Position
The Pink Lady apple tree should be planted in full sun, with 6 – 8 hours of sunshine daily. Each tree should be planted between 5 to 8 metres away from the next to give them room to grow and mature.
Size
The Pink Lady apple can grow to between 6 and 7 metres high and has a width or spread of the same, making it a sizeable tree.
Soil Type
This type of apple tree does well in well-drained, slightly acidic soil; with a pH of between 6.0 and 6.8. It is not drought tolerant.
Add half a bag of our Volcanic Rock Dust (R25 per bag) and a bag of Superfrass (R25 per bag). This combination will facilitate rapid growth while also protecting the roots from insect damage.
Watering
Apples need a moderate amount of water regularly. Be aware of dry spells and slightly increase the amount of water you give your tree when it starts to fruit.
Mulching
All plants and trees benefit from mulch. Good mulch helps to keep the roots moist and protected from harmful UV rays. Mulch also adds nutrients to feed the plant. Use pine bark mulch to maintain the soil’s pH and add organic matter to the soil.
It is essential to keep the mulch about 5 centimetres away from the stem. If it touches the plant, it may cause the branches to rot and get infected.
Fertilising
Apply 1 teaspoon of our slow-release nitrogen-rich berry fertiliser every 4-5 months.
Pruning
The best time to prune your tree is when the tree is dormant. This should be done either during late winter or very early spring. Cut off any branches that are hanging down, dead or diseased. You should also remove all of the unwanted shoots that come out of the tree trunk right up until the canopy. This helps the nutrients to get to the boughs with the fruit more efficiently.
Pests and Diseases
Apple trees are prone to powdery mildew. Spraying regularly with Agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM) Control will assist in either prevention or after-the-fact treatment. If you already have aphids, mites, or mildew, wash the tree with a strong hose. When dry, spray with Neem oil or EM Control. Consistency is key.
Harvesting
The Pink Lady harvest is one of the latest to harvest. This normally begins between late October and early November.
