Apple Malus domestica 'Lord Derby' (C)
ABOUT
The apple tree known as 'Lord Derby' is distinguished by its visual traits typical of apple varieties. It boasts a robust and sturdy trunk that gives rise to a spreading canopy of branches. The leaves of this tree are broad and ovate with a slightly serrated edge, exhibiting a vibrant green hue that can vary slightly in depth of color with the changing seasons. Adorning the branches, blossoms emerge in spring, ranging from pure white to shades of pink, often arranged in clusters. These flowers are known for their ornate beauty and delicate scent, inviting pollinators to facilitate the fruiting process. As these flowers fade, the fruit begins to develop, and 'Lord Derby' is known for producing apples that are large and typically greenish-yellow with a blush of red. The skin of the apple is smooth with a slight sheen, and beneath the surface, the flesh is crisp and juicy when ripe. The Mankind's enjoy this apple variety for its tart and tangy taste, which makes it suitable for both fresh eating and culinary uses, particularly in baking where its firmness holds up well during cooking.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Lord Derby Apple
Common names
Malus domestica 'Lord Derby'.
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name of Malus domestica 'Lord Derby' is apple. Apples are generally safe for human consumption including the flesh and skin. However, the seeds of the apple contain amygdalin, which is a compound that can release cyanide when chewed and digested. Consuming a small number of apple seeds is unlikely to cause harm, but ingesting large quantities could potentially result in symptoms of cyanide poisoning. These symptoms may include headache, confusion, dizziness, breathing difficulties, and in severe cases, seizures, coma, and even death. It is important to note that accidental ingestion of a few seeds is not typically cause for concern, as the human body can detoxify small amounts of cyanide compounds effectively.
To pets
The most common common name of Malus domestica 'Lord Derby' is apple. While the flesh of apples is generally safe for pets such as dogs and cats to consume in moderation, the seeds, stems, and leaves contain amygdalin, which is harmful in large amounts as it can release cyanide when chewed and digested. The ingestion of a large number of apple seeds may lead to cyanide poisoning in pets, with symptoms including difficulty breathing, red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, shock, and in severe cases, seizures, coma, and even death. It is advisable to remove the seeds before offering apples to pets as a treat and to keep apple trees out of reach to prevent pets from eating fallen seeds and leaves.
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
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Culinary Uses: Apples are a versatile fruit used in cooking, baking, and as fresh snacks, offering numerous culinary applications.
- Nutritional Value: Apples provide dietary fiber, vitamin C, and various antioxidants, contributing to a healthy diet.
- Economic Importance: As a commercial crop, apple cultivation supports the agriculture industry and provides economic benefit for growers.
- Landscape Beauty: Apple trees can be aesthetically pleasing in a landscape, with their spring blossoms and fall fruit adding visual appeal.
- Wildlife Habitat: They offer an ecological benefit by providing food and habitat for various wildlife species, including birds and pollinators.
- Educational Opportunities: Apple orchards can serve as venues for agriculturally themed education and community activities.
- Recreational Activities: Picking apples in orchards is a popular family recreational activity.
- Cultural Significance: Apples have been part of human culture for millennia and are featured in numerous traditions and folklore.
- Local Varieties Preservation: Cultivating various apple cultivars like 'Lord Derby' helps to maintain genetic diversity and preserve heritage fruit varieties.
Medical Properties
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Apple tree wood can be used to create smoking chips for barbecuing, offering a sweet, fruity flavor to various meats.
- The blossoms of the apple tree can be used in floral arrangements or pressed for decorative craft projects.
- Apple cider vinegar, made from Lord Derby apples, can be used as a natural hair conditioner and scalp treatment.
- Dried apple skins from this variety can be used to make a homemade potpourri, providing a fragrant aroma to your living space.
- Apple pomace, the leftover pulp from juice making, can be utilized as a natural dye for fabrics or paper, giving a light beige or brown hue.
- Thinly sliced and dried Lord Derby apples can be used as edible decorations for cakes and pastries.
- Apple wood from the Lord Derby tree can be crafted into small household items or tools like spoons, bowls, or handles.
- The solid texture of Lord Derby apples makes them excellent for creating stamps for children's crafts or for fabric printing.
- When hollowed out, apples from this tree can be used as natural bird feeders, filled with seeds and hung in the garden.
- Leftover apple cores and peels can be added to a compost pile to enrich the soil with nutrients as they break down.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe apple tree is not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe apple tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Knowledge and Wisdom: As a cultivar of the apple tree, 'Lord Derby' shares in the symbolism of knowledge, often associated with the biblical story of Adam and Eve and the 'tree of knowledge of good and evil'.
- Temptation and Sin: Apples are traditionally connected with temptation, due to the same biblical tale which often features an apple as the forbidden fruit.
- Fertility and Abundance: Apple trees, with their abundant fruit, are frequently seen as symbols of fertility and prosperity.
- Love and Desire: In many cultures, apples are connected with love and desire, often used in love divinations and myths related to love.
- Peace and Harmony: Offering an apple is sometimes seen as a gesture of peace, akin to extending an olive branch.
WaterApple trees, such as the 'Lord Derby', require deep watering to encourage root development, especially during dry spells. Young trees need around 5 to 10 gallons of water per week, while mature trees may require up to 15 gallons, depending on weather conditions. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce evaporation. During the growing season, ensure consistent moisture levels, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. During the fall and winter, reduce watering frequency as the tree's water requirements decrease.
LightApple trees like 'Lord Derby' thrive in full sunlight, where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for planting is an open area away from taller structures or trees that might cast shade. Adequate sunlight is crucial for the development of flowers and fruit, as well as maintaining overall tree health.
Temperature'Lord Derby' apple trees are hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures but perform best when the average temperature is between 60°F and 75°F. They can survive winter temperatures down to approximately -20°F but may be damaged if the cold is too severe. During the growing season, maintaining a temperature within the aforementioned range is ideal for fruit production and tree vitality.
PruningPruning 'Lord Derby' apple trees is essential to remove dead or diseased branches, promote air circulation, and ensure sunlight reaches the inner portions of the canopy. It's best done during the dormancy period in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune annually to maintain the structure and improve fruit quality, cutting back to a healthy bud or branch.
CleaningAs needed
SoilApple trees, specifically 'Lord Derby', require well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The best soil mix can be achieved by combining garden soil, compost, and a balanced slow-release fertilizer to ensure proper nutrition.
Repotting'Lord Derby' apple trees, being large fruit trees, are not typically repotted. Instead, they are planted in the ground where they can grow to full size. If grown in containers while young, repotting should be done when roots outgrow the pot, typically every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingApple trees like 'Lord Derby' are adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions. They thrive best in outdoor environments where the humidity is naturally regulated and usually do not require specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place the young apple tree near a sunny window and water regularly.
Outdoor
Plant the apple tree in full sun with well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe common apple 'Lord Derby' starts its life as a seed, which under the right conditions of warmth and moisture, germinates and develops into a seedling. As it grows, it enters the vegetative stage, establishing a root system and producing stems and leaves, and eventually forms a small tree. After a few years, it reaches maturity and begins to flower annually, typically in the spring, when the flowers are pollinated by bees or other insects. Following pollination, the flowers develop into fruit, which ripens over the summer and is usually ready to harvest by late summer or fall. Once the apples are harvested, the tree enters a period of dormancy during the colder months. Finally, the tree will continue to cycle through blooming, fruiting, and dormancy annually until it reaches the end of its productive life span, which could be several decades in the case of well-maintained trees.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter
Propogation: Apple trees, such as the 'Lord Derby' cultivar, are most commonly propagated using a method called grafting, particularly during the dormant season in late winter or early spring. In grafting, a scion, which is a cutting from a mature 'Lord Derby' apple tree containing buds, is joined to a rootstock, which is a young tree or root with a developed root system. The scion should be about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long and feature at least two or three buds. It is essential to make clean cuts and align the scion with the rootstock carefully so that the cambium layers, the growth tissue, touch each other, which allows for successful union and growth. The graft is then securely wrapped with grafting tape or a similar material to hold it in place and protect it until the graft union has healed and the scion starts to grow, usually after a few weeks.
