Apple 'George Neal' Malus domestica 'George Neal' (C)
ABOUT
'George Neal' is a culinary or dessert cultivar in pollination group 2. Produces a good, regular crop of apples; skin greenish-yellow flushed orange and red. Brisk eating apple; sweet and with a delicate taste when cooked. Striking, deep pink blossom. Season of use from late August to September
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
George Neal Apple
Common names
Malus domestica 'George Neal'
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12-15 feet (3.65-4.57 meters)
Spread
12-15 feet (3.65-4.57 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Provides fresh fruit: Yielding apples that can be eaten fresh, used in cooking or preserved for later use.
- Enhances garden aesthetics: Offers ornamental value with its blossoms in spring and fruit in autumn.
- Supports pollinators: Attracts bees and other pollinating insects during the flowering season.
- Shade provider: Can offer shade in gardens and outdoor living spaces during the warmer months.
- Boosts local ecosystems: Supports local biodiversity by providing habitat and food for various wildlife species.
- Source of nutritional produce: Apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and various antioxidants.
- Educational opportunities: Can be used for teaching purposes in gardening and horticulture.
- Cultural significance: Apple trees have various symbolic meanings in different cultures and can connect people to traditions.
- Seasonal interest: Offers changing visual interest throughout the year, from spring blossoms to fall harvest.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: Apples, like the ones from the 'George Neal' cultivar, contain various antioxidants such as vitamin C and polyphenols that may help in reducing oxidative stress in the body.
- Dietary Fiber: Apples are a good source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote bowel regularity, as well as potentially contributing to a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.
- Cardiovascular Health: The fiber, antioxidants, and other compounds found in apples may contribute to cardiovascular benefit by improving lipid metabolism and reducing inflammation.
- Weight Management: Apples have been associated with weight management due to their low energy density and fiber content, which can enhance satiety and reduce overall calorie intake.
- Type 2 Diabetes Prevention: Consuming apples may be linked with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes thanks to their polyphenol content, which can influence blood sugar levels.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife Habitat: The dense foliage of apple trees can provide nesting sites and cover for birds and small mammals.
- Photography: Apple trees, especially when in bloom or laden with fruit, can serve as a beautiful subject for nature and macro photography.
- Woodworking: Apple wood can be used for small woodworking projects such as carving or for making tool handles due to its hardness and attractive grain patterns.
- Education: Apple trees can be used in educational settings such as schools and community gardens to teach children about plant life cycles, pollination, and fruit development.
- Floral Arrangements: Branches from the apple tree, especially when in bloom, can be used as part of floral displays and centerpieces.
- Natural Dyes: The leaves and bark of apple trees can be used to make natural dyes for coloring fabrics and yarns.
- Eco-friendly Crafts: Dried apple slices can be used for creating decorative ornaments, wreaths, or potpourri.
- Soil Improvement: When decomposed, apple tree leaves and trimmings can be turned into compost to nourish garden soil.
- Beekeeping: Planting an apple tree can support local bee populations by providing an abundant source of pollen and nectar during the flowering season.
- Sound Barrier: A well-placed row of apple trees can act as a sound barrier, reducing noise pollution from roads or neighbors.
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: The apple, a fruit of the Malus domestica, is often associated with knowledge and wisdom, drawing from the Biblical story of Adam and Eve where the apple represents the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge.
- Temptation: Similarly, due to its role in the story of the Garden of Eden, apples symbolize temptation and the allure of the forbidden.
- Immortality: In Greek mythology, apples are associated with the gods and immortality, as they were believed to keep the gods young in the stories of the Golden Apples in the Garden of the Hesperides.
- Love and Desire: In many cultures, the apple is a symbol of love, desire, and sexuality, stemming from its rich, red color and sweet taste.
- Peace: Offering an apple is sometimes seen as a gesture of peace or truce, as it is a fruit that is widely enjoyed and recognized.
WaterApple trees, including the variety 'George Neal', require deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root systems. Typically, young apple trees should be watered weekly with about 5 to 10 gallons of water, depending on the climate and soil conditions. As they establish and mature, watering can be reduced, especially if the area receives regular rainfall. During the growing season, especially in times of drought, apple trees may need a thorough watering every two to three weeks. It's crucial to avoid waterlogging the soil, so ensure proper drainage and adjust the watering schedule accordingly.
LightApple trees need full sunlight to produce the best fruit, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. The ideal spot for an apple tree is in an open area away from taller structures or trees that could create shade. While apple trees can tolerate some light shade, too much can reduce fruit quality and quantity.
TemperatureApple trees thrive in a temperate climate with chill hours that are necessary for breaking dormancy. They can generally survive winter temperatures as low as -20°F, though flowers and fruit can be damaged by spring frosts if temperatures dip below 28°F. The ideal growing conditions for apple trees are summer temperatures ranging between 75°F and 85°F.
PruningPruning an apple tree improves air circulation, sunlight penetration, and fruit production. The best time to prune is during the late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Young trees should be pruned lightly to shape the tree and encourage strong branch structure, while mature trees should be pruned annually to remove dead or diseased wood and thin out the canopy. Pruning should also remove any suckers or water sprouts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilApple 'George Neal' thrives in well-draining loam with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A blend of two parts loam, one part sand, and one part compost is optimal for nutrients and drainage.
RepottingApple trees like 'George Neal' are not commonly repotted as they are grown outdoors; however, young trees may be replanted every 2-3 years or as they outgrow their space.
Humidity & Misting'George Neal' apple prefers moderate humidity levels typical of outdoor environments; does not require specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Apple 'George Neal' is not suitable for indoor cultivation due to size and light needs.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and provide regular watering.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe 'George Neal' apple (Malus domestica 'George Neal') starts its life cycle when a seed germinates in spring, after experiencing a period of cold stratification which breaks the seed's dormancy. The seed develops into a seedling, with roots growing downward and a shoot pushing upward towards the light. As the plant grows into a young tree, it undergoes a vegetative stage, characterized by the development of leaves, branches, and a sturdy trunk. After a few years, the apple tree reaches maturity and begins its reproductive phase, producing fragrant flowers in the spring that are pollinated by insects. If fertilization occurs, these flowers will develop into fruit, with the 'George Neal' variety typically ripening in late summer to early fall. As the tree ages, it undergoes a period of senescence and will eventually die, completing its life cycle, but often it is capable of living for several decades and producing fruit annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Malus domestica 'George Neal' is a cultivar of apple that is typically propagated by grafting, which is the most popular method for this plant. Grafting is usually done in late winter or early spring, just before the growing season begins. Scion wood, which is a cutting from a mature George Neal apple tree with desirable traits, is carefully spliced onto the rootstock of another apple variety. The rootstock determines the eventual size of the tree and contributes to the vigor and disease resistance of the grafted tree. The union site where the scion and rootstock meet is carefully wrapped and sealed to encourage the tissues to fuse together, a process that may require several weeks. Once the graft has taken, the new tree will grow and eventually bear fruit identical to the George Neal apple.
