Apple 'Freedom'

(Malus domestica "Freedom")



Light Full Sun
Plant type Perennial
Hardiness zones 4-8
Height 24"
Width 24"
Accent White bloom in spring, fruit in early-mid July through the fall
Foliage   lovely spreading nature

• Easy-care tree ideal for areas with apple scab, powdery mildew, and fire blight issues. • Deer resistance
• Cold-hardy.
• Best Pollinators: Cortland, Liberty, or Starkspur® UltraMac™.


PLANTING

Planting time: plant bare root while the tree is dormant in early spring.
Light: Full sun. 
Soil: 6.0 - 7.0 Loamy, well-drained soil.


MAINTENANCE

Watering
• Weekly during dry spells.

Fertilizing
• Do not fertilize until your trees begin bearing fruit (about 2-4 years).
• To prevent any chance of chemical burn, do not fertilize past July 1st.
 
Pruning
• Thin fruits to a stretch of hand span.
• Summer solstice pruning slows tree's growth.
• Winter is the best time to remove 3D (dead, diseased, & disoriented) branches.
• Prune suckers and water sprouts at any time of year.


PROBLEMS

•     Scab  - Very resistant
    Canker  - Some resistance
    Mildew  - Some resistance
    Fireblight  - Some resistance
    Cedar apple rust  - Some resistance

HARVEST

• Large bright-red fruit with a juicy tender flesh great for fresh-eating, cider, juicing, and cooking.
• Ripens from late September to early October.
• 2 - 5 Years to Bear