Malus, xdom, Ambrosia - #5

Ambrosia apples are a newer variety to the market, but they’re gaining popularity around the world. In the 1990s a chance seedling was discovered in the orchard of Wilfrid and Sally Mennell at Cawston, British Columbia Canada, and quickly became a national favorite.

This attractive, medium-sized apple has high gloss skin and colored 70% to 90% bright red blush with broad faint stripes on a cream to yellow background.

A perfectly ripe Ambrosia apple has floral notes like wildflower honey. These apples are exceptionally low in acid. They won’t taste tart or tangy, just mellow, and sweet.

The Ambrosia apple is a compact tree, growing upright and very productive, bearing moderate to heavy crop loads annually.

Tree Description:

Size/Shape: Medium-sized tree with a rounded to slightly spreading canopy and balanced branching structure.

Leaves: Medium to large oval leaves, rich green with serrated edges that create a full, lush look through the growing season.

Blossoms: Fragrant white to soft pink spring blossoms that attract pollinators and signal the start of apple season.

Fruit: Medium to large Ambrosia apples with a smooth yellow background washed in rosy pink. Known for their exceptionally sweet, low-acid flavor, crisp texture, and juicy flesh — perfect for fresh eating.

Trunk/Bark: Upright trunk with gray-brown bark that develops light texture as the tree matures.

Branches: Naturally well-spaced branching that benefits from light pruning to maintain airflow and fruit production.

Seasonal Changes: Dormant in winter, covered in blossoms in spring, lush green growth through summer, with harvest-ready fruit typically in early to mid-fall.

Tree arrives dormant in 5-gallon pot

Tree Care:
Planting: Choose a full sun location with well-draining soil, proper spacing, and correct planting depth for strong root establishment.

Watering: Maintain consistently moist soil with deep watering — about 1–2 inches per week, especially during establishment and fruit development.

Pruning: Prune in late winter to shape the tree, remove dead or crossing branches, and encourage an open canopy for better fruiting.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid excessive nitrogen to promote better fruit production.

Mulching: Add organic mulch around the base to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature, keeping mulch away from the trunk.

Pest/Disease: Monitor regularly for common apple pests and diseases; good sanitation and airflow help maintain tree health.

Thinning: Thin developing fruit clusters to improve size, quality, and overall tree vigor.

Harvesting: Pick when fruit develops its signature golden-pink color and crisp sweetness — typically early to mid-fall depending on climate.

Ambrosia apples are a newer variety to the market, but they’re gaining popularity around the world. In the 1990s a chance seedling was discovered in the orchard of Wilfrid and Sally Mennell at Cawston, British Columbia Canada, and quickly became a national favorite.

This attractive, medium-sized apple has high gloss skin and colored 70% to 90% bright red blush with broad faint stripes on a cream to yellow background.

A perfectly ripe Ambrosia apple has floral notes like wildflower honey. These apples are exceptionally low in acid. They won’t taste tart or tangy, just mellow, and sweet.

The Ambrosia apple is a compact tree, growing upright and very productive, bearing moderate to heavy crop loads annually.