Chivers Delight Apple Malus domestica 'Chivers Delight' (D)
ABOUT
The plant known as the 'Chivers Delight' apple tree bears fruit that is both visually appealing and enjoyable to the taste. The fruit of this tree typically has a round shape, with a smooth and glossy skin that can vary from a yellow to green base color. Over this base, there are often flushes of red, with some fruits displaying an attractive pattern of stripes or a more blushed appearance. The flesh inside the apple is usually firm and crisp, offering a satisfying bite. It is often cream-colored or slightly off-white, and full of juices that can make the eating experience quite refreshing. When the apple tree blossoms, the flowers are showy, with tightly packed clusters of white or pale pink petals, which create a contrast against the green foliage in the background. The leaves of the apple tree are typically a deep glossy green, with a slightly toothed edge, and are held aloft on sturdy branches that spread outward from the main trunk. Overall, the 'Chivers Delight' apple tree presents a harmonious blend of fruit, flower, and foliage, delivering not only visual beauty but also the promise of tasty fruit each season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Chivers Delight Apple
Common names
Malus domestica 'Chivers Delight'.
ToxicityTo humans
Apple, which is the most common name for Malus domestica 'Chivers Delight', is not toxic to humans and its fruits are widely consumed. However, seeds within the apple core contain compounds that can release cyanide when digested. Ingesting large quantities of apple seeds may lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of mild cyanide poisoning include headache, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, and shortness of breath. Ingestion of extremely large quantities can lead to more severe symptoms such as seizures, loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest, and in rare circumstances may be fatal.
To pets
Apple is also known to be non-toxic to pets, and the fruit is often considered a safe and healthy treat for animals like dogs and horses. However, similar to humans, the seeds of the apple can be harmful to pets. The cyanogenic compounds within the seeds can release cyanide when ingested, with the potential for cyanide poisoning if consumed in large amounts. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include drooling, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and in severe cases, seizures, collapse, and coma. It is recommended to keep apple cores and seeds away from pets to avoid any risk.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12-15 feet (3.6-4.6 meters)
Spread
12-15 feet (3.6-4.6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Food Production: The apple tree produces fruit that can be eaten fresh, cooked, or used in various recipes.
- Pollination: As a flowering plant, it supports local bee populations and contributes to pollinating gardens and orchards.
- Economic Value: Apple cultivation can be commercially profitable through the sale of fruit and apple-based products.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The apple tree has ornamental value, with attractive blossoms in spring and colorful fruit in the fall.
- Shade Provider: This tree can offer shade and coolness, making outdoor spaces more comfortable during hot months.
- Wildlife Habitat: Apple trees can provide food and shelter for birds, insects, and other wildlife.
- Learning and Education: Apple trees can be used in educational settings to teach about plant growth, fruit production, and tree care.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife Habitat: Apple trees can provide shelter and nesting sites for various birds and small mammals.
- Natural Dyes: The bark and leaves of apple trees can be used to create natural dyes for fabric and crafting purposes.
- Woodworking: Apple wood is valued for its dense and fine grain, suitable for making small wooden items like tool handles, furniture details, or smoking pipes.
- Smoking Food: Apple wood chips are commonly used for smoking meats to impart a sweet, fruity flavor.
- Play Structures: Sturdy branches from apple trees can be used to construct simple play structures or tree swing supports for children.
- Ink Production: Historically, the tannins from apple tree bark have been used to produce ink.
- Photography Props: Apple trees, with their blooms or fruit, are popular as outdoor photography props, especially for spring and fall photoshoots.
- Climate Modification: When planted in large numbers, apple orchards can influence microclimates by providing shade and affecting local humidity levels.
- Soil Improvement: The extensive root system of apple trees can help prevent soil erosion and improve soil health over time.
- Religious and Cultural Symbols: In various cultures, apple trees and their fruit have been used as symbols in religious and mythological contexts.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe apple tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe apple tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Knowledge: As an apple variety, 'Chivers Delight' is often associated with knowledge and wisdom, drawing from the story of Adam and Eve in which the apple symbolizes the fruit of knowledge.
- Temptation and Sin: Similar to the above, apples in Christian symbolism can represent temptation and original sin, again harking back to the biblical account of the Garden of Eden.
- Love and Fertility: In many cultures, apples are symbols of love, youth, beauty, and fertility. For instance, they are given as gifts to express romantic interest or desire.
- Eternal Life: In Norse mythology, apples are associated with eternal youth and vitality. They were believed to keep the gods young forever.
- Health and Well-being: The apple's symbolic meaning of health is encapsulated in the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” It underscores the fruit's link to physical health and well-being.
WaterThe 'Chivers Delight' apple tree should be watered deeply to encourage a strong root system, providing about 10 to 15 gallons of water per week during the growing season, depending on the climate and soil conditions. Newly planted trees need frequent watering until they are established, typically once a week if there is no significant rainfall. As the apple tree matures, watering can be reduced during cooler seasons or periods of rainfall, though it is important to maintain consistent moisture during the fruiting period. Over-watering can be just as harmful as under-watering, so it’s critical to check the soil moisture level before watering.
LightApple trees, including the 'Chivers Delight', prefer full sun conditions receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Best spots for planting are open areas away from buildings or shade trees to ensure they get ample sunlight throughout the day, which is crucial for fruit development and overall health of the tree.
Temperature'Chivers Delight' apple trees thrive in a temperate climate with winter chill for proper dormancy. They can generally survive winter temperatures down to about -20°F and need an ideal temperature range between 60°F to 75°F during the growing season for optimal growth. Proper fruit set often requires spring and summer temperatures well above freezing but under excessive heat.
PruningPruning the 'Chivers Delight' apple tree is essential for maintaining tree health, encouraging fruit production, and shaping the tree structure. Prune during late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and thin out the canopy to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration, which helps reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Pruning should be done annually to keep the tree productive and manageable.
CleaningAs needed
SoilApple trees, including 'Chivers Delight', thrive in well-draining loamy soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a balanced fertilizer is recommended to provide a nutrient-rich foundation.
RepottingApple trees like 'Chivers Delight' are typically not repotted as they are grown as outdoor trees. Instead, they may require occasional transplanting every few years if grown in temporary containers.
Humidity & Misting'Chivers Delight' apple trees are adaptable to a wide range of outdoor humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow 'Chivers Delight' apples in large pots with ample light.
Outdoor
Plant 'Chivers Delight' in full sun, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycle'Chivers Delight', a cultivar of apple (Malus domestica), starts its life as a seed, which, when planted in well-drained soil and given the proper conditions, will germinate and develop into a seedling. After a few years, the seedling grows into a sapling, establishing a strong root system and beginning to exhibit the characteristics of the 'Chivers Delight' apple, including its distinctive flavor profile. As the apple tree matures, it enters its flowering stage each spring, producing blossoms that are pollinated by bees and other insects. Following successful pollination, the flowers develop into fruit, with the 'Chivers Delight' apples typically ripening in late summer to early autumn. The tree then enters a period of dormancy during the winter months. With proper care and favorable conditions, the 'Chivers Delight' apple tree can remain productive for several decades, completing this life cycle annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagating the apple tree known as 'Chivers Delight' is by grafting, which is typically done in late winter to early spring. This involves taking a scion, which is a piece of a mature plant's stem or branch with buds, from the 'Chivers Delight' apple tree and joining it onto the rootstock of another apple tree. The chosen rootstock determines the size and vigour of the grafted tree. The scion is usually about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long and contains at least two or three buds. The process involves making a slanted cut on both the scion and the rootstock, then fitting them together so that the cambium layers – the actively growing tissue between the bark and wood – align as closely as possible. The joint is then wrapped and sealed to maintain moisture and encourage the graft to take, with the expectation that the scion will grow and become a productive part of the rootstock.
