • Picking seasonEarly
  • UsesEating fresh
  • Keeping (of fruit)2-3 weeks
  • General resistanceGood
  • FireblightSome resistance
  • ScabVery resistant
  • Cedar apple rustVery resistant
  • MildewSome resistance
  • Cold hardiness (USDA)Zone 4 (-34C)
  • Summer maximum temperaturesCool ( 20-24C / 68-75F)Warm (25-30C / 76-85F)
  • Country of originUnited States
  • Period of origin1950 - 1999
  • Fruit colorRed

This variety description was researched and written by Orange Pippin staff. Last checked: 2024.