Kidd's Orange Red Apple Malus domestica 'Kidd's Orange Red' (D)
ABOUT
Kidd's Orange Red is a type of apple tree renowned for its attractive, sweet-tasting apples. The apples are a distinctive blend of orange and red, often with a flush of both colors creating a bicolored effect. Their skin is smooth with a glossy finish that makes the fruits highly appealing. The flesh inside is a creamy white color, crisp in texture, and juicy, providing a delightful eating experience. The leaves of the apple tree are a deep green color, oval in shape with a slightly toothed edge, and they form a dense canopy which provides shade for the developing fruit. In spring, the tree is adorned with delicate blossoms that are typically pinkish-white, adding ornamental value before the fruit sets. The overall appearance of the apples hanging from the branches amidst the green foliage is picturesque, making this variety not only valued for its delicious fruit but also for its visual appeal in a garden or orchard setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Kidd's Orange Red Apple
Common names
Malus domestica 'Kidd's Orange Red'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as apple is not toxic to humans when the fleshy fruit part is consumed. However, the seeds of the apple contain amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide when digested. Consuming a large number of apple seeds can potentially lead to cyanide poisoning. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include headache, dizziness, confusion, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, it can lead to seizures, cardiac arrest, and even death. It is rare for someone to consume enough apple seeds to experience these effects, as the seeds' hard coating usually prevents the release of large amounts of amygdalin, and one would need to eat many seeds from several apples to be at risk.
To pets
The common apple, as it pertains to pets, is generally considered safe when it comes to the flesh of the fruit. However, similar to humans, the seeds contain amygdalin, which can cause cyanide poisoning in pets if consumed in large enough quantities. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in pets can include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. In severe cases, it can lead to collapse, seizures, coma, and even death. While the risk is generally low due to the small amount of amygdalin present in each seed and the protective seed coating, it is still best to avoid feeding apple seeds to pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12-15 feet (3.7-4.6 meters)
Spread
12-15 feet (3.7-4.6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Fruits: Produces delicious apples suitable for fresh eating, cooking, and baking.
- Aesthetics: The tree offers spring blossoms and seasonal foliage, enhancing garden beauty.
- Pollination: Serves as a pollinator for other apple varieties that require cross-pollination.
- Wildlife Attraction: Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, supporting local ecosystems.
- Shade and Shelter: Provides shade and can act as a windbreak in landscape settings.
- Community Engagement: Can be part of community orchards or educational gardens.
- Local Food Production: Encourages sustainable, locally-grown produce consumption.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: The fruit of Malus domestica, commonly known as apple, contains flavonoids and vitamin C which have antioxidant properties, helping to protect cells from damage by free radicals.
- Dietary Fiber: Apples are a good source of dietary fiber, which can contribute to digestive health and help in maintaining a healthy weight.
- Cardiovascular Health: Regular consumption of apples has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases due to the presence of soluble fibers, which can help reduce blood cholesterol levels.
- Glycemic Control: The fiber in apples also helps in slowing down the absorption of sugars, aiding in the regulation of blood sugar levels and potentially benefiting people with diabetes.
- Dental Health: Chewing apples stimulates saliva production, which can reduce tooth decay by lowering the levels of bacteria.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography: Apple branches or fruits can be used as subjects in still life photography to capture the colors and textures.
- Educational Tools: Apples can demonstrate various scientific principles such as density (will it float in water) and fermentation processes in classroom settings.
- Natural Dyes: The skins of apples can be boiled to extract natural dyes for fabrics or art projects.
- Decorative Arrangements: Apples can be used to create attractive autumnal centerpieces or as festive holiday decorations.
- Culinary Arts: Apples can be carved into intricate shapes and used as garnishes or decorative elements in gourmet dishes.
- Children's Games: Apples are used in traditional games, like bobbing for apples during Halloween celebrations.
- Craft Supplies: Dried apple slices can serve as embellishments for crafting, such as making wreaths or potpourri.
- Insect Bait: Apples can be used as a natural bait in insect traps for fruit flies and other pests.
- Seed Planting: Apple seeds can be planted in creative ways for educational projects, illustrating the life cycle of plants.
- DIY Beauty Products: The juice or pulp of apples can be incorporated into homemade face masks for their astringent properties.
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 and Forbidden Fruit: Associated with the biblical story of Adam and Eve, apples like Malus domestica often symbolize knowledge, wisdom, and the tantalizing allure of something forbidden or unattainable.
- Love and Beauty: Throughout various cultures and mythologies, apples are symbols of love and beauty. In Greek mythology, for instance, the golden apple is a symbol of desire and discord due to its role in the Judgment of Paris.
- Fertility and Abundance: Apples trees are prolific fruit bearers. Therefore, they are often associated with fertility, abundance, and prosperity, reflecting the generous yield of the trees.
- Eternal Life: In Norse mythology, apples are the food of the gods, granting them immortality. This symbolism makes apples a token of eternal life or rejuvenation.
- Peace and Unity: Offering an apple can be a sign of peace or an attempt to resolve a conflict. The act of sharing an apple is a symbol of unity and good will.
WaterKidd's Orange Red Apple trees should be watered deeply and thoroughly to encourage deep root growth. During the growing season, it's essential to keep the soil consistently moist, so watering once a week with about 1 to 2 gallons per young tree should suffice, but always check the soil moisture. For mature trees, water every two to three weeks with 10 to 15 gallons, depending on the rain frequency and temperatures. During hot, dry periods, the frequency should increase, and during winter, watering can be reduced significantly. Always avoid waterlogging as this can lead to root diseases.
LightKidd's Orange Red Apple trees thrive best in full sun where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They should be planted in a location that provides ample sunlight throughout the day to encourage healthy growth and abundant fruit production. Avoid shaded areas which can result in poor fruiting and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
TemperatureThe Kidd's Orange Red Apple tree is hardy and adaptable to a range of temperatures; however, it grows best in areas where the temperatures range between 32°F and 75°F. It can withstand winter cold down to approximately -20°F. During the blooming period in spring, be aware that temperatures below 28°F can damage the flowers, and consequently affect fruit production.
PruningPruning Kidd's Orange Red Apple trees is vital for maintaining tree health, encouraging fruit production, and managing shape. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Thin out crowded branches to allow light and air to penetrate the canopy. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Pruning should be conducted annually for the best results and to keep the tree at a manageable size for harvesting.
CleaningAs needed
SoilApple trees like the 'Kidd's Orange Red' variety thrive in well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH for apple trees is between 6.0 and 7.0. A good soil mix can be created by combining equal parts of garden soil, compost, and aged bark or sand to improve drainage.
RepottingThe 'Kidd's Orange Red' apple tree, once planted in the ground, does not require repotting. However, if grown in containers, young trees should be repotted every 2-3 years to provide ample space for root growth until they reach maturity.
Humidity & MistingApple trees like 'Kidd's Orange Red' are adaptable to a wide range of outdoor humidity levels and typically do not require specific humidity conditions for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Growing indoors is hard, use dwarf rootstock and ample light.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, spring, ensure good air flow.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleCommonly known as Kidd's Orange Red apple, this plant begins its life cycle as a dormant bud on an apple tree during winter. In spring, the buds burst into bloom, producing fragrant white flowers with a pink tinge. Following pollination by insects, these flowers develop into small apple fruitlets. Throughout summer, the fruitlets grow, benefiting from ample sunlight and water, until they reach maturity in late summer to early fall. Once ripe, the apples exhibit a reddish-orange skin and can be harvested. The tree then prepares for winter dormancy, shedding its leaves and slowing its growth as temperatures drop, completing the annual cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The most popular method of propagating the Kidd's Orange Red apple, which is a cultivar of the Malus domestica species, is through grafting. This usually takes place in late winter to early spring, when the rootstocks are dormant but just about to enter their growth cycle. Scion wood, which is a twig from a healthy Kidd's Orange Red apple tree with several buds, is cut from the donor plant when it is dormant. The scion wood, typically about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) in length, is then grafted onto a compatible rootstock which could be a seedling or a clonal rootstock that has been developed for specific traits such as dwarfing or disease resistance. The graft is made using techniques like whip-and-tongue or cleft grafting, which involve precise cuts in both the scion and the rootstock to ensure a snug fit and maximum cambial contact. The grafted joint is then bound with grafting tape and sealed with tree grafting wax or a similar sealant to prevent drying out and infection by pathogens. Aftercare includes proper watering, staking if necessary, and monitoring for disease and pests while the graft union heals and grows.
